Tag: Laptop

Poly Studio P5 USB-A webcam review

The Poly Studio P5 is a solid and robust 1080p HD webcam, weighing in at just 68 grams. This lightweight design ensures that it won’t overpower your laptop screen. Compatible with major operating systems, the P5 comes equipped with an integrated microphone optimised for video calls. It connects easily via a USB cable, making it a convenient addition to any workspace. The webcam also features a mechanical privacy shutter, providing peace of mind when not in use.

 

Manufacturer Background

At Techbuzz Ireland, we have reviewed a variety of products from Plantronics, Poly, and HP, including their well-known Poly Voyager headsets, printers, and cameras. In 2018, Polycom was acquired by Plantronics, and in 2019, the combined entity was rebranded as Poly. The company was sold to HP in 2022, which has since integrated Poly’s offerings into its support channels.

 

In the box

  • Poly studio P5 webcam; Removable monitor clamp; Setup sheet

 

Features

  • Focus Type: Autofocus with 4x zoom / EPTZ
  • Lens Cover Capabilities: Integrated
  • Total Camera Resolution: 4 MP
  • Zoom Capability: 4x
  • Diagonal Field of View (dFoV): 80°
  • Cable Length: 1.3 m
  • Microphone Type: Unidirectional
  • Compatible Operating Systems: Windows 10; macOS 10.10 or later; Windows 8.1;        macOS 10.7 or later
  • Operating Temperature Range: 0 to 40°C
  • Operating Humidity Range: 5 to 95% RH
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 3.7 x 3.4 x 6.2 cm
  • Package Dimensions (W x D x H): 179 x 195 x 70 mm
  • Minimum System Requirements: USB 2.0 Type-A

Setup:

Setting up the Poly Studio P5 is minimalistic and straightforward thanks to its plug-and-play functionality. I connected it directly to a Windows USB-A port, and it automatically set itself as the default device during an MS Teams call, including audio. Poly Lens

Desktop App (Windows Only)

The Poly Lens Desktop app allows you to configure and manage your Poly audio and video devices while enhancing your work environment with wellbeing reminders. However, I found the software interface somewhat outdated compared to modern standards. Although the camera performed well technically, it lacked the advanced features I would expect from HP/Poly. For instance, when attempting to update the software, the app indicated that a new version was available, yet none could be found.

Warranty – 2 years

Conclusion

As anticipated from HP/Poly products, the plug-and-play functionality of the Studio P5 worked seamlessly without any issues. The build quality is commendable; however, an upgrade to a USB-C cable instead of USB-A would be beneficial for modern setups. While the camera does not include a carry case—something that would be advantageous for hybrid working environments—the essential features are well-executed.The camera delivers excellent performance with quality optics, low-light compensation, and pro-grade resolution at 1080p. The four times digital zoom and directional microphone ensure a personalised video conferencing experience without requiring extensive technical setup. Overall, the Poly Studio P5 USB-A webcam offers good picture quality and audio performance even in challenging lighting conditions. It is an ideal choice for users seeking a reliable and straightforward solution for video calls and online meetings at a reasonable price point.

BUY

Other Poly Reviews

Video Review

Tech Review – ELECROW CrowView Note, Empower Your Devices as Laptops

The ELECROW CrowView Note is a 14-inch monitor with a built-in keyboard, touchpad, speakers, and microphone. Its all-in-one design simplifies setup, making it ideal for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts, office use, studios, and on-the-go.

Our use case is only USB-C and screen mirroring which we feel is best for our region and indeed it does what it says on the tin, I have to note you need a decently branded USC-C cable for this to work as several would not and you know how cables are these days you get what you pay for.

This simple plugs into your smartphone and the option to screen mirror your phone will pop up on screen and away you go, some apps will not work in landscape mode so be sure to check your entire needs first but for the most it works fine but not Instagram on candybar phones.

There is a simple settings page you can adjust to your own needs and then you can just work away as it was a laptop and a cost effective one, in short this brings your device to the bigger canvas making work easy on the go and of course making it easier on the larger screen and the you can do it in reverse if you wish which makes it great for multitasking.

There is a decent picture here too and decent speakers so for media consumption you are good to go with little set up required and at an affordable price.

 

 

CrowView Note

• Lightweight and portable: Maximum thickness of just 0.78”

• Secure mobile office solution: Safeguard your data effortlessly

Mobile Office Challenges

• Editing on small screens is inconvenient and limiting

• Risk of information breaches with external computers

CrowView Note

• Simplified Integration: Integrated input/output for mini PCs, tablet PCs, and SBCs

• Effortless Connectivity: Connect and use multiple devices with ease

Complex Connectivity

• Cumbersome setups: hassles when connecting multiple external devices

• Inefficiency: Potential for operational inefficiencies and setup delays

Kickstarter Page

Unboxing and Look at the CrowView Note

CRKD Announces the NEO S Wireless Collectible Controller for Nintendo Switch, PC, Mobile and Smart TV Gaming

CRKD, the new premium collectible gaming brand behind the award-winning Nitro™ Deck, announced today the NEO S™ Wireless Collectible Controller for Nintendo® Switch™, PC, Mobile and Smart TV’s.
Combining the streamlined aesthetics of retro gaming controllers with the advanced feature set found in modern day gamepads, the NEO S forges its own path, marrying form and function to create a highly collectible and deceptively powerful piece of hardware.
The NEO S is compatible with Nintendo Switch, yet thanks to advanced Bluetooth® technology, it’s just as at home when used with PC, mobile devices, and gaming via Smart TV’s.
As much a piece of art as a feature packed gaming controller, the NEO S launches in nine distinct designs, including three Special Editions designed by renowned game controller artist POPeART.
To complement the striking design, the NEO S is packed with high-end features. Like the Nitro Deck before it, the NEO S is equipped with state-of-the-art Hall Effect Thumbsticks, providing drift free, precision gaming, and adjustable actuation Hall Sensor Triggers allowing gamers to tailor trigger sensitivity to individual preference.
On the rear of the NEO S, a set of Remappable Back Buttons adds extra functionality and can be programmed for each game at the touch of a button. Don’t like the feel of the Thumbsticks, or feel them wearing out over time? Thanks to quick-swap system of the NEO S, gamers can quickly swap their Stick Tops for different designs and colors, adding an extra dimension of customization and durability.

Equipped with an internal gyroscope, the NEO S is fully motion control compatible when used with compatible Switch games, and powerful, fully adjustable vibration is also included, affording further immersions with compatible games. The NEO S includes a ‘No Deadzone’ mode which turns off the Thumbstick deadzones for more responsive gaming, and CRKD have even included Turbo Mode which instantly transforms any button on the NEO S, adding turbo functionality when gamers need it most.
Every design in the NEO S collection is fully compatible with the CRKD True Collection System App available on iOS™ and Android®, allowing owners to easily register their NEO S to their CRKD collection. Within the App’s interface, gamers can unveil essential details such as the product number and rarity rank. Furthermore, future updates will empower users to personalize their NEO S experience by adjusting settings, including button remapping and setting trigger actuation points, among other customization options.
Lee Guinchard, CEO of Embracer Freemode commented, “Our launch of the Nitro Deck was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the gaming community, and we’re excited to grow the brand further with the announcement of the NEO S. An ideal companion to the Nitro Deck, we believe the NEO S sits apart from the sea of mediocre controller designs available, presenting a highly collectible product which houses an array of advanced features. We look forward to introducing the NEO S later this spring and to the continued growth of the CRKD brand.”
The NEO S will be available in nine distinctive designs:
  • Retro Gold Edition
  • Classic Clear Edition
  • Atomic Red Edition
  • Emerald Green Edition
  • Orange Zest Edition
  • Electric Pink Edition
  • Splatter Edition by POPeART
  • Blossom Edition by POPeART
  • Junkyard Edition by POPeART
The NEO S Wireless Collectible Controller is available for pre-order today exclusively through CRKD.gg, and is expected to begin shipping to gamers from April 2024.

Tech Review – Twelve South Curve SE desktop stand for laptops

If you are working from home or in off and indeed travelling having the right equipment is key and sitting at the right angle or having your laptop at the right angle is an ideal move and the Curve SE from Twelve South is one item you should check out, it comes in three parts and takes ten seconds to assemble, you can disassemble in the same time and it is held in with a clip each side.

There is rubber footing on the underside and on the laptop tray to stop anything from moving and once in position it is very hard to move it, the idea of the product here is its simplicity and angle you have your laptop at which is important and ideal for a better posture rather than being slouched over. The product also gives your laptop breathing space as opposed to being flat on a table or desk and in turn does more good for your product being used.

The Curve SE raises your laptop 6 inches (15cm) off the surface to keep your screen at eye level and help to reduce neck and shoulder strain as mentioned above and from me using a sit/stand desk at home which is adjustable I can already feel the benefits of using this. 

With high quality materials being used again here which Twelve South are known for this is something you should look at for yourself or even a gift this Christmas. The Twelve South Curve SE desktop stand for laptops is for anyone really.

 

  • AN ECONOMICAL CURVE SOLUTION: Curve SE comes in 3 easy to assemble aluminum sections vs one solid piece of aluminum, and a new Silver color. This entry level model still has the same dimensions and basic benefits of our original Curve, and is a perfect way to test out the Curve Family! Once assembled, we do not recommend disassembly as it is meant to be a permanent connection.
  • NEW HEIGHTS- Curve SE raises your laptop 6 inches (15cm) off the surface to keep your screen at eye level and help to reduce neck and shoulder strain.
  • Multiple Uses – Pair with a full-size keyboard & mouse for a comfortable desktop setup or use with a monitor for dual screen functionality
  • Air Flow – Curve SE keeps 70% of the base exposed for optimal cooling
  • Protection – Full coverage anti-slip silicone pads and bent arms keep laptop in place and prevent scratches

BUY

Video review

Twelve South introduces new entry-level Amazon exclusive Curve SE laptop stand for £39.99

Twelve South, a leading tech accessories designer, has today introduced a new, more affordable iteration of its best-selling Curve stand for laptops for just £39.99. Its appearance is in keeping with the original Curve and height adjustable Curve Flex, but comes in silver aluminium (rather than interior design inspired matte black or white finishes that complement your space) and requires some simple assembly, whereas Curve is a seamless single ribbon of shaped aluminium.

Curve SE offers users improved comfort and posture, elevating laptops to an ergonomic standard 6.5 inches above the desk to avoid the requirement of hunching or straining to see the screen, which can result in neck and shoulder tension. The elevation also offers a more flattering angle for video calls, giving users more confidence on important conference calls.

Pair with a full-size keyboard and mouse for a comfortable setup and for those who use an additional monitor or two, Curve SE can align a laptop to the same height as an external monitor(s) via the monitor’s adjustable stand or an external riser, for a seamless multi-screen setup.

The silver aluminium colour universally complements any setup and the slender arms offer robust support to keep devices in place without being too clunky for today’s lightweight laptops and MacBooks. Using lipped arms as a base also offers better ventilation for fans, which are usually located in the base of the laptop (which some stands cover and can cause hotspots).

Curve SE comes in three parts, which users simply snap together before using the stand. No screwdriver or other tools required. Once assembled, Curve SE is designed to be a permanent solution, so disassembly is not recommended.

Curve SE is available now exclusively from Amazon in the UK for £39.99 and Prime members can also take advantage of free shipping.

Intelligent hybrid working: Logitech showcases AI-powered tabletop camera ‘Logitech Sight’ at DTX 2022

DTX + UCX exhibitors Logitech used Europe’s #1 digital transformation event of 2022 to showcase their revolutionary new product the Logitech Sight – an AI-powered tabletop camera that intelligently captures the best perspective of meeting participants and tracks conversations as they move around the conference room.

In today’s hybrid work landscape in which 43% of remote employees report not feeling included, the Logitech Sight helps solve the disparity between hybrid teams by giving remote workers an “at the table” experience when meeting with in-office colleagues.

Logitech Sight is the latest in a series of innovations designed to level the playing field for all workers, regardless of whether they choose to collaborate from the office, home, or anywhere else.

As an AI-powered camera, Logitech Sight provides alternative perspectives—by extending audio and video into larger rooms—to the Rally Bar or Rally Bar Mini camera at the front of the room.

With dual 4K cameras and seven beamforming microphones, Sight captures conversations and nonverbals as they naturally happen. This ultimately enhances employee participation and engagement by helping remote attendees feel as if they’re actually seated at the table.

Scott Wharton, general manager of Logitech Video Collaboration, stated: “We’re no longer all at home in equal-sized video boxes like we were during the height of the pandemic. In a hybrid work world, a mix of in-office and remote workers increases the challenge of delivering equitable experiences to everyone.”

“Logitech Sight, when used with Rally Bar or Rally Bar Mini, uses AI to tackle this problem with a model that is less Silicon Valley and more Hollywood—the art of using multiple camera angles and intelligent direction to bring remote participants off the sidelines and into the room. 

“Our customers have told us that this is one of the biggest hybrid work problems to solve to make ‘return to the office’ work better for teams. We believe, based on years of research and early customer feedback, that we’ve cracked the code on this must-win critical problem for organisations of all sizes.”

Eamon O’Doherty, Enterprise Director EMEA at Logitech added: “2022 has seen further confirmation that the home is just an important workspace as the office is. Of course, a home office is a different set-up to a conventional office, and has different benefits and challenges when it comes to communication.

“In response, there’s been a noticeable development in products aimed at improving the home working experience, such as docks that double as speaker phones both for conference calls and music, and which feature physical buttons that integrate with a chosen video software. 

“At the same time, these hubs can also wirelessly connect to a wireless headset, meaning a user can switch to more personal communication should there be background noise at home (an inevitability when there are kids and animals around!).

“Going forward, we’ll see more business technology that is designed for the home working space – whether that’s lighter and more compact solutions that fit in smaller, often improvised workspaces, or wireless-first products that help to reduce clutter by removing wires.”

The Logitech Sight will also enable RightSight with Smart Switching, adaptive intelligence that selects the best view between the tabletop camera and front-of-room camera, intuitively switching between camera views of in-person interactions and tracking conversations naturally

By integrating with leading video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet, Sight makes it easy to use hybrid-friendly meeting layout features like Zoom Smart Gallery and Microsoft Teams dynamic view.

Compatibility with popular platforms also gives IT teams assurance that their smart room technology will continue to meet the evolving needs of their hybrid workforce.

Eleven ways to reduce your laptop’s impact on the environment

The climate crisis impacts all of us, and we know that to hold a global temperature rise to less than 1.5°C, we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions dramatically. Addressing the climate crisis requires breaking it down into small actions that add up to a big impact. We can all make simple choices to shrink our carbon footprint, including that all-important laptop purchase. Check out these eleven ways to live your best laptop life and reduce your carbon footprint.Tara Gale, Client Solutions Country Lead, Dell Technologies Ireland gives us 11 tips.

1. Know your numbers

Do you know your carbon footprint? It’s the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) – including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and others – that you produce as you live your life. There are several great calculators out there that can help you calculate your carbon footprint, like Carbonfootprint.com. You may be surprised by your own footprint, so knowing it will be the first step in figuring out where you can make savings. Many brands will help you compare the carbon footprint of various models to further inform your sustainability-minded buying decisions.

2. Circularity at the centre

We normally think of recycling as a waste issue, but it’s also a climate issue. For example, a recycled aluminium can has a 95% smaller carbon footprint than making that same can from virgin aluminium.

So, before you buy a new laptop, consider how you might responsibly return, refurbish or recycle your old one. Depending on the brand of your laptop, you may be able to send it back to have it recycled. Some, like Dell, will collect your old electronic goods of any brand, in any condition, and recycle them for free.

3. Before you replace it, can you repair it?

Repair is essential to keep products in use longer and out of landfills, so it’s worth checking whether a laptop is designed with repair and recycling in mind. If a component is covered in adhesive and takes hours to disassemble, it isn’t as easy to repair and may not be able to be recycled at all.

Some brands provide customers with easy access to the resources, spare parts and support they need should they wish to repair their products themselves. For example, some brands, like Dell, make it easy to access information online, including manuals and downloads that keep products performing. Publishing their parts list online means customers can order parts to conduct their own repairs. Dell has even created an augmented reality app that provides step-by-step part replacement instructions for almost 100 products for many customer-addressable issues.

4. Level up

Many people think about changing their computer to support the latest applications or games. Before buying new, check whether you can upgrade components like memory, storage, graphics cards, or the CPU to instantly extend your device’s usual lifespan.

5. Old is the new, new

If you have decided on a new laptop, why not consider refurbished? Going through an official refurb programme removes the uncertainty of buying through peer-to-peer websites. You can have peace of mind with a warranty that protects your device and your studies.

6. Lean, mean (sustainably built) machine

If buying new, what is it made of? There are lots of materials that can be recycled to create a new laptop. Recyclable and renewable materials, including tree-based bioplastic upcycled from the papermaking industry, reclaimed carbon fibre, post-consumer recycled plastic, and new bio-based rubber feet made from castor bean oil can all be used to create sustainable laptops now.

The team at Dell uses recycled plastic in nearly every hardware product they make, and we’re expanding our use into more components throughout our devices. Up to 85% of the materials used in our monitors are made from recycled materials We have also reclaimed carbon fiber for several years now and it’s just a fantastic material to work with. This carbon fiber is left over scrap material from the aerospace industry and we blend it with post consumer recycled plastic and bioplastic to make the lids and bottom base of some of our notebooks.

7. Energise your coursework with energy efficiency

You’ve got energy-efficient LED light bulbs in your house – but how energy efficient is your laptop? Energy-efficient devices help cut your electricity bills and reduce the amount needed. Thankfully, there are some helpful standards to tell you how efficient any device is, like the EPEAT rating (the Green Electronics Council’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool). It’s the most comprehensive tool for evaluating overall environmental criteria and makes it easy to evaluate the life cycle implications of a product.

8. Don’t feed the vampires

Reducing energy use is a simple solution with environmental and economic benefits. According to recent studies, household appliances use 20% electricity when they are left on standby. PCs are some of Ireland’s top energy vampires, so switch off your laptop at the mains when you’re not using it – even the standby light uses energy.

Try not to over-charge your laptop unnecessarily, too. Unplugging it as soon as it’s charged will save energy and help your battery last longer. You can also adjust your PC’s Power settings to reduce the energy impact and save battery life by optimizing things like backlit-keyboard, screen brightness and adjusting your settings for “Best Battery Life.”

9. What’s on the outside counts too

What about packaging? In Ireland, 1.1 million tonnes of packaging waste were produced in 2019 alone,  but only 28% of this amount is recycled. Therefore making sustainable choices based on packaging will also help you select a more sustainable laptop. Check whether a company uses styrofoam or other packaging materials that are difficult or impossible to recycle. Many companies now use reclaimed plastics and natural products like bamboo to make more sustainable packaging, so you can go ahead and responsibly recycle or compost the packaging or use it to send your old tech for recycling. Dell’s packaging for example is made from 100% recycled or renewable materials – and is 100% recyclable.

10. Future-proof

If you want to play your part in preserving the environment, one of the easiest things you can do to help is preserve your laptop – that means protecting it and extending its lifespan. So, update your software regularly to optimise your PC’s efficiency and avoid viruses, treat the battery well, and keep your laptop clean!

While software can’t help get rid of fingerprints on a screen, it can help you keep your energy-efficient laptop running like new. Dell’s SupportAssist, for example, is an intelligent technology that runs on your PC and removes viruses, detects issues, optimises settings and tells you when you need to make updates. All of which keep your laptop healthier, reducing the need to replace or refurbish/recycle.

To protect your choice of sustainable laptop when on the move, consider purchasing a laptop case. For a double-whammy sustainability choice, there are cases on the market that are eco-conscious in their own right, like the Ecoloop Pro Backpack, which is made with recycled ocean-bound plastics.

11. Variety is the spice of your device

How multifunctional can you make your device? For example, can you make your laptop work for school, work, and entertainment? If you’re big on gaming, look for a PC that can take a marathon session without breaking a sweat and can also keep you focused when you have those tight deadlines. You could even consider repurposing old tablets or phones as home management devices for alarm systems or other uses.

The bottom line is that, as consumers, we have the power to influence how seriously companies take the issue of our collective carbon footprint. Through our choices to reward companies with strong sustainability programmes, we can take a concrete first step towards our push for effective climate change solutions.

Medion launches the MEDION ERAZER Beast X30 gaming laptop

MEDION, the laptop and desktop manufacturer, has announced the release of the MEDION ERAZER Beast X30 is a high-performance gaming laptop later this month. The Beast X30 is equipped with the latest Intel Core i9-12900HK processor, which provides plenty of power for the hardcore gamer. The built-in NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti laptop GPU delivers outstanding graphics performance when gaming.

The laptop is geared up with the latest Intel Core i9-12900HK processor, making it the perfect gaming laptop for those who want the highest level of performance. Thanks to the clock speed of up to 5.0 GHz and 14 cores, gamers are provided with next level power that allows the Beast to handle triple-A rated games with ease. Thanks to the advanced Intel Core i9 technology, the laptop supports advanced standards such as DDR5 RAM and Thunderbolt 4. In addition, the integrated Intel Wi-Fi 6 technology delivers lightning fast wireless Internet performance with reduced latency. This ensures the laptop is absolutely future proofed for all gamers.

Furthermore, the MEDION ERAZER Beast X30 is armed with the new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti laptop GPU, which enables graphics performance at desktop level thanks to real-time 2nd Gen ray-tracing technology. Thanks to the 3080 Ti graphics card, gamers can expect lightning-fast frame rates. The Beast delivers the ultimate in game experience with the ultimate 17” 240 Hz QHD display also providing 100% sRGB colour space coverage. It also has have sufficient power reserves to record or stream gameplay in outstanding quality. The two in-built Samsung PCIe Gen 4×4 SSDs, each with 1 TB storage capacity, allow for system start up in record time and in combination with the lightning-fast 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) SK Hynix DDR5 RAM, this shortens start up and loading times enormously.

The ERAZER’s 26mm thin Magnesium-Alloy chassis design is complemented with an etched ERAZER logo on the back cover and is equipped with a full RGB back-lit keyboard 16.7 million colours and front Game Bar. The narrow bezel design allows for maximum display coverage, with only 7mm remaining each side of the screen.

The Control Centre takes the Beast to the next level by conveniently controlling fan speed, clock speeds and keyboard lighting. The Engine Boost button makes it even easier to switch between Office, Game and Turbo mode. The optimised cooling system with four fan outlets and liquid metal heat-conducting paste ensures a cool head during long sessions. The Sound Blaster Cinema 6+ audio solution even transforms stereo signals into lively 3D sound worlds and lets gamers immerse themselves even more in the game.

The new 12th generation Intel ® Core™ processors

The new 12th processor generation from Intel now supports even faster main memory with up to DDR5-4800 and comes with Intel Turbo Boost 3.0. This is an energy-efficient solution that enables a dynamic and automatic increase in clock frequency while maintaining safe temperature and power consumption values. In this way, heavy workloads can be managed even better and faster. A hybrid design with performance cores (P-Core) and efficient cores (E-Core) were also introduced. This ensures better workload prioritisation and optimal management distribution with the Intel Thread Director.

Availability and pricing

The MEDION ERAZER BEAST X30 will be available for MSRP: £2,699.99 in selected retailers later this month including Amazon, Overclockers, eBuyer, Buy IT and Box. Other configurations are also available.