Category: iPhone

Mechanical keyboards have swept the mainstream in recent years, saving typists and gamers alike from the scourge of cheap, mushy typing. However, a secret third option might prove to be even better. Most keyboards, from those found on the best Windows laptops to Apple’s Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro or Mac, are membrane keyboards which use a rubber or silicone layer under the keys to register presses. Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, use discrete, customizable switches for each key. In addition to being relatively cheap, the best mechanical keyboards can turn typing into a pleasure rather than a chore. But lately, you may have heard about the new kid on the block: Hall effect keyboards. Although they started out as gaming-centric products, they have also lately become great options for everyday typing.

Regular mechanical keyboard switches have been around since the early days of personal computing. They contain springs that keep two metal contacts separated, completing a circuit when the user presses down. Hall effect switches, by contrast, use magnetic fields. Each switch has two magnets facing each other, and as they get closer during a keypress, they generate a voltage field. This means Hall switches don’t need contact to actuate a keystroke, and they can also sense exactly how far down they’re being pressed. The actuation point can therefore be customized, enabling some very cool applications, especially for video gaming.

Although they’ve seen the most prominence in the gaming segment of the keyboard market, Hall effect keyboards are becoming more common among the average typist. So, are these futuristic input devices ready for prime time, or should the typical consumer still opt for a mechanical keyboard? Here’s what you need to know.

>>>C31N2104 Battery for Asus T3300K Soft Keyboard

Hall effect keyboards are great for gaming and getting better for everyday use

As mentioned, Hall effect keyboards have seen the widest adoption among the gaming crowd, but some of the benefits for gaming also translate into everyday use. The ability to fine tune the actuation point  — how far down you need to press a key before it registers as an input —means you can pull of some seriously advanced moves in competitive games. Last year, we reported why some gamers called Razer’s Snap Tap feature cheating, since it allowed keyboards, especially those with Hall effect and optical switches (which are similar but use light instead of magnets), to trivialize strafing techniques that require hours of practice on mechanical switches. That same feature could make typing easier for speedy typists who often find themselves typing letters too quickly and end up having to backspace constantly.

If you’re getting spacebar bounce and accidentally adding extra spaces when you type, adjusting the actuation point further down can eliminate those errors. If you want to get even more advanced, many Hall effect keyboards allow multiple actuation points on a single key. This allows gamers to bind multiple controls to a single key, but for everyday use, you could arrange a slight press of the backspace key to erase one letter at a time, while a full press erases an entire line.

Another benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked is that, since the magnets in a Hall switch never touch each other, they don’t wear out nearly as quickly as mechanical switches which make physical contact with each keystroke. If you’re someone who types often (for example, a writer, secretary, or receptionist), using Hall switches could save you money in the long run.

>>>A1645 Battery for Apple Magic Trackpad 2 Keyboard Control

Are Hall effect keyboards comfortable for everyday use?

Although some of the unique features enabled by Hall effect keyboards may be great for gaming and useful for the average user, there’s a reason most non-gamer keyboard enthusiasts haven’t bought them. In general, gaming keyboards have different priorities than normal keyboards. While gaming, users press a few specific keys at precise times, whereas everyday users are typing emails and documents using the entire keyboard. Therefore, great gaming performance often comes at the expense of the typing experience, where users take advantage of the entire keyboard. However, as more companies adopt Hall effect technology, there’s been an increased focus on making them feel great for everyday use.

Hall effect keyboards like the Keychron K2 HE which aim to bridge the gap between gaming performance and typing comfort are beginning to proliferate, and they’re drawing praise from keyboard experts outside the gaming world. SlashGear gave the Keychron Q1 HE a perfect 10/10 in its review, finding it to have a delightfully smooth typing feel and excellent typing accuracy thanks to its Hall switches. Offerings like the Nuphy Field75 HE have garnered great reviews, too. Surprisingly, even keyboards from gaming brands like Wooting are drawing praise from typists.

If you’re not a gamer and you’re looking for the best typing experience, the most reliable mechanical keyboard brands still offer far more plentiful choices than you’ll find from brands that offer Hall effect keyboards. However, if you want a keyboard that can deliver the best of both worlds, Hall effect keyboards are worth considering.

Buying a refurbished laptop can be a great way to save money, which is why many of us consider doing so. There are many laptops worth buying used or refurbished, but the battery is often one of the biggest question marks. Anyone who’s used a laptop on the go knows how important battery life is when there’s no power outlet available. If your laptop’s battery is in good condition, it’ll last a decent amount of time between charges, letting you stay productive without being tied to a charger. However, when you buy a refurbished laptop, it’s not always clear what type of battery you’ll end up with.

The unfortunate reality is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to whether refurbished laptops come with new or used batteries. You may end up with a new one, a used one, or something in between. The condition of the battery you get with a refurbished laptop has a lot to do with where you buy it and who refurbished it. For example, while Apple installs new batteries in refurbished iPhones and iPads, the same isn’t always true for MacBooks, where Apple replaces the battery only if it falls below their performance standards. Whether you buy from a manufacturer or a third-party refurbisher, in most cases, they’ll test the battery during refurbishment and only replace it if its charging capacity falls below a certain threshold. That’s why it’s important to read the fine print, so you know exactly what you’re getting before you click “buy.”

>>>A1953 Battery for Apple MacBook Pro 15 A1990 (Mid 2018)

Do refurbished laptops typically come with new batteries?

If you’re like many consumers, one of your biggest concerns when buying a refurbished laptop is the state of its battery. You know that a laptop’s battery degrades with every charge cycle and won’t last forever. Even if you buy a Windows laptop with amazing battery life, at some point the battery is going to start to wear down, and with a refurbished model, it may already have, especially if it’s more than two years old. So, it’s reasonable to wonder if you’re getting a new or used battery when you buy a refurbished laptop, especially since not all sellers handle battery replacements the same way.

If you’re buying a refurbished laptop from the manufacturer or a certified refurbisher, they’ll almost always test the battery during the refurbishment process. Many sellers follow a standard where they’ll replace the battery on a refurbished laptop if it no longer meets their minimum capacity guidelines, often around 80%. If it doesn’t meet that threshold, it’s usually replaced with a new or lightly used one that performs better. However, you should keep in mind that there’s no universal rule that refurbishers follow, and policies vary from one brand to the next. Furthermore, the warranties that come with refurbished laptops often exclude battery performance. So, before you purchase a refurbished laptop, you should check to see if the seller guarantees a certain level of battery health.

>>>A1406 Battery for Apple MacBook Air 11 inch A1370(Mid 2011) A1465(Mid 2013)

What to look for in a refurbished laptop’s battery

If you’re thinking about buying a refurbished laptop, understanding its battery health can save you money and help you avoid unpleasant surprises down the line. If you’re buying the laptop online, you most likely won’t have a chance to check the battery yourself before you purchase it. That’s why it’s important to ask the seller about the battery’s condition and whether it meets a minimum capacity standard. Once your refurbished laptop arrives, you can run diagnostics to confirm its current capacity matches what the seller promised. Depending on the warranty that came with the laptop, if the battery doesn’t meet expectations, you may be able to request a replacement or return the device.

That’s why, before you commit to buying a refurbished laptop, you should ask the seller about its battery replacement policy. Also, confirm whether the battery has been replaced recently or if the laptop is still using the original battery. For example, while refurbished MacBooks don’t always come with new batteries, they’re still an Apple product worth buying refurbished because they undergo thorough testing, come with a one-year limited warranty, and often cost much less than new models. Whatever brand you choose, make sure the seller is transparent about the battery’s condition and has a clear return policy or warranty in case it doesn’t meet your expectations.

Because USB is so common, it’s easy to overlook how incredible it truly is. In a world of hyper-competitive tech companies, the existence of a single data transfer and charging standard that works across computers, smartphones, and a myriad of other gadgets is as miraculous as an international peace treaty. But even so, USB itself is fragmented between multiple connectors and generations of the technology, which quickly muddies the waters. Two devices can both have USB, yet one might have far more capabilities than the other. It can be a nightmare for the average consumer to navigate USB standards, which are frankly a labyrinthean mess. So, which kind of USB port is guaranteed to provide you with the fastest data transfer speeds?

The short answer is that two types of USB ports tie for the fastest: USB4 and Thunderbolt 5, both of which can support bidirectional speeds of up to 80 gigabits per second (Gbps). However, there are major caveats. You need to find the correct version of USB4, and even then, you’ll still need to refer to your device’s manual or specification sheet. Thunderbolt 5, meanwhile, is only available on a small segment of devices, making it far less universal than USB4. And that’s all before you realize that there just aren’t a lot of reasons to use the fastest USB ports in the first place. We’ll break down all these quirks and compromises below, so read on.

>>>Cable Charger for Apple Macbook Pro 13″ 15″ with Multi-Touch Bar

USB4 ports offer the fastest speeds

Currently, USB4 Version 2 is the fastest USB specification, and ports equipped with it offer the fastest data transfer speeds. The top speed of a USB4 Version 2 port is 80 Gbps of bi-directional data transfer. Bi-directional means it can send and receive data at that speed. There is also an asymmetrical transfer mode that can send 120 Gbps of data one way and 40 Gbps the other. USB4 V2 also carries PCIe and DisplayPort tunneling, which is explained further down in this article.

However, what makes USB4 so exciting is not just its top speed, but its lowest. To meet the specification, a USB4 port must deliver at least 20 gigabits per second of data throughput. The one downside here is that, even if a USB-C port has USB4, you can’t assume it will hit the top speed. As long as it clears the 20 Gbps floor (and meets other key specifications), it can be considered USB4. If you really want that blazing-fast 80 gig connection, you’ll need to check whether a particular device is capable of it. For reference, 20 Gbps was the top speed of USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports, previously one of the fastest on the market. You won’t find many devices that can handle USB4’s 80 Gbps top speeds, but you’ll find plenty that can at least reach that 20 Gbps threshold. 

Assuming you have two USB4-compatible devices, a compatible cable is necessary to take advantage of the specification’s top speed. I’ve personally been using this Anker USB-C USB4 data cable, which gives me the peace of mind to know I’ll be transferring data at the highest possible rate between any two devices.

>>>W16-045N5A Charger for Google Pixelbook 45W USB Type-C Charger Power 3.0 USB-C – BRICK ONLY

Thunderbolt 5 offers similar speeds to USB4

While we’re talking about USB speeds, we have to talk about Thunderbolt. It’s not technically part of the USB standard, and is a proprietary technology owned by Intel and developed in collaboration with Apple. Rather than using USB, it uses PCIe and DisplayPort technologies  — the same standards used to connect PC graphics cards and gaming monitors. As noted above, these were also added to USB4 Version 2. However, Thunderbolt 5 is exclusively accessed over USB-C connectors on devices that support it, which makes the distinction slightly confusing. Computers with the latest Thunderbolt 5 capabilities can also achieve 80 Gbps bidirectional transfer speeds, similar to USB4.

Astute readers may ask what makes Thunderbolt 5 different from USB4, and the answer is peace of mind. Whereas USB4 Version 2 has a speed floor of 20 Gbps, Thunderbolt 5 mandates that a port be capable of at least 80 Gbps. You won’t have to hunt for spec sheets just to make sure a Thunderbolt 5 port is blazing fast.

Most consumers, however, don’t need to worry about all this. Although Thunderbolt 5 capable PCs are on the market, Moreover, from flash drives to smartphones, no useful USB gadgets of the kind you could find on Amazon or at Best Buy yet support the top speed of either Thunderbolt 5 or USB4 Version 2. The first USB4 V2 cables only launched last year. Devices that support the floor speed of 20Gbps are more common, but many of those are still using USB 3.X. Those top speeds matter much more if you want to do something like daisy chain high-resolution displays together or connect an external graphics card (eGPU) to your laptop. Thunderbolt 5 is great for these applications because of its PCIe tunnelling capabilities.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is being re-released in three limited colors and, at the same time, is getting a brand-new camera grip that differs from the older Photography Kit in both design and functionality.

Xiaomi has developed a brand new camera handle for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. (Image source: Xiaomi)

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is getting three limited editions in purple, aquamarine and brown. The flagship was previously only available in white, black and silver. Xiaomi retains the two-part design of the back from the silver variant – one strip is made of silver metal, while the area underneath has a colorful leather cover.

This division gives the smartphone a look vaguely reminiscent of rangefinder cameras of yesteryear. Probably not a coincidence, given that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is primarily aimed at photography enthusiasts. Even more exciting is that Xiaomi has also unveiled a new Photography Kit, which is also available in the three aforementioned colors. This “fashion photography kit” features a much more rounded camera grip, making it appear “softer” and less prominent than the older Photography Kit.

>>>BP4U Battery for Xiaomi 15

The range of functions has been reduced somewhat – the new camera grip only has a dedicated shutter button that also recognizes when it is half-pressed in order to, for example, lock the autofocus and autoexposure. There is also a button for starting a video recording. Weighing 42 grams, the new grip is also lighter, but likely lacks an integrated battery. Further details on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra can be found in ourdetailed review.

Price and Availability

Xiaomi has not yet confirmed when or at what price the new versions of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra or the new Photography Kit will be launched.

Even if you’re cautious, there’s always a chance that a virus could sneak onto your PC. Sure, Windows does have built-in security to block malware, but all it takes is one wrong click. Maybe it’s a sketchy link, a shady browser extension, or a random file from a site you probably shouldn’t have trusted. If your PC is acting weird and showing signs of malware, you might be wondering if a factory reset can fix it.

A factory reset wipes everything on your PC, including your apps, photos, videos, and files. It also reinstalls Windows and puts all your settings back to how they were when you first got the computer. In most cases, a factory reset should get rid of any viruses or malware hanging around. It’ll also make your PC run like new and fix any performance issues or software glitches you’ve been dealing with.

Windows offers more than one way to reset your PC, so it’s important to pick the right one. If you go with the option that keeps your files, it may not fully remove the malware. If you’re on Windows 11, you can head to Settings > System > Recovery. For Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery. Then, click the Reset PC button, and you’ll see two options. Pick the “Remove Everything” option to wipe everything clean.

>>>505979-3S1P-1 Battery for Chuwi CoreBook X Pro 14 13.3

Why a factory reset is not 100% effective

While doing a factory reset can help remove malware, it may not always work. Some viruses are sneaky enough to survive even a full reset. This usually happens when the malware has infected something deeper, like the BIOS or your motherboard. Since a factory reset doesn’t affect those areas, certain types of viruses can stick around, even after you’ve wiped everything. These are often known as rootkits, and they’re especially good at hiding. A rootkit can let the attacker take full control of your PC and steal your data without much effort. 

If your PC keeps crashing with a Blue Screen of Death, or you notice strange changes to your browser or system that you didn’t make, it might be a sign of a rootkit. This kind of malware isn’t very common, but if you feel your PC might be infected, try running the Microsoft Defender’s Offline Scan. It works outside of Windows after a restart, which helps it catch and remove anything trying to hide. Here’s how to run it.

Click the search icon on the taskbar, type “Windows Security”, and hit Enter. 
Go to the Virus & threat protection tab. 
Click Scan options. 
Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. 
Finally, click Scan to confirm. 
The scan should only take about 15 minutes. Your PC will restart during it, so make sure you save anything you’re working on first.

>>>505979-3S1P-1 Battery for Chuwi CoreBook X Pro 14 13.3

How malware could come back even after a reset

Doing a factory reset deletes all your personal data, so you’ll probably back everything up to a hard drive or flash drive first. But if one of those files is infected with malware, or if the backup drive itself has something nasty on it, the malware could sneak right back in after the reset. Before you copy anything back over, it’s important to scan the backup drive using a different computer. 

Malware can also hide in other external devices like a USB hub, printer, or Wi-Fi adapter. That usually only happens if some sketchy, unsigned firmware gets installed. It’s rare, but it’s still worth being careful and protecting your system. 

Windows Security does a solid job of protecting your system, but it’s still wise to have an antivirus program just to be safe. Microsoft also suggests keeping your PC up to date with the latest security patches. And, of course, you should follow the best security practices. Try to avoid clicking on suspicious links, don’t open unknown attachments, and only install apps and software from sources you trust. Doing all of this should help keep your PC safe from viruses and other threats.

Whether you’re building or upgrading your PC, the size of its motherboard plays a big role in choosing computer components. It affects everything from how many parts you can install to how much room your case needs to how many ports are available. Mini ITX and Micro ATX are two common choices for those who want a more portable build or something that doesn’t take up as much real estate as a standard ATX case.

Both Mini-ITX and Micro ATX boards are squares, whereas standard ATX is a rectangle. Between the two smaller sizes, the Mini-ITX board is noticeably smaller at 6.7 inches x 6.7 inches, while the Micro ATX measures 9.6 inches x 9.6 inches. That extra space matters when you’re thinking about expansion, airflow, and compatibility. While both boards are designed to work in smaller cases, they do target different needs.

Mini-ITX is a better fit for ultra-compact systems and can be found among some of the best motherboards for gaming. Micro ATX, on the other hand, offers more room without taking up as much space as standard ATX, allowing for more hardware options. So if you’re deciding between the two, start with size and how much flexibility you need. From there, it’s all about what kind of build you’re planning, whether you want something ultra-compact or a system with more room to grow.

>>>Acer N18P5 P215 TMP215-51G Spin3 SP314-53 Replacement Battery

Mini ITX offers a small size, but with big trade-offs

Building a small form factor PC like a Mini-ITX requires a lot of considerations because of its compact design, but there are some great benefits, too. They can be quieter than other builds since the cases they fit into don’t have enough room for an abundance of fans. Moreover, they use less power and often require fewer cables, which can make for a cleaner setup. The Mini-ITX size makes them useful as home theater PCs, portable workstations, and even media servers, proving that a board doesn’t have to be big to be impactful.

There are some trade-offs, though. Mini-ITX motherboards typically have only two memory slots for RAM and offer fewer connectivity ports. There’s also a limited number of PCIe slots, which limits your options when it comes to graphics and other expansion cards. You have to pay close attention to the size of the GPU you want because larger ones might not be supported. Airflow can be a concern, too, due to fewer fan headers and compact cases. These boards are best suited for users who know how to optimize the available space.

Price is a big consideration. Because of their compact and specialized design, Mini-ITX boards can actually cost more than larger ones. For example, the ASUS ROG STRIX B860-I Gaming Mini-ITX currently goes for $219.99. While Mini-ITX can be a great option for compact, quiet builds, it’s not always the most budget-friendly or flexible choice.

>>>Acer Nitro 16 AN16-41 AN16-51 Replacement Battery

Micro ATX is a larger option with more flexibility

Micro ATX boards might be smaller than standard ATX, but they’re larger than Mini-ITX ones, offering more room for components. That extra space means you can install full-size graphics cards, take advantage of better airflow, and add more cooling fans. This makes Micro ATX a strong option for users who want a smaller case but don’t want to compromise on performance.

Micro ATX boards also support more memory and expansion options. Most Micro ATX motherboards come with four RAM slots and multiple PCIe slots, which gives you more flexibility if you need to add more or faster RAM, sound cards, or upgrade your GPU later. They tend to have more connectivity ports than Mini-ITX, as well, which can be useful if you’re using a lot of peripherals or external drives. It’s a balanced option that works well for gaming, general use, or even light productivity.

One of the biggest advantages of Micro ATX is the price. They’re generally cheaper than Mini-ITX boards and offer more features for the money. At the time of this writing, the AORUS Elite AX AMDB 650 Micro-ATX, for example, goes for about $175.99. So unless you specifically need a super small build, a Micro ATX board might be the way to go for those small builds, giving your rig more room to grow over time.

When setting up your workstation — whether at home or in the office — one of the things you’re probably most particular about is your keyboard, and for good reason. It can be a bit of a space hog, so its size will largely dictate how much you can fit into your desk. That’s why before even deciding on what other extra peripherals like speakers, lighting, and desk organizers to get, it’s best to pick out a keyboard first.

There are multiple keyboard sizes out there for every need. If you typically work with numerical data and calculations, the full-size long keyboard with 104 keys is ideal for you. If you need something more compact but doesn’t sacrifice functionality, then you’re better off with the 87% keyboard. But if all you’re after is minimalism and portability, the smallest 60% keyboard sounds more like your style.

Besides these three major keyboard sizes, though, you’ll also frequently encounter two other options: 65% and 75%. These keyboards are very close in percentage, so it’s easy to mistake one for the other. But upon closer inspection, they actually have distinct features. Let’s go over how the 65% keyboard differs from the 75% layout.

>>>Acer Aspire 7 A715-42 A315-56-57 CB315-3H Replacement Battery

65% versus 75% keyboard size

Both the 65% and 75% keyboards are considered compact and space-saving. But there’s one thing that clearly differentiates the two: their set of available keys. On the 65% keyboard, you usually only get 68. It still has all four arrow keys unlike the smaller 60% layout, but the navigation buttons are reduced to about three or four depending on the brand. Some mechanical keyboard brands like Keychron and HyperX include Delete, Home, PgUp, and PgDn. Others like the Royal Kludge and Corsair don’t have the Home button. To make the 65% keyboard even more compact, the function row and number pad have been removed completely too. They’re now integrated into the number row at the very top.

Meanwhile, on the 75% layout, you’ll typically find 84 keys. It’s still considerably smaller than the full-size keyboard since it no longer features a number pad. However, it retains the entire function row, arrow keys, and a couple of the navigation buttons, such as Delete, PgUp, PgDown, Home, and End. Most 75% keyboards also come complete with a volume knob in the upper right corner.

>>>Acer AP21B7Q Replacement Battery

With how they’re designed, the 65% and 75% keyboards serve different purposes too. The smaller keyboard is best for casual typists who want a minimalist desk setup, on-the-go users who don’t like lugging around long and bulky gear, and even gamers who need the desk space to use their mouse comfortably. The 75% layout, on the other hand, is suited for writers and people who mainly work with text and beginner programmers who need access to more shortcut keys.

Photographing with a pro camera has never been this easy

I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember, and I always want to capture them in all their glory. But to do that, I need a fast camera that I can use as an extension of myself.

Enter the Canon EOS R5 Mark II: perhaps the easiest pro-level camera to use money can buy right now. Canon has made professional photography more accessible with its flagship.As I noted in my Canon EOS R5 Mark II review, it took me less than a minute to start shooting. Straight out of the box, the EOS R5 Mark II is a beast.

But it’s the camera’s 45MP Stacked CMOS sensor, 1,054 autofocus points and 30fps burst shooting that make it outstanding. Not only is the camera easy to use but it also takes gorgeous photos that appear true to life with faithful color reproduction.

Having tested the EOS R5 Mark II for two weeks, it came very close to dethroning theSony A1 IIas my favorite wildlife camera — and there’s a very big feature behind that reasoning. Let me show you.

also:LP-E6NH Battery for Canon EOS R R5 R6 Ra

Stacked to the brim

Let’s talk about the Canon EOS R5 Mark II’s 45MP Stacked CMOS sensor: what does that mean? The first-gen EOS R5 did not have a stacked sensor, so the EOS R5 Mark II’s stacked nature enables speedier readouts to minimize rolling shutter distortions by improving light collection efficiency.

And boy is it good. The EOS R5 Mark II takes incredible sharp photos, and it retains lots and lots of detail, enabling you to create extreme crops for large format printing or putting the focus on a specific part. Combine that with the EOS R5 Mark II’s 30fps burst capabilities and you’ve got yourself a winner.

Utilizing two imaging processors (DIGIC Accelerator and DIGIC X), the camera captures up to 191 raw images (and 15 frames in pre-capture) at shutter speeds of 1/32,000s — that’sveryfast. This means that you can rely on its autofocus system and follow a subject while keeping the shutter button pressed, and you’ll get plenty of impressive shots, as you can see in the gallery above.

also:LP-E8 Battery for Canon EOS 550D 600D 700D Kiss X4, Rebel T3i,T2i

Upscale me to the moon

But the reason you’re reading this article is because of my headline where I talk about one feature that has changed how I take photos. And it’s one I haven’t seen on any other camera (yet). It’s called 180MP in-camera upscaling.

Here’s the technical bit: it enhances resolution by 4x by extrapolating the image’s EXIF data, creating stills up to 180MP from the original 45MP image. The 45MP image already gives you lots of resolution for extreme cropping but having a whoppingone hundred and eighty megapixelsat your disposal changes the game.To demonstrate this, I took a photo of a swan and then upscaled it (which ate into my CFExpress card’s memory), which you can see in the gallery above.

While the original files have retained a lot of detail, the upscaled version shows more in the tiny water droplets on the swan’s head.

The first photo is the original 45MP file, the second is a crop of the 45MP file, the third is an upscaled crop, and the fourth is an extreme upscaled crop. While the original files have retained a lot of detail, the upscaled version shows more in the tiny water droplets on the swan’s head.

This is an invaluable features for all types of photography: landscape, portraits, weddings, what-have-you. For wildlife too — if you’re shooting in burst, you can select a range of images to upscale at once. This also means that if you take a photo you don’t think is sharp or high-res enough, in-camera upscaling will save you some grief.

The EOS R5 Mark II is unique, and it has made me wish every camera had this feature — but that would make Canon’s offering ‘just another camera’ and I wouldn’t want that either.

Be my eyes

Here are a couple more photos for you to feast your eyes on. Remember the 1,054 focus points I mentioned earlier? The EOS R5 Mark II uses that many to accurately track birds, animals, humans and vehicles. I was highly impressed by how quickly the camera locked onto both subjects in the gallery above.

I especially love the first shot of the pigeon. While I’m proud of the artistic composition, it wouldn’t have been possible without the EOS R5 Mark II tracking the pigeon in flight. I’m almost tempted to print it out and put it up on my wall.

And that second photo of the squirrel? Funny story: I couldn’t actuallyseethe squirrel with my eyes (yes, even with my prescription glasses on). I could hear it squeaking so I pointed the camera in the direction of the sound and voila: within milliseconds, the EOS R5 Mark II had found the little rodent. It worked better than my own eyes did — nowthatblows my mind.

The EOS R5 Mark II is a ridiculously good camera. Its 180MP in-camera upscaling feature could come in clutch for a lot of pro shooters. It’s one of the best full frame cams worth the premium, and it thoroughly impressed me regardless of what or who I photographed.

A big perk of having a laptop is being able to take it anywhere, whether that’s your favorite cafe, a quiet spot in the park, or wherever you feel most comfortable. But if you want to keep working for hours without interruptions, you’ll need to keep it charged. That can be tricky when there aren’t any power outlets around. Luckily, there’s a simple fix: use a compatible power bank. The only problem? Not all power banks are capable of charging a laptop.

Unlike smartphones, earphones, and other small devices, laptops need much more power to charge. Most laptops require between 16 to 20 volts, while many power banks designed for phones only provide 5 volts. That’s why the first thing to do is check your laptop’s voltage requirement, which is usually listed on the adapter. Then, choose a power bank that meets that requirement.

Laptops consume varying amounts of power depending on the model and how they’re being used. On average, most laptops draw between 30 and 70 watts per hour. Gaming laptops, though, typically require more. So, to charge a laptop, you need a power bank that can deliver an output of at least 50W. If you want to charge it quickly, you should look for a power bank with even higher output.

>>>Asus ZenBookPro15 UX535LH Replacement Battery

Get the right power bank

Most modern-day laptops can charge via USB-C, and if yours does too, you can likely use a high-output power bank to keep it charged. But if you have an older model or one that uses a different charging connector, you’ll need a power bank that’s compatible with your laptop. You could also get a power bank with an AC outlet, which lets you use your laptop’s original charger. 

Another key thing to consider is your power bank’s capacity. It should be at least double your laptop’s battery size. So, if your laptop has a 5,000 mAh battery, for instance, you’ll need a 10,000 mAh power bank to charge it more than once. And if you plan to charge your other devices, like your phone, it’s best to go with a higher-capacity power bank. 

>>>Asus ZenBookPro15 UX535LH Replacement Battery

Once you have a power bank that works with your laptop, using it is simple. Just plug it into your laptop and press its power button to start charging. To get the most out of it, it’s best to charge the power bank fully before you head out.

While using your laptop on battery or a power bank, adjusting a few settings can help it last longer. Lower the brightness, turn off the features you don’t need, and fine-tune the power settings. These tweaks can extend battery life and keep you working longer without needing to plug in.