IT Brief Australia - Technology news for CIOs & IT decision-makers

About Owen

Owen McCarthy mugshot photo
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 7

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Hands-on review: The HP Spectre X 360 convertible
Thu, 28th Feb 2019
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
The HP Spectre X360 impresses with its sleek design, robust performance, and versatile modes, making it a standout convertible laptop for work and play.
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Hands-on review: Epson ET-4700 EcoTank Workforce Printer
Mon, 25th Feb 2019
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
Epson’s ET-4700 EcoTank Workforce Printer boasts miserly ink consumption and superb print quality, perfect for small businesses or home use.
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Hands-on review: The Ekster Wallet protects your cards against RFID attacks
Tue, 15th Jan 2019
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
Farewell tinfoil hats—Ekster's wallet promises chic protection against RFID skimming with a stylish, secure solution.
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Hands-on review: The Logitech R500 laser presentation remote
Mon, 17th Dec 2018
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gaming
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digital transformation
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reviews
The Logitech R500, priced at USD $69, offers effortless control of presentations with a 20m range. Compatible with multiple OS, it enhances delivery.
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Hands-on review: Anki Vector is a step up in the world of AI
Fri, 14th Dec 2018
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gaming
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reviews
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smart home
See how he responds if you annoy him. You can tell him if he’s been a good or bad robot and see how he reacts.
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Hands-on review: Epson FastFoto FF-680W
Tue, 11th Dec 2018
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
The Epson FastFoto FF-680W proves invaluable in digitising a lifetime of memories with lightning speed, simplicity, and impressive output quality.
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A hands-on guide to Christmas shopping by Santa’s IT elf
Wed, 5th Dec 2018
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digital signage
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displays & projectors
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gadgets
Santa’s IT elf has your Christmas shopping covered with top tech recommendations from FutureFive. Discover the best sound, gaming, wearables, and more!.
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Hands-on review: The Google Chromecast
Wed, 28th Nov 2018
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
Google's Chromecast, packaged in eco-friendly cardboard, turns old TVs into smart ones for under USD $70, offering a Google-centric media experience.
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Hands-on review: Dyson Pure Cool Purifying Fan
Fri, 23rd Nov 2018
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
The Dyson Pure Cool Purifying Fan clears the air and brings relief from allergies with efficient HEPA filters and smart mobile app controls. Here's our review.
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Hands-on review: Logitech G1 Pro Gaming Headphones and Mouse
Mon, 19th Nov 2018
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
Logitech's G1 Pro gaming mouse and headphones impress with precise control and crystal-clear sound, ideal for the serious gamer seeking top-tier performance.
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Hands-on review: Norton Core keeps home IoT secure
Mon, 29th Oct 2018
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gaming
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endpoint protection
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iot
Norton Core: the fashionable, cyber-safe addition to every home. Provides parental controls and internet security in one.
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Hands-on review: Corsair Carbide Spec-06 Mid-Tower gaming case
Wed, 19th Sep 2018
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
Even if you totally suck as a gamer, your friends will be too distracted by the quality of your tower to notice.
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Plantronics adds five new products across the BackBeat FIT and BackBeat GO lines
Tue, 18th Sep 2018
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digital entertainment
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headphones
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fitness
Those of you who need your tunes whether you’re working out or waiting for the next flight will be pricking your ears with interest right now.
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Hands-on review: The Blackview A20 smartphone - a surprising entry-level phone
Thu, 6th Sep 2018
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smartphones
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gaming
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reviews
Blackview, a new brand for many, offers the affordable A20 Android-based phone with surprising features at just $49.
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Hands-on review: HP Omen X PC 900-070a - a gamer's dream
Mon, 27th Aug 2018
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
True to form, HP have done their best to impress me with the quality of their build and the features packed into this behemoth.
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Hands-on review: Samsung Q9F 65” TV and N650 Soundbar
Tue, 21st Aug 2018
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gaming
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digital signage
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reviews
The Samsung Q9F 65” TV and N650 Soundbar mesmerise with stunning visuals and immersive sound. Their sleek, minimalist design conceals innovation.
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Hands-on review: Plantronics BackBeat GO 605 headphones
Mon, 30th Jul 2018
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
Plantronics’ BackBeat Go 605 headphones hit the sweet spot with perfect comfort, sound, and cost. These headphones excel from Eva Cassidy to The Beatles.
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Hands-on review: The Lenovo Carbon X1 - rugged with style
Mon, 23rd Jul 2018
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
The Lenovo Carbon X1 is aimed at the business user. More than that, it could also provide a  student or photographer on the move with a very well-equipped unit.
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Hands-on review: Motorola moto g6 play & moto e5: Mobiles with power and pizzazz
Thu, 19th Jul 2018
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smartphones
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gaming
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reviews
Motorola’s moto g6 and moto e5 impress with user-friendly features, sharp displays, and strong performance, offering real competition in the Android market.
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Hands-on review: Fujifilm X-H1 Digital Camera
Wed, 4th Jul 2018
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gaming
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reviews
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digital entertainment
The Fujifilm X-H1 camera is a game-changer, packed with features that will captivate both amateurs and pros alike.