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I tested the GMKtec NucBox K13 - and this AI mini PC is an excellent example of what Intel does well

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GMKtec NucBox K13: 30-second review Looking back, the GMKtec NucBox K13 is the first mini PC that I’ve covered that uses the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V I’ve tested. It’s a Lunar Lake-era processor built on TSMC's 3nm process, not on Intel fabs that can’t handle such small track sizes. But it also represents GMKtec's first foray into the new generation of AI-capable, efficiency-first processors, and it makes a rather decent fist of it. Where other makers adhere to their 4-inch boxes, GMKtec has gone with a shape and size that looks more like a docking station on the K13. The alternative layout offers plenty of room for port placement and extra room inside for an additional M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slot. By replacing the 512GB or 1TB M.2 NVMe drive supplied with the K13 and utilising the second slot, it is possible to add 16TB of storage to this mini PC. However, while the storage can be enhanced, the memory is fixed at 16GB of LPDDR5X 8533 MT, as this is soldered to the mainboard. That’...

The Oscal Marine 3 breaks the rugged smartphone mold - it's slim, lightweight and stylish, but I can't ignore that slow processing power

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Oscal Marine 3: 30-second review The Oscal Marine 3 is a surprisingly stylish, slimline, rugged smartphone that breaks the usual design conventions. Gone are the cyberpunk-style, bulky rubberised outer casings; in their place is something a little bit slimmer and more refined in looks at least. It is much simpler in design than its larger and heavier rugged smartphone counterparts. However, it does feature a technological illustration on the back plate, and the rubberised edges and corners, whilst not as dominant, are retained, highlighting that this isn't just a standard consumer phone but something altogether more rugged. The phone is slim, and put side-by-side next to an iPhone 15 Pro, the actual thickness is pretty much identical, although it does feature a slightly longer screen, giving a bit more screen real estate for browsing the internet, answering emails and enhancing images. Despite the slimline design being closer to consumer-level phones than rugged models, it is ...

I tested the super affordable Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM — it's a 'beautiful mess of a lens' that I can't help but love

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One minute review The Canon RF 45mm F1.2 STM is a beautiful mess of a lens. It's impossibly light, cheap, and wide, but nonetheless comes with a few optical niggles that will likely make the more discerning pixel peepers baulk. At $599 / £479 / AU$699.95, the RF 45mm f/1.2 has the potential to be an essential component of any Canon shooter's kit bag. And, it has to be said, it's a lens that doesn't really have any rivals or alternatives at this price point. No other brand, third-party or otherwise, offers an autofocus full-frame lens with f/1.2 for $600. Canon is definitely worthy of praise for this - it's an innovative, forward-thinking lens from a brand that's often criticized for its closed mount. As mentioned, however, optically, the RF 45mm f/1.2 leans more towards 'character' than perfection. The bokeh is busy and swirly, while the chromatic aberration is off the charts at the widest aperture. Even with in-camera corrections, this lens imparts ...

Pokémon Pokopia is my favorite Nintendo game in years, but its ‘narcissistic’ Pokémon are too polite for my liking

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Pokémon Pokopia has been somewhat of a mystery since its first announcement; it was evidently set to be a cozy game, but of what variety few could tell. Well, the answer is here; it’s part life sim, part town-building sim, part sandbox, and 100% great fun. Nintendo passing the reins to Koei Tecmo’s Omega Force for this proved wise; their experience in making Dragon Quest Builders 2 proved invaluable in balancing Pokopia’s Animal Crossing -like cuteness and coziness with a solid storyline and satisfying gameplay loop. It's most certainly one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games . Review info Platform reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2 Available on: Nintendo Switch 2 Release date: March 5, 2025 As you’d expect, there’s always at least a little room for improvement, but overall, I am solidly impressed with the results; I found Pokopia incredibly hard to put down, and considering I’ve been working on a deadline to write up my review, that’s proved problematic! Some prospecti...