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Review: WD My Passport SSD

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WD’s latest portable external storage is small and fast
From ₹8,999, wd.com

Portable external drives have been shrinking in size, and the use of SSDs over the years is one of the reasons. WD’s latest My Passport SSD shrinks them further with its palm-sized form factor and promise of unfettered speed. But is the upgrade worth it? We find out.

The first and foremost thing to notice about the My Passport SSD is its size. It’s tiny, fits in one’s palm and is super lightweight. It’s not fat either, given the width is about 3-4 credit cards stacked together. The patterned metal enclosure looks premium along with the embossed logo and adds to durability too. WD says the My Passport SSD can withstand some amount of shock and vibration and is drop resistant to up to 6.5ft. WD probably wanted to keep things as clean as possible, which is why you will only find the USB Type-C port at the bottom of the drive. The drive does not have a status LED light that keeps you from knowing if the drive is connected or transferring any data. The only limitation with the metal chassis is that it gets hot when you are transferring data. It does not affect the drive’s performance, but the heat transference from the SSD inside the body is instant. WD bundles a small Type-C to Type C cable that supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 and for wider compatibility, bundles a USB Type-C to Type-A adapter.

The drive comes pre-formatted (exFAT filesystem) that enables it to work on Windows or Mac out-of-the-box and since it is based on NVMe technology, the My Passport SSD is rated to deliver a sequential read speed of up to 1050MB/s and write speed of up to 1000MB/s. We tested its claim with Crystal DiskMark 7 (default profile) and the read speed breached its claimed speed to 1062MB/s and write speed to 962MB/s. If we compare random read and write speeds, it hovers around at 153MB/s and 166MB/s respectively. The real-world usage will vary compared to a synthetic benchmark, but needless to say the My Passport SSD is fast.

The My Passport SSD also supports password-enabled 256-bit hardware AES encryption and a couple of other WD apps like WD Drive Utilities and WD Backup.

My Passport SSD is competitively priced with storage options starting from 500GB and goes up to 2TB. It does not have a fingerprint sensor like its closest priced competitor but it has fast data transfer speeds, compact design and different apps to enhance the drive’s functionality.

RATING 4/5
WE’RE IMPRESSED Design, performance
WE’D IMPROVE Heats up
THE LAST WORD The NVMe My Passport SSD is an excellent storage solution if you are looking for super-fast performance in a compact, premium form factor.

Review: BenQ TH585

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A Full HD projector suited for gaming
Rs. 64,990 (introductory price), benq.co.in

High-resolution, dynamic range are a couple of talking points when it comes to gaming on a large screen. Lower latency is another important feature that is seldom discussed, and while some TVs have integrated it with a dedicated game mode, many projectors are yet to make that transition. BenQ’s TH585, however, is an exception. It comes with an enhanced game mode and lower latency for an improved gaming experience.

The BenQ TH585 is a compact and lightweight projector that can be placed on a table that is supported with height-adjustable legs or can be ceiling-mounted. There’s digital lens shift that allows to offset the projection by some margin and supports vertical keystone of up to +/- 30 degrees. Moreover, the projector supports 1.1x zoom and throw ratio of 1.50 ~ 1.65 that lets one project images in 100-inch size from a distance of 3.32m. Either way, it’s easy to set up and get it running.

Design-wise, the TH585 does not look that different from the other BenQ projectors we have seen in the past. It comes in BenQ’s matte-white finish with exhaust vents on the front and right-hand side for heat dissipation. Physical keys to control the projector are on the top, along with zoom and focus ring to adjust the lens. At the back are the connectivity options like two HDMI ports, audio-in and audio-out ports, one, USB Type-A port, RS-232 and two D-sub ports (input and output). BenQ also bundles a compact remote control that makes controlling the projector easier.

The TH585 features a DLP projection system with a Full HD (1920×1080) resolution support, which works with a sea of features to deliver a decent viewing experience. The out-of-the-box colour settings are good enough with 95% Rec. 709 colour coverage, but the projector allows fine-tuning or one can choose from the pre-set modes to let the projector handle itself. The TH585 also comes with a wall colour option so that the projector can tweak the colour settings accordingly.

Turning on the game mode is where the TH585 shines. Connect a gaming console like the PS4 or the Xbox One and the 16ms response time comes in handy. The mode also amps up the contrast and enhances the dark areas, allowing the player to see details in the shadowy corner.

The projector lamp can go bright to up to 3500 ANSI lumens, making it ideal to use it in well-lit rooms but will be at the expense of shortened lamp life. However, using the lamp in SmartEco or LampSave mode can increase the life of the lamp to up to 8,000 or 15,000 hours, respectively.

The 10W mono speaker is audible in a small room, but it is advisable to go with an external speaker, via the integrated audio-out port.

BenQ markets the TH585 in India as a home entertainment projector and even bundles an Amazon Fire TV Stick, which is a good way to enjoy this projector. However, you will get more out of it if you are looking to game on it, giving you a massive 100-inch display at a price point of a decently spec’d 55-inch Smart TV.

RATING 4/5
WE’RE IMPRESSED Game mode, easy-to-use
WE’D IMPROVE Speaker performance
THE LAST WORD For an introductory price of Rs. 64,990, the TH585 offers a holistic home entertainment experience with pleasant colours, improved response time for gamers and high brightness.

Review: Sony Bravia X9000H

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Sony’s latest Bravia TV brings flagship-like performance at a reasonable price
From Rs. 1,09,990

Sony’s flagship TVs deliver one of the best TV viewing experiences, but they cost a fortune. Sony’s latest Bravia X9000H, on the other hand, attempts to bring similar picture quality, if not same, at a more affordable price.

How different can one design a TV? Not much but given Sony’s approach, we are happy with what X9000H has to offer. The TV boasts thin aluminium bezel across the display complemented with an equally svelte stand. The stand, despite its minimalistic design and screwless installation, docks the TV firmly and securely on a tabletop. The TV also supports VESA wall mount.

The X9000H is not the slimmest TV but its neat design keeps the flab at the rear, giving an unobstructed look from the front. At the back is the multitude of connectivity ports, ranging from Ethernet to composite and two USB ports. There are four HDMI ports that support HDMI 2.0 but a future software update will upgrade the last two HDMI ports to HDMI 2.1. Sony hasn’t given any timeline with respect to the update but we hope it comes before the next-gen consoles hit the market, allowing users to enjoy features like 4K at 120fps, Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode and eARC. For now, gamers will have to suffice with the dedicated game mode. It tweaks picture settings but also lowers the input lag to around 16ms.

How’s the video quality on the X9000H? In one word, impressive. Equipped with a full-array LED, local dimming, X-tended Dynamic range and the X1 processor doing the heavy lifting, the TV produces excellent colours and deep contrast. Moreover, the TV supports HDR formats like HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision that covers majority of the content out there, delivering an impressive dynamic range. The X9000H also comes with features like the Object-based HDR remaster that analyses individual object on the screen to produce the perfect contrast; upscaling support; X-Motion Clarity for smooth, blur-free fast action scenes and; Netflix Calibrated mode.

Android TV OS is what makes X9000H smart and Sony keeps it clean. The overall Android TV performance is snappy and responsive. Switching between apps, adjusting settings is instantaneous. The remote control doesn’t match the TV’s modern looks but goes with the conventional design with lots of buttons, including dedicated ones for Google Play and Netflix.

Assisting the topnotch video are two 10W X-Balanced speakers that produce room-filling crisp sound and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Digital Surround. The Acoustic Multi-audio that positions two tweeters at the back of the TV is available only in a 65-inch variant.

The X9000H is a great addition by Sony. For just over Rs. 1,00,000, the TV rivals its competitors with excellent video and audio performance. Add to it, the impending software update, the X9000H has the potential to be the perfect TV for next-generation console and PC gaming.

RATING 4.5/5
WE’RE IMPRESSED Performance
WE’D IMPROVE Remote control design
THE LAST WORD The X9000H is brimming with features that elevate TV viewing experience with a combination of excellent video tech, audio and snappy OS performance.

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This review was originally published in the October edition of T3 India. Subscribe here.

Review: TP-Link RE505X

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Not the usual Wi-Fi range extender
Rs. 5,999, tp-link.in

It’s safe to say that most of us have a wireless router at home but there have been instances where the Wi-Fi network is spotty in some areas compared to another in your home. One can address these deadspots is by installing a repeater or use mesh routers. Both TP-Link and Asus allow transforming select regular routers into mesh ones but TP-Link has gone a step further by allowing repeaters to act as mesh network nodes. This month we have the RE505X, which does exactly that. It works as a repeater for any non-supported OneMesh router but transforms into a mesh node with a compatible one.

Clad in white, the RE505X has a design similar to most other repeaters in the market but two things that set it apart are the external antennas for better reception and its sheer size. The RE505X is a giant compared to other repeaters but sports a clean, streamlined design. There are four status LEDs on the front with the WPS button and reset key on the right whereas the gigabit ethernet port is placed on the left.

One can setup the repeater via the web interface or can download the Tether app from the respective app store. The RE505X can be used as an access point or as a repeater. Irrespective of the modes you use, setup is a cinch. The only thing we did not appreciate is the fact that it does not allow to set a separate password of the extended network. It allows to create a separate SSID but keeps the same password as the network that is being repeated.

The RE505X is an AX1500 range extender, which means it supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard. Needless to say, older devices are compatible as well and supports theoretical speeds of up to 300Mbps on 2.4GHz band and up to 1200Mbps on 5GHz.

The RE505X delivers decent coverage to eliminate deadspots and even comes with handy features like Location Assistant that is accessible via the app. A quick scan will tell if the repeater is placed in a good wireless coverage area of the main router. There’s an intelligent signal light on the device as well that indicates the same. The app and the web interface gives granular controls to get the most out of the RE505X. One can control the wireless coverage and access, enable/disable high-speed mode that repeats the router’s connection via one frequency band and transmits on the other. OneMesh works with compatible TP-Link routers and all it takes a single to transform the RE505X into a mesh node.

That said, RE505X is a power-packed range extender that delivers on what it is intended for. Get a compatible OneMesh device and you can create a cost-effective mesh network of your own.

RATING 4/5
WE’RE IMPRESSED Performance
WE’D IMPROVE Set separate passwords
THE LAST WORD A power-packed repeater that can be transformed into a mesh node with OneMesh support.

Review: Jabra Elite Active 75t

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Jabra’s top-of-the-line TWS device scores on performance and quality
Rs. 15,999, jabra.in

TWS is the hottest category right now for audio accessory makers and while we have seen some affordable ones in the last few months, Jabra is aiming for the premium experience with the Elite Active 75t. But does it have enough to warrant a price tag of around Rs. 15,000? Let’s find out.

The Elite Active 75t has a simple low-key design, inspired by its predecessor and betters it with an almost no-stem design and super lightweight with each bud weighing about 5.5g. One of the biggest gripes with TWS devices is the fit and while it varies from person-to-person, the Elite Active 75t seem to offer one of the best fits. The soft plastic exterior coupled with silicon EarGels are not only comfortable but also helps to seal the ears that keeps the ambient noise out. In addition to this, the buds boast a dry film soft-touch grip coating, allowing the earbuds to stay in its original position, even during an intense workout and are IP57-rated, giving an added assurance of resistance to water and sweat. The compact case complements the earbuds’ rubberised texture and features a small LED at the back along with a USB Type-C port. The strong magnets inside the charging area helps to keep the earphones in place.

In terms of on-device controls, Jabra has gone with physical buttons that are soft enough to not push the earphones deep in the ear canal. The controls can be used to play/pause a track, adjust volume, accept or reject calls and more. Jabra also allows customising the buttons with the Sound+ app.

The Sound+ app needs a special mention because it’s not just ‘an’ app but allows to extract more from the Elite Active 75t. It enables users to upgrade the device’s firmware or show an approximate location of the earphones’ last location but the shiniest feature is the personalisation that helps elevate the Elite Active 75t.

The default sound signature of the Elite Active 75t is bassy which also tends to take over the midrange but with the MySound feature and a few taps, the Sound+ app creates a personalised hearing profile based on the age, gender and the frequencies you hear to improve the overall audio quality. After the personalisation, I found the audio to be much better with a punchier bass, boosted mids, treble, and excellent imaging. The app also offers an equalizer to further tweak the frequencies with pre-set settings or create a custom one. In short, depending on the songs, you may like the out-of-the-box bassy sound but the personalised profile certainly brings you closer to the one you prefer.

The Elite Active 75t is equipped with four built-in microphones and the call quality is excellent allowing the listener to hear you sans the background noise. Like most earphones, the Elite Active 75t also supports voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. There’s no active noise-cancellation (Update: Jabra has promised to add ANC via a firmware update next month) but the tight fit helps to keep the ambient noise out, which is why the device also packs in a feature called HearThrough. Turning it on lets the ambient noise in and is adjustable via the app. 

A full charge gives the buds a play time of up to 7.5 hours. Place it back in the charging case again and it can last to up to 28 hours, which is impressive. 

The Jabra Elite Active 75t competes against the likes from Apple, Sony and Samsung but the thing that works for Jabra is its durability, thanks to the IP rated body and secure fit. The free companion app also improves the overall audio quality with its nifty features like audio customisation, controls and more.

RATING 4/5
WE’RE IMPRESSED Build quality, companion app
WE’D IMPROVE Bassy sound out-of-the-box, codec support 
THE LAST WORD The Jabra Elite Active 75t delivers good sound, longer battery life and durable body, making it the perfect companion for runs and workouts.