Gadgets
HP Intros New Devices for Blended Learning Environments
HP has introduced HP Fortis laptops, a new portfolio of PCs built to withstand the rigours of education environments. Teaching and learning has forever changed. Before the pandemic, student PCs typically stayed in the classroom for occasional use. Today, learning is happening beyond just the classroom including the playground, on the bus, and at home. The PC is a critical tool for digital learning and students want devices that stand up to daily wear and tear, help them connect to the digital classroom, and make it easier to get more done.
“While hybrid work is the new standard for business, blended learning is the new standard for education. This requires technology with increased durability, enhanced connectivity, and large screens so content can be accessible and engaging from wherever learning happens,” said Bill Avey, General Manager and Global Head of Education, Personal Systems, HP Inc. “Designed with features that reduce accidental drops, keep keys and ports intact, stand up to heavy wear and tear, and make it easier to clean and sanitise, HP is committed to providing students with the devices and PC experiences they need to be successful in these new learning environments.”
When it comes to education devices, strength and durability reduces downtime which translates to increased instructional time. Built for active and mobile learners, the new HP Fortis portfolio embodies the strength and durability needed to help withstand drops, resist spills, and keep keys where they belong: on the keyboard. The textured surfaces make it easier for students of all ages to grip and handle the lightweight devices.
The reinforced power and USB-C ports limit damage from accidentally tugged cables, while the mechanically reinforced corners and co-molded rubber trims absorb shocks and reinforced hinges reduce stress on the hinges from repeated opening and closing. The full-skirted anchored keyboards prevent keys from being removed when students are fidgeting and may want to pick at them during class. The keyboard also resists spills up to 350 ml.
With more students going back to the classroom, it’s important to keep devices clean. The chassis, keyboard, and display for the devices can be wiped down using commonly available household disinfecting and cleaning wipes. For enhanced safety and protection, the devices feature a new metal shield that helps protect the battery from external damage from daily drops or tumbles.
Built for the greater demands being placed on today’s students, the HP Fortis 14 devices feature 14” diagonal displays giving students large visual screen space to stay productive – whether it’s taking notes while watching a lecture or creating visual stories with ease. Large screen space gives students the freedom to engage content while consuming it at the same time. Students can also see their work clearly with optional bright anti-glare displays.
The HP Fortis 14” G10 Chromebook is purpose-built for cloud-native learning. Powered by Intel processors with optional 4G LTE for reliable connectivity, the Chromebook allows students to access their classroom from almost anywhere. The 180-degree lay-flat hinge combined with the 88-degree wide-viewing angle HD camera and dual mics provide an excellent collaborative learning experience. The integrated HP Privacy Camera provides peace of mind to protect users from malicious surveillance, while Chrome Education Upgrade makes the device easy to deploy and simple to manage.
HP ProBook Fortis 14” G9 – Powered by Intel processors with Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Pro Education or Windows 11 SE, students can easily collaborate and reliably access assignments with Wi-Fi 6 and optional 4G LTE connectivity. HP ProBook Fortis 14” G10 – Powered with Intel 12th Gen Intel i3/i5 processors and Windows 11 or Windows 11 Pro Education, students can transition quickly between writing documents, running STEM applications, editing video, and more.
The latest in connectivity – Wi-Fi 6E – allows students to cut through crowded networks, while the battery learns students’ work patterns and optimises power consumption with intelligent charging. HP Wolf Security for Business makes it easy for IT to protect student devices with a hardware-enforced, always-on, resilient defense.
The HP Pro x360 Fortis 11” G9 and HP Pro x360 Fortis 11” G10 embrace the different ways learning happens. The 360-degree design gives students the freedom to choose the mode that best suits them and their assignment. The optional world-facing 5 MP cameras and rechargeable pen with reinforced tip allows students to create, capture, and draw in laptop, tablet, tent, stand, or book mode. The rechargeable pen is stored and charged in an optional water-resistant garage so it’s ready to go whenever creativity strikes.
HP Pro x360 Fortis 11” G9 – Powered by Intel processors with Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Pro Education or Windows 11 SE, students can access assignments and apps seamlessly with Wi-Fi 6 and optional 4G LTE. HP Pro x360 Fortis 11” G10 – Powered with Intel 12th Gen Intel i3/i5 processors and Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Pro Education, the device helps students tackle demanding assignments, like editing videos for media class or analysing lab data.
Wi-Fi 6E delivers fast, dependable network connections for learning in the cloud. HP Wolf Security for Business provides a resilient defense against malware and hacking. Equipped with intelligent charging, the device’s battery learns students’ work patterns and optimises power consumption.
The HP Fortis 11” G9 Q Chromebook, powered by the robust Snapdragon 7c compute platform, is exceptionally equipped for cloud-native mobile learning and provides secure and reliable access to the classroom. This Chromebook is HP’s thinnest and lightest Fortis device built for the rigors of today’s students and providing ultimate portability. It boots in seconds so students can spend more time learning and less time waiting. The device’s 4G LTE connectivity makes education more accessible and equitable for all students to learn from virtually anywhere.
The HP 320 FHD Webcam and HP 325 FHD Webcam are easy-to-use all-in-one webcams for users everywhere. Enjoy crisp images with 66-degree wide angles that offer full HD at 1080p and 30 fps video quality for a natural conversational feel. The webcams are easy to set up with USB-A, have 360-degree rotation for varying positions, and feature a removable lens cover for privacy.
Air Purifiers
Honeywell Air Touch V1 Air Purifier Review: Clean Air Made Simple
The Honeywell Air Touch V1 is a compact and efficient air purifier, perfect for smaller spaces. With its impressive performance, quiet operation, and user-friendly features, it’s a valuable addition to any home or office.
Design
The Honeywell Air Touch V1 sports a sleek, modern design. It features a cylindrical chassis with a white upper motor housing and a light grey bottom housing equipped with intake air vents. The top part of the purifier houses the air exhaust vents and a touch-sensitive control panel. Measuring 216 x 216 x 322 mm and weighing 1.5 kg, it’s easy to move around. The Honeywell logo is prominently displayed on the front side.
Build Quality
Built with high-quality materials, the Honeywell Air Touch V1 is solid and durable, ensuring longevity and reliability. The upper and bottom housings can be easily separated by turning a handle on the bottom panel, allowing for straightforward filter replacement.
Features
User-friendly and easy to operate, the Honeywell Air Touch V1 features three fan speed settings, allowing you to adjust the purification intensity based on your needs. It includes a filter change indicator that alerts you when it’s time to replace the filters. The filters typically last for about 9,000 hours, or approximately one year of regular use. The device consumes 12W of power and operates on a voltage range of 100-240V~, 50/60Hz.
Performance
The Honeywell Air Touch V1 boasts a three-stage filtration system, including a Pre-Filter, a high-grade H13 HEPA filter, and an Activated Carbon filter. This combination effectively removes airborne pollutants, allergens, and odours.
The HEPA filter captures particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, and pet dander, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. The activated carbon filter helps eliminate odours from cooking or pets, enhancing the overall freshness of the indoor environment.
With a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of up to 152 m³/h, the purifier effectively cleans areas up to 235 square feet (22 square meters). It operates quietly at a noise level of just 29 dB/A at low speed, making it suitable for use in bedrooms and offices. Even at higher speeds, the noise remains manageable, allowing for comfortable use throughout the day and night.
App Connectivity
One downside of the Honeywell Air Touch V1 is that it does not support app connectivity. Honeywell does provide the Air Touch app, available on major mobile platforms, but it only supports connectivity with higher-end air purifiers from the company. App connectivity would be beneficial for checking indoor air quality before and after use. However, given the price point of the Air Touch V1, this limitation is understandable.
Verdict
The Honeywell Air Touch V1 is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact and effective air purifier. Its quiet operation and easy-to-use features make it a valuable addition to any home or office. While the filter life may be shorter than some larger models, the overall value and performance of the Air Touch V1 make it a worthwhile investment.
Price: AED 229
Honeywell Air Touch V1 Air Purifier AED 229
Summary
The Honeywell Air Touch V1 boasts a three-stage filtration system, including a Pre-Filter, a high-grade H13 HEPA filter, and an Activated Carbon filter. This combination effectively removes airborne pollutants, allergens, and odours.
User Review
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Huawei Watch D2 Review: Elevating Health Tracking and Design to New Heights
The Huawei Watch D2 is a remarkable upgrade from its predecessor, the Watch D, with significant improvements in health monitoring features, design, build quality, battery life, and overall performance.
Design
The Huawei Watch D2 boasts a sleek and modern design that is both stylish and functional. Built using premium materials, including a durable stainless steel case and a high-quality silicone strap, it ensures comfort and longevity. The vibrant 1.8-inch AMOLED display with high resolution provides clear and sharp visuals even in bright sunlight.
The touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate. You can choose from a variety of watch faces and customisable widgets to tailor the watch to your style and preferences. The watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
Health Monitoring
The Huawei Watch D2 excels with its advanced health monitoring capabilities, making it an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals. One of the standout features is the electrocardiogram (ECG) capability, which allows you to monitor your heart’s electrical activity and detect potential heart issues such as atrial fibrillation.
The watch includes a built-in blood pressure monitor which is powered by an ultra-narrow airbag with a mini pump that pumps in the air like conventional BP monitors. This provides convenient and accurate readings directly from the wrist.
Continuous blood oxygen level tracking is essential for understanding overall cardiovascular health. With continuous heart rate tracking, you can monitor your cardiovascular health and receive alerts for any abnormalities. The Watch D2 also offers detailed sleep analysis, including deep, light, and REM sleep stages, helping you understand your sleep patterns and improve rest quality.
The smartwatch also monitors stress levels and offers guided breathing exercises to help manage stress. It also supports a wide range of workout modes and provides detailed data on steps, calories burned, and other fitness metrics.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
With the HUAWEI Watch D2, you can start an Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) plan at any time. The device offers vibration reminders for daytime monitoring, which can be set to start automatically or manually. Getting a reading is simplified into three easy steps. You can customise the monitoring frequency with options like 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes, with a default setting of 30 minutes.
During the night, the watch takes automatic measurements to ensure continuous health monitoring. ABPM reports provide insights into blood pressure-related risks. Additionally, the Health Glance feature offers easy access to 9 indicators, including ECG, arterial stiffness, and pulse wave arrhythmia, all with just a tap.
Family Health Management
With the HUAWEI Watch D2’s Family Health Management feature, you can stay connected and keep track of your loved ones’ health effortlessly. Through the Health Community, you can privately share vital health data such as blood pressure, activity levels, heart rate, sleep patterns, and more. This ensures that everyone’s well-being is monitored and managed effectively.
Additionally, the watch provides health data alerts to help you stay vigilant about your family’s health. For instance, you might receive a notification that says, “Mom’s blood pressure is abnormal,” with an option to touch for more details. This way, you can respond promptly to any health concerns and ensure your family remains healthy and informed.
Performance
The Huawei Watch D2 delivers impressive performance across all its features, thanks to powerful hardware and optimised software. It runs on Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5.0 operating system, which is smooth and intuitive. Navigation is seamless, and the watch responds quickly to touch inputs. The watch supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring easy pairing with smartphones and other devices.
It also includes NFC for contactless payments. The Huawei Health app provides a comprehensive dashboard for all health and fitness data, making it easy to track progress and set goals. The app also allows for customisation of the watch’s features and settings.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical aspect of any smartwatch, and the Huawei Watch D2 excels in this department. It offers 5 days of battery life on a single charge, depending on usage, a significant improvement over the Watch D. This ensures you can rely on your watch for extended periods without frequent recharges.
Verdict
The HUAWEI Watch D2 is a standout smartwatch that brings substantial upgrades over its predecessor. With advanced health monitoring features such as ECG and blood pressure monitoring, it offers comprehensive health tracking that’s ideal for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals. Its sleek design, premium build quality, and vibrant AMOLED display ensure both style and functionality.
The impressive battery life, lasting up to 5 days, makes it highly practical for daily use. Enhanced connectivity, intuitive user interface, and seamless app integration further elevate its overall performance. Whether you’re upgrading from the Watch D or looking for a versatile and reliable health-focused smartwatch, the HUAWEI Watch D2 is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint.
Price: AED 1599
Huawei Watch D2 AED 1599
Summary
The Huawei Watch D2 delivers impressive performance across all its features, thanks to powerful hardware and optimised software. It runs on Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5.0 operating system, which is smooth and intuitive.
User Review
( votes)Components
CORSAIR Intros MP700 ELITE Series PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSDs
CORSAIR has announced the immediate release of the MP700 ELITE series of PCIe 5.0 SSDs. These new drives bring the next generation of storage technologies to mainstream markets, offering incredible performance and reliability at a more affordable price point.
The MP700 ELITE boasts incredible sequential read speeds of up to 10,000MB/sec and sequential write speeds of up to 8,500MB/sec, powered by the cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 x4 controller. This leap in performance ensures users can experience faster boot times, quicker game loads, and seamless file transfers, taking their overall computing experience to new heights.
Featuring High-Density 3D TLC NAND, the MP700 ELITE series provides the perfect blend of performance and endurance, keeping your system running smoothly for years. With support for Microsoft DirectStorage, these drives can communicate directly with your graphics card, significantly reducing load times for compatible games and enhancing gameplay.
Utilizing the compact M.2 2280 form factor, the MP700 ELITE is available both with a heatsink for desktop motherboards, and also without a heatsink for use with integrated motherboard cooling and in compatible laptops. Moreover, backward compatibility with PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 platforms ensures that a wide range of users can benefit from this advanced technology. A PCIe 5.0 platform, such as Intel’s 800-series or AMD’s 800-series is required for the highest throughput.
With a comprehensive five-year warranty and the CORSAIR SSD Toolbox software for advanced drive management, the MP700 ELITE series stands as a testament to CORSAIR’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The CORSAIR MP700 ELITE series is available in 1TB and 2TB capacities.