Microsoft Surface Pro 2 review Expert’s Rating Our Verdict The Surface Pro 2 crams a serious amount of power into a compact frame. However, now that Microsoft has launched the bigger, better Surface Pro 3, the Pro 2 makes sense only if you’re on a tight budget. Even then, its value is questionable – many people would be better off with a separate laptop and tablet, and might even save money going down that road....
Sony MDR-HW700DS 9.1 wireless headphones review Expert’s Rating Pros Cons Our Verdict Although expensive, we rate the Sony MDR-HW700DS wireless surround headphones as a compelling alternative to a physical multichannel speaker setup, and they’re a great practical solution when it’s just not possible to crank things up. Surround sound headphones are hardly a new concept, but Sony’s MDR-HW700DS cans are the first to promise a virtual 9.1 listening experience. Designed for use with any HDMI source component, these high-conceptheadphoneswould seem ideal if want an uncompromised private movie session, some late night gaming or just hanker after anti-social volume....
Watch_Dogs review Expert’s Rating Our Verdict If you can’t wait for the inevitable PS4/Xbone GTA V release, Watch_Dogs will scratch the itch. It’s a real shame that its hacking abilities, while fun, aren’t much more than gimmicks, and that it feels so short on character, however. This is no herald for a new age, but it’s a decent enough holding pattern for open world action. The next generation is here – but turns out that, so far, it’s not too different to the last generation....
Crucial M550 SSD review Expert’s Rating Our Verdict Crucial’s new M550 has significantly pushed up performance. Most importantly, this new model signposts the trend in falling SSD prices, bringing potentially huge capacities within affordable reach. This year’s new model of Crucial’s 2.5in SATA solid-state drive is a relatively minor revision to 2013’s M500 (tinyurl.com/m2ncsmj). The M550 is listed as using 20nm MLC NAND flash again, sourced in-house of course, and there’s still a Marvell controller in charge, this time a Marvell 88SS9189, which must be a revised ‘9187 used in the M500....
Intel 730 Series SSD review Expert’s Rating Our Verdict Overall, the 730 Series is the most expensive drive on test per gigabyte, but if you want speed at the SATA limit and a formal guarantee of endurance, the Intel SSD will deliver both. Intel’s 730 Series is a high-performance consumer SSD, aimed at professionals. In contrast to some recent Intel SSDs that use SandForce controllers (with Intel’s custom firmware), Intel has repurposed one if its own designs, the Intel PC29AS21CA0 controller – first developed for enterprise-class flash drives such as the Intel DC S3700....
