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

Steam Winter Sale: 3 major games that blew up the official 2023 sale trailer

The Steam Winter Sale will start on December 21, 2023, discounting some of 2023's biggest games. Exact discounts are still a mystery, but Valve dropped a YouTube trailer revealing a few excellent games coming to the Winter Sale, i...

Julian van der Merwe, 18 Dec 2023 17:59

Top 3 HP laptops to elevate your work and play (Source: Unsplash)

The 3 best HP laptops to elevate your work and play

CheckMag HP offers a diverse range of laptops that excel in both design and functionality, whether it's for work or play. Choosing the right one can be challenging. Below are 3 top recommendations, highlighting their pros, cons and ideal u...

Triet Le, 17 Dec 2023 16:38

Smartwatches are the best companion to your phone. Some of the best for Christmas this 2023. (Source: Apple)

5 best smartwatches for Christmas presents including the Apple Watch Ultra 2

CheckMag More than 200 million people wear smartwatches globally. In addition to simply showing you the time, smartwatches will let you check your fitness, monitor your health, help you find your way and track a range of indoor and outdoor...

David Devey, 17 Dec 2023 16:29

Top 5 best Asus laptops for every user

CheckMag Asus stands out in the laptop industry for its innovation and diverse offerings, from high-performance gaming to creative workstations and ultra-portable devices. Below are 5 recommendations, including the standout overall laptop,...

Triet Le, 11 Dec 2023 04:19

4 Android features iPhone users are missing out on

CheckMag Despite their similarities, Android and iPhone still provide distinct smartphone experiences, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. However, there's always room for improvement. Here are four Android features that, if adopte...

Triet Le, 10 Dec 2023 02:06

4 vaporware products that promised awesome but never delivered (Source: Unsplash)

Sega VR and 3 other vaporware products that promised to be awesome but never delivered

CheckMag Vaporware refers to products that generate significant hype and anticipation but ultimately fail to reach consumers. This phenomenon isn't exclusive to small companies; it also affects leading global corporations, underscoring the...

Triet Le, 09 Dec 2023 03:17

From cartoonish action to cute indies to the AAAs of yesteryear, there's a wealth of games that'll look fantastic on the new Steam Deck OLED (Image: Valve)

3 Steam Deck Verified games that will look gorgeous on the new OLED screen

CheckMag The headline addition to the new revision to Valve's handheld console is, of course, its eye-popping OLED display. It's got a wider colour gamut, a night-and-day improvement in contrast and brightness, and a higher refresh rate – ...

Matthew Lee, 08 Dec 2023 22:45

Capture every moment with precision (Image source: Unsplash)

3 best smartphones for photographers on the move

CheckMag The ideal companion for any photographer is a smartphone featuring a high-quality camera, ample storage capacity, extended battery life, and a lightweight design. Explore the smartphone selections tailored for your adventures in t...

Ayesha Aslam, 07 Dec 2023 23:51

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

AMD Extended Profiles for Overclocking abbreviated as EXPO (Image Source: AMD)

The 5 best RAM brands for your Ryzen 7000 CPU

CheckMag The launch of Ryzen 7000 in 2022 brought AMD EXPO into the picture. With plenty of manufacturers releasing DDR5 RAM kits it can be tricky to find the right RAM for your needs. Let’s take a look at the five best RAM options for you...

Daniel Murti, 05 Dec 2023 21:52

Netflix's games library contains titles previously exclusive to other platforms. (Source - Netflix)

4 great Netflix games with controller support

CheckMag Netflix's library of games is steadily growing and it features some popular titles, but not all are compatible with a controller. However, there are still a handful that have controller support.

Habeeb Onawole, 29 Nov 2023 21:00

Top 5 must-play games on Xbox Game Pass for every gamer

CheckMag This article explores the diverse and dynamic world of gaming through the lens of Xbox Game Pass, highlighting the top 5 must-play games that define the platform. These selections offer a mix of exciting stories, great gameplay, a...

Triet Le, 28 Nov 2023 22:34

Dirt 5 is an action-packed, arcare-style, off-road racing game that is discounted during the Steam Autumn Sale. (Image source: Steam - edited)

Steam Autumn Sale: 4 exhilarating racing game deals to round out the holiday sale event

CheckMag Here are some of the best racing games on Steam to round out the Steam Autumn Sale. Live life on the proverbial edge with Riders Republic, enjoy the off-road chaos in Dirt 5, or take things more seriously with Forza Horizon 5, all...

Julian van der Merwe, 28 Nov 2023 03:04

Top 5 tips: Streamlining your DSLR camera for first-time users (Source: Unsplash)

Top 5 DSLR camera streamlining tips for first-time users

CheckMag This article offers a beginner-friendly guide to DSLR camera customization, outlining five straightforward steps. It simplifies technical concepts, helping new photographers understand and adjust their camera settings for improved...

Triet Le, 27 Nov 2023 22:30

It Takes Two is by far one of the best co-op PC gaming experiences to date. (Image source: Steam - edited)

4 epic Steam Autumn Sale local multiplayer games for couch co-op chaos

CheckMag Battle monsters and cosmic gods in Hellpoint, navigate your way through the cutesy world of It Takes Two, or beat your opponents into submission with epic spectacle in Guilty Gear Strive during the Steam Autumn Sale. Discounts of ...

Julian van der Merwe, 26 Nov 2023 02:58

Top 5 game-changing moments in the film industry's visual effects (VFX)

CheckMag Visual effects (VFX) in film have long sparked debate. While some argue for the realism of physical sets and props, others favor the limitless potential of computer-generated VFX. Regardless of preference, VFX has really revolutio...

Triet Le, 25 Nov 2023 22:37

Indie games for PC with great stories (Image source: Unsplash)

3 great story-driven indie PC games

CheckMag From simple and deeply touching to more complex and impactful, stories in indie games are diverse and unique. If you're looking forward to playing a game with a great story that might stay with you even after the credits roll, you...

Stephanie Chamberlain, 25 Nov 2023 00:42

2023's Dune: Spice Wars is just one great RTS game discounted during the Steam Autumn Sale. (Image source: Steam - edited)

Steam Autumn Sale: 4 cracking RTS games at up to 70% off in 2023's holiday game sale

CheckMag Steam's Autumn Sale is back for 2023, and it features a number of spectacular real-time strategy games at steeply discounted rates. Raid your enemies in Northgard or seize control of the most valuable resource in the universe in D...

Julian van der Merwe, 24 Nov 2023 23:17

Top 3 iOS features Android users are missing out on

CheckMag The iPhone and Android smartphones have more in common than ever before, but from a certain perspective, they still differ in features. If the Android operating system had these features from iOS, it would become more perfect than...

Triet Le, 24 Nov 2023 21:10

Large smartphones are in trend, but compact smartphones still exist. (Image source: Unsplash)

Miniature marvels: 3 attractive compact smartphones

CheckMag Sleek design and unrivaled performance make these compact smartphones worthy contenders in a market saturated with large-screen mobile phones. In this article, we explore the compact, pocket-sized marvels packed with advanced capa...

Ayesha Aslam, 24 Nov 2023 18:35

A phone with great cameras is important if you travel frequently. (Image source: Google)

3 smartphones for travelers

CheckMag If you are a frequent traveler, some smartphones are better suited for that trip than others. Choices will depend on a multitude of features, including camera equipment, battery life, and cellular connectivity. Here are 3 of the b...

Habeeb Onawole, 23 Nov 2023 16:54

Deals of the week include a powerful gaming laptop, a beautiful TV, and a modern flagship smartphone. (Image source: various/Unsplash - edited)

Deals of the week: LG G3 OLED, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i still available with deep discounts

CheckMag Notebookcheck has reported on numerous fantastic deals this past week. However, these three have stood out, and they are still available at discounted prices. The LG G3 Series OLED TV delivers 65-inch viewing delight, while gamers...

Daniel R Deakin, 18 Nov 2023 16:13

Top 5 must-play Android games of November 2023

CheckMag November 2023's top 5 Android games deliver a mix of horror, strategy, and adventure, each game standing out with its unique narrative and immersive gameplay. Perfect for gamers seeking new worlds to conquer and stories to experie...

Triet Le, 18 Nov 2023 14:13

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

Game on! 2023's top 5 mind-blowing iOS games that are absolutely free! (Source: Unsplash)

Top 5 mind-blowing free iOS games in 2023

CheckMag If you own an iPhone running the iOS operating system with its many outstanding features, then the following games are perfect choices for you. This guide is tailored to introduce you to some of the best free games for iOS, offeri...

Triet Le, 16 Nov 2023 22:15

Double your phone's battery lifespan: 5 smart tips to make it last longer

CheckMag If you're aiming to protect your phone battery from wear and tear and want to maximize its longevity, it's important to remember to follow a set of key practices. Maintaining the health of your phone's battery is vital for its lon...

Triet Le, 15 Nov 2023 22:28

Top 4 game-changing graphics cards for your gaming PC in 2023

CheckMag A graphics card is the soul of every gaming PC. A strong card with efficient cooling is essential for smooth gaming and conquering the virtual world. Below is a list of the top 4 most worth-buying graphics cards for gamers in 2023...

Triet Le, 15 Nov 2023 15:14

Top 5 family-friendly PS5 games to enjoy this holiday season

CheckMag As November approaches, we look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday and Black Friday, the most unique sale of the year. Restful holidays wouldn't be complete without moments of relaxation. Below are the top five PlayStation 5 game...

Triet Le, 14 Nov 2023 14:54

Repurpose that old laptop into something that serves a genuinely useful purpose (Credit: NotebookCheck)

5 things to do with that old laptop after upgrading to an M3 MacBook Pro

CheckMag If you've upgraded to the new M3 MacBook Pro or a Lenovo X1 Carbon, take a look at some of the options for repurposing your old hardware instead of selling, recycling or sending to landfill. Repurposing old hardware can be a rewar...

David Devey, 14 Nov 2023 14:29

Over the years, talented developers have proven there's more to expansions than map packs and cosmetics. (Image source: Unsplash)

6 influential expansions that changed the face of gaming

CheckMag A good expansion can turn a poorly received videogame into a darling, or elevate a good one to legendary status. Good expansions build upon and shape the base game they originated from – and the best can introduce innovations that...

Matthew Lee, 09 Nov 2023 19:24

The Vision 14 received an 89% rating in our testing (Image source: Notebookcheck - edited)

7 reasons why a Schenker Vision 14 (2023) is better than an HP Envy

CheckMag The Schenker Vision 14 is a very good laptop that fully deserves more spotlight. With no PWM, no coil whine and no significant throttling to speak of, the product is in several ways ahead of many Dells and HPs tested by us this ye...

Sergey Tarasov, 31 Oct 2023 21:25

One of the highlights of the Legion 9i 16IRX8 is a thin chassis and understated, yet decidedly still gaming-themed, design.

3 Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 8 review highlights that justify its ultra-high-end US$4,000+ pricetag

CheckMag In our review, we called the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 8 16IRX8 the best Legion that money can buy, and that's not just because of its US$4,399 price and built-in water cooling. The Legion 9i Gen 8 earns its praise with an astonishingl...

Julian van der Merwe, 30 Oct 2023 22:09

Life gets easier when there is no extra weight to carry - but at what cost? (Image source: Notebookcheck - edited)

3 of the lightest smartwatches and fitness trackers Notebookcheck reviewed in 2023

CheckMag The Huawei Band 8, the Huawei Watch Fit SE and the Amazfit Band 7 are the lightest fitness trackers and smartwatches that we have tested over the course of the last 10 months. In this short piece, we briefly revisit their features...

Sergey Tarasov, 23 Oct 2023 20:23

Warframe's Abyss of Dagath update introduces a harrowing new Warframe and a host of welcome quality of life changes. (Image source: Digital Extremes)

Warframe Abyss of Dagath update delivers 4 crucial changes alongside the new frame

CheckMag Warframe's Abyss of Dagath update just went live, bringing with it a number of big changes that may make the game more friendly to both new and old players alike. Here are four Abyss of Dagath highlights, including immortal compan...

Julian van der Merwe, 19 Oct 2023 22:31

Europa combines sci-fi and fantasy elements in a relaxing adventure through a gorgeous backdrop. (Image source: Steam)

3 gorgeous indie adventure games previewed at Steam Next Fest that are coming soon

Between the atmospheric horror platforming of Artificial and the expansive, fantastical exploration of Europa, the Steam Next Fest previewed some of the most visually-pleasing indie adventure games coming to Valve's platform.

Julian van der Merwe, 18 Oct 2023 02:55

The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is the crowning achievement of the Tab S9 lineup.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra - 3 reasons why Notebookcheck loved the colossal Android tablet

Samsung leads the premium Android tablet market with its Galaxy Tab Ultra, and its ultraslim design and fast, bright Dynamic AMOLED 2X display are just some highlights of the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra's features that impressed us in our...

Julian van der Merwe, 03 Oct 2023 19:57

4 retro gaming accessories that support a blast to the past

PC gaming has come a long way, but the retro look and nostalgia factor are picking up steam. As such, here are some excellent, affordable retro gaming accessories such as the Retroid Pocket Flip and 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboar...

Julian van der Merwe, 30 Sep 2023 00:23

It's easy to get lost in the sea of handhelds floating around nowadays.

3 of the best handheld gaming PCs we tested in 2023 put Valve's feet to the fire for Steam Deck 2 performance

The Steam Deck may still be the de-facto gaming handheld in 2023, but that doesn't mean there aren't alternatives. Companies like Asus, GPD, and OneXPlayer have all released excellent alternatives to the Deck that deserve consider...

Julian van der Merwe, 29 Sep 2023 00:38

It's been a long time since the Littlest Pascal GPU was cutting-edge. (Image source: Nvidia)

Charting the demise of Nvidia's MX GPUs across six laptops

CheckMag 2017 was a heady year for Nvidia. The Pascal architecture remains fondly regarded even today, with the GTX 1080 Ti seen as one of the company's high-water marks - but it also ruled the bottom end of the market, with the MX150 the ...

Matthew Lee, 22 Sep 2023 16:55

To reduce those long render times, content creators need the latest and greatest hardware available. (Image source: Notebookcheck)

3 GeForce RTX 4090 gaming laptops that can double as content creation powerhouses

CheckMag We have chosen a selection of 3 gaming laptops from our detailed Notebookcheck reviews: The ROG Strix Scar 17 G733PY, the Legion Pro 7 16 and the Erazer Beast X40 all sport 175 W RTX 4090 graphics and spacious, color-accurate, fli...

Sergey Tarasov, 19 Sep 2023 23:05

The Xiaomi Pad 6 serves as convincing competition to Apple's iPad, particularly thanks due to its low price point. (Image source: Xiaomi)

4 of the best 11-inch Android tablets - Lenovo, Xiaomi, and Samsung take the fight to Apple's door with midrange powerhouses

When it comes to tablets, Apple's iPad is the gold standard, but many Android makers have spent years playing catch up. A number of top Android manufacturers that have spent years chasing the iPad have finally stumbled across winn...

Julian van der Merwe, 13 Sep 2023 01:33

PHP trails behind C family programming languages in popularity (Image source: KOBU Agency on Unsplash)

4 of the world's most popular programming languages in 2023 according to IEEE and GitHub

Python, Java, JavaScript, and C family members are the world's most widely used programming languages as of September 2023, according to the IEEE and PYPL. The Rust language that is increasingly used by Microsoft is found closer t...

Sergey Tarasov, 12 Sep 2023 22:48

Dell XPS laptops are supposed to deliver superior user experience, but this isn't always the case. (Image source: Notebookcheck - edited)

2023 Dell XPS laptops might be a bad deal according to our extensive reviews

Of the 3 Dell XPS laptops we tested in 2023, none was truly great. The XPS 13 9320, the XPS 15 9530 and the XPS 17 9730 all sport a similar range of issues including subpar performance-per-dollar ratios, DPC latency issues and blu...

Sergey Tarasov, 01 Sep 2023 14:14

Stellaris is an iconic space-based 4X RTS game with superb variation and exploration. (Image source: Steam)

Steam Strategy Fest discounts 3 of the best 4X games until September 4

Whether you're in it for the brain-tickling strategy, or you're simply looking for an adventurous game to take a break from all the MMORPG and FPS games, the Steam Strategy Fest has something for you to explore, expand, exploit, a...

Julian van der Merwe, 01 Sep 2023 13:49

3 products Apple won't bring back for the iPhone 15 launch on September 12

On the 12th of September, we are getting a new generation of the iPhone, as well as the Watch. In the meantime, several iconic products such as the "trash can" Mac Pro will again be left waiting for Apple to revive them in one for...

Sergey Tarasov, 30 Aug 2023 15:14

Type a sentence, hit Enter, and a piece of art is born, just like that (Image source: Fusion Brain)

4 websites offering generative AI magic right in the Web browser, no sign-up required

It's not just ChatGPT and Midjourney; there are lots of AI-enabled sites out there, waiting for the user to come and generate exciting things. Some are not only free to use, they also do not require one to sign up. Wallpapers by A...

Sergey Tarasov, 26 Aug 2023 15:30

Some of the best Steam Deck accessories directly affect how users interact with their consoles. (Image source: Various - edited)

4 exciting Steam Deck accessories that aim to elevate Valve's handheld to new heights

From screen upgrades to retro docks, there are some truly fascinating Steam Deck accessories kicking about, whether already released or on the horizon. Here are four tantalising options to kick Valve's handheld gaming experience i...

Julian van der Merwe, 25 Aug 2023 18:49

Quite a few people made billions in telecommunications and in software engineering (Image source: Unsplash)

5 low-profile tech billionaires who don't run Apple and didn't co-found Microsoft

Virtually everyone has heard of top technology billionaires such as Tim Cook and Bill Gates, but the fact is plenty of other entrepreneurs made fortunes on tech products and services many of us use daily. This article puts a brief...

Sergey Tarasov, 07 Aug 2023 02:40

Fisker's Ocean SUV takes a different approach to EV design, focussing more on comfort than ultimate performance. (Image source: Fisker)

Fisker Ocean reviews highlight 3 features that Tesla and Rivian should take note of

The handsome Fisker Ocean crossover SUV has finally begun landing in the hands of owners and media outlets, giving us our first real independent look at this EV newcomer. While no EV is perfect, there are a number of unique featur...

Julian van der Merwe, 02 Aug 2023 07:45