Stephen Patrick Reviews Archive 
News from Stephen Patrick
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HP iPAQ 214 Enterprise PDA review
REVIEW
Will this phone-free PDA meet your needs?
16 April 2008 12:00 GMT
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In this age where being able to communicate with others is often top of the list of priorities, it seems a little strange that HP should continue to roll out unconnected PDAs. However the HP iPAQ 214 Enterprise is the latest update of the line aimed at...
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Norton AntiVirus 2008 - PC review
REVIEW
Latest version worth the upgrade?
15 April 2008 9:00 GMT
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When it comes to naming conventions, Norton hasn’t made life easy for itself. It has a range of products that all offer online protection, all with vaguely similar names, so choosing the right one for you can feel a little hit-and-miss. To make matters...
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Crumpler Beefy Pocket review
REVIEW
Want to carry your notebook in style?
14 April 2008 18:00 GMT
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When you buy a notebook, it is likely it will come with a cheap and not very attractive carry case. So, the first thing on your list to buy should be a new bag, preferably something stylish and quirky like the Crumpler Beefy Pocket.
Crumpler... -
HP Pavilion dv6750ea notebook review
REVIEW
Will this budget multimedia machine satisfy?
14 April 2008 13:00 GMT
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HP has spent the last 2 years re-inventing its notebook offerings, especially improving the look and feel of its consumer offerings. This has paid off, with the company now selling more notebooks worldwide than any other manufacturer.
The... -
Magix Movie Edit Pro 14 Plus - PC review
REVIEW
Will this make video-editing easy?
9 April 2008 15:00 GMT
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At one time, editing your own video footage was seen as a high-end task that took serious dedication. However, with even Windows Vista now shipping with Movie Maker, video has gone mainstream and as long as you have a reasonably powerful PC or notebook,...
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Philips GoGear SA6025 MP3 player review
REVIEW
How well does Philips do music and video?
9 April 2008 12:00 GMT
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We've always been impressed with Philips audio players and while they don't shout about them as much as Apple does with its iPod, they're just as stylish and as easy to use. The build quality is as impressive as the look, being solid in the hand.
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Verbatim SmartDisk Portable Hard Drive review
REVIEW
Can the floppy masters do hard drives?
8 April 2008 12:30 GMT
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Verbatim is better known for it's media discs but it's no surprise that it offers an increasingly diverse range of external storage devices. Taking a standard notebook 2.5-inch drive and placing it in an external box is nothing new but Verbatim has managed...
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Toshiba Satellite Pro U300 notebook review
REVIEW
Understated ultraportable powerhouse?
7 April 2008 8:45 GMT
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Toshiba tends to split its business in two quite distinctive trends, you have the full multimedia statements, such as its Qosmio line, and then there is the rather subdued and safe business machine. While the Toshiba Satellite Pro U300 falls into the...
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SanDisk Tag review
REVIEW
Funky USB storage
4 April 2008 12:00 GMT
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When it comes to choosing a new USB memory stick, there are two factors you need to consider: capacity and extras. This latest key from SanDisk offers both with a great deal of success.
With 4GB of storage for £18 (inc. VAT) you get a lot... -
Lite-On cenOmax photo frame review
REVIEW
Entry-level photo frame
3 April 2008 18:00 GMT
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One of the fastest growing gadget areas at the moment is the digital photo frame. Prices have dropped considerably of late and the most popular size – the 7-inch panel – is now the most affordable.
The Lite-On cenOmax has a 7-inch screen... -
Kensington SlimBlade Media Notebook Set review
REVIEW
The keyboard solution for notebook users?
1 April 2008 12:15 GMT
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Kensington has designed its latest range of media sets with notebook owners in mind. The set consists of three elements: full-sized keyboard, a mouse and a numeric keypad. Connecting wirelessly, the idea is that you can leave the unit on your desk but...
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Apple Aperture 2.0 review
REVIEW
Does the second instalment impress?
1 April 2008 9:12 GMT
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Apple has always prided itself on being the platform for designers and those who need quick and easy-to-use art packages and Aperture has been the photo management of choice for professional photographers.
While there have been updates for... -
Fujitsu Siemens Lifebook S6410 notebook review
REVIEW
Is this ultraportable 3G notebook a worthy contender?
31 March 2008 9:00 GMT
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When it comes to notebooks, large machines tend to be the most popular as they offer more in the way of power but if you need to carry your machine around with you, opting for an ultraportable makes sense. The Fujitsu Siemens Lifebook S6410 walks a fine...
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Driver Genius Professional 2007 - PC review
REVIEW
Useful or redundant?
27 March 2008 0:01 GMT
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In this age of plug-and-play computing where you simply need to attach a device for Windows or Mac OS to identify it, such a program as Driver Genius seems a little redundant.
However, when you consider that just like the main operating... -
Dell Vostro 1700 laptop review
REVIEW
One for business?
24 March 2008 22:34 GMT
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Dell's Vostro line is aimed at business users but takes the same standard look as the consumer Inspiron line. However, there are differences, with the build quality being ramped up and, if you’re willing to pay for it, extra services.
The... -
Dicota BacPac Xtreme Rucksack review
REVIEW
Will this keep your laptop safe on the way to work?
21 March 2008 9:00 GMT
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With most notebook carry cases made for the urban commute, the Xtreme aims to offer the regular traveller a little more, both in space, as well as rugged design.
As the name suggests, the Xtreme is built for rugged use as well as extremes... -
LaCie Hard Disk 500GB, Design by Neil Poulton review
REVIEW
Can hard drives really be fashion statements?
20 March 2008 11:00 GMT
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If you’re the type of person who is impressed by designer labels, you’ll love this external hard drive as it oozes style. The black glossy finish is more in keeping with the digital home than the average living room or computer desk.
However,... -
BluBox - PC review
REVIEW
Will this help compress your files for sending?
20 March 2008 9:00 GMT
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Digital photography has gone mainstream and with it has come a steady increase in image size and the resulting larger file sizes. This means the nation's hard drives are straining under the weight of large image collections. This can also cause problems...
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Hauppauge XFones PC-2400 headphones review
REVIEW
Will this surround you in sound?
19 March 2008 11:00 GMT
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When it comes to getting the best sound from your computer, it pays to invest in a pair of good quality headphones. These latest cans from Hauppauge promise to deliver Dolby 5.1 surround sound with no wires in sight.
To do this the headset... -
Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 webcam review
REVIEW
Will this let you see granny around the other side of the world?
19 March 2008 9:00 GMT
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When it comes to holding a video conference or simply chatting with friends over MSN, a webcam can really enhance the experience.
The Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 slips in to any available USB port on your PC. It has a clip that has been designed... -
Wacom Bamboo Fun Medium Graphics Tablet review
REVIEW
Is the pen mightier than the mouse?
18 March 2008 9:00 GMT
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If you find using a mouse a little awkward and less than natural, a good alternative is to use a graphics tablet as the pen allows you to work far more naturally than a mouse ever can.
This latest version from Wacom is an entry-level device... -
Ansmann Portable Power Pack Notebook review
REVIEW
Will this give you more juice for your buck?
14 March 2008 11:00 GMT
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There are times when the average notebook user wishes they had a backup battery. The answer lies in the Ansmann Portable Power Pack as it allows you to charge you system when on the move.
The battery pack is slim and can be slipped in to... -
Avanquest Fix-it Utilities 8 Pro - PC review
REVIEW
Will this get your PC running faster?
13 March 2008 11:00 GMT
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If you have owned your PC for some time you’ll know how much junk is installed on it, from internet downloads to uninstalled programs, they all leave a trail of debris on your system. Getting rid of such links will often speed up your overall performance,...
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PC Tools Registry Mechanic 7 - PC review
REVIEW
Will this speed up your PC?
12 March 2008 11:00 GMT
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When you bought your PC or notebook that was the point it ran the smoothest and fastest. This is because the Windows OS, regardless of version, is at its cleanest. Whenever you install a program, add a user or generally change settings, you’re also changing...
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CyberLink DVD Suite 6 Ultra - PC review
REVIEW
Will this help you become the next Spielberg?
10 March 2008 23:40 GMT
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If you’ve bought a new computer at any point in the last 2 years, it’s likely that CyberLink as a name will be familiar to you. After all, it’s PowerDVD movie theatre is the number one choice for most manufacturers to bundle with their PCs.
Acer CloudMobile Ice Cream Sandwich smartphone set for MWC launch 4.3-inch award winner
Best iPhone utilities apps Resistance is futilities?
HTC PlayStation certification devices coming 2012, time to get your Crash Bandicoot skills up to scratch EXCLUSIVE: Game on
Samsung not worried by Apple iTV threat EXCLUSIVE: AV boss not concerned
Samsung Galaxy S III: Review of rumours, features, pictures and specs Thinner, faster, better
New HTC Ice Cream Sandwich device pictures leak Another one for the rumour pile...
Samsung O table is for the kitchen of the future Flexible hob
Nokia 700 Sleek and desirable Nokia
LG Miracle picture and details leak Update: More pictures from the wild
HTC dates Ice Cream Sandwich update, Sensation models get it first End of March
Google home entertainment device detailed WSJ solves device mystery
More leaked iPad 3 parts help form bigger picture - including Sharp Retina display iPad 3, in kit form
Tesla Model X SUV goes back to the future DeLorean lookalike announced
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) pictures and hands-on Up close with the ICS tablet
APP OF THE DAY: Tweetbot review (iPad) Should a Twitter app cost?
Panasonic Lumix GX1 review
The one?
Sony PlayStation Vita review
Curriculum Vita
Nokia Lumia 710 review
WP7 on a budget
GoPro HD Hero2 review
Amazing things come in small packages
HTC Explorer review
A phone for people who make calls
BlackBerry Torch 9810 review
Middle of the road
Sony Alpha A65 review
Affordable SLT. But is it a DSLR-beater?
BlackBerry Bold 9790 review
To boldly go where we've already been before
Fiat 500 TwinAir Plus review
Two-cylinder beast
Motorola MotoACTV review
Just add exercise
Motorola Xoom 2 Media Edition review
Mini Xoom
BlackBerry Porsche Design P'9981 review
For the fast lane
Sennheiser IE80 review
Tune that bass
Kingston Wi-Drive review
Expand your storage
Huawei Ideos X3 review
Cheap but imperfect