Magazine

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

HMD Global began making Nokia phones in 2017 (Image source: HMD Global)

5 great Nokia phones made by HMD Global including the Nokia 9 PureView

CheckMag HMD Global Oy has been the home of Nokia-branded phones since 2017, launching several smartphones and feature phones. While it prepares to start selling mobile phones that will carry its own brand name, here are some of the notewo...

Habeeb Onawole, 23 Jan 2024 14:40

5 must-knows before pre-ordering Apple Vision Pro (Source: Apple)

Pre-ordering Apple Vision Pro? 5 things you should know beforehand

CheckMag The Apple Vision Pro, priced at a substantial $3,499, represents one of the most significant tech releases of the year. If you're thinking about making a purchase, it's crucial to have a solid grasp of what to expect from this hea...

Triet Le, 23 Jan 2024 14:02

Top 4 innovations from CES 2024 (Source: CSEED)

Best of CES 2024: From Rabbit R1 to LG transparent TV

CheckMag CES 2024 featured a range of innovative products that are shaping the future of consumer technology. Below are the top 4 standout products from the event. While these innovations might not be immediately available for purchase, th...

Triet Le, 21 Jan 2024 21:40

Pokemon Go seems as popular now as it did when it launched in 2016 (Source: PokemonGoLive)

Please! When will Pokemon Go die?

CheckMag A franchise whose opening marketing statement was “Gotta Catch Em All”, yet introduces new Pokemon characters every 3 years. How feasible is it to actually collect every single one? A game that spawned zombies on street corners fr...

David Devey, 21 Jan 2024 21:27

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle looks like the most exciting thing to happen to the property in years (Source: Bethesda)

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle looks like it could be the future of the franchise

CheckMag The first proper Indiana Jones game in 15 years is set to release in 2024. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has heavyweights Bethesda and Machine Games behind it. Having successfully relaunched the Wolfenstein series to critical...

David Devey, 20 Jan 2024 22:56

The 4 weirdest innovations from CES 2024 (Source: WeHead)

The weirdest tech from CES 2024

CheckMag CES 2024 showcased a wide range of gadgets from industry giants to startups, featuring both innovative and unconventional products. While some of these items may seem unusual or unexpected, it's important to recognize that 'weird'...

Triet Le, 20 Jan 2024 22:52

Pretty much everything these days requires a subscription. (Source: freestocks on Unsplash)

The next time you buy a computer with Windows 12 you could find yourself tied into a subscription

CheckMag There used to be a time when a single payment would get you full access to Windows for the lifetime of that version. However, in recent times hardware and software all seem to require a subscription. While there might be some legi...

David Devey, 20 Jan 2024 22:44

Top 4 EV prototypes and car concepts at CES 2024 (Source: Mercedes)

Top 4 EV prototypes and car concepts at CES 2024: Featuring Honda, Mercedes, and more

CheckMag CES 2024 once again established itself as the year's most significant showcase for both tech advancements and automotive innovations. Below are the top 4 EV car concepts from the event, showcasing revolutionary motion technologies...

Triet Le, 19 Jan 2024 22:03

The MSI Claw is Intel's first Meteor Lake gaming handheld, and it shows some serious promise. (Image source: MSI - edited)

MSI Claw A1M: 4 epic features that turn the latest gaming handheld into a Steam Deck killer

CheckMag The Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU and its Arc iGPU in the MSI Claw A1M are set to break AMD's apparent monopoly on gaming handhelds, but hall-effect joysticks and a Thunderbolt 4 port are also strengths that cannot be ignored with this p...

Julian van der Merwe, 18 Jan 2024 22:04

Top 3 must-see laptops unveiled at CES 2024 (Source: Unsplash)

Top 3 CES 2024 laptops that are a must-see

CheckMag CES consistently serves as a showcase for the latest in laptop technology, and the 2024 event has continued this trend. The event featured an array of laptops, ranging from ultra-slim to high-performance gaming laptops, catering t...

Triet Le, 18 Jan 2024 21:55

Engineered with precision and cutting-edge technology, foldable devices are crafted to guarantee durability and optimal functionality. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 set to outshine the Galaxy Z Flip5

CheckMag Samsung is set to introduce its latest product line, highlighting cutting-edge features with the latest advancements in the smartphone industry. Included in this lineup is the eagerly awaited Galaxy Z Flip6, currently in the devel...

Ayesha Aslam, 16 Jan 2024 23:58

The best AIO liquid coolers for your Ryzen 7000 CPU

CheckMag It can be a daunting task to find the right AIO liquid cooler for your Ryzen 7000 CPU amongst a sea of AIO liquid coolers. Let’s explore five sensible options that you can consider for your PC.

Daniel Murti, 16 Jan 2024 23:44

2023 in review: Curiosity Mars rover's most spectacular captures (Source: NASA)

Curiosity Mars rover's most spectacular captures from 2023

CheckMag Since landing on Mars on August 5, 2012, NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has been investigating the planet's past ability to support life. In 2023, Curiosity captured 3 significant images and videos, crucial for future Mars exploratio...

Triet Le, 16 Jan 2024 23:33

Fujifilm's X100V is due for a refresh. Here's what we want to see from the next compact APS-C powerhouse. (Image source: Fujifilm - edited)

Fujifilm X100VI: 4 gamechanging updates we want to see in Fuji's next-gen digital rangefinder camera

CheckMag Fujiflm X100VI rumours are coming in hard and fast, with an expected release in early 2024. From IBIS to dual card slots and better video chops, here are all the killer features we naïvely hope Fujifilm will give us in the upcomin...

Julian van der Merwe, 16 Jan 2024 22:54

A highly portable satellite Internet dish sounds like a great idea - but is it, really? (Image source: Unsplash)

No Elon, portable Starlink dishes are a bad idea

CheckMag The portable Starlink dish is actually coming and the question of "why pay over half a grand for bizarrely low connection speeds" is the first to come to mind. With average 2023 cellular connection speeds close to 200 Mbit/s, will...

Sergey Tarasov, 16 Jan 2024 22:50

The Apple Vision Pro: Just don't call it an AR or VR headset. (Source: Apple)

Apple Vision Pro: The wrong product, at the wrong time, and at the wrong price?

The launch of the Apple Vision Pro is imminent and Apple’s hype machine is getting into full swing. Unlike many previous Apple product launches, the Vision Pro is no “sure thing” as it enters a segment that, despite potential, has...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 13 Jan 2024 04:10

The Raspberry Pi 5 has more than enough power to be a useful addition to your home network (Source: Raspberry Pi)

4 Raspberry Pi 5 projects to make use of the power of one of the best SBCs out there

CheckMag The Raspberry Pi 5 is a single board computer that has seen a significant boost to performance this generation. With support for PCIE devices, massive overclocking headroom, a physical on / off switch and an active cooling option,...

David Devey, 13 Jan 2024 02:00

Adobe Premiere Pro used to have a perpetual license. (Image Source: Unsplash)

The death of perpetual licenses

CheckMag It was ten years ago since Adobe decided to kill the Creative Suite in favor of Creative Cloud. Since then, other developers such as Autodesk have jumped onto the subscription model for their software. Are perpetual licenses about...

Daniel Murti, 11 Jan 2024 23:00

Steam's "Best of 2023" includes a range of games that are both verified and great on the Steam Deck (Source: Steam)

5 Deck Verified games on Steam's "Best of 2023" list to play on your new Steam Deck

CheckMag Steam's “Best of 2023” games list has been published with games spread across 3 categories from Platinum to Bronze. Here is a selection of the best “Deck Verified” games to play on that new Steam Deck, or Steam Deck OLED you got f...

David Devey, 04 Jan 2024 01:32

The Fujifilm X100V has become one of the most sought-after mirrorless cameras of the last few years. (Image source: Fujifilm - edited)

Fujifilm X100V: 5 epic features that make the digital rangefinder camera special

CheckMag The Fujifilm X100V is arguably Fujifilm's most popular camera to date. This popularity is mostly due to YouTubers and other social-media denizens, but the camera's compact size, sizeable APS-C sensor, built-in ND filter, and rare ...

Julian van der Merwe, 04 Jan 2024 01:29

80 million monthly active users is a big number, but it's not the same as 80 million monthly paying customers. (Image source: Epic Games)

Epic Games Store's "untold success story" is anything but that

CheckMag Epic Games might have won its lawsuit against Google, but no amount of bullish claims in a victory lap can hide the fact that it still needs to get its own house in order to be taken seriously.

Matthew Lee, 04 Jan 2024 01:24

A more frugal "eighty" is on the cards. Or at least that's what historical data suggests (Image source: Notebookcheck/Unsplash - edited)

Desktop GeForce RTX 5080 very likely to have a ~275 W TBP: Why this matters

CheckMag The RTX 2080, the GTX 780, the GTX 580, the GTX 480 and the GTX 280 all sported a TBP of around 240 W, as the table below shows, while the GTX 1080, the GTX 980 and the GTX 680 were even humbler at under 200 W. With the RTX 3080 a...

Sergey Tarasov, 02 Jan 2024 21:06

The Insta360 Ace Pro has a Leica sensor. (Image source: Insta360)

Insta360 Ace Pro shames the GoPro Hero12 Black in 5 key ways

CheckMag The Insta360 Ace Pro has a handful of rivals in the action camera space, and one of them is the GoPro Hero12 Black. Here are some of the features which give it an advantage over GoPro's camera.

Habeeb Onawole, 01 Jan 2024 22:46

Asterigos: Curse of the Stars takes players on a mythology-infused journey through a mysterious cursed city-state. (image source: Steam)

Killer quality: 5 of the best Steam Winter Sale indie game deals that ooze AAA aspirations

CheckMag Dig into the smashing beats of Metal: Hellsinger, soar through the skies in Solar Ash, or embrace your inner space scientist with Outer Wilds in five of the best 2023 Steam Winter Sale deals on indie games that defy expectations.

Julian van der Merwe, 30 Dec 2023 14:34

The Nintendo Switch is getting long in the tooth, but a flash cart could give it a new lease of life (Source: Amazon)

A Nintendo Switch flash cart could be the best thing to happen to the ageing console

CheckMag Rumours suggest that a Nintendo Switch flash cart may be coming for Nintendo`s handheld console. Nintendo will probably try very hard to shut this down, but this might be just what the console needs to extend its shelf life.

David Devey, 27 Dec 2023 20:15

Xiaomi 14 and possible Xiaomi 14 Pro are said to launch during MWC end of February 2024. Way too late in my book!

Xiaomi 14: Rumored global launch date of the new Leica camera flagship is way too late

Xiaomi is keeping its global fans waiting for the latest Leica camera in the Xiaomi 14. Following rumors that the Pro model might not even be available internationally, a leaker has now provided us with the planned launch date in ...

Alexander Fagot, 27 Dec 2023 08:58

4 best Redmi smartphones ever made including the Redmi K20 Pro

CheckMag The Redmi line of smartphones has come a long way since the first model was released in 2013. However, out of the dozens of models that have hit store shelves, some have stood out from the rest and have had a bigger impact. Here a...

Habeeb Onawole, 26 Dec 2023 20:55

Google Pixel 8a (Image credit: SmartPrix - edited)

Google Pixel 8a: Potentially a worthy successor to the Google Pixel 7a

CheckMag The Google Pixel 8a has not been officially released, but the circulating rumors have generated significant anticipation. With advanced features, the availability of two variants, and an upgraded chipset, expectations are high for...

Ayesha Aslam, 25 Dec 2023 22:51

Far Cry 2 is arguably the best of series. (Image Source: Ubisoft)

Far Cry games ranked from best to worst

CheckMag It has been 19 years since the first Far Cry game was launched by Crytek. The series gave rise to six games, five of which were developed by Ubisoft. Let’s walk down memory lane and see which is the best Far Cry title of them all....

Daniel Murti, 24 Dec 2023 23:49

4 video game movie and TV adaptations from the 21st century that are worth watching

CheckMag Bringing video games to the big screen has proven to be a tricky task, often resulting in disappointments over the years, but there have always been exceptions. Below are 4 recommendations where certain video games have translated...

Triet Le, 24 Dec 2023 05:33

The Xiaomi Pad and the Apple iPad are available in several colourways. For the Galaxy Tab, it's just Beige and Graphite (Image source: Notebookcheck/Unsplash - edited)

3 tablets that make heart-warming "better late than never" 2023 Christmas presents

CheckMag At long last, Android tablet makers are ready to beat Apple at its own game meaning just one of the three products comes from the "It Just Works" brand. There are also tablets from manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi also includ...

Sergey Tarasov, 24 Dec 2023 00:03

Top 4 smartphones that transform videography (Source: Unsplash)

Steam Winter Sale: 4 ruthless RTS and 4X game deals in gaming's hottest holiday bargain bonanza

CheckMag Steam's epic 2023 Winter Sale is in full swing, bringing with it some of the best RTS gaming deals of the year. Delve into legendary battles in A Total War Saga: TROY, an intense FPS-RTS hybrid in Silica, or hostile political mach...

Julian van der Merwe, 23 Dec 2023 00:53

Christmas 2023 gift guide: Top 3 e-bikes for every rider

CheckMag As the holiday season approaches, e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular gift choices for friends and family. Below are 3 top recommendations for adventure enthusiasts, regular travelers, and even those needing a boost on chall...

Triet Le, 21 Dec 2023 01:58

3 cheap phones as potential Christmas gifts. (Image source: Xiaomi)

3 best cheap smartphones for a Christmas gift

CheckMag Discovering presents that bring joy to your loved ones during the special Christmas occasion is truly gratifying. Here's a Christmas shopping guide showcasing smartphones that not only fit your budget but also feature cutting-edge...

Ayesha Aslam, 20 Dec 2023 20:39

Top 3 best laptops to gift this Christmas

CheckMag Looking for the perfect holiday gift for students, travelers, or gamers? Below are our 3 top recommendations, catering to each user profile, accommodating various budgets and needs. These selections aim to balance performance, por...

Triet Le, 20 Dec 2023 20:29

Top 4 family video games to help Christmas gatherings more fun (Source: Unsplash)

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

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

Five X670E motherboards you should consider in 2024

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

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

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

Quick Share update bringing Nearby Share integration now rolling out

Using a Windows 7 laptop as a daily driver in 2024

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

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

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

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

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

5 great Nokia phones made by HMD Global including the Nokia 9 PureView

Pre-ordering Apple Vision Pro? 5 things you should know beforehand

Best of CES 2024: From Rabbit R1 to LG transparent TV

Please! When will Pokemon Go die?

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle looks like it could be the future of the franchise

The weirdest tech from CES 2024

The next time you buy a computer with Windows 12 you could find yourself tied into a subscription

Top 4 EV prototypes and car concepts at CES 2024: Featuring Honda, Mercedes, and more

MSI Claw A1M: 4 epic features that turn the latest gaming handheld into a Steam Deck killer

Top 3 CES 2024 laptops that are a must-see

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 set to outshine the Galaxy Z Flip5

The best AIO liquid coolers for your Ryzen 7000 CPU

Curiosity Mars rover's most spectacular captures from 2023

Fujifilm X100VI: 4 gamechanging updates we want to see in Fuji's next-gen digital rangefinder camera

No Elon, portable Starlink dishes are a bad idea

Apple Vision Pro: The wrong product, at the wrong time, and at the wrong price?

4 Raspberry Pi 5 projects to make use of the power of one of the best SBCs out there

The death of perpetual licenses

5 Deck Verified games on Steam's "Best of 2023" list to play on your new Steam Deck

Fujifilm X100V: 5 epic features that make the digital rangefinder camera special

Epic Games Store's "untold success story" is anything but that

Desktop GeForce RTX 5080 very likely to have a ~275 W TBP: Why this matters

Insta360 Ace Pro shames the GoPro Hero12 Black in 5 key ways

Killer quality: 5 of the best Steam Winter Sale indie game deals that ooze AAA aspirations

A Nintendo Switch flash cart could be the best thing to happen to the ageing console

Xiaomi 14: Rumored global launch date of the new Leica camera flagship is way too late

4 best Redmi smartphones ever made including the Redmi K20 Pro

Google Pixel 8a: Potentially a worthy successor to the Google Pixel 7a

Far Cry games ranked from best to worst

4 video game movie and TV adaptations from the 21st century that are worth watching

3 tablets that make heart-warming "better late than never" 2023 Christmas presents

Top 4 smartphones that transform videography

Steam Winter Sale: 4 ruthless RTS and 4X game deals in gaming's hottest holiday bargain bonanza

Christmas 2023 gift guide: Top 3 e-bikes for every rider

3 best cheap smartphones for a Christmas gift

Top 3 best laptops to gift this Christmas

Top 4 family video games to help Christmas gatherings be more fun