Hello whiny.lol

content/reviews/_index.md

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+---
+title: Reviews
+description: Short reviews of stuff I get or have
+---

content/reviews/apple-iphone-13/index.md

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+---
+date: 2024-03-26
+description: A short review of the Apple iPhone 13
+title: Apple iPhone 13
+categories:
+- Technology
+score: 8
+---
+
+{{< overview >}}
+
+Having used Android my whole life, the iPhone 13 offers an experience that just works (maybe not so much the case on iOS 26).
+
+It's built well, has good camera quality, easy to set up and has an OS that doesn't really get in your way.
+
+{{< /overview >}}
+
+I recently got an iPhone 13 from [refurbed.ie](http://refurbed.ie), a refurbished electronics website, as an early birthday present.
+
+As a lifelong Android user, I was curious to see what using an iPhone was like and how much it differed from my previous phone, a Google Pixel 6a.
+
+## Setting it up
+
+The setup process was pretty easy. Apple provides an app called "Move to iOS" that lets you transfer your data from an Android phone to an iPhone. My contacts, SMS messages, photos, videos and apps were transferred. Despite toggling the option to move my WhatsApp chats in the app, WhatsApp on the iPhone refused to see my chats at all. I ended up having to reset the iPhone and start the whole process all over again, after which WhatsApp worked perfectly. I still have no clue what could've caused this, but it was a little annoying.
+
+## Impressions
+
+The iPhone feels premium and well-made. I keep it in a pretty thick Otterbox case, so I wouldn't be particularly mad if it didn't. The front and back are glass, while the sides are made with anodised aluminum. It's pretty dense, yet it's somehow thinner than my Google Pixel.
+
+Considering the age and condition of this phone, I am pleasantly surprised with its performance. It feels faster than my Google Pixel 6a, which released a year after the iPhone.
+
+iOS is pretty simple and minimal. It has few customisation options, especially for the home screen, but I'm not too sad about that. I prefer simplicity over too many options. Adjusting to it did not take too long, as I already own a MacBook and am pretty familiar with the macOS interface. iOS feels like (and basically is) a heavily stripped down macOS.
+
+## Camera
+
+The camera quality on the iPhone 13 still holds up well even to this day. Photos are clear and are colour-accurate even in challenging shots.
+
+I still feel like my Google Pixel was better with skin tone, but the overall quality of the iPhone's photos still beat the Pixel in most scenarios.
+
+Below are two example photos taken with the iPhone. I haven't had many chances to use the camera yet, so I may update this post with more images later on.
+
+![](images/IMG_0540.jpeg "The Midway service station in Portlaoise, taken at 1x zoom.")
+
+![](images/IMG_0548.jpeg "The puppy I helped rescue for my mother and her friend, taken at 2x zoom.")
+
+## My verdict
+
+Personally, I have nothing I dislike about this phone or iOS itself. I know this might be strange coming from a former Android user, but that's the truth. I am perfectly happy with this phone and I hope it lasts me the next few years.

content/reviews/apple-watch/index.md

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+---
+title: Apple Watch Series 10
+date: 2024-12-31
+description: My brand-new Apple Watch Series 10
+categories:
+- Technology
+score: 9
+---
+
+{{< overview >}}
+
+Coming from a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 running Wear OS, Apple Watch Series 10 was a breath of fresh air.
+
+Smooth UI, nice integration with the Apple ecosystem, great performance and far better battery life.
+
+{{< /overview >}}
+
+
+I recently got the Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm).
+
+I was very surprised to see how well it fits my small wrist. I had gotten a third-party velcro strap just in case, but I didn't need it in the end.
+
+![](images/IMG_6151.jpeg)
+
+Setting up the watch was very easy. Upon powering it on, it prompts you to continue on your phone. You just point your phone's camera at your watch and continue from there.
+
+It synced most of my settings from my Apple Account and I was ready to go after about ten minutes.
+
+I found the interface on watchOS 11, despite what many are saying, easy to navigate and enjoyable to use. It's far smoother than the old Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 I had previously.
+
+The watch offers a plethora of different faces and customisation options. I kept it simple and set my watchface to a picture of my dog. It has time on the right, my heart rate and battery percentage.
+
+![](images/IMG_6273.jpeg)
+
+I find the watch useful for controlling media like Spotify, checking my vitals, remotely controlling my iPhone's camera and making quick calculations without pulling out my phone.
+
+I have zero problems with the watch and I am very pleased with the hardware and software.

content/reviews/bose-quietcomfort/index.md

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+---
+title: Bose QuietComfort SC
+date: 2025-02-05
+description: Copy and paste to the extreme
+categories:
+- Technology
+score: 7.5
+---
+
+{{< overview >}}
+
+The QuietComfort SE offers decent noise cancellation and sound quality for the price.
+
+The loose swivel on the earcups, while annoying, doesn't impact their comfort or durability.
+
+The 2.5mm end on the included cable means you may have a harder time searching for a replacement if it ever breaks.
+
+{{< /overview >}}
+
+After losing my precious Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones, I needed a pair of headphones to replace them pretty urgently.
+
+I use noise cancelling headphones when I'm out or if I want to relax.
+
+I opted to get the soft case (SC) variant as it was a little cheaper than the hard case version and I already had the hard case from my previous pair.
+
+## What's in the box?
+- A soft case to protect the headphones
+- An audio cable with an in-line microphone, a new addition not seen in the QC 45's
+- A short USB-C charging cable
+
+![](images/IMG_6803.jpeg)
+
+## Quality
+
+The outer shell of the headphones is exactly the same as the QC 45's, though the plastic is now matte instead of glossy. A welcome change in my opinion.
+
+My only gripe is the loose swivel on the earcups. It can be pretty tricky to put the headphones in their soft case sometimes.
+
+![](images/IMG_6845.jpeg)
+
+Setting up the headphones was as straightforward. After switching them on, pair them via Bluetooth on your device and voilà!
+
+The headphones have pretty strong bass while managing to mantain decent clarity in the high-end.
+
+## Features
+
+The headphones have the playback controls and charging port on the right earcup and a customisable action on the left.
+
+With the Bose app, you can
+- Create custom modes with different levels of noise cancelling
+- Customise EQ settings to your liking
+- Manage paired devices
+- Change what the action button does
+
+## Overall opinion
+
+Despite the strange pricing, the headphones offer great noise cancelling, good durability and good sound quality.
+
+My previous pair of QC 45's lasted just over two years, with an earpad replacement towards the end. Let's hope these last just as long, if not longer.

content/reviews/dell-s2725qc/index.md

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+---
+title: Dell 27 Plus 4K - S2725QC
+date: 2025-03-28
+description: Brand-new productivity monitor from Dell
+categories:
+- Technology
+score: 8
+---
+
+{{< overview >}}
+
+The S2725QC is a bright, sharp 4K 120hz productivity monitor with decent colour accuracy but poor contrast.
+
+My panel had a bit of backlight bleed on the bottom and top that's noticeable in a darker room.
+
+Since it's in Dell's "Plus" product range, the port selection is limited compared to equivalent UltraSharp monitors.
+
+{{< /overview >}}
+
+## My hunt for a Monitor
+
+After my experience with the Dell UltraSharp U2721D, I initially wanted to purchase the 2024 U2724D version for its sleek bezels and 120hz refresh rate. However, its lack of USB-C DisplayPort Alt mode and power delivery meant I decided not to get it.
+
+Dell released the newest revision of its 27" S series monitors, the S2725QC, a day before my 17th birthday. I knew right away that this was the right choice for me.
+
+## Unboxing
+
+![The box for the Dell S2725QC. The box is white and grey, with a pictuer of the monitor on the front. The text above reads "Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor", with the French translation alongside it.](images/IMG_7546.jpeg)
+
+I bought the monitor direct from Dell.com. It was €413.28, €77.28 of which was VAT. Thanks, EU...
+
+It was shipped by DPD and arrived in its own packaging, but there was zero dings or scuffs.
+
+It took about just about 4 days to arrive after placing my order.
+
+![The box is open flat on the ground. Inside are the contents described below sitting on a tray, with most of it wrapped in protective foam material. Instruction papers sit on top.](images/IMG_7550.jpeg)
+
+Upon opening, you're greeted by:
+
+- Instruction pamphlets
+- The individual parts for the stand
+- UK C13 power cord
+- USB-C To USB-C cable
+- Cover for the ports on the back
+
+![Each item described above laid out on a rug with the packaging removed. The parts for the stand and the port cover are white, while the two cables are black.](images/IMG_7551.jpeg)
+
+Underneath lies the monitor itself, wrapped in protective material. It has a slit down the middle to easily attatch the stand.
+
+![The monitor sits below the accessory tray. The foam has a slit down the middle to allow easy access to attatch the stand.](images/IMG_7553.jpeg)
+
+After you attatch the stand, all you have to do is lift the monitor out and take the protective material off. Voilà!
+
+![The monitor sits upright. The display and the bezel are black. It has tape over the easy access ports.](images/IMG_7555.jpeg)
+
+The monitor has decent build quality. The outer shell is made of plastic, along with the stand. It's pretty hefty and quite sturdy.
+
+## Display
+
+![The monitor turned on displaying a macOS screensaver. Sitting below the monitor on its stand is a red Focusrite audio interface with cables connected.](images/IMG_7579.jpeg)
+
+{{< note title="Update - December 27, 2025" >}}
+
+The display review website RTINGS, known for their thorough testing and benchmarking of monitors, published a [review of the S2725QC](https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/dell/s2725qc) in late 2025 **that includes a far better calibrated colour profile available for download.**
+
+I noticed an improvement in greys and darker colours after using their profile, though do note that your results may vary.
+
+{{< /note >}}
+
+Please note: I do not have the proper equipment to test claims from the manufacturer. This is is purely based on my experience and expectations.
+
+Text is sharp and readable and 4K content looks great. Motion is smooth thanks to the 120hz refresh rate.
+
+It has good contrast & colour accuracy. Installing the driver on Dell's website gives you the proper colour profiles for use with the monitor.
+
+The backlight bleed on my unit is minimal and not very noticeable outside of very dark scenes. Your experience may vary.
+
+## Connectivity
+
+The rear of the monitor features:
+
+- USB-C (5gbps) upstream with DisplayPort 1.4 Alt mode and 65 watt PD
+- 2x HDMI 2.1 ports (with support for FRL, HDR and VRR)
+- USB-A (5gbps)
+
+![The underside of the back of the monitor. There's a HDMI port along with a USB-C port. Underneath are labels showing what they are. They are recessed.](images/IMG_7556.jpeg)
+
+This section of the back has a cover you can clip on to hide the ports.
+
+![In the recessed area next to the stand are another HDMI port, along with a USB-A port. There's a label showing various bits of information about the monitor.](images/IMG_7557.jpeg)
+
+It also offers "easy access" pop-out ports at the front that includes:
+
+- USB-C (5gbps) with 15 watt PD
+- USB-A (5gbps)
+
+They are a little wobbly though.
+
+I personally use the USB-A port for my Logitech reviever.
+
+![The little pop down section in the front of the monitor. There's a USB-C port and a USB-A port that's occupied by a small wireless reciever. It has "logi" on it.](images/IMG_7583.jpeg)
+
+## Audio
+
+There's nothing remarkable about the included speakers. They work. Music sounds like it's being played through two tin cans and strings, but they're alright for speech.
+
+## Conclusion
+
+I am very happy with my purchase and I hope this monitor serves me well for years to come.

content/reviews/syoncon-wifi-card/index.md

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+---
+title: SYONCON AXE5400 Wi-Fi card
+date: 2024-08-31
+description: A short review of my new SYONCON AXE5400 Wi-Fi card
+categories:
+- Technology
+score: 6
+---
+
+{{< overview >}}
+
+While the card was easy to install and set up, its performance is far below what I expected.
+
+{{< /overview >}}
+
+I recently purchased the SYONCON AXE5400 PCIe Wi-Fi card with the Intel AX210 chip to replace the aging and unreliable Fenvi T919 card in my PC.
+
+The packaging is very clean and professional looking, unlike other similarly priced cards from other manufacturers on Amazon.
+
+The box includes:
+
+- A bag with screws to mount the card in place
+
+- Screwdriver
+
+- Two antennas
+
+- The card itself
+
+- Instruction pamphlet in multiple languages
+
+Installing the card was a breeze and installing the drivers was even easier. All I had to do was get the Intel wireless driver from their website and install. It worked straight after.
+
+![](images/IntelWebsite.jpg)
+
+Using the internet with this was such a relief after having to deal with the slow and outdated Wi-Fi card I had previously.
+
+## Pros
+
+- Drivers are official and easy to find
+
+- The card is easy to install
+
+- Works natively on Linux
+
+- Bluetooth latency is great
+
+## Cons
+
+- Included antennas are quite weak
+
+- Bluetooth audio can be a bit flakey
+
+On average I get about 30-50mbps download, though I keep my desktop PC sitting next to my TV, which isn't exactly optimal for signal strength. Even with my PC sitting elsewhere, I don't always get full signal strength compared to my MacBook or iPhone.
+
+Bluetooth audio works flawlessly apart from ocassional skipping and cutting out, but this also could be due to where I have my PC.
+
+Support for the Intel chip was added in Linux Kernel version 5.10, so support out-of-the-box should be expected in any major distribution released within the last 4 years. For me, it worked straight away when using OpenSUSE Tumbleweed as of 30/08/24.
+
+I'd highly recommend this card to anyone who does not currently have Wi-Fi on their PC, or they're looking for an easy solution to upgrade an older computer.