STACK #242 December 2024

TECH FEATURE

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Ledger Flex

Hardware wallets are the surest way to protect your digital assets.The Ledger Stax and the Ledger Flex have got you covered. Words Paul Jones

devices share the same secure element chip (CC EAL6+ certified), providing top-tier industry leading protection. The private keys are stored on this chip and never revealed, even during transactions. The Ledger Security Key app supports two factor authentication as an additional safety measure. And the hardware wallets are protected by a 4-8 digit code decided by the user at set-up. What currencies do they support, and what can they do? What currencies it doesn’t support would be a more apt question. The Ledger Stax and Flex support thousands of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardona, Polygon, Ripple, and Solano. The hardware wallets also handle NFTs, ERC-20 tokens, and other assets from major blockchains, rounding out compatibility with a diverse range of digital assets. Using the Ledger Live app allows users to track their portfolios. Here, you can see all your crypto and NFTs in one place, check and track current prices, and perform transactions. So which one is for me then? If your priority is securing and keeping your cryptocurrencies and NFTs protected, then both are excellent devices offering exceptional functionality and cutting-edge protection. The Stax and the Flex have extensive asset support, dovetailing into the Ledger Live app with ease and suit the beginner and seasoned crypto user, too. But if you value

Who is Ledger? With ten years of experience, Ledger has become a trusted brand in the field of crypto hardware wallets. Known for its user-friendly devices and compatibility with thousands of assets, the company produces hardware wallets for beginners and pro investors. So, what’s the deal with the Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex? Well, straight out of the blocks, both are super user-friendly. The

T he world of cryptocurrency continues to evolve, and with it comes the need for better tools to secure digital assets. Hardware wallets have become a cornerstone of cryptocurrency security, and Ledger, a pioneer in the field, has introduced its latest models in the Ledger Stax and the Ledger Flex. Combining advanced security features, a sleek design, and user-friendly functionality, the Ledger Stax and Flex aim to cater to both beginners and seasoned crypto users alike. What exactly is a hardware wallet? Cryptocurrencies are stored as digital data on the blockchain; accessing them requires private keys (think of it as a crypto password). If these keys are stored online, they are vulnerable to theft, risking permanent loss of your valuable assets. By keeping keys offline, hardware wallets like the Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex offer the highest level of security against malware, phishing, and cyber-attacks. How do they connect, then? Most hardware wallets, including the Stax and Flex, connect in two ways. Firstly, via a USB-C port for a secure link to a smartphone, laptop, or computer. Secondly, Bluetooth functionality offers a wireless connection to mobile devices, allowing users to make secure transactions on the fly.

Ledger Stax

Ledger Flex

Stax is Ledger’s flagship model and, as such, boasts a slew of premium features. A sleek, curved, 3.7-inch grayscale E Ink touchscreen elegantly wraps around the edge of the device. This is customisable, so you can add your favourite NFT to the home screen. The Stax also supports Qi charging for convenient charging options, and although larger than the Flex, it’s actually over 12 grams lighter. Overall, the design has a more premium feel. The Flex has a 2.84-inch grayscale E Ink touchscreen, making navigation straightforward and intuitive. The clear display screen can also be customised for a personal touch. The Flex has no wireless charging – this is done via a USB-C cable. The Stax and the Flex support Bluetooth 5.2 and USB-C connectivity and integrate NFC technology for quick and secure contactless transactions. On the all-important security front, it’s like trying to break into Fort Knox – with a spoon. Ledger is renowned for its focus on security, and the Stax and Flex are no exceptions. The

stylish aesthetics, more display real

estate, and advanced features like the curved screen and wireless charging, the Ledger Stax is the one for you.

Ledger Stax

Ledger Flex

30 DECEMBER 2024

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