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The TeamGroup X2 Max helped organize my files

Fast and plenty of storage

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As someone who reviews multiple devices for weeks and months at a time, it can be hard to keep track of all my files. That’s especially true for the laptop reviews I handle. Part of the tests include actually using the SSD equipped on those machines. That means storing my actual work files on them. But that also means my files are scattered. 

I’m not the most organized person in the world. I just happen to recall where most of my files are. Either that or I just have a system that works for me where I happen to know where the files I need are at. It’s not perfect and I am in the process of streamlining everything. That’s where the TeamGroup X2 Max portable SSD comes in.

There are a couple of key ‘events’ that transpired during my testing of what we’ll from here on out call the X2 Max – for brevity. First is when I used the X2 Max to facilitate my switching of the Legion Go S from Windows to Steam OS. Second is an ongoing matter where I use it to consolidate my work files. 

Let’s start with the first one. 

Overqualified host for switching OS on gaming handheld

I returned from our Computex coverage with the X2 Max and just as I arrived, we locked in a collaboration with Lenovo to feature the Legion Go S. At first I thought it was going to be the Steam OS version but instead it was still the Windows one. 

I asked permission from Lenovo to switch it to SteamOS and they were okay with it. So, the next task was actually doing it. 

I’ve done my fair share of changing OS and flashing devices before. However, it’s been a while since I did anything of the sort so I may have taken some missteps. One of them involves the X2 Max. 

Part of the process includes using a thumb drive to boot the SteamOS from. The X2 Max was the only one in my immediate vicinity so I grabbed that and proceeded with the process. 

By the way, I’m using some words very loosely here. If this is something you ever find yourself doing, just carefully follow the steps outlined by Valve. I digress. 

So, I did the things successfully. But the process also meant that the X2 Max was reformatted. And since my expertise in this area is limited, it took me a while to get the X2 Max back to full capacity. In fact, as of now, I still don’t have access to about 200GB of the available storage. But that’s a problem for Future Me. 

Transferring games 

TeamGroup X2 Max

Naturally, it didn’t stop there. I used the X2 Max to transfer some of the games from my gaming laptop to the Legion Go S. That’s around 500GB worth of gaming data and it took me about 37 minutes to complete the transfer. 

That transfer rate is:

 512,000 MB ÷ 2220 s ≈ 230.63 MB/s

That’s fairly realistic for real-world transfers of game files, which tend to include:

  • Thousands of small-to-medium files
  • Mixed file sizes (textures, assets, audio, etc.)
  • Higher filesystem overhead

Not accounting for things like:

  • Thermal throttling
  • File type/fragmentation (games are often made up of thousands of small files)
  • SSD buffer/cache filling up
  • OS overhead
  • Your source drive’s speed (if reading from a slow internal drive, that’ll bottleneck things)

Based on that data, here are estimates of the same transfer speed for different file sizes. 

File Size Total MB Time @ 230 MB/s
50 GB 51,200 MB ≈ 223 s → 3 min 43 sec

100 GB

102,400 MB

≈ 445 s → 7 min 25 sec

250 GB

256,000 MB

≈ 1113 s → 18 min 33 sec

500 GB

512,000 MB

≈ 2226 s → ~37 min (baseline)

1 TB

1,048,576 MB

≈ 4550 s → 1 hr 15 min 50 sec

Consolidating my work files 

TeamGroup X2 Max

 

My ongoing challenge right now is consolidating all of my work files. As of writing I have them scattered across a few laptops, a couple of hard drives, and another portable SSD. 

If you’ve done any sort of file migration yourself, you know that it can take a while, especially when you’re dealing with terabytes of data. With the X2 Max in tow, I have been slowly but surely tidying up my work files. 

What’s great is that the X2 Max’s transfer speed has been key in helping me accomplish this endeavour faster. 

I did a single massive transfer of 1TB in one sitting. It took about 50 minutes and 36 seconds for the transfer to be completed.

That transfer rate is: 

1,048,576 MB ÷ 3046 s ≈ 344 MB/s

Since these are straight up files: images, videos, some documents here and there. Here’s the estimated transfer speeds based on that rate. 

File Size

Total MB Time at 344 MB/s

50 GB

51,200 MB

≈ 149 s → 2 min 29 sec

100 GB

102,400 MB

≈ 298 s → 4 min 58 sec

250 GB

256,000 MB

≈ 744 s → 12 min 24 sec

500 GB 512,000 MB

≈ 1488 s → 24 min 48 sec

1 TB 1,048,576 MB

≈ 3046 s → 50 min 46 sec (baseline)

I forgot to actually time it. But overall, it took me about two and a half to three hours to move around about two to three terabytes of files. That’s already a lot of time saved. 

Previously, it would take me half a day if not all day to handle these file migration tasks. With the X2 Max, the task was successfully hastened. 

Travel-friendly portable SSD

TeamGroup X2 Max

I have since made the X2 Max my go-to portable SSD for travel. I’ve gone on a couple of work trips with it in tow. That means I have access to all my important work files at my convenience. 

Whether I’m working off of a review laptop, my own laptop, a review tablet, or my own tablet, I don’t have to worry about not getting to some of the stuff I may need to complete my work. 

For someone who has to change devices constantly, this is a godsend. 

As mentioned earlier, I still have some more organization to do. But I feel a little more at ease about completing them soonest because I have the X2 Max with me.

Is the TeamGroup X2 Max your GadgetMatch?

TeamGroup X2 Max

Yes. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do. I firmly believe that everyone could use a portable SSD and the TeamGroup X2 Max is one of the best that you can get a hold of right now. 

It’s a portable and fast storage device and can be used in a multitude of ways. It’s one of our easiest recommendations to date. 

Price and availability

The TeamGroup X2 Max currently retails for $69.99 USD for the 1TB option and $124.99 USD for the 2TB version that we have.

It’s available for purchase on Amazon. That’s an overall good deal considering other similar products breach the $200 USD mark.

Accessories

UGREEN x Honkai: Star Rail is a complete charging kit

More than just a collab

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UGREEN Honkai Star Rail

Most brand collaborations usually lean on one thing: aesthetics.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you’re already a fan of the franchise, seeing your favorite character on something you use every day is reason enough to pick it up.

The UGREEN x Honkai: Star Rail collection certainly delivers on that front. Inspired by Yao Guang, each accessory gets a distinct look without sacrificing the clean, minimalist design UGREEN is known for.

After spending some time with the collection, however, another idea stood out.

Rather than treating each accessory as a standalone product, the lineup makes the most sense as a complete charging kit.

UGREEN Honkai Star Rail

Built around everyday carry

Inside the limited-edition gift box are four of UGREEN’s everyday essentials: the MagFlow Air Magnetic Power Bank, Nexode Air 65W Charger, Nexode Retractable USB-C Cable, and FineTrack Mini 2 tracker. The package also comes with exclusive Yao Guang collectibles, including an acrylic stand, badge, holographic ticket, and a matching pouch.

UGREEN also sent over the Nexode Pro Power Bank Honkai: Star Rail Edition. While it isn’t included in the collector’s gift box, it naturally rounds out the entire collection. Its built-in USB-C cable, compact size, and smart display make it feel like it belongs alongside the rest of the lineup.

Looking at everything together, the collection already covers most everyday charging needs.

There’s a compact GaN wall charger for laptops and tablets. Two power banks for different situations. A retractable USB-C cable that cuts down on cable clutter. And a tracker for bags, keys, or anything else you don’t want to misplace.

It’s a practical combination before the collaboration artwork even enters the conversation.

Familiar products with fresh personalities

That familiarity is also part of what makes this collaboration work.

We’ve already spent time with the standard versions of both the Nexode Air Charger 65W and the MagFlow Air Power Bank. Their biggest strengths weren’t flashy gimmicks. They were reliable accessories that earned a place in an everyday carry setup.

That doesn’t change here.

The Nexode Air remains a compact 65W GaN charger that’s easy to slip into a backpack or travel pouch. Meanwhile, the MagFlow Air continues to offer the flexibility of wired and wireless charging in a compact package.

Instead of reinventing the hardware, UGREEN simply gave the products a little more personality.

For Honkai: Star Rail fans, that’s probably exactly what they’re looking for.

The little things make a difference

Another pleasant surprise is how cohesive everything feels.

The included pouch makes it easy to keep most of the essentials together, whether they’re headed into a backpack, messenger bag, or carry-on luggage.

UGREEN Honkai Star Rail

Even the color ended up being more practical than expected.

Most chargers, cables, and power banks tend to disappear into a sea of black accessories inside a bag. The light blue finish used throughout this collection makes each item surprisingly easy to spot at a glance.

They’re small details.

But they’re the kinds of conveniences that make these accessories feel like they’re meant to be used every day instead of staying inside the collector’s box.

More than a collector’s item

UGREEN Honkai Star Rail

There’s no question that Honkai: Star Rail fans are the primary audience here.

The artwork alone gives the collection plenty of appeal.

What makes it interesting, though, is that the collaboration doesn’t rely on aesthetics alone.

Instead of creating a single themed accessory, UGREEN assembled products that naturally complement one another. Whether it’s charging a laptop, topping up a phone during the day, carrying a single cable, or keeping track of everyday essentials, each product has a clear role within the lineup.

That’s what ultimately makes this collection stand out.

The Honkai: Star Rail collaboration gives the accessories their personality. The complete charging kit gives them lasting value.

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Accessories

Sony brings 1000X THE COLLEXION to the Philippines

Premium sound arrives

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Sony Philippines has officially introduced 1000X THE COLLEXION to the local market. This marks the Philippine debut of its newest flagship headphones.

The premium headphones build on a decade of Sony’s 1000X lineup. It’s a combination of refined design and advanced audio technologies. They feature a bespoke driver unit, Edge-AI powered DSEE Ultimate, 360 Reality Audio Upmix, and Sony’s signature noise cancellation technology.

Sony also focused on comfort. The headphones are equipped with premium metal accents, refined faux leather developed over two years, and an ergonomic design for extended listening sessions. They come in Black and White finishes.

Price and availability

The 1000X THE COLLEXION is now available in the Philippines for PhP 36,999. They are in Sony Centres and authorized Sony dealers nationwide.

Philippine debut celebrates a decade of 1000X

Sony introduced the headphones through an immersive showcase that celebrated the 10th anniversary of the 1000X series, which began with the MDR-1000X in 2016.

The event featured a ballet-inspired product reveal before Sony Philippines President and Managing Director Shuhei Sugihara and Marketing Director Kentaro Imamura welcomed guests and shared the vision behind the company’s latest flagship headphones.

A live performance by A-Team and a fashion showcase styled by Gian Romano highlighted the headphones’ premium design.

The program also featured Talk That Talk. It’s a panel discussion moderated by Rammy Bitong with fashion designer Rajo Laurel, entrepreneur Mika Lagdameo, creative director Daryl Chang, and AGC Power Holdings Corp. Chairman and CEO Archie Carrasco. The discussion explored how sound influences creativity, productivity, entrepreneurship, and self-expression.

Guests also experienced interactive installations. This includes the Tech Showcase Lounge, which highlighted the engineering behind the headphones, and the Soundcapes booth, where synchronized music and visuals demonstrated the headphones’ audio capabilities.

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Accessories

Nothing confirms Ear (3a) is coming this month

It launches alongside the Phone (4b) on July 7.

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Nothing Ear (2)

From being told to not expect anything this year, Nothing fans suddenly have a lot to look forward to. The brand already launched the Phone (4a) series earlier this year, and the new Phone (4b) is likewise coming this month. Now, the Ear (3a) has also been announced.

Through an official teaser on X, Nothing announced that the Ear (3a) is launching alongside the Phone (4b) on July 7. Unfortunately, the short teaser doesn’t spill what the earbuds will look like. However, it does confirm that there will be four colorway options: White, Black, Yellow, and Pink.

Despite being under a relatively new brand, the Ear series carries a lot of history for Nothing. It is, after all, the brand’s first consumer-ready product which came out before the Phones. Since then, the earbuds typify Nothing’s iconic transparent designs. Now, there’s no indication that the Ear (3a) will depart from this tradition, but we’ll see a lot more color, at least.

The Ear (3a) isn’t the only spotlight in this teaser. Nothing also says that the video was shot with the upcoming Phone (4b). Though the video doesn’t spoil the phone’s camera hardware, it’s clear that it can shoot decent videos under relatively low-light conditions. (Of course, we’ll need a better look to confirm that.)

The Phone (4b) and the Ear (3a) are scheduled to launch worldwide on July 7.

SEE ALSO: No new CMF phones this year, Nothing confirms

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