Coding, not transcoding: 5 gadgets for a programmer

Realme Book is the first foray into the laptop market of the popular smartphone brand. It is an all-metal ultrabook with an aspect ratio of 3:2 (IPS-screen resolution is 2160x1440 pixels) and weighs 1.4 kg. The 54 Wh battery lasts up to 11 hours of battery life, and it takes only 30 minutes to recharge up to 50 percent.

Under the hood is a quad-core, eight-thread Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor with integrated Iris Xe graphics for 80 micro-core clusters. Complemented with dual-channel 8GB LPDDR4x-4266MHz RAM, it not only powers eSports games, but also the latest AV1 video codec. The laptop cooling system is a quiet two-fan.

Unlike soldered RAM, the 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD is upgradeable. The keyboard has white backlighting, and Harman's stereo speakers are complemented by a DTS software add-on. The fingerprint scanner is built into the power button of the laptop. The touchpad is large and, of course, with support for a large number of gestures.

Wireless connections are represented by Wi-Fi 6, aka AX, and Bluetooth 5.2. At the ends of the Realme Book there is a 3.5 mm audio jack, one large USB Type-A port and two small Type-C (aka Thunderbolt), used for both charging and connecting external monitors. Licensed Windows 10, with the ability to upgrade to Win 11 for free, is included.

REAL-EL CQ-1000 is one of the most functional multi-port docking stations with USB Type-C connection and, in combination, a laptop stand. With a length of 27 cm and a thickness of 1.5 cm, as well as rubber feet, you can place it under the back of the laptop, thereby lifting it up. This provides a more comfortable angle for typing text and improves bottom air intake.

The docking station is equipped with as many as 11 connectors for connecting various peripheral devices. We are talking about three classic USB Type-A 3.1 Gen 1 with speeds up to 5 Gb / s and two newfangled USB Type-C, one of which supports Power Delivery fast charging up to 100 watts. There is also a card reader with support for SD and microSD memory cards.

Supports connecting two monitors at the same time: one via HDMI (1920x1080 at 60Hz or 3840x2160 at 30Hz), the second via VGA (Full HD 60Hz only). The analog video interface is widely used in low-cost monitors and projectors, which are installed in many offices and educational institutions. The sound is proposed to be output to stereo speakers or headphones via a 3.5 mm MiniJack.

Gigabit Ethernet, which is not available in most modern laptops, can also come in handy. Yet wired Internet is still faster, more stable and more secure than wireless Wi-Fi. The REAL-EL CQ-1000 docking station is compatible not only with Windows laptops and MacBooks, but also with iPads and Android smartphones, which can be turned into a full-fledged workplace in this way.

Vertux VertuCam-4K is one of the most functional webcams on the market, built on the Sony Exmor IMX258 sensor. This large photomatrix (as much as 1/3 inch diagonal) was widely used in smartphones until recently, and now it has migrated to webcams. The processor is Sunplus SPCA2688, which records video in MJPEG format.

The presence of electronic "brains" in the webcam allows not only to conduct online broadcasts in 4K @ 30fps resolution (photos are taken at 12 megapixels), but also to automatically correct the image and sound. The webcam supports autofocus, so the user, regardless of distance, will always be clearly visible.

The device independently corrects the white balance so that there is neither excessive darkness in the frame, nor vice versa overexposure. And in idle time, the lens is closed with a shutter for one hundred percent privacy. Two built-in microphones record sound in stereo mode with a volume of 39 dB, and even with noise reduction. There is also a 1.2W mono speaker built right into the camera, eliminating the need for separate headphones or speakers.

Vertux VertuCam-4K's ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle allows you to place several users in the frame at once, or show large objects if necessary. You can install the camera on a monitor or laptop using a clothespin, or directly on the table using the included mini tripod. On Windows and macOS computers, the camera works without the need to install drivers.

Transcend ESD370C is an external SSD in a shock-resistant rubberized case, from 250 GB to 1 TB. Optimal for most users, perhaps, will be the 500-gigabyte version. Inside is an M.2 NVMe drive, which provides sequential read and write speeds of 1050 and 950 MB / s, respectively. Naturally, only when connected to a fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 port.

In the case of USB 3.1 Gen 1, it's just USB 3.0, the speeds will be about half as low, which is still many times faster than classic external hard drives. In addition, the Transcend ESD370C is made in a 1.8-inch form factor, which is 40 percent smaller than 2.5-inch HDDs. And the weight of the device is less than 90 grams.

The drive comes with two cables: USB Type-C to Type-A and double-sided USB Type-C. The former is designed to connect to desktop PCs, legacy laptops, smart TVs, and game consoles. And the second is for smartphones, tablets and modern laptops.

By default, the Transcend ESD370C is formatted in exFAT, making it visible to all popular desktop operating systems: Windows, macOS, and Linux. For smartphones, it is recommended to reformat to FAT32, and game consoles will require their own proprietary file system. Transcend Elite proprietary software allows you to set up automatic synchronization, backup and file encryption.

The GT Racer X-782 is a highly customizable office chair with a breathable mesh cover, especially in the heat of summer. In addition, the tightly stretched mesh is wear-resistant and easy to clean. The seat is soft, filled with Memory Foam. This material precisely molds to the user's anatomy and then quickly levels out.

The reliable Synchro mechanism allows you to swing freely in the chair or to clearly fix the angle of inclination. Adjustable rocking stiffness and back angle (90 - 120 degrees). And the seat can be adjusted both in height within 8 cm (gas lift Eurostandard Class 4) and in depth (a useful feature that is rarely found in other chairs). A convenient adjustment panel is located on the right sidewall.

The back is made in three sections, with dedicated lumbar and neck support. You can adjust the height of the backrest as a whole or individually the height of the headrest. The frame of the chair is made of nickel-plated steel to resist corrosion, while the base is made of aluminium, polished to a mirror finish for a touch of elegance. Soft 3D armrests can change the height, reach back and forth and angle of rotation.

Fits GT Racer X-782 for users up to 195 centimeters tall and weighing up to 150 kilograms. The chair itself weighs more than 25 kg, but on rubberized wheels with well-lubricated bearings, it is not at all difficult to roll it across the floor. There are several color options to choose from: black, gray, blue and red.