Welcome to the latest installment of Staff Picks. Each week, we’ll tell you about the tech we’re currently testing — everything from cameras to hi-fi headphones, extremely large desktop monitors to smart home appliances — as well as the grail items we wish we could buy. For our last selections, visit here.
Evoluent VerticalMouse 4
Ergonomic mice (mouses? meece?) come and go, but they usually fall by the wayside with users — especially the vertical ones. For some reason, they always end up feeling awkward in their own way, even if they’re better for your wrist. This wireless Evoluent model, though, is the first I’ve actually wanted to hang onto. It has a comfortable thumb rest that provides a solid anchor for steady, repeated use, and the extra-wide ledge at the bottom keeps your pinkie from dragging on the surface. Finally, the programmable buttons–including two thumb buttons–are perfectly placed on the device for easy access. Of course, it’s plug-n-play, so you’re off to the races in seconds, with your wrist properly oriented for action. — Eric Adams, Contributor
BenQ PD3200U 4K Designer Monitor
Working on BenQ’s PD3200U has been an absolute dream. In addition to the 4k resolution, the BenQ offers the ability to quickly change between monitor presets with the included puck — ideal for quickly seeing what your edited photos will look like on different monitors. The PD3200U also offers a wide range of adjustments. It easily moves up and down on a slider that holds its position, can rotate left and right, and can even be rotated 90-degrees to work in portrait mode if you’re into that sort of thing. Just about every connector port is available on the back (save for USB-C, opt for the PD2710QC instead) and a cable port in the stand helps keep all your cables tidy. At 32″ it’s a bit large for what I need on a day to day basis, but for the times when I need the space, or want to view the latest viral video in its full-format 4k glory, there’s nothing better. — AJ Powell, Assistant Editor
eero and eero Beacon (Second Generation)
Mesh network systems are the future. Eero basically invented the category a few years ago, but lately everybody, from Google to Samsung, have since gotten in the mix. Eero’s second generation hubs consists of hubs that are twice as faster and more powerful than eero’s original hubs. There are now wi-fi extenders that plug into the wall, called eero Beacons. Eero’s app also makes it easy to test your wi-fi signal, and control which devices are connected. Admittedly, most of today’s wi-fi mesh system are similar, but if you’re considering investing in one, eero is certainly one of the best and most reliable options you can get. — Tucker Bowe, Associate Staff Writer
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