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Notebookcheck opinion articles

Occasionally, our writers can share their personal opinion concerning current events with Notebookcheck readers in the form of opinion articles to encourage debate.

Notebookcheck strives to be an unbiased and independent technology publication with a main focus on objective data oriented reviews, along with comprehensive CPU and GPU benchmark score aggregation and delivering trustworthy, transparently sourced news articles on a daily basis.

Notebookcheck has around 80 experienced contributors from all over the world producing written content, as of 2025. We offer our writers an opportunity to share their views with the readers in the form of opinion articles with the goal of encouraging and shaping public debates, in which all parties are welcome to partake. This is why we have a comments section at the end of each article. Readers are not required to sign up to participate.

Opinion articles only express the individual opinion of the author, and not of that of the entire editorial team. To avoid any possible confusion, these articles are clearly labeled as „comment“ and have a distinct visual style as compared to news articles and reviews.

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additional restrictions: Opinion
Are current-generation handheld gaming PCs worth it? It depends. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

Gaming handhelds: better than ever but don't buy one now

CheckMag Between staunch discounts, plentiful competition, and the recent release of the Steam Deck OLED, there has never been a better time to buy a gaming handheld. However, imminent new releases for the Asus ROG Ally, Nintendo Switch, a...
Julian van der Merwe, 14 Jun 2024 20:08
This small adapter enables one of the best headsets on the market to work with PC (Source: Playstation.com)

Thanks to the PlayStation VR2 PC adapter, one of the best PC VR headsets is also the cheapest

CheckMag The PlayStation VR2 PC adapter makes the PlayStation VR 2 headset compatible with PC and Steam VR. The hardware spec gives players an experience that is on par with the Valve Index and arguably better than the Meta Quest 3 for a s...
David Devey, 09 Jun 2024 19:59
The EU has a solid history of making decisions that actually make sense for consumers and the environment (Source: COE)

The EU's updated right to repair rules are the breath of fresh air consumers and the planet need

CheckMag The EU has a solid history of making decisions that actually benefit the consumer and the EU Right to Repair Directive (R2RD) may finally curb environmentally damaging and anti consumer practices employed by tech companies to keep...
David Devey, 09 Jun 2024 19:49
The Panasonic Lumix S9 has come under fire over the numerous corners cut to reach its $1,499 price and compact form factor. (Image source: Panasonic - edited)

4 underrated cameras that blow the flawed Panasonic Lumix S9 away

CheckMag It's quite obvious by now that the Panasonic Lumix S9 is a controversial camera. Fortunately, if you're after a small, powerful camera, there are some hidden gems out there that walk all over Panasonic's latest compact full-frame ...
Julian van der Merwe, 30 May 2024 19:36
Panasonic should have given us a premium Micro Four Thirds camera instead of the messy compromise of the Lumix S9. (Image source: Panasonic - edited)

Screw the Lumix S9 - the Micro Four Thirds Lumix GX10 is the camera we want

CheckMag Panasonic's new Lumix S9 is a feat of engineering and design, stuffing a full-frame sensor with IBIS into a body smaller than even many Micro Four Thirds cameras. That form factor comes with serious sacrifices, though. No EVF, no ...
Julian van der Merwe, 26 May 2024 19:40
The Pixel Tablet has a detachable speaker dock. (Image source: Google)

A price cut would have been better for the Google Pixel Tablet

CheckMag Google's decision to sell the Pixel Tablet without the dock is a good one, but it could have made it more enticing to prospective buyers if a price cut had been included in the mix.
Habeeb Onawole, 24 May 2024 17:11
The new Panasonic Lumix S9 might challenge the existing camera landscape thanks to its impressive price and feature set. (Image source: Panasonic - edited)

Panasonic Lumix S9 - death knells for APS-C, Micro Four-Thirds or just a course correction for bloated camera pricing?

CheckMag Full-frame mirrorless cameras in a compact package are nothing new, but the brand-new Panasonic Lumix S9 looks like it might be a bit of a shake-up in the camera industry — it may even rival the likes of the Fujifilm X100VI for th...
Julian van der Merwe, 22 May 2024 21:22
The Pixel 8a is the latest in the Pixel A series and the first model with 256 GB of storage. (Image source: Google)

The Google Pixel A series needs to continue to exist

CheckMag It has been five years since the first Pixel A series smartphones debuted, and despite unfounded rumors about its discontinuation, the importance of the Pixel A series’ existence can’t be overemphasized.
Habeeb Onawole, 21 May 2024 14:44
The Google Pixel 8a turns the Pixel 7a's design on its head without changing all that much. (Image source: Google - edited)

Google Pixel 7a vs Pixel 8a - 3 reasons to skip the Pixel 8a and 1 reason the new Pixel is superior

Google has unveiled many of the details surrounding its new Pixel 8a mid-range smartphone. Unfortunately for those looking for an exciting upgrade from the Google Pixel 7a, this simply isn't it. That doesn't mean the Pixel 8a is d...
Julian van der Merwe, 12 May 2024 05:03
The Asus ROG Ally is a very impressive device, but its hardware is far from perfect. There are a number of things Asus can and should fix when it launches the Asus ROG Ally 2 later this year. (Image source: Notebookcheck / Andreas Osthoff)

Asus ROG Ally 2 confirmed - 4 issues the next-gen handheld PC needs to address

The Asus ROG Ally 2 (or 2024) will apparently make an appearance at Computex 2024. While details on the new handheld device are still unclear, it could really use an update to the display, controls, and ports, as well as a proper ...
Julian van der Merwe, 04 May 2024 15:51
The Galaxy A30 and Galaxy A50 were among the first models released following the consolidation of Samsung's mid-range series. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung is recreating its mid-range Galaxy smartphone mess

CheckMag In 2019, Samsung consolidated its budget and mid-range product lines by merging them. However, the company has since introduced new Galaxy smartphone lines, reversing the simplification.
Habeeb Onawole, 02 May 2024 18:45
It has been confirmed that a Legion Go 2 is in the works. Hopefully Lenovo can address some glaring issues with the current-gen model in the upcoming iteration. (Image source: Notebookcheck / Mark Herter)

Lenovo Legion Go 2 confirmed - 4 issues the new handheld gaming PC needs to fix

Lenovo has confirmed that it is working on a Legion Go 2. Lenovo's original gaming handheld is and was an impressive device, but the next iteration definitely needs a better screen, variable refresh rate, and a better controller e...
Julian van der Merwe, 30 Apr 2024 21:35
ProtonDB needs a clearer, more accurate rating system than its medals. (Image source: ProtonDB screenshot)

The Steam Deck and Linux gaming have a problem: ProtonDB sucks - let me explain

ProtonDB is the Linux gaming community's attempt at trying to fix Steam's lack of compatibility documentation surrounding Windows games on Linux. It is a fantastic tool for Linux gamers, but unfortunately, it only adds to the chao...
Julian van der Merwe, 25 Apr 2024 03:41
Which side of the scales are you on? (Source: Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash)

Social media: Does it cause more harm than good?

Debate It has been just over 20 years since Facebook first launched as a Harvard university project. In that time, a significant number of other platforms have launched including TikTok, Twitter (X), Snapchat, Instagram and more. But do ...
David Devey and Sergey Tarasov, 24 Apr 2024 23:20
Fallout 76 has been experiencing a renaissance of late thanks to the TV show, but will people be liking it as a game, or just as "more Fallout"? (Image: Bethesda Game Studios)

Fallout proves that people don't enjoy Bethesda's games, they just enjoy its worlds

CheckMag It's undeniable that Bethesda Game Studios has been a powerhouse in the RPG genre. Its flagship franchises, including Fallout, have repeatedly proven their staying power over the years thanks to Bethesda's tried-and-true open worl...
Matthew Lee, 22 Apr 2024 18:23
The Galaxy Fit 3 is Samsung's latest fitness tracker, and a cheaper alternative to the Galaxy Watch smartwatch. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung's refusal to launch the Galaxy Fit 3 in the US is a lost opportunity

CheckMag The Galaxy Fit 3 won't be officially available in multiple key markets, and Samsung may be leaving money on the table, particularly in the US, with this poor decision.
Habeeb Onawole, 04 Apr 2024 12:43
Is it better to use an AI-generated image (left) of an upcoming device (PS5 Pro) or use a stand-in official image (PS5; right) until the actual product is spotted? (Image source: Dall-E 3 / SIE - edited)

AI-generated content in tech media: Good or bad - have your say

CheckMag With AI seemingly infiltrating all corners of the internet, it's time to actually ask whether AI content has a place in tech media, and if so, what is its place? What about the ethical and legal implications? Reader comment is wel...
Julian van der Merwe, 30 Mar 2024 02:30
As expected, Fujifilm's X100VI cameras are becoming more and more difficult to get your hands on.

5 Fujifilm X100VI alternatives you can actually buy without the $3,000 scalper markup

CheckMag It's no secret that the Fujifilm X100VI is nearly impossible to buy right now, with Fujifilm citing months of catchup ahead to fulfil orders again. If you're looking for solid performance in a charming package, here are five solid...
Julian van der Merwe, 28 Mar 2024 18:45
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)

Smartphone cameras suck — 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Aurora finally made its debut this summer, around half a decade - two Nvidia graphics generations, or six Call of Duty releases - behind schedule. (Image: Argonne National Laboratory)

Intel's defeat by AMD at Supercomputing 2023 was bigger than half a million Ryzen 9s – literally

CheckMag Gaming frames may get all the hype and excitement on the internet, but when the enterprise world has orders of magnitude more money to throw around, the world of interconnects and accelerators is far more important.
Matthew Lee, 08 Dec 2023 22:53
Tesla's Cybertruck is surely an impressive vehicle, but repeated production delays take the punch out of many of its technological achievements. (Image source: Tesla)

Tesla Cybertruck: 4 supposedly revolutionary features that other EVs did first and better

The Tesla Cybertruck Delivery Event finally happened, and Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, claims it is the company's most revolutionary product yet. Needless to say, it was a mix of frustration and elation for pre-order holders. Unfortunate...
Julian van der Merwe, 06 Dec 2023 19:15
Being hit with a Cybertruck probably feels like being headbutted by this guy. (Source: Photo by Robert Linder on Unsplash)

The Cybertruck is for drug dealers and real life Carmageddon enthusiasts

CheckMag With the Cybertruck finally landing in consumers hands, the question remains as to who this product is aimed at. Does the Cybertruck have a place in the modern world or is it the fantasy of those who seek to dominate our crowded r...
David Devey, 05 Dec 2023 20:21
Once you make a great game, a question arises - can you make an even great one? (Image source: Rockstar)

Those excited about GTA VI had better keep their expectations in check

CheckMag Despite finer-looking graphics, games released in 2023 aren't in any meaningful way better than what we played 20 years ago. Shoot random people, steal cars, blow things up - is Grand Theft Auto VI really going to be breaking any ...
Sergey Tarasov, 02 Dec 2023 16:28
The Bluetooth Mouse, right, next to a now discontinued US$6 mouse from a much lesser-known brand, left (Image source: Own)

Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse long-term review: Smart electronics, poor haptics

CheckMag The Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse can do things that most mice can't while looking just as exquisite as similar-priced competitors. It is also a bit too large for small to medium size hands, and the clicks sound loud and "dry" to the ...
Sergey Tarasov, 25 Nov 2023 22:29
Even before the rumoured Apple Car turns up, Apple and the EV industry share a number of worrying similarities (Image Source: Vanarama)

3 unfortunate similarities between Apple and the electric car industry

CheckMag Even before rumours started circulating about Apple creating its own electric vehicle, some of Apple's business practices shared a lot in common with electric vehicle manufacturers. While not uncommon in the tech industry, they se...
David Devey, 17 Nov 2023 19:16
Oversized EVs defeat the object of electrification, and their ranks are growing. (Image source: Tesla - edited)

Tesla's Cybertruck is just another bloated EV that misses the point of green transportation

CheckMag Electric cars were conceived as a more environmentally-friendly form of transport. With the effectiveness of EVs being called into question more and more, it's time to address the elephant-sized trucks and SUVs in the room. Super-...
Julian van der Merwe, 15 Nov 2023 16:48
Why Windows on ARM is far from dead

Why Windows on ARM is far from dead

CheckMag Some people compare Windows on ARM with Windows RT, declaring its death. But such proclamations may be a tad early. Arguably, Windows on ARM is more alive now than it has ever been since the 2016 Qualcomm/Microsoft partnership ann...
Benjamin Herzig, 14 Nov 2023 19:33
This isn't the first time Microsoft has tried its luck with ARM chips (Image source: Unsplash/Microsoft/ARM - edited)

Windows on ARM is certainly more dead than it is alive

CheckMag Of the 10 ARM-powered laptops we tested in 2022 and 2023, just 1 comes with Windows on ARM - all the rest are Apple MacBooks. Apparently, laptop makers do not see much point in using ARM chips; worse still, software developers do ...
Sergey Tarasov, 13 Nov 2023 19:41
With cellular connection, the customer has no way of influencing the speeds that he or she is getting. (Image source: Unsplash)

It's time to stop taking multi-gigabit cellular modems seriously

CheckMag When getting a laptop with a Gig+ Wi-Fi card such as the AX200, consumers know they are getting at least 900 Mbps in either direction. In contrast, download/upload rates smartphone chip makers such as Qualcomm mention in media rel...
Sergey Tarasov, 30 Oct 2023 03:07
The iPhone camera may not be exactly as it seems (Image source: Apple - edited)

Apple needs to be more honest about the iPhone camera specification

CheckMag Does measuring features differently to the competition make a product better? Is Apple "Thinking Different" or hoping branding will sell more devices? There certainly seems to be some convenient favouritism shown by Apple in regar...
David Devey, 23 Oct 2023 20:07
Final Fantasy XIV is one of the biggest games still sticking to the subscription model, even 10 years in. (Image source: Square Enix)

Bringing back subscription games could be the answer to greedy microtransactions

CheckMag So, another game comes out. It’s packed with battle passes, a cosmetic store, and an intolerable grind carefully designed to inflate playtime until you give up and spend money on it. It’s not made to be fun, it’s made to drive eng...
Matthew Lee, 12 Oct 2023 18:26
The titanium credit card might even get discontinued (Image source: Unsplash - edited)

Apple Card is slowly fading into oblivion

CheckMag The titanium credit card Apple launched in 2019 was set to conquer the world, according to easy-to-excite types. The hype was so abundant that Samsung followed suit shortly out of fear of missing out. It's Q4 2023 and Apple Card's...
Sergey Tarasov, 02 Oct 2023 04:12
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Notebookcheck, 2020-06- 2 (Update: 2025-07-30)