STACK #195 Jan 2021

YOUR TO FILM, TV, MUSIC, GAMING & LIFE TECH ESSENTIAL GUIDE

.com.au

ISSUE 195 Jan ’21

STACK Issue 195 JANUARY 2021 “Oh I just love the first day of school, don’t you?”

PLEASE NOTE: Each State and Territory in Australia has a different set of rules and regulations pertaining to the usage of e-scooters and e-boards (including where e-scooters and e-boards can legally be used and whether e-scooters and e-boards need to be registered with the relevant road traffic authority). Any user of this product must ensure that they check and abide by their local by-laws and use responsibly. Ride with caution and always wear a helmet and protective gear when riding your e-scooter and e-board.

.com.au

MUSIC

ISSUE 195

Jan ’21

ISSUE 195 Jan ’21

GAMING

of 2020

INSIDE: THE ULTIMATE BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

hot

YOURMONTHLYMUSIC GUIDE TOWHAT’S IN-STORE AT hot

YOURMONTHLY GAMING GUIDE TOWHAT’S IN-STORE AT

WIN 1 OF 2 ULTIMATE LENOVO SMART HOME KITS!

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE COMPETITION

All it takes is a glance

Lenovo Yoga S7 Carbon

Lightweight durability & style

Stunning Sight & Sound

All Day Battery Life Up to 15 hours 1080P video playback¹ ¹ Based on 3D Mark FireStrike scores against Intel® UHD 620 graphics.

Starting from just 966g, the Carbon fibre Chassis is incredibly durable to ensure it withstands everyday shock, sand, dust, and humidity.

3mm Narrow Bezel, Quad-HD 100% sRGB colour gamat, Dolby Vision display with Atmos Optimisation.

Yoga 7i

A first for Yoga, a must for you

Boundary-breaking performance and responsiveness

Entertainment to go

Do great things

Yoga 9i

Purposeful design and performance

< Leather cover

Smarter convenience

Thoughtful design

Do great things

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

ISSUE 195 JAN 2021

LIFE TECH 4 Intro 6-8 Chromebooks 8-9 Laptops 10 Gaming Laptops 12 Monitors 14-15 Tablets

WELCOME We made it! Welcome to 2021 – a new year and a new beginning. While we sweat in the middle of an antipodean summer, for many it’s time to welcome the new school year. As is now tradition in STACK , we’ve pulled together the ultimate Back to School Guide to make your tech buying decisions a whole lot easier. Also this month, Sir Patrick Stewart returns to his iconic role as one of Star Trek’s most loved and respected captains, Jean-Luc Picard, in the thrilling first season of Star Trek: Picard ; and in games, the perennial Agent 47 is back to ply his deadly trade in Hitman III . And finally, from Gaga to Gorillaz, The HU to The Killers, Swifty to Springsteen and Keith to Kevin, the 2020 edition of Choice Cuts is the most impressive collection of top albums we’ve assembled to date! Paul Jones, Editor-in-Chief

16-22 Essential IT 24 Smartphones 26 Smartwatches 28 Eco Bags 30-32 Essential Accessories 34-36 Projectors 38 What’s New MUSIC 44 Interview with Jarryd James 46-48 Writers Select: Cream of the 2020 Crop 50-53 Choice Cuts of 2020 54 The STACK Record Club 56-57 AlbumTales: Duran Duran (1981) 58 This Month at JB GAMING 62 Roving Reporter/Game Changers 64 Fast Forward 66 Hitman III

68-70 Best of 2020 72 Accessorise Now! 74 STACK Recommends 76 Out this month FILM & TV FLIP MAG AND READ FROM BACK 4 Roving Reporter 6-7 Wonder Woman 1984 8 Penguin Bloom 9 The Dry 10 Ammonite 12 Bob J’s Movie Trivia 14-15 Star Trek: Picard 16 The High Note 17 Dirt Music 18 The Rising Hawk 19 Come Away 20-22 STACK ’s Best of 2020

Founder Nic Short Editor-in-Chief Paul Jones Film & TV Editor Scott Hocking Music Editor Zoë Radas Games & Online Editor Amy Flower Creative Director Gary Siewert Movies Consultant Kerrie Taylor Games Consultant Sachi Fernando Music Consultant Mike Glynn

Marketing Manager Fleur Parker Chief Contributors Bob Jones, Gill Pringle Contributors Bryget Chrisfield, Glenn Cochrane, Jeff Jenkins, Simon Lukic, Billy Pinnell, Denise Hylands, Simon Winkler, Nathan Lawrence, Jake Cleland, Tim Lambert, Holly Pereira, Adam Colby,

Anthony Horan, Nicholas Kennedy, Dan Nicholson, Alex Deutrom, Bec Summer Social Media Manager Imogene Lewis-Granland Production Manager Craig Patterson Correspondence STACK 33 Jessie Street, Richmond, VIC 3121

RATINGS GUIDE

Parental guidance recommended

Recommended formature audiences

Notsuitableforpeople under15.Under15smust beaccommpaniedbya parentoradultguardian

Restricted to18andover

General

Disclaimer STACK is published by Scribal Custom Pty Ltd (ACN 092 362 135). © Copyright Scribal Custom Pty Ltd, 2021 All rights reserved. All material appearing in this publication is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest with the provider of the supplied material or advertisement. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Scribal Custom Pty Ltd. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of advertisements or information. Whilst care has been taken in the research and preparation of this publication, the publishers, writers or anyone else associated cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, injury or hardship arising from the content contained herein or reliance therefrom, howsoever caused, and it remains your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any such content. Views expressed are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher or the editor. By the very nature of this publication, things change daily and we cannot take responsibility for any changes or inaccuracies that occur subsequent to going to press.

New and existing STACK members have the opportunity to win one of 30 $50 JB Hi-Fi digital gift cards every month!* 50 $ MEMBER REWARDS If you’re already receiving STACK 's newsletters, you’re in with a chance to win – if not, join now for free: www.stack.com.au/member/ Thanks to JB Hi-Fi

1 of 30

GIFT CARDS EVERY MONTH *

*Terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions at www.stack.com.au/competitions/members-rewards-50/

TECH LIFE

visit stack.com.au

1 Check with your school and determine the student technology policy, as all schools will differ. Often, each school will have a prerequisite for the type of technology that is required, so before you splash the cash on a $1500 laptop, ensure that it’s compatible with the school. 2 Work to a budget and more importantly, make sure you stick to it. Look to where you can save money – what is essential for 2021; is there anything that can wait until next year? And aim to buy devices that are future- proofed. 3 Ensure that you have suitable parental control systems in place. Well known internet browsers have filters and security options in place for you to utilise. 4 It’s essential to have an that protects against viruses, malware and identity theft. 5 Many schools will have a safety policy surrounding charging devices (and it can be expensive, too), so opt for a device with a battery that will last the day. 6 You can never have enough STACK’s top tips for back to school excellent security solution installed on your devices storage in your devices. 7 You’ve seen the way your kids behave with their possessions around the house – now multiply that by ten while they’re at school. Investing in a good protective case or bag for their device is absolutely essential. 8 Utilise a good cloud-based organisational tool so you – and your kids – can stay abreast of all upcoming important dates, meetings and deadlines.

I t’s the time that most kids dread and most parents look to with a little relief in mind – back to school. Today’s digital kids have a little more to consider when returning to the classroom than their parents did – with technology such a key focus it’s important to know exactly what is required for the school year, especially when there’s such a financial commitment at stake. With this in mind, we’ve dug deep and compiled an extensive back to school guide highlighting what’s available, stripping out the often confusing tech jargon and presenting the basics in layman's terms. So whether your student is still early into their schooling journey or prepping for the final push, you’ll find something for everyone within these pages.

Screening the screen time Children can spend an inordinate amount of time sat in front of a screen, whether for entertainment or education purposes. However, how much screen time is too much screen time? According to the Department of Health, children aged between 5-17 years should “limit sedentary recreational screen time to no more than two hours per day”. Sound impossible? The DoH suggests some recommendations such as not having the TV on in the background during meal times, designate screen-free days, set out a family limit for time on screens, avoid having screens in bedrooms, and try not to let your kids see you spend lots of time sat in front of the TV; lead by example. School of the Air Long before the rise of the internet, students in remote and outback areas of Australia attended classes conducted by radio. The first ‘School of the Air’ lessons were sent from the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Alice Springs in June, 1951. Classes typically ran for one hour a day with each student receiving either group of individual lessons from the teacher via conventional radio.

Screen Addicts A poll conducted by The Royal

Children’s Hospital Melbourne found that 94 per cent of Australian teenagers and 67 per cent of primary school-aged children possess their own screen device. On average, six to 13-year-olds spend an average of 31.5 hours of screen time per week, while 13 to 18-year-olds spend 43.6 hours per week in front of a screen

JANUARY 2021

jbhifi.com.au

4

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE COMPETITION

JOIN STACK and enter at stack.com.au/competitions/ smarthome FOR YOUR CHANCE TO

Valued at $ 1,500 RRP each

PRIZES INCLUDE: 1 x Smart Clock Essential, 1 x Smart Clock, 1 x Smart Display 7, 1 x Smart 360 Camera, 1 x Smart Indoor K1 Camera, 4 x Smart Plugs, 6 x Smart Bulbs Colour, 2 x Smart Filament ST64 Bulbs, 2 x Smart Filament G95 Bulbs, 2 x Smart LED Lightstrips 2M, 2 x Smart LED Lightstrips 5M, 2 x Smart IR Controllers, 3 x Smart Door Window Sensors, 2 x Smart Motion Sensors Lenovo Smart Home Essentials are your one-stop-shop to a smarter home. They are plug and play smart products, controlled by a single Lenovo Link Pro App, or by your voice when connected to a smart display or smart speakers. Set up automation to create unique behaviour – when camera detects movement, light turns on – the best way to have them interact together. Remotely control and monitor all of your Lenovo Smart Home Essentials from your phone with the easy-to-set-up Lenovo Link App. The Lenovo Link smartphone app lets you control and monitor your smart home while on-the-go. Fully master the smart home of your dreams WIN 1 OF 2 ULTIMATE LENOVO SMART HOME KITS!

Already a member? Enter now and view full competition details at stack.com.au/competitions/smarthome Terms and conditions apply at stack.com.au/terms-and-conditions

LIFE TECH FEATURE

visit stack.com.au

CHROMEBOOKS OPEN

Let’s face facts. Laptops are pricey bits of kit, some of which can be cumbersome to lug around and expensive to replace or upgrade. This is why Chromebooks should be the first stop for a compact and affordable study companion.

Lenovo Duet Chromebook ZA6F0017AU

A nyone familiar with a computer will be right at home with a Chromebook, and for kiddies learning their computing ropes for the first time, this is a great place to start. Now, Chromebooks open; let’s learn the essentials of Chromebook-ing. Chrome notes Chromebooks cover the range of laptop-like gizmos that run Chrome OS, which is based on the super-popular Chrome web browser, making it easy to pick up and use. Instead of installing and multitasking software as you would on a PC or Mac, a Chromebook lets you pop the lid and get going with the basics. If you need to perform a specific task, hit up Google Chrome’s Web Store to nab an app to help you get the job done. You can use some 200 apps offline, which is handy for when a web connection isn’t so handy, but Chromebooks are built to shine online. Chromebooks vs laptops Chromebooks are built for basic functionality, which keeps them laser focused on study or work, whereas laptops are more versatile thanks to dedicated software. Laptops tend to have more storage to accommodate those apps, with faster innards and prettier displays, but Chromebooks offer great value for money and power on incredibly fast.

It’s easy to see why schools are endorsing Chromebooks, more so because they’re built with education tools in mind. Chromebooks allow students to learn from anywhere, while educators can manage devices from a central administration console (if they so choose), while updates every six weeks help keep the devices secure and up to date for greater peace of mind. CHROMEBOOKS TO GO One of the best things about Chromebooks is they don’t need to break the bank. You can get started for under $500 with choices like the Lenovo Duet Chromebook ZA6F0017AU. This particular Chromebook comes with 128GB of speedy SSD storage for apps and files, 4GB of RAM to keep up with basic computing needs, Google-certified security Pretty much every Chromebook from the last couple of years comes with a Google-designed Titan C security chip. This hardware-driven security is built to secure devices, protect personal data, and maintain system integrity. Google provides rapid updates for discovered compromises, which is built to protect user passwords and other personal data, while simultaneously protecting against operating system and firmware tampering. This makes Chromebooks incredibly secure devices, without having to rely on user interaction.

No-nonsense computing What makes Chromebooks more appealing for basic computing is speed and automation. They’re made to be intuitive to use out of the box, and they’re built to be and stay secure care of automated background updates. Unlike tablets, Chromebooks come with keyboards, though some work as 2-in-1s, meaning you can disconnect the keyboard to switch to the lighter, easier-viewing of tablet mode. Chromebooks include inbuilt Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for straightforward, wire-free connectivity, and touchscreens are the norm, even on budget-friendly models, to offer greater freedom of interaction and control. They’re great for students because they easily slip into a school bag without adding a lot of weight, they tend to have at least all-school-day battery life, and they’re ready to use in about the time it takes to crack open a notebook and prep a pen. OS compatibility While Chromebooks aren’t natively compatible with Windows or Mac computers, there’s overlap in the kind of apps and software you can use on all three. Google Drive, for instance, can be used to store documents on the Chromebook that are then accessible on a Windows PC or Mac computer via browser or software. There are workarounds to get Windows 10 apps running on Chromebooks, plus support for Linux software. But, ultimately, cloud storage tends to be the easiest link between Chromebooks and other operating systems.

JANUARY 2021

jbhifi.com.au

6

FEATURE LIFE TECH

and battery life of up to 10 hours. As a 2-in-1 device, the Full HD (1920x1080) touch display can easily detach to use as a 10.1-inch tablet, too. Step the budget up a bit and you can take advantage of the extra speed in the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 82B80006UX. This Chromebook has a speedier Intel Core i3 processor, 64GB of internal storage, and 4GB of RAM. The 13.3-inch Full HD touch-screen display is attached to a backlit keyboard, for easier low-light computing. There’s also 10 hours of battery life, as well as multiple USB ports and a microSD card reader The memory remains Having adequate system memory (or RAM) – not to be confused with internal storage – is important because it helps handle everyday computing tasks, and it also allows you to speedily switch between multiple tasks. For Chromebooks, 4GB of RAM is the right amount for basic computing. Chromebooks with bigger RAM numbers should feel snappier, particularly when it comes to multitasking. for connectivity versatility alongside Wi-Fi 6 for future-proofed wireless speeds. If you fancy more battery life, the 14+ hours that comes with the HP 12b-CA0011TU X360 may be more your speed, more so with fast charging that offers 50 per cent battery in just 45 minutes. This Chromebook has a compact HD (1366x912) display, which you can rotate all the way around for an impromptu tablet. Pair it with a stylus pen for digital handwriting or art. It

HP 12b-CA0011TU X360

Sorting storage While traditional hard drive disks (HDDs) are the domain of computers, there are two core kinds of storage when it comes to Chromebooks: embedded Multi-Media Controller (eMMC) and solid-state drive (SSD). Both SSDs and eMMC drives are variants of flash memory, but eMMC drives are found in cheaper devices and tend to be slower than the SSDs you’ll find in pricier Chromebooks.

Chromebooks vs tablets While the differences between versatile laptops and focused Chromebooks are more evident, the comparison between Chromebooks and tablets are a lot closer. They tend to operate on their own mobile-friendly operating systems. But while Chromebooks come with fixed or detachable keyboards, tablets need a separate purchase to offer that practical functionality. also boasts an Intel processor, 64GB of internal storage and the 8GB of RAM makes for speedy multitasking. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly model or a speedier pick, Chromebooks are compact and increasingly versatile devices that can help make a student’s life easier when it comes to hitting the digital books.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 82B80006UX

7

LIFE TECH FEATURE

visit stack.com.au

TOP LAPTOPS

If your kid needs more grunt than a Chromebook, tap into the versatility of a PC built to travel.

L aptops have long been a constant for mobile computing. But they’ve had to evolve in recent years because of stiff competition from portable (usually cheaper) Chromebooks and sometimes similarly priced tablets. Generally speaking, you can expect laptops to boast plenty of storage, speedy CPUs to run more demanding software, and enough RAM to let you effortlessly multitask. Screening differences Compared to Chromebooks and tablets, laptops are also where screen sizes start to get bigger. You can stretch as far as 17-inch screens, but hanging around the 13-inch to 15-inch mark is a great midpoint between portability, price and plenty of screen real estate to see what’s going on. It also helps that there’s a trend towards minimalist screen bezels, which means consideration alongside screen size, too: the higher the resolution, the easier it is on your pupil’s pupils. Just be sure to get your kid to tweak default icon sizes and zoom levels in display settings if things are looking a wee bit too small on high-res screens. Another key consideration is screen brightness, which makes everything easier to see, as well as detail clearer in darker areas, but bear in mind that the brighter you make the screen, the more it drains the battery. bigger screens in smaller chassis. Screen resolution is an important

Dell Inspiron 15 5000

How to buy Laptops range in price from a few hundred dollars through

8GB of RAM allows for straightforward software switching. While the Full HD resolution and RAM count are the same, the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 is a mid-range upgrade for a few hundred dollars more. It has a slightly bigger 14-inch anti-glare backlit LED screen and noticeably beefier innards: double

to thousands of dollars on the higher-end of town. For students, though, laptops are the high school to the primary school otherwise known as Chromebooks. Weight and screen size tend to be linked, so stick to smaller if portability is paramount. Similarly, battery life matters here, with six hours enough to get through a school day on a full charge. Also factor in that pricier models tend to have more powerful hardware that offer speedier results and more versatile multitasking potential.

Wireless evolved The latest Wi-Fi standard is here and it’s a speedy operator built to accommodate connections from more devices. Wi-Fi 6, or Wi-Fi 802.11ax as its parents call it when it’s in trouble, is the new norm that’s slowly taking over. To get the most out of it, Wi-Fi 6 devices need to be paired with a Wi-Fi 6 router. Wi-Fi 6 devices tend to be backwards Wi-Fi standards, though, so Wi-Fi 6 devices can still connect seamlessly today, but you can take advantage of the perks when you’re ready to upgrade to a Wi-Fi 6 router. compatible with older

LAIRY LAPTOPS Despite boasting the latest Intel CPUs, this trio of laptop choices are still reasonably priced. For starters, the HP Pavilion 13-BB023TU has an Intel Core i3 CPU that offers a good mix of speed and battery life, built atop a Full HD (1920x1080) 13.3-inch BrightView screen, which is aurally matched with Bang & Olufsen dual speakers. The 256GB SSD is a healthy amount of internal storage for a faithful study companion, while the

LenovoYoga S7 Carbon 13-00G

the storage space with a 512GB SSD and a speedier Intel Core i7 CPU. To make things even easier on your student’s eyes, consider the Lenovo Yoga S7 Carbon 13-00G. The 13.3- inch screen boasts a Quad HD (2560x1600) resolution that makes

HP Pavilion 13-BB023TU

Types of lappies While screen size tends to determine the type of laptop, ranging from ultraportable 11-inch options to 17.3-inch powerhouses, there are a few types to be aware of. The first is the aforementioned ultraportable, which is linked to the ultrabook that combines mobility with battery life and security features. Netbooks don’t really exist anymore and have since evolved into Chromebooks. MacBooks are Apple-forged laptops that use the macOS operating system. And convertibles, or 2-in-1s, have removable or foldable keyboards and touchscreens to convert into impromptu tablet modes.

long study sessions easier to manage. There’s a good balance of power, too, with an Intel Core i5 for a mix of speed and battery life, alongside a dependable 256GB of internal storage.

JANUARY 2021

jbhifi.com.au

8

FEATURE LIFE TECH

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 1

BUDGET- FRIENDLY LAPPIES

Nit picking Nit is a unit of measurement for brightness that tends to be used in relation to projectors and tellies. But nits are important for laptop screen brightness, too. Expect to find a common range of between 200 and 300 nits for laptops, with 300 being great. Anything over 300 nits is particularly bright.

Thankfully, laptops don’t have to cross the $1,000 threshold, as these affordable options prove. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 1 is a Windows-based laptop in a Chromebook- sized body. There’s 64GB of internal storage to handle the basics alongside 4GB of RAM. And it’s built with ultimate portability in mind, with an 11.6-inch tablet-

sized HD (1366x768) display, alongside the connectivity perks you’d hope for: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,

USB, and even an HDMI port for an external screen. Alternatively, have a gander at the similarly sized and specced Acer Spin 1 SP111-33-C3YD. Intel advances Intel Tiger Lake is the 11th-generation of CPU, and it’s built to be speedier than ever before. It’s a noticeable performance leap compared to 10th- generation Intel CPUs, which translates to more responsive computing and faster-loading, well, everything. The performance improvements are great to the point that Intel integrated graphics are just as useful for being productive as they are for a sneaky gaming break. Like the Lenovo IdeaPad, the Acer Spin 1 has 64GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM as well as a bright and colourful 11.6-inch HD display. As a 2-in-1, you can rotate the screen around for a keyboard-less view of the touchscreen, too. Climb above the $500 budget and Lenovo returns with the tidy Ideapad S145. This 14-inch

Lenovo Ideapad S145

HD laptop is built for a mix of performance and longevity, with 128GB of SSD storage and 4GB of RAM. It’s also built with portability in mind, and the Intel Core i3 dual-core CPU is great for entry-level computing. The HP- 15EQ1048AU is also worth a look, especially for those

Crafty laptop Nestled between the Slim 1 and Spin 1 is a laptop option that’s sure to impress any budding Minecraft-obsessed student: the Minecraft 14-inch 402 HD. This Minecraft- branded looks the part with a green design, Minecraft stickers, and a copy

after a bigger screen. This HP laptop has a 15.6- inch HD BrightView display, with 25GB of SSD storage and 8GB of RAM. At around 1.6kg, it’s still portable despite the larger screen size, and you can take it from dead to 50 percent battery in just 45 minutes.

of the game. And it has respectable innards, too. There’s a 14-inch HD (1366x736) screen, an Intel quad-core CPU, 64GB of storage, and 4GB of RAM. The crafty cherry on top is a 12-month subscription to Microsoft 365, which offers a great suite of productivity tools.

Acer Spin 1 SP111-33-C3YD

HP-15EQ1048AU

9

LIFE TECH FEATURE

visit stack.com.au

GAME ON They may be mainly meant for playing games, but gaming laptops are effectively powerful desktop replacements that are as good at productivity as they are at procrastination.

HP OmenValkyrie 15-EN0012AX

You can step the speediness up a notch for around $500 more with the HP Omen Valkyrie 15-EN0012AX. Like the HP Pavilion, the HP Omen is built around a 15.6-inch Full HD display, except this one is WLED-backlit and has less of a bezel. The innards are beefier, too, starting with a faster octa-core AMD Ryzen 7 4800H CPU that can go from a great 2.9GHz base speed to 4.3GHz with more demanding tasks. There’s also 512GB SSD storage, 16GB of RAM, and a faster GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card for an even speedier gaming laptop that’s also future-proofed thanks to inbuilt Wi-Fi 6. Handily, fast charge can have you from zero battery to 50 per cent in just 45 minutes, too.

I t may seem counterintuitive to buy a gaming laptop as a digital study companion, but the reality is the extra power required to play games also makes for a machine that can keep up with complex computing tasks. For instance, if your kid is dabbling in resource-hogging photo editing or incredibly demanding video rendering, gaming laptops have the grunt to keep up with activities that tend to bring the average laptop to its knees.

Game on The first thing to realise about gaming laptops is that, while they’re designed to look more like traditional laptops these days, they still tend to be heavier than regular laptops and that extra performance is more draining on battery life. That said, they also usually

practical size that’s connected to a chassis that allows for decent grunt. That grunt starts with a quad-core

boast screens that are easier on the eye and are comparatively faster than non- gaming laptops for all tasks, which means less time waiting and more time studying (or gaming).

ALOGIC UniversalTwin HD Pro Docking Station

AMD Ryzen 7 3750H CPU that can boost from a respectable base 2.3GHz to a zippy 4GHz. Combine that with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage and a GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, and this gaming laptop is built to keep up with

Dell GN3D408AU G3

demanding multitasking and intense gaming study breaks.

This versatility extends to viable desktop computer replacement, especially when paired with a dock like the ALOGIC Universal Twin HD Pro Docking Station. With this combination, the dock can stay at home on a desk with peripherals like multiple screens, keyboard, mouse and speakers connected, and the gaming laptop can be detached and attached as required. GAMING LAPTOPS For an entry-level gaming laptop, the HP Pavilion EC0102AX has a lot to offer. The 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare display is a good mix of

While the 15.6-inch Full HD trend continues for the Dell GN3D408AU G3, the 120Hz refresh rate makes everyday computing and gaming a whole lot smoother and, therefore, easier on the eye over longer sessions. That speedy refresh rate is matched by equally zippy hardware, which starts with a six-core Intel Core i7 CPU that can boost up to 5.0GHz. The 512GB of internal storage comes from an incredibly speedy M.2 SSD, while 8GB of RAM is there for seamless multitasking. While gaming laptops have a pricier barrier of entry, that extra power allows for versatility that can cut down on the number of computers in the home and tends to ensure the specs are up to snuff for a longer period of time between upgrades.

HP Pavilion EC0102AX

10 JANUARY 2021

jbhifi.com.au

Study, work and play with Chromebook.

Lenovo Duet Chromebook A 2-in-1 detachable with touch-optimised UI and a 10.1” screen. Fully functional keyboard included.

HP Chromebook 14a Thin and light (just 1.47kg). 14” display and a keyboard designed for comfort. 10hr battery life and fast charge.

Starts up in seconds 1 All-day battery life 2

Auto software updates Security built in

Access Google Play Apps Simple set up

Collaborate easily and stay productive with productivity and entertainment apps

1 Boot up speed varies depending on device. 2 Battery life may vary based on device and upon usage and other conditions.

LIFE TECH FEATURE

visit stack.com.au

SCREEN TIME

Asus VZ279HEG1R

Dedicated monitors are a great productivity tool that also tend to have screen sizes and technology that make them easier to look at for longer durations.

I t’s easy to see why more and more people are moving to external monitors: it makes things easier to see and multitasking is even easier to juggle, especially across multiple screens. For study, multiple screens means you can have research on one screen and a draft on the other, or any combination of scenarios that let students be more productive through multitasking.

has a Reader Mode that reduces blue lights to help make longer viewing sessions less straining. For a 27-inch alternative, have a look at the Asus VZ279HEG1R. This bigger screen also has the same IPS display and 75Hz refresh rate, but also includes 1ms response time for low-latency responsiveness. The small screen bezel and compact circular base combine to maximise screen real estate while minimising the required desk space. For under $500, you can invest in a Full HD

Screening differences Monitors use HDMI input as

LG 27ML600M

standard, which means great versatility with a range of computing devices, but they also tend to have DisplayPort connectivity these days. For a laptop, you may need to invest in a dock to connect to an external screen if an HDMI-out port isn’t available. But desktop computers tend to have multiple DisplayPort and/or HDMI ports for connecting two, three, or even more monitors. While 60Hz tends to be the default refresh rate, higher refresh rates tend to look better because they make things look smoother, particularly for videos and games. With ports sorted, the main limiting factor for monitors is the desk space required for two or more screens, but certain models have bracket support for mounting options that don’t take up desk space. Super low response time isn’t essential, as it’s mainly a gaming-centric feature, but a 5ms response time is a great starting point, and anything lower is even better for boosting the versatility of the monitor.

it even easier on the eye, it’s flicker-free and uses low blue light technology (controllable

by a hotkey) for reduced eye strain. The 75Hz refresh rate also helps make things look smoother. If 23.8 inches is too small for your screen-size needs, step up to the 27 inches on offer from the LG 27ML600M for under $300. Those extra inches make on-screen Full HD items easier to see. This LG screen also boasts the same 75Hz refresh rate, while IPS makes colours pop. It’s built with gaming in mind, which is great for study breaks, but this LG monitor also

LG 27GL63T

Asus VA24EHE

MAIN MONITORS You needn’t spend a whole lot to add an extra monitor into the mix. At entry-level, you can score a 23.8-inch Asus VA24EHE Full HD monitor for around $250. This screen is LED backlit for great brightness and boasts the improved colour accuracy and better viewing angles that come from IPS displays. To make

screen that pairs plenty of screen real estate with great easy-on-the-eye features. The LG 27GL63T is a 27-inch IPS screen that boasts a 1ms response time and 144Hz G-Sync refresh rate. With this monitor connected to a computer with a compatible Nvidia graphics card, students can take advantage of a silky-smooth 144Hz refresh rate, which is as pleasant for everyday use as it is for high-speed games. The V-shaped desk stand is designed to easily raise, pivot and tilt to get the right angle, too.

12 JANUARY 2021

jbhifi.com.au

ASUS ProArt PA90 Mini PC ProArt PA90 Mini PC professional workstation for creative professionals featuring 9th Gen Intel ® Core processors, NVIDIA ® Quadro ® graphics or Geforce RTX2060, Thunderbolt™ 3, DDR4 RAM, 512GB M.2 SSD and 1TB 2.5-inch HDD

ASUS ProArt PA27AC HDR Professional Monitor 27-inch, WQHD, HDR-10, 100% of sRGB, colour accuracy ∆E < 2, Thunderbolt™ 3, Hardware Calibration

$10,000 INVALUE!

and enter at stack.com.au/ competitions/ asus-proart JOIN

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN

Already a member? Enter now and view full competition details at stack.com.au/competitions/asus-proart Terms and conditions apply at stack.com.au/terms-and-conditions

LIFE TECH FEATURE

visit stack.com.au

LET'S TALK TABLETS

They may have started as entertainment devices, but tablets are now a great choice of lightweight study companion with plenty of battery life.

Lenovo M10Tab Plus

T ablets used to be a newfangled tech available at one price point: expensive. These days, there’s a budget range that means you can save bucks at a more attractive entry-level price point, spend a bit more for speedier innards, or go all out on a viable laptop/Chromebook replacement. We put a magnifying glass on the essentials of what makes a great tablet pick for students. screen, which is why you want to pick one that has at least 10 inches of screen real estate for a great mix of portability and practicality (read: visibility without squinting or an overreliance on zooming). Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are the first two must-haves of a tablet that let a student get online and connect external devices like headphones or keyboards to boost productivity. Speaking of keyboards, it’s absolutely Tabulating tablets At the heart of every tablet is the

BUDGET TABS The Lenovo Tab M10 is proof that you don’t need to spend a lot to get a bunch. A smidge more than a couple of hundred bucks gets you a 10.1-inch HD IPS display (1200x800), which comes with

For around $100 more, you can upgrade to the Lenovo M10 Tab Plus. That name may sound mostly the same, but the “Plus” part adds a larger and higher-res 10.3-inch, Full HD (1980x1080) display. It also doubles down on some of the other key features: octa-core CPU for faster processing, 64GB of internal storage for more space, 4GB

LenovoTab M10

worth pairing a study tablet with a compatible cover that includes a keyboard on the front flap. These keyboards tend to have soft keys to protect the screen, can be folded behind the tablet to use it in tablet mode, but also allow the tablet to sit on an angle so they look like miniature ready-to-use laptops. Tablets are designed around touchscreen interactivity, which means they’re great for reading research, watching videos, and students can use a virtual pop-up keyboard to type in a pinch or if they don’t want to use a keyboard case. Ultimately, a touchscreen provides versatility, with touch interaction that recognises simple one-touch commands or multi-touch input for easy zooming and other extended functionality.

32GB of storage. There’s versatility, too, care of a Micro SDXC card reader for transferring files between devices, or you can do that wirelessly via dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi. A Dolby Audio speaker offers great sound for YouTube ‘research’ or study tunes, while there are respectable innards with 2GB of RAM and a quad-core CPU. The 4850mAh battery also offers decent longevity, too.

of RAM for faster multitasking, and dual Dolby Atmos speakers. The full metal body adds to the overall durability without being cumbersome, and there’s a 5000mAh battery for improved longevity. Around the same price point, you’ll also find the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7. This budget-friendly tablet has a great WUXGA+ (2000x1200) resolution as part of a spacious 10.4-inch screen. That great-looking display is paired with quad-speaker Dolby Atmos

Tablets vs 2-in-1 laptops Outside of the Windows operating system on laptops vs the Android or iOS operating systems on tablets, tablets are similar to 2-in-1 laptops that fold into a tablet mode. These kinds of laptops tend to be more powerful, but they’re also bulkier, and have lower- resolution screens unless you’re going for top-end models. Battery life also tends to be better in tablets, but cloud-sharing software means you can start working with a file on a tablet, then access it from a PC if you need to use a machine with more grunt.

surround sound, and with up to 13 hours of battery life, this tablet is a viable all-day school companion. The innards are built to keep up, too: 4GB of RAM, an octa-core CPU, and 64GB of storage that’s easily expandable by up to 128GB via the microSD port.

Samsung GalaxyTab A7

14 JANUARY 2021

jbhifi.com.au

FEATURE LIFE TECH

MID-RANGE TABS

Stepping closer to mid-range tablet pricing, you’ll find the eighth-gen Apple iPad 32GBWi-Fi. The first thing to pay attention to is the 10.2-inch Retina display screen with its impressive 2160x1620 resolution. It’s more than just good looks, with an A12 Bionic

Samsung GalaxyTab S7 11-inchWiFi 128GB

chip inside that’s built to handle a mix of essential and demanding apps, with up to 10 hours of battery life. This iPad is built to combo with the first-gen Apple Pencil for the digital handwriters and visual artists, and the Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad, for an upgrade to the all-important practicality side of things. Speaking of digital pens, up the budget a little bit more and you can tap into the lightweight but durable Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Wi-Fi 64GB, which includes an S Pen for digital handwriting and

TOP TABS If you want a fully functioning and future- proofed tablet (with Wi-Fi 6), check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 11-inch Wi-Fi 128GB model. With 15 hours of battery life, a super- responsive and improved S Pen, and a gorgeous 11-inch WQXGA (2560x1600) screen, the Galaxy Tab S7 is a high-end study tool. That screen

Apple iPad 32GBWi-Fi

Apple Pencil

has a 120Hz refresh rate, too, so it’s even easier on the eyes, plus there’s a high-end Snapdragon 865 Plus CPU and 6GB of RAM for extra speediness. There’s also 128GB of inbuilt storage (expandable by up to 1TB via microSD), and this is a Samsung DeX-compatible device, which lets you combo the tablet with a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Book Cover Keyboard for a PC-like interface and performance. Speaking of a PC interface, you can lower the budget and opt for the Microsoft Surface Go 2 128GBWi-Fi. This Chromebook is built to keep up with school needs, with up to 10 hours of battery life. The Full HD 10.5-inch touchscreen is great to look at, and it's lightweight at 544 grams and only a bit more when you pair it with the LED-backlit Microsoft Go Type Cover. The 128GB SSD and 8GB RAM means plenty of storage and multitasking potential, plus it operates on a streamlined Windows 10 in S mode for extra security and additional performance.

Samsung GalaxyTab S7 Book Cover Keyboard

drawing. The 10.4-inch Full HD (1200x2000) display offers plenty of screen real estate, and Dark Mode saves battery while making night-time study easier on the eyes. Speaking of battery life, there’s around 11 hours of charge here, which is plenty, plus the combination of octa-core CPU and 4GB of RAM can keep up with a pupil’s multitasking needs.

Samsung GalaxyTab S6 LiteWi-Fi 64GB

Microsoft GoType Cover

Microsoft Surface Go 2 128GBWi-Fi

Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad

15

LIFE TECH FEATURE

visit stack.com.au

IT ESSENTIALS Like any job, you need the right tools on hand to get the work done effectively. The same logic can be applied to preparing to send your loved ones back to school. The transition into a new year, new challenges and opportunities calls for the right gear to be available. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to set your budding students on the right path. We’ve pulled together a selection of IT essentials to start the school year off right.

Print Perfect H ow do you shop for a new printer? Do you walk up to the in-store display filled with printers, noting how they all look kind of the same? And after staring at them blankly for a few minutes or so, pondering the price difference between the various models, should you opt for the cheapest one? Well, you’re not alone. Buying printers can be a confusing exercise, especially when faced with so many options. What is an inkjet printer? Is a laser printer a better option? What’s the cheapest printer to run? Do I really need a scanner? Where do I even start? Allow us to demystify the technical mumbo jumbo and make your buying decision a whole lot easier.

Connectivity There are several ways for you to connect to your printer: Wireless A printer connected wirelessly hooks into your home network via your Wi-Fi router and makes it accessible to any computer on that network. The advantage here is that anyone with access to that network can use it, and it can be placed anywhere around the house. USB A USB cable is the quickest and easiest way to connect a desktop or laptop directly to the printer without interrupting the signal. It’s also one of the most secure ways to connect a printer to a computer. Ethernet Some printers can connect via an Ethernet cable directly into the back of a router; this is a good way to share and link one printer with many computers in the house.

Inkjet Printer One of the most popular choices for the home is an inkjet printer, a system that uses ink-filled cartridges. Cheaper to buy, an inkjet printer delivers high quality prints but is best suited for occasional use as opposed to bulk printing, due to the high cost of replacement cartridges. And it’s important to use them regularly to avoid clogging the ink jets. Laser Printer Typically reserved for high volume printing, laser printers use a powder-based ink that sets on the paper. While they’re generally more expensive to buy outright, the lower cost of ink makes them a viable proposition for bulk usage, and they tend to print faster too. Ink Tanks Some budget inkjet printers use a single cartridge that contains all the ink colours. The problem with that What are my options?

system is that when one colour runs out, the entire cartridge has to be replaced, making it a potentially expensive option. The principle behind an ink tank is simple; the cartridges are refillable through bottles of ink. It saves on waste and keeps the cost of printing low. Multifunction Printer The Swiss army knife of the printing world, a multifunction printer combines the ability to print with a scanner and sometimes a copier, too. Duplex Printing Duplex printers will print on both sides of a page, thus reducing the amount of paper required for a printing task. Monochrome If your printing is uniquely black and white, a monochrome printer will fit the bill nicely.

TIP: When you look at the product description on a printer you’ll see the letters PPM. This stands for pages per minute, so obviously the

Coming from a reputable brand, the entry level inkjet Canon TS3160 combines print, copy and scan functionality. It’s a sleekly designed unit and small enough to perch on a desk without taking up too much surface area. A quiet operator, it produces good quality prints perfect for school projects.

higher the number the faster the print time.

16 JANUARY 2021

jbhifi.com.au

FEATURE LIFE TECH

TIP: If you’re searching for a printer that has a higher print image quality, look for the number under the letters DPI. That’s dots per square inch, and the more dots per square inch, the better the quality of the print.

W hen it’s time to totally concentrate, or if you need a soundtrack to help the creativity flow, investing in a good set of headphones is a necessity. There are models designed specifically with IT use in mind, but if you have a gamer in the house, combining a gaming headset that is compatible with study use is certainly worth considering. Headphones

The Epson Expression Home XP-4100 is another multi-functional printer that scans, copies, and can also print double-sided. It has a colour screen for easy operation and once paired with devices, it’s possible to print directly from a smartphone or tablet and even direct from cloud storage.

For large volume black and white printing jobs on a regular basis, the fast HP 1202NW Neverstop is the laser printer for the job. Perfect for a household with several students, it has 5,000 pages worth of toner that is easily refillable at a low price, making it a very cost- effective printer. Operated via an app, jobs can be sent to the printer from anywhere and it can also scan and copy.

From a name you can trust in headphones, the excellent Audio-Technica G1 WL wireless headset features everything you need for gaming, whilst providing a good alternative for content creation and listening to your favourite bands. You’ll get 15 hours of battery life from one charge.

Noise in the home is inevitable and an unwelcome distraction during study time. If this is a regular annoyance, the answer could lie in a set of noise-cancelling headphones such as the superb Bose 700 . Boasting a premium build, there are 11 levels of noise cancellation that range from passive noise to near-isolation. And you’ll get 20 hours from a single charge.

A good example of large scale printing using ink tank technology is the Canon G6065 Pixma Endurance , which can print 7,700 colour pages and 18,000 black and white. A compact printer, it also has scan and copy features and can print a multitude of different job sizes. It’s wireless, has an LCD display for easy operation, and can hold 350 sheets of paper.

17

LIFE TECH FEATURE

visit stack.com.au

IT ESSENTIALS continued

A reliable and comfortable wireless mouse for under $20? Hard to believe isn’t it, but that’s exactly what the Logitech M185 brings to the table. For that you get a simple plug-in-and-play mouse with a one-year battery life and a three-year warranty.

MIGHTY MICE I n the past, for many of us, pulling out that old ball wired mouse from the drawer was always good enough. However, mouse design has undergone some major technological overhauls during the last ten years and these, particularly the advancements in ergonomics, offer some great benefits to the user. Most mice use optical or laser technology, which are essentially variations of the same tech. But you can only use an optical mouse on flat surfaces, whereas a laser mouse can be operated on just about any surface. Here are some considerations when buying a new mouse:

Highly portable, the stylish MX Anywhere 3 lives up to its name and performs just as well at the desk or away from it. Comfortable and resilient, the mouse’s electromagnetic MagSpeed scroll wheel makes it faster to use, quieter and more precise. The wireless Logitech G703 Hero mouse is an excellent crossover model for study and gaming. Highly responsive and lightweight, the G703 is compatible with the Logitech Powerplay charging system – as you move the mouse on the mat it charges as its used, making batteries a thing of the past.

Comfort If you spend an inordinate amount of time in front of the computer, then you’ll need a mouse that’s comfortable and won’t put unnecessary pressure on your wrist and fingers. Some users prefer a mouse that fits the entire palm of the hand, while others drive the mouse using just their fingers. Road testing different mice is a great way to choose the perfect design for your hand.

Wired or wireless? Again, this is a personal decision, but wireless mice are certainly the more popular choice with users and they have come a long way in terms of reliability. Wireless mice use two types of technology: radio frequency and Bluetooth. It’s worth bearing in mind that unlike Bluetooth connectivity, RF mice require the use of a USB port as a receiver.

Gaming Mice Do you have any PC gamers in the house? A sure way of saving money in a potential mouse investment is to buy a gaming mouse that can double for homework. Available in both wired and wireless, a good gaming mouse is built to last.

Did you know? In 1964, Douglas Engelbart developed a device he originally referred to as an “X-Y position indicator for a display system”. The name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, does it? Well, the wooden box had three buttons on it and two wheels underneath – one vertical and one horizontal – and was the prototype of what would become the indispensable mouse we now rely on whenever we use a computer. However, it wasn’t until 1981 that the first mouse would be sold with a computer system. Three years later, Apple would popularise the tech when it became a standard inclusion with its Macintosh computers. And why is it called a mouse? When Engelbart looked at the box with the wire coming out of the back, that’s the first thing he thought of.

Keyboard Key Points M uch like the mouse, the keyboard has long been a computer peripheral filed under ‘that’ll do’. Yes, you can buy a relatively inexpensive keyboard but with the amount of pounding it’s likely to take, especially if used by multiple people, you’ll want something that will last more than six months. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing a new keyboard: The wired Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard takes comfort seriously and is designed to prevent injury and stress on your wrists during use. These ergonomic features are adjustable, offering complete versatility. A comfortable keyboard to type on, it also has a bucketload of shortcuts to utilise.

Size matters Study areas in the house can range from a purpose-built home office to a cupboard under the stairs. As such, a full-sized keyboard might not be the right fit for a study nook. Assess the space you have and pick a keyboard to suit. Wired or wireless? If your home study zone is a permanent set-up, a wired keyboard would be a good option. A wireless keyboard offers total flexibility, so you can work at the kitchen table or out in the garden. It’s worth remembering that, like mice, wireless keyboards use RF technology (you’ll need a spare USB port for the receiver) and Bluetooth connection, so if you’re trying to pair a device that doesn’t support a USB port, you’ll need to look at a Bluetooth option. Gaming Keyboards If the student in your home is a PC gamer, consider investing in a gaming keyboard, which essentially kills two birds with one stone. Typically more robust, gaming keyboards are feature-packed with backlighting and mechanical keys and can be bought as wired or wireless models.

Compatible with both Mac and PC operating systems, the ultra-thin Logitech K580 keyboard allows users to control multiple devices through a Bluetooth connection. It features a ledge for perching your devices in whilst typing, and a handy auto-sleep system means users will get 24 months of use before needing to change the batteries.

A great crossover keyboard for gaming and study is the wired Omen Encoder .

Mechanical keys make for accurate keystrokes, and the keys – which are individually backlit with LEDs – have a lifespan of 50 million keystrokes. Two adjustable legs can be deployed for ultimate comfort during use. The Encoder works as well playing Fortnite as completing a school project.

18 JANUARY 2021

jbhifi.com.au