About Owen
Owen McCarthy
Reviewer
Owen McCarthy has had a long love affair with all things technical since the dawn of the computer age. A child of the 1960’s, he agrees with legendary author, Douglas Adams, that digital watches were a pretty neat idea. By the 1980’s Owen was learning how to code using C and by the turn of the century, he was teaching HTML to enthusiastic youngsters. These days, Owen can be found pestering editors for new technology to review on an annoyingly regular basis. In his spare time, he rides motorcycles of the three-wheeled variety, studies theology, aqua-jogs, and works hard to honour his late wife’s request to live a joy-filled life.
Stories by Owen - Page 4
Hands-on Review: Plantronics BackBeat FIT 305 and 505
Mon, 18th Dec 2017
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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headphones
Plantronics' BackBeat FIT 305 and 505 deliver crisp sound and comfort, making it hard to choose between earbuds and over-ear headphones.
Hands-on Review: Anki's Cozmo, play with the AI of the future
Tue, 5th Dec 2017
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gaming
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robots
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digital entertainment
Experience the future of AI play with Anki's Cozmo! This smart, interactive robot learns, recognises faces, and teaches coding through playful interaction.
Hands-on Review: Anki Overdrive
Thu, 23rd Nov 2017
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gaming
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robots
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digital entertainment
Anki Overdrive brings nostalgic thrills with its responsive cars, magnetic tracks, and an app-enhanced experience, but its price tag may deter some buyers.
Hands-on Review: Wireless headphones for the open plan office of the future
Mon, 23rd Oct 2017
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gaming
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uc
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digital entertainment
The Jabra Evolve 75 comes with some ambitious claims, the most important being their ability to function well in a modern open-plan office...
Hands-on Review: The Rain Design MStand
Mon, 23rd Oct 2017
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gaming
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smart home
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digital entertainment
Experience unparalleled comfort with the Rain Design MStand, an ergonomic laptop stand that keeps your device cool and your posture perfect.
Hands-on Review: Logitech G533 Wireless Headphones
Mon, 23rd Oct 2017
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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headphones
Logitech's G533 Wireless Headphones impress with impeccable 7.1 surround sound, even reviving the haunting vocals of John Lennon's 'Free as a Bird'.
Hands-on Review: Dyson Pure Hot+Coollink, my sinuses thank you
Fri, 13th Oct 2017
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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reviews
Explore how the Dyson Pure Hot+Coollink transforms allergy season into a sneeze-free haven in our latest review.
Hands-on Review: Logitech Pro Gaming Keyboard, the Keyboard for the serious gamer
Mon, 25th Sep 2017
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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logitech
Logitech's Pro Gaming Keyboard redefines gaming finesse with exceptional ergonomics and dazzling customisable lights.
Hands-on Review: The mStand will maximise your desk's space and aesthetics
Thu, 14th Sep 2017
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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mobility
Transform your workspace with the mStand; for back health and desk minimalism, this stand's ergonomic design promises comfort and style.
I heard you like buttons? This mouse has all the buttons you need and more
Mon, 11th Sep 2017
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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cybersecurity
Corsair's gaming mouse offers a light feel, superior build quality, and responsive buttons, making it a hit with serious gamers and keyboard users.
Hands-on Review: Shiny and functional, this is a great keyboard
Mon, 11th Sep 2017
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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keyboard
The K63 encourages good typing posture, fingers don't appear to tire as easily as they do on a normal laptop keyboard.
Attention all iOS users: Fix for contacts nightmare
Tue, 27th Jun 2017
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ios
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apple
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contacts
iOS users rejoice as Contacts XL app vows to declutter your multiplying contacts list with a splash of colour and digital know-how.
The doomsayers of Apple
Fri, 23rd Jun 2017
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apple
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ipad
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opinion
Amidst a narrative of decline, Apple jockeys for tech supremacy but faces grumblings over innovation and identity.
Hands-on Review: Lenovo ThinkCentre M910q Tiny
Thu, 11th May 2017
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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lenovo
Lenovo M910q Tiny's size belies its power; a compact solution ideal for both office tasks and personal use, without breaking the bank.
Hands-on Review: Lenovo MiiX 720 Tablet
Thu, 11th May 2017
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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lenovo
I'm still amazed at how much power the modern tablet packs into a small package, and the Miix720 manages to add a stylish appearance.
Hands-on Review: Parallels Toolbox for Mac
Fri, 5th May 2017
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gaming
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digital entertainment
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apple
Parallels Toolbox for Mac simplifies daily tasks by consolidating essential utilities into a single menu bar app, priced at USD $9.99.
Hands-on: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 YOGA
Mon, 10th Apr 2017
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digital signage
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displays
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lenovo
Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 YOGA combines a laptop, tablet, and more. With high-performance specs and up to 11-hour battery life, it's a business powerhouse.
Hands on: Paessler AG - PRTG Network Monitor
Tue, 21st Feb 2017
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paessler
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network monitoring
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mapp
Paessler's PRTG Network Monitor surprises with boundless customisation and vast metrics coverage, transforming network analysis.
Hands-on Review: Trend Micro security packages - more than just anti-virus
Wed, 14th Dec 2016
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gaming
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endpoint protection
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digital entertainment
For a package that's unobtrusive and that doesn't strain your CPU or your patience, this may just be the product you're looking for.
Hands-on Review: APC Smart-UPS 1500 VA - vital file protection
Tue, 22nd Nov 2016
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gaming
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datacentre infrastructure
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digital entertainment
The 1500VA comes packed with features, making it a device that is hard to live without for SMBs or savvy consumers.