Hardware

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EPOS H6PRO

H6PRO comes in a couple of variants, today we’re looking at the ‘Closed Accoustic Gaming Headset’. EPOS have been delivering quite the range of quality headsets over recent times and the H6PRO is a welcome addition.

In a wireless world it sometimes feels a step backwards going for a wired solution. The EPOS build quality is unmistakable, it’s obvious that the headset is built to last. The H6Pro is solid, light and moving parts all feel spot on.

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Building the Arcade Dream, Part 2

Part 2 of the series, where I build my own Arcade Machine.

There is plenty of mystery surrounding the homemade arcade scene, until you get under it’s skin. Wherever you live there will be local knowledge and country related forums. This is as true in Australia as it is elsewhere. On the way to picking up and deciding on which cabinet I was going to tackle first I came across lots of useful resources.

Google and Youtube are absolutely your friend, especially if you’re an okay-ish handyman like myself.

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JBL Quantum Duo, review

I’m fond of my JBL products, that’s no secret. The 600 Headphones are absolutely my go-to for close up sound in game. That said it’s easy to overlook the need for crystal clear sound outside the TV. This is where the JBL Quantum Duo comes in, sleek, classy and full of colour.

This is a desktop set that offers versatility in a simple package and plenty of “cool kids” effects.

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Hardware ReviewsGamingHardwarePC / Mac

Intel i5-10600K CPU review: The heart of a new PC build

Recently, Intel Australia/New Zealand got in touch and offered me the chance to test out its 10th Generation i5-10600K CPU – and I jumped at the chance.

I was keen to have the chance to re-build my PC with a newer generation CPU & see how Intel’s 10th Gen chip compares to the i5 8400 that I had been using for the past four years or so.

A big thanks to Intel Australia/New Zealand for the opportunity.

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Building the Arcade Dream, Part 1

Growing up in the 80’s gave the Arcade Machine a special place in my heart. While I wasnt ever able to fervently feed all my money into them I knew my way around. There was a time when you could stumble across a cabinet literally anywhere, from the local greasy spoon cafe to the common room at college. It was the best of times, etc. Even school swimming lessons would see us running across the road at the last minute after crowding a dark back room in a takeout. Shouting out ‘dibs’ on your mate’s last man in Frogger.

This is part one of a series. I’ve made my decision to go with the path of least resistance, in the next instalment I will share a wealth of useful resources I’ve been finding to make sense of the process. Along with some updates on the build itself.

For now, join me in wistful yearning to be able to play The Speed Rumbler again.

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GamingHardwareHardware Reviews

Nanoleaf Elements

The Nanoleaf Elements is the latest design in the Nanoleaf family. The tech has been around since 2012 when it was launched with a successful Kickstarter, since then the brand has gone from strength to strength. A shot spin around Instagram will show you the lengths that fans will go to to Nanoleaf their homes. On a personal note, I’d always been on the fence. A fan of LED technology and smart solutions, the product was intriguing to me, but never essential.

Now, thanks to Nanoleaf Australia I’ve had the chance to play around with the Nanoleaf Elements kit and safe to say, I’m on board.

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Xbox Wireless Headset

Yes, I got influenced, the Xbox Wireless Headset was not something I really needed, but seeing it flaunted on Socials and flying off the shelves. I decided I’d better shell out for a set before they were gone. So after seeing my local EB Games run out, I hit a quick ‘Click and Collect’ on the JB hiFi website and turned to my flexible friend.

I had an email from them by 6:30pm, and was dashing into late night shopping to pick it up by 7:30pm. No supply issues there.

Fortunately we’ve had a few Headsets run through the team in recent times. Wired, wireless and both first or third party.

At the end of the day, it’s about how they enhance your game time. The Xbox Wireless Headset is no exception, the first reveals promised a quality unit and they didn’t mislead.

Fresh out of the minimalistic packaging and box, which is more PS5 than Series X the new Headset smell is unmistakable.

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Everdure Force BBQ – Review

We tend to be a pack of nerds here at the Cottage. So as a slight departure from the normal Video Games and Tech reviews, I have found myself reviewing, of all things, an Everdure Force Barbecue.

Going into this Covid-free Kiwi summer I needed to upgrade my old BBQ and wanted something better than ‘average’. So I looked into various top of the line brands like Webers, Broil Kings and the Everdures.

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GamingHardwareHardware ReviewsMicrosoftXbox Series S

XBOX SERIES S, Impressions

Oh the excitement! Oh the Hype! We are entering a new generation of Consoles and I have been lucky enough to have an Xbox Series S for the last couple of weeks to play with.

Richard has put the Big Brother Series X through its paces, so check out his impressions in that post.

But for now, here is my Review of the lil Xbox Series S.

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XBOX SERIES X, Impressions

I’ll come straight out with this, Microsoft and Xbox ANZ very kindly supplied us with an XBOX SERIES X in their review window. That means we’ve had it for about a week and a half. What follows are my thoughts after unboxing and those first steps with the next generation of gaming.

Don’t judge an Xbox Series X by its cover.

At least until you’ve read a bit.

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PS5 Hands On Feedback

Today we had the opportunity to get a PS5 hands on, in Auckland. Personally Sydney would have been handy, but you know Covid year, travel restrictions and, well, stuff.

However while the team was otherwise engaged occasional contributor Nick (@nguns on Twitter) stepped in and had a very nice morning indeed.

Thanks to PlaystationNZ for giving us the opportunity. Over to you, Nick.

The PS5 hands On Experience.

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