Jon Jacobi is a musician, former x86/6800 programmer, and long-time computer enthusiast. He writes reviews on TVs, SSDs, dash cams, remote access software, Bluetooth speakers, and sundry other consumer-tech hardware and software.
HMB, or Host Memory Buffer simply means the SSD uses memory from your computing device instead on the drive itself for write caching. This means lower prices with only a small performance hit.
TBW ratings are important to both users and vendors. They give users a handle on the lifespan they can expect from an SSD, and allow vendors to avoid costly replacement if inexpensive drives are used for high-transaction applications.
With some new capabilities and a revamped user interface, ToDo Backup 2022 cements its position as one of our favorite backup programs. There's a free version that covers the basics as well as an affordable annual version with optional online storage.
The Vantrue N4 is the most affordable three-channel dash cam we're aware of. It's 1440p in three-channel mode, and 4K when you drop to two. Captures are workable, if not fantastic, and there's a GPS option.
This friendly, chatty dash cam is affordable for 4K UHD and GPS. It takes takes great video, offers 64GB of internal storage, is easy to use, and sports the friendliest voice notifications in the business. Say no more.
Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection is included with the pricier versions of Windows and works like a charm. You might need to configure your router and LAN on your own if you want access from outside your local network, i.e., when you're on the road.
VNC Connect offers the speed of direct connections, as well as portal-based management for only a few bucks per computer. It's not dead easy to set up, but it offers the broadest native operating system support in the industry.
The T7 Shield is the latest, fastest version of Samsung's top-of-the-line portable SSD. It forgoes the fingerprint scanner of the Touch in favor of a toughened outer skin for better survivability in rough environs.
Google's Chrome Remote Desktop leverages the Chrome browser's functionality for remote access to your computers, as well as single-session support. Because it's browser-based, it supports numerous platforms, and is the only solution we know of for Chrome OS.
The venerable GoToMyPC is one of the easiest remote desktop options for end users. It's reliable and affordable for regular use with a PC or two, but gets pricey if you go beyond that.
The Car and Driver Eye2Pro is as impressive as the company's last dash cam was not. Crisp 4K UHD captures, an OLED touch screen, and a great out-of-box experience will do that. Alas, the lack of GPS or a GPS option keeps it from the top spot. It's also pricey for the lack.
TeamViewer is the easiest free remote connectivity software on the planet. Download it (both parties), run it, and you can help a friend fix their computer's software problems or have them help you with yours.
Sabrent's Rocket 4 Plus lives up to its name, delivering near top-tier performance at a mid-range price. The 2TB version outperformed the pricier Samsung 980 Pro.
One of the most effective backup programs on the market will now ward off ransomware attacks on your backups thanks to anomaly detection and support for immutable data in online repositories.
