Recommended Posts

41 minutes ago, Matthew S. said:

AFAIK no SATA controller supports multiple drives per controller...

There are ways you can connect multiple SATA ports to USB2/3, but you need a controller board for that.

 

Some controller cards can do that, but that's a different thing entirely.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598457988
Share on other sites

21 minutes ago, Mindovermaster said:

There are ways you can connect multiple SATA ports to USB2/3, but you need a controller board for that.

 

Some controller cards can do that, but that's a different thing entirely.

I meant same port/channel 😛 didn't have my coffee when I typed that, @DevTechknew what I meant.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598457993
Share on other sites

21 minutes ago, Matthew S. said:

I meant same port/channel 😛 didn't have my coffee when I typed that, @DevTechknew what I meant.

Yeah.

 

I think early controller implementations copied some aspects of Master/Slave so that there was a small advantage to using every 2nd SATA port but no aspect of that was ever exposed to the user - always 1 port, 1 drive.

 

To the OP, if you somehow have more drives than ports then you can get SATA controller cards both PCI and PCIe bus to add SATA ports.

 

Alternatively, you can also buy PCIe cards to add M.2  NVMe drives, which come in 1 drive and 4 drive models. (But keep that one between us so we don't upset the Teddy Bear Police)

 

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598458001
Share on other sites

15 minutes ago, DevTech said:

Alternatively, you can also buy PCIe cards to add M.2  NVMe drives, which come in 1 drive and 4 drive models. (But keep that one between us so we don't upset the Teddy Bear Police)

I've seen models with 2... But yeah...

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598458008
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, Mindovermaster said:

I've seen models with 2... But yeah...

Actually responding to the other question jogged my memory a bit

 

The DUAL option is FAR more useful in retrofit of older mobos since their is usually a second PCIe x 16 slot but using the slot EITHER for GPU or NVMe makes both GPU slots switch to x8 due to shortage of PCIe lanes.

 

Running a PCIe 3.0 at x8 will NOT be a perf hit for GPU, so DUAL NVMe is a nice upgrade.

 

A more modern motherboard with a real x16 expansion slot would be needed for the 4 unit NVMe but of course a more modern mobo has 2 M.2 on the mobo already...

 

Some older server mobos have enough PCIe lanes but plugging a 4 unit NVMe into that would cause deep psychological scars for some people so we should keep that a secret just between us folks...

 

So in the end your suggestion of a DUAL NVMe is far more useful in a practical manner.

 

 

 

  • Like 1
  • Facepalm 2
Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598458085
Share on other sites

Last few comments removed as this was going off topic.

 

With respect to the topic ... I'm not surely how adding a PCIe NMVe card would give the OP three additional SATA ports so he can "connect at least 3 drives." 

 

In my opinion this could have been answered easily.  One, it is one drive per SATA port.  Two, grab an internal 4x SATA PCIe card (which can be had for cheap).  Optionally the OP could get an external 4 bay drive and run it via USB (though this route would be more expensive).

  • Thanks 2
Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598458172
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Jim K said:

Last few comments removed as this was going off topic.

 

With respect to the topic ... I'm not surely how adding a PCIe NMVe card would give the OP three additional SATA ports so he can "connect at least 3 drives." 

 

In my opinion this could have been answered easily.  One, it is one drive per SATA port.  Two, grab an internal 4x SATA PCIe card (which can be had for cheap).  Optionally the OP could get an external 4 bay drive and run it via USB (though this route would be more expensive).

What on earth is confusing about a NVMe expansion card?

 

No different from plugging in a SATA controller card except a need to pay attention to PCIe lane counts.

 

A HUGE number of people in the hardware forums are having trouble understanding that in 2019, you can add a SATA SSD or a NVMe SSD and the costs are in the same ballpark, yet I repeatedly over and over and over in this forum get this negative attitude that somehow a NVMe drive is a complex solution that I should NOT be suggesting to anyone since SSD is "Good enough"

 

That is plain old Luddite ridiculous!

 

I was recently in a similar position to the OP where I had only a single M.2 slot on the mobo and I wanted to expand my SSD storage. So I ordered a NVMe card from Newegg for $8 and and a 512 gig NVMe drive, plugged the drive into the card and then the card into my unoccupied 2nd GPU slot and DONE!

 

Actually less work than internally mounting a SSD drive!

 

Super fast storage, about 5 TIMES FASTER, faster to get up and running and only $30 more expensive so why oh why do people have a mental block about this????

 

The OP was investigating complicated schemes of somehow multiplying SATA ports, and everyone doesn't blink an eyelash and his primary purpose is to upgrade to SSD so well in that case plugging int a SATA controller card is OK, but then when the logical next thing is up to be considered, it is portrayed as "complex", "not needed" etc etc.

 

Luddites, please go practice you horse and buggy skills and stop giving people crazy advice. It is 2019. Spend money on a SSD drive or spend money on a NVMe drive. Which one is going to do you better over the next few years? Unless you flat-out don't have PCIe lanes available, your money will get the best possible value by buying a NVMe drive.

 

And that is plain and simple just one easy answer. People in this forum can label it "complex" as many times as they want, but it is what it is and it's going to smell like a Rose no matter what you label it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598458210
Share on other sites

52 minutes ago, DevTech said:

What on earth is confusing about a NVMe expansion card?

 

No different from plugging in a SATA controller card except a need to pay attention to PCIe lane counts.

 

A HUGE number of people in the hardware forums are having trouble understanding that in 2019, you can add a SATA SSD or a NVMe SSD and the costs are in the same ballpark, yet I repeatedly over and over and over in this forum get this negative attitude that somehow a NVMe drive is a complex solution that I should NOT be suggesting to anyone since SSD is "Good enough"

 

That is plain old Luddite ridiculous!

 

I was recently in a similar position to the OP where I had only a single M.2 slot on the mobo and I wanted to expand my SSD storage. So I ordered a NVMe card from Newegg for $8 and and a 512 gig NVMe drive, plugged the drive into the card and then the card into my unoccupied 2nd GPU slot and DONE!

 

Actually less work than internally mounting a SSD drive!

 

Super fast storage, about 5 TIMES FASTER, faster to get up and running and only $30 more expensive so why oh why do people have a mental block about this????

 

The OP was investigating complicated schemes of somehow multiplying SATA ports, and everyone doesn't blink an eyelash and his primary purpose is to upgrade to SSD so well in that case plugging int a SATA controller card is OK, but then when the logical next thing is up to be considered, it is portrayed as "complex", "not needed" etc etc.

 

Luddites, please go practice you horse and buggy skills and stop giving people crazy advice. It is 2019. Spend money on a SSD drive or spend money on a NVMe drive. Which one is going to do you better over the next few years? Unless you flat-out don't have PCIe lanes available, your money will get the best possible value by buying a NVMe drive.

 

And that is plain and simple just one easy answer. People in this forum can label it "complex" as many times as they want, but it is what it is and it's going to smell like a Rose no matter what you label it!

Nothing is confusing.  He asked about adding three drives to one SATA port.  You've convoluted the original question by interjecting nVME drives.

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598458223
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Jim K said:

Nothing is confusing.  He asked about adding three drives to one SATA port.  You've convoluted the original question by interjecting nVME drives.

That is strange reasoning indeed.

 

What he wants to do is add FAST FLASH based storage to his PC for GAMING. He simply did not know how to go about doing that.

 

There are TWO ways to accomplish that.

 

1. Add SATA Flash (SSD)

 

2. Add NVMe Flash (M.2)

 

I have pointed out literally the OBVIOUS 50% of the possible solution space.

 

To not do so,  is an abdication of any mandate to help people.

 

Three drives on a SATA port is complicated byzantine thinking and is convoluted. The opposite of convoluted is plugging in a NVMe drive that is FAST, MODERN, SIMPLE, CHEAP, FUTURE-PROOF and the most PRACTICAL solution that does NOT need any SATA ports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Facepalm 2
Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598458233
Share on other sites

@DevTechYour assuming he's adding NEW drives and not wanting to add EXISTING drives already in OP's possession, no where in the OP did he mention he's adding NEW drives.

 

ASSUMING he's adding new drives, yes, your solution would work with the NVMe add in card, ASSUMING it's existing drives in his/her possession a SATA III PCI/PCIe card would work best.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598458241
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Matthew S. said:

@DevTechYour assuming he's adding NEW drives and not wanting to add EXISTING drives already in OP's possession, no where in the OP did he mention he's adding NEW drives.

 

ASSUMING he's adding new drives, yes, your solution would work with the NVMe add in card, ASSUMING it's existing drives in his/her possession a SATA III PCI/PCIe card would work best.

I agree completely with that with one tiny exception.

 

If I had a computer where I needed a performance boost and somebody pointed out a really nice tweak, I would certainly give it very strong consideration and if I liked it, I would re-purpose some of the existing equipment for other computers.

 

Many tech fans have multiple computers at home permitting a more flexible type of thinking. Many don't.

 

Making a suggestion that is logical and sensible is DUE DILIGENCE. If it is not used, the words are sitting there for somebody to GOOGLE and there has been ample evidence that this has happened and people have joined Neowin because they found useful stuff they didn't find ANYWHERE ELSE.

 

So this idea that YOUR preference for a solution (I don't mean you, specifically) is somehow insulted by alternate ideas seems both nuts and counter-productive to Neowin and the purpose of the forums in the long run.

 

And the "slapping yourself in the face thing" - really? It doesn't fit your otherwise excellent work here.

 

A wealth of ideas and concepts and suggestions can only benefit the entire community. Otherwise, any group always risks the trap of a Monoculture. And we all know even a bad idea sometimes sparks a good idea! Gosh, if you don't like an idea, just ignore the text and leave it for some future googler...

 

 

 

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598458243
Share on other sites

19 minutes ago, Matthew S. said:

he mention he's adding NEW drives.

WHAT HE HAS SAID:

 

" I plan to convert to all SSD's"

 

"One will be for games so I will need the best speed out of it"

 

" I am adding 2 more for additional gaming as it's cheaper in the short run than upgrading my current ones"

 

It is my honest belief that my suggestion fits the needs of the OP PERFECTLY!

 

"I will need the best speed out of it" in my mind means NVMe. For other people it might mean other technologies, but my response is completely justified and the ANTI-NVMe crowd is weirdly well, just weird...

 

You might optimize on other criteria and that would also be a good suggestion, coming from you.

 

 

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598458245
Share on other sites

12 hours ago, Matthew S. said:

Dev read the thread again.

Enough dude. You are just playing with words instead of helping anyone.

 

You are well aware that the OP has several threads going on at the same time and I quoted the pertinent info from the other thread as any responsible person would investigate.

 

As you know, he is now sensibly investigating adding a NVMe drive to his system which is EXACTLY what I would do and what I have actually DONE.

 

If you need help, I am always available. I don't take any of this personally. But I'm not going to respond to the silly posts being generated for whatever reason. What is needed and the steps to do it have been well documented.

 

 

 

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598458452
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, DevTech said:

Enough dude. You are just playing with words instead of helping anyone.

 

You are well aware that the OP has several threads going on at the same time and I quoted the pertinent info from the other thread as any responsible person would investigate.

 

As you know, he is now sensibly investigating adding a NVMe drive to his system which is EXACTLY what I would do and what I have actually DONE.

 

If you need help, I am always available. I don't take any of this personally. But I'm not going to respond to the silly posts being generated for whatever reason. What is needed and the steps to do it have been well documented.

 

 

 

There you go ASSUMING again, I in-fact DID NOT KNOW he had several threads regarding this very topic, it would be helpful information if your going to reference another thread to actually LINK IT.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598458513
Share on other sites

23 minutes ago, devnulllore said:

Sorry if they seemed to be multiple threads about the same thing but they were actually two different topics they just ended up being on the same topic. No matter close them both at this point.

Yeah, they were similar, but not the same... They were on two different subjects.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1384092-sata-3-cable/#findComment-598458533
Share on other sites

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Here's how to grab your share of Apple's $4 billion lawsuit payout (if you qualify) by David Uzondu Image via DepositPhotos.com A UK tribunal has approved a collective legal action letting a $4 billion (£3 billion) claim against Apple proceed to trial after consumer rights group Which? formally accused the company of violating competition laws. The tribunal recently set a full trial date for October 2028. Which? filed the lawsuit way back in November 2024, accusing Apple of trapping users in iCloud by restricting rivals from fully accessing iOS. Apple gives users only 5GB of free space, and once that limit vanishes, the system drives upgrades by repeatedly nudging users through notifications. The group claims Apple overcharged millions who bought plans ranging from 99p a month for 50GB to £54.99 a month for 12TB. If Which? wins the now-greenlit lawsuit, the court will force Apple to pay out damages to roughly 40 million UK consumers, with each person receiving around £77 for the pricing abuse. Apple has already put out a statement telling Reuters that the allegations are completely false and that consumers do have choices. "We work hard to make iCloud a great experience, but no customer is required to use it, and customers in the UK have plenty of alternatives to choose from," it told the outlet. The good thing is that if Which? wins, claiming your share requires almost no effort due to the automatic structure of the litigation. You are eligible if you used Apple's iCloud services between November 8, 2018, and June 8, 2026, and paid for upgraded storage during that time. The tribunal automatically enrolls everyone living in the UK on June 8, 2026. The system operates on an "opt-out" basis, meaning you do not have to register right now, and you will just verify your details to collect your cash. However, if you want to leave the claim, you must notify Which? by October 8, 2026. But if you lived outside the UK on June 8, 2026, you must manually register on the official Which? website before October 8, 2026, to opt into the action. If you ignore this deadline, you will lose your chance to grab a share of the settlement. On a related note, Google recently had to resolve a massive data privacy fight by agreeing to a payout of over $170 million to Android users. In that lawsuit, plaintiffs argued that Google programmed the Android system to transmit user data without permission, wasting cellular data. To settle, Google agreed to pay a $135 million nationwide settlement alongside an extra $35 million in California. Eligible Android users must submit online claims to secure their cash, with the final approval hearing literally taking place today (June 23, 2026).
    • Microsoft outs Windows 11 KB5095093 with long list of new features by Sayan Sen Microsoft today has released its newest preview update (C-release) for the month of June 2026 under KB5095093, builds 26200.8737 (for Windows 11 25H2) and 26100.8737 (on Windows 11 24H2). The update brings new features across various elements of the OS including the Windows update, the Recovery, Widgets, File Explorer, and more. The full changelog is given below: First up we have the features rolling out gradually: [Point-in-time restore for Windows] New! This flexible recovery feature helps you quickly roll back your PC, including apps, settings, and personal files, to a recent automatic restore point. It helps reduce downtime and simplifies troubleshooting when issues occur. To learn more, see Point-in-time restore for Windows. [Windows Update] New! A calendar experience in Windows Update Settings (Settings > Windows Update) lets you pause updates by choosing an end date, for up to 35 days. You can extend the pause by selecting a different end date and re‑pause updates as needed. For more information, see Pause updates in Windows. [Widgets] New! A quieter, more focused Widgets experience helps reduce interruptions and improves default settings and notification controls: Reduce distractions: Widgets no longer open on hover. Notifications and taskbar badges are minimized by default. Simpler: Open to the Widgets dashboard by default on first use. Customize: Configure Widgets how you want by selecting Settings in the navigation bar, then changing any of the default settings. Stay informed: Dashboard icons show the number of alerts, and badges clear automatically when you leave a dashboard. Adjusted defaults: Some default settings are preserved based on usage, while others adjust to reduce interruptions. Performance improvements: This update provides improved reliability, responsiveness, and visual quality across the Widget experience. [Accessibility] New! This update makes your screen easier to see and customizes your zoom experience: Screen tint: Apply a full-screen color overlay to help reduce eye strain and improve readability. Choose from preset tint options, adjust the intensity, or turn it on automatically. Find this feature in Settings > Accessibility. Magnifier: Enter a zoom percentage directly and change it in increments in the Magnifier window for more precise, flexible control. Magnifier settings menu: You can now also modify zoom increments directly from the magnifier bar instead of navigating to Windows Settings each time. [File Explorer] New! When you hover over a file in File Explorer Home, commands such as Open file location and Ask Copilot appear as quick actions. This experience is now supported for work and school accounts (Entra ID).1 Improves the speed and performance of File Explorer launch.2 Fixes an issue where the OneDrive shortcut in File Explorer stops working when File Explorer is run with administrative mode. The address bar now supports paths containing double backslashes and quotation marks (for example, C:\\Users\\user or "C:\Users\user"), improving compatibility with a wider range of inputs. The address bar suggestion dropdown is more reliable and now consistently closes after an item is selected. This update addresses an issue on File Explorer Home where OneDrive files could appear duplicated in the Favorites section. This update includes several refinements to the Rename experience: Addresses an issue where text was repeatedly selected when renaming items in folder views. Addresses an issue where case-only name changes were not immediately reflected in folder views for items stored locally or in the cloud. [Bluetooth] This update improves reliability and performance when connecting to and using Bluetooth devices: New! Windows now keeps the microphone mute state in sync between the audio mixer and the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) for a more consistent experience with Bluetooth headphones with mute buttons or indicators. Accessory compatibility workarounds: Improves compatibility with specific Bluetooth audio devices, helping AirPods appear faster in pairing mode and improving microphone reliability on Beats Studio Pro headphones. Bluetooth audio stability: Improves overall Windows stability with certain PC manufacturer drivers (error code 0x9F). Improves Bluetooth reliability for voice calls when using Classic Audio devices with the Hands-Free Profile (HFP). Reduces time for LE Audio accessories to start playing audio while using the microphone. Device management: Windows will no longer show a “Remove failed” message when attempting to remove Bluetooth devices if the Bluetooth radio is unavailable or has changed since pairing. Settings experience: Improves stability when using the Bluetooth & devices settings page for a smoother, more consistent experience. Connection reliability and responsiveness: Reduces the time it takes for classic Bluetooth audio devices to reconnect after Windows resumes from hibernation. Improves reliability when LE Audio accessories disconnect, such as when another device (for example, a phone) connects. Improves reliability of LE Audio streaming after a connection is lost and restored. [Bluetooth and Phone Link] This update improves audio routing for calls made through a connected phone: When an outgoing call is dialed from a paired phone, audio remains on the phone while ringing and transfers to the PC only when the call is answered from the PC. When Do Not Disturb is enabled on Windows, incoming call audio from a paired phone no longer rings on the PC. [Voice access and voice typing] New! You can now use voice access and voice typing in French, German, and Spanish. As you speak, your PC improves your text in real time. It corrects grammar, punctuation, and recognition errors, and helps improve clarity—even in the presence of background noise. This makes dictation smoother and reduces the need for manual edits.3 [Audio] This update improves the reliability of the inbox HD Audio driver. [Taskbar] This update improves the reliability of opening the Start menu when selecting the left edge of the taskbar when the icons in the taskbar are left-aligned. [Networking] This update includes networking improvements for virtualized environments. Confidential Virtual Machines (CVMs) now use SR-IOV hardware acceleration by default for improved network throughput, and a configuration issue in nested Hyper-V virtualization network setup has been corrected to ensure reliable VM network provisioning. This update improves the reliability of the Windows networking stack. It reduces bug checks (blue screen errors) related to Wi-Fi power and improves cellular (WWAN) connectivity, including support for IPv6 VPNs. Compatibility with third-party VPN software and SR-IOV configurations on server hardware is also improved. Network adapter settings and bindings are now preserved across OS upgrades. [Printing] New! New printer installations use Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) by default when supported, simplifying setup and improving reliability. For details about third-party driver deprecation, see End of Servicing Plan for Third-Party Printer Drivers on Windows. To control this behavior, use the toggle in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Default install printers using Windows Ready Print. For more information, see Introducing Windows Ready Print and modernized driver selection. For more information, see Introducing Windows Ready Print and Modernized Driver Selection. [Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)] The update improves usage of WSL in mirrored networking mode with VPNs. [Display and graphics] Improves the reliability of rendering content while scrolling for certain apps spanning across multiple monitors. Improves the reliability and persistence of applying color profiles. [Location services] This update changes how some location settings are displayed in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location to help with clarity. When location services are turned off, settings like Default location and Allow location override don't immediately apply, since location information is not given to apps or services. These settings will now be greyed out when location services are off to reduce confusion over when they take effect. [Search] This update improves the reliability of setting Search related group policies. [Input] New! You can now customize the size of the right-click zone in Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad. Choose from default, small, medium, or large to control how much of the bottom-right corner responds to a single-finger right-click. This setting is only available on touchpads with a pressable surface. If your device manufacturer provides customization through their own app, a Custom option will appear to reflect those settings. This update improves recognition of English characters when using Japanese handwriting. [General performance] Improves the time to shut down Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) when you turn off your PC. [General Reliability] ​​​​This update improves the reliability of explorer.exe. It addresses issues on the login and lock screens related to third-party credential providers, reduces the probability of taskbar icons appearing as blank gray placeholders, and improves navigation to Home in File Explorer during OneDrive sync. It also improves explorer.exe reliability when switching between desktops, enhances app launch with shell extensions, and using acrylic blur effects in the Start menu, Settings, and the lock screen. [Apps] Resolves an issue where some installers and applications could show unexpected elevation (UAC) prompts after installing KB5089549. [Remote Desktop] This update refreshes the dialog design when you enable Remote Desktop in Settings > System > Remote Desktop. [Graphics Kernel] Improves memory-management policy that allows PCs with more than 32GB of installed memory to run larger local AI models. Up next we have the features under normal rollout: [Secure Boot] With this update, Windows quality updates include additional high confidence device targeting data, increasing coverage of devices eligible to automatically receive new Secure Boot certificates. Devices receive the new certificates only after demonstrating sufficient successful update signals, maintaining a controlled and phased rollout. [Authentication] This update improves Netlogon secure channel connections between domain controllers, enabling successful connections from member servers to domain controllers set up before 2025. [Emoji Panel Update] The emoji panel (Windows key + period (.)) now uses GIPHY for GIF content following the deprecation of Google’s Tenor API. Starting June 30, 2026, install the latest Windows update to continue using GIFs in the Emoji panel. If you don’t update, you will see a "GIF service is not available" error in the panel. Installing the latest Windows update will restore access to GIFs. [Networking] This update improves how your device connects to shared network resources. Connections used by apps and system features, such as the NetUseAdd function, now work more reliably, including unauthenticated (null session) connections. [Recycle Bin (known issue)] Fixed: This update addresses an issue where the confirmation dialog might display an internal Recycle Bin file name instead of the original file name when permanently deleting a file. This issue might occur after installing the June 2026 security update (KB5094126). [Taskbar] This update improves notification badge display across your apps. Notification counts and badge visuals now update correctly, helping you stay up to date with new activity. You can choose to manually download the update from Microsoft's update catalog website at this link.
    • Hands-on with BOOX Tappy: cute little reading accessory by Taras Buria Page turners are quite popular accessories for e-readers, as they enable a hands-free reading experience, which is particularly useful with large readers featuring 10-inch or larger displays. The BOOX Tappy is a new accessory that was introduced earlier this year, and we took this cute-looking thingy for a spin. The Tappy comes in a small box, with two additional buttons and a user manual. The device is made of glossy green plastic and resembles old appliances from the nuclear age. Material quality is great, and each part feels quite premium. Plastic is high-quality, the switch is nice to flick, and the buttons are not rattly. At the bottom, four rubberized feet prevent slipping when used on a desk. Unfortunately, there are no color options, and the Tappy is only available in green. It looks good, but I wish there were other options as well. There are two removable buttons, an on/off switch, and an LED indicator that displays connection mode, charging status, and more. The buttons resemble those of an old typewriter, with quite a long travel distance and a pleasant clack. In the box, you have four buttons with different icons: heart, coffee, O, and X. You can easily swap buttons by simply pulling them upwards. Tip: buttons come with plastic covers, but they are quite tricky to remove. It is hard to call the Tappy the most ergonomic remote control, but after fiddling with it for a few hours, I managed to find a comfortable hand position. Attaching a lanyard to it can make it more comfortable in use without the fear of dropping it, but unfortunately, the Tappy does not come with one. The Tappy connects via Bluetooth 5.2, and it works in three modes, which you can toggle by pressing and holding both buttons for about five seconds: Reading Mode Multimedia Mode Browsing Mode Next / Previous page Next / Previous Track Up / Down scroll If you pair the Tappy with a BOOX device (I tested it with the BOOX Go 10.5 Gen 2 Lumi), you will get small pop-ups indicating the current mode. Plus, you can customize what each button does when pressed one time, two times, or held for a few seconds. The list of available actions and features you can use is massive, and I like that BOOX lets you map stuff like brightness adjustment, app launching, screenshot-taking, screen rotating, navigation, and more. Note, however, that while you can use the Tappy with other readers, its customization is only available on BOOX devices running firmware version 4.2 and newer. I could not connect the Tappy to my computer (Windows 11 claims a driver error when I try), but it worked with the DuRoBo Krono that I recently reviewed. My Kindle Paperwhite refused to work with the Tappy, though, just like my iPhone. The Tappy uses a non-removable Li-Ion battery, which can be recharged with a Type-C cable. BOOX rates the remote for "weeks of use," and I can say that it indeed has very good battery life. While there are no battery indicators on the remote, you can see the current level in the status bar or in Input settings in the BOOX firmware. After a few days of active use, mine still shows about 95%. Overall, the Tappy left a nice impression. It is well-made, and the integration with BOOX devices is great. I also like that BOOX decided to have some fun with its design and swappable buttons. I cannot say I am a fan of its odd shape, though. Still, I managed to find a way to use it comfortably. And when not in use, it just looks neat sitting on the table doing nothing or serving you as a small clacky fidget. Buy BOOX Tappy - $29.99 on Amazon US As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • AdGuard Family lifetime deal now only $14.97 by Steven Parker Today's highlighted Neowin Deal comes via our Apps + Software section, where you can get a lifetime subscription and save 91% on a lifetime AdGuard Family Plan. AdGuard is a unique program that has all the necessary features for what they claim to be "the best web experience." The software combines the an advanced ad blocker, a privacy protection module, and a parental control tool—all working in one app. This software deals with annoying ads, hides your data from a multitude of trackers, protects you from malware attacks, and even lets you restrict your kids from accessing inappropriate content. Install AdGuard and see the internet as it was supposed to be: clean and safe. Get rid of annoying banners, pop-ups & video ads once and for all Hide your data from the multitude of trackers & activity analyzers that swarm the web Avoid fraudulent and phishing website and malware attacks Protect your kids online by restricting them from accessing inappropriate & adult content Good to know Family Plan Length of access: lifetime This plan is only available to new users Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase Max number of devices: 9 Access options: desktop & mobile Software version: AdGuard Family Updates included A lifetime subscription of AdGuard Family Plan normally costs $169.99, but this deal can be yours for just $14.97, that's a saving of $157.02. For full terms, specifications, and license info please click the link below. Get this AdGuard Family lifetime deal for just $14.97 (was $169.99) Although priced in U.S. dollars, this deal is available for digital purchase worldwide. As an online publication, Neowin too relies on ads for operating costs and, if you use an ad blocker, we'd appreciate being whitelisted. In addition, we have an ad-free subscription for $28 a year, which is another way to show support! Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.
    • Sadly "beats Steam Machine" isn't much of a brag.
  • Recent Achievements

    • One Month Later
      timbobit earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      nates earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Rookie
      dorf went up a rank
      Rookie
    • First Post
      mike_rumble earned a badge
      First Post
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      468
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      165
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      106
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      87
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      69
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!