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SanDisk Ultra 128GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive and Tests

Today I'm taking a look at this 128GB SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0 flash drive. To see how it performs, I will be comparing it to a bunch of older drives that I have on-hand. The SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0 128GB flash drive in its retail packaging. Unboxing and First Impressions This is a USB 3.0 compatible drive. One negative of this package is you're going to have to cut it open with scissors. If you do, be careful not to cut too far down and damage the slip for the RescuePRO software offer inside. The  RescuePRO information and activation code inside the package. The drive itself is very lightweight. You have a spot for some type of key loop or strap. In the center, there is a slider that you push down and out to extend the USB port. It's a retractable design, which means there's no cap to lose.  Here you can see the hole for a keychain and the button to extend the USB port.  A key feature is the USB port itself. It has the classic blue plastic inside, which is a common indicato...

MSI SPATIUM M482 compared to older Solid State Drives

Solid state drives have changed quite a bit over the years. I spend a lot of time editing videos, so I'm always dealing with large files and need a lot of fast storage. I recently did a new PC build, and with that, I got a new SSD for the operating system. This particular drive, the MSI SPATIUM M482, came bundled with my motherboard as a bundle. The MSI SPATIUM M482 2TB NVMe SSD Drive Specifications and Features The MSI SPATIUM M482 is built on 3D NAND flash memory and comes in the common M.2 2280 form factor. It uses a PCIe Gen 4x4 interface with the NVMe 1.4 protocol. For the 2 TB model, MSI claims a sequential read speed of up to 7,300 MB/s and a sequential write speed of up to 6,400 MB/s. They also rate the meantime between failure (MTBF) at 1.5 million hours.  For those unfamiliar with these terms, 3D NAND is a type of flash memory where memory cells are stacked vertically in multiple layers. This technology increases storage density, allowing for higher capacities in a smalle...

How to Stop Unwanted Programs at Windows Startup

Are there programs on your computer that start up when Windows starts that you want to stop? It's a common frustration that can slow down your boot time. If you're running Windows 11, let's check out the various locations where these startup applications hide. There might be other ones out there, but these are the ones that I know of and use to keep my own system free of unwanted startup applications. Windows Settings First off, the default area to check is within the Windows Settings app. It's the most user-friendly place to start and where you'll find most of the common startup culprits. There are various ways to get to the settings. You can right click on the start button and click 'Settings', or you can simply search for it in the start menu. Once you're in the Settings window, click on 'Apps' in the left-hand menu, and then scroll down to find and select 'Startup'. The Startup Apps list within Windows 11 Settings, showing various pro...

VTOMAN X1 Jump Starter, Air Compressor, and USB Charger Overview

A while back, I was looking for a reliable, multi-function device to keep in my car for peace of mind on trips. I landed on the VTOMAN X1 Jump Starter, which also packs an air compressor. Today, I'm sharing my unboxing and what I've learned after using it for about five months. Unboxing and Specifications It's a jump starter with a peak current of 2500 amps and an air compressor that goes up to 150 PSI. The unit has a capacity of 44.4 watt-hours. It comes with a nice carrying case that holds everything.  The VTOMAN X1 Jump Starter The included soft case. Inside the package, you get the main unit, the jumper cable attachment, a USB-C cable for charging, an air hose for the compressor, and a set of nozzle attachments for inflating things like basketballs. There is also a paper instruction manual, which I definitely recommend reading. The full contents of the box, including the jump starter, case, manual, cables, and accessories. Jump starter clamps Air compressor attachment A...

Battery storage bags by Ovonic and Hobbymate

If you work with lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries, or even just a lot of devices with lithium-ion batteries, I think having a safe storage and charging solution is a good idea.  OVONIC bag:  Amazon: https://amzn.to/43n45Uw ebay: https://ebay.us/eUjkgP   HOBBYMATE  bag:  Amazon: https://amzn.to/44V4gcf   ebay: https://ebay.us/X8CFx7   As an affiliate of these online shops, I earn from qualifying purchases! It's not about what I link, but rather purchase of anything from time of the click which is usually 24 hours.  the green Ovonic (left) and the grey Hobbymate (right). Today, we're going to look at two options. These bags are primarily designed for LiPo batteries, which are common in RC hobbies and can be quite volatile if mishandled, especially during charging or if they get damaged. Lithium-ion batteries, found in everything from smartphones to power tools, carry a risk of fire as well. Go look at the "Spicy Pillow" group on Reddit for numerous photos of bloated un...