In today’s digital world, where the volume of data is growing exponentially, the issue of reliable storage and convenient transfer is becoming increasingly acute. High-resolution photos, 4K videos, large projects, and games require significant space. The Western Digital My Passport 4TB (WDBPKJ0040BBK-WESN) external hard drive is one of the most popular solutions on the market, offering huge capacity in a compact body. High-resolution photos, 4K videos, large projects, and games require significant space. Let’s take a closer look at it.

Appearance

The first thing that catches the eye is the minimalist and stylish design of the device. The body is made of high-quality matte plastic with a glossy diagonal texture, which not only gives it an elegant look but also makes it resistant to fingerprints. Thanks to its compact size (107.2 x 75 x 19.15 mm) and weight of only 210 grams, the drive easily fits into a jacket pocket or laptop bag, making it an ideal companion for travel.

What’s in the box?

Typically, the WD My Passport drive package is standard and includes everything you need to get started:

• The WD My Passport 4TB hard drive itself.
• USB 3.0 cable (compatible with USB 2.0).
• Quick start guide.

WD My Passport 4TB – unboxing

WD My Passport 4TB – package

WD My Passport 4TB – cable

Key Features

The main advantage of this model is the combination of large capacity and reliable data protection functionality. 4TB of space allows you to store hundreds of thousands of photos, thousands of hours of music, or dozens of modern games and movies in high quality. The drive comes with proprietary software, which is the control center for your data.

WD My Passport 4TB – WD Discovery

WD My Passport 4TB – encryption

• WD Backup: An easy-to-set-up utility for automatic scheduled backup of important files.
• WD Security: Allows you to set a password and activate 256-bit AES hardware encryption. This means your data will be reliably protected from unauthorized access, even if you lose the drive.
• WD Drive Utilities: A tool for diagnosing the drive’s condition, formatting it, and setting a sleep timer.

Performance and Speed Tests

The WD My Passport is equipped with a USB 3.0 interface. The most interesting part of any drive review is the speed tests. The device was connected to a laptop via a USB 3.0 port to obtain objective data. Testing was performed using two popular utilities: CrystalDiskMark 8.0.4 and HD Tune Pro 5.75.

CrystalDiskMark Test

This test shows the peak sequential read and write speeds of large files. The results demonstrate excellent performance for its class:

• Sequential read speed: 130.95 MB/s
• Sequential write speed: 121.41 MB/s

HD Tune Pro Test

This program allows you to evaluate the speed across the entire surface of the disk. Your test results were extremely high for a portable HDD, indicating excellent performance of this particular instance.

• Minimum speed: 122.3 MB/s
• Maximum speed: 223.7 MB/s
• Average speed: 219.1 MB/s

In practice, speed depends on many factors, including the size of the files being transferred and your computer’s configuration.

Compatibility

The drive is formatted out of the box in the NTFS file system, making it fully compatible with Windows 8.1 and Windows 10/11 operating systems. For use with macOS, it needs to be reformatted to HFS+ or APFS, which is easily done using the standard “Disk Utility”. After formatting, it will work perfectly with Time Machine for backup.

Conclusions

Western Digital My Passport 4TB is an excellent choice for those looking for reliable, capacious, and portable storage. It is ideal for students, photographers, travelers, and ordinary users who need to expand their laptop’s memory or create a reliable archive of their data. In summary, the WD My Passport 4TB is a balanced and time-tested solution that offers an excellent combination of price, volume, and reliability.

tapo L530E box

tapo L530E large box

tapo L530E unboxing

tapo L530E bulb

The first thing that convinced me to make this choice was a secure Wi-Fi connection. The bulbs connect directly to the router, do not require additional hubs or intermediaries, and use modern encryption methods. This is important for me, because dubious Chinese counterparts often work through their own “gray” cloud services, where it is unknown how data is transmitted and how protected it is. In the case of TP-Link, I get confidence in standardization and reliability, because the company has long established itself in the field of network equipment.

Technically, the Tapo L530E is an 8.7W LED bulb (equivalent to a classic 60W bulb) with a luminous flux of 806 lumens. It supports 16 million colors, allows you to adjust the brightness from one to one hundred percent, and works directly via Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz range. All this is controlled via the Tapo app, which, by the way, receives regular updates and has integration with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings.

I got five bulbs at once and combined them into a group. This turned out to be very convenient: with one click you can control the lighting in the entire room. But there is a nuance here. Some functions available for individual bulbs do not work fully in the group. For example, you cannot apply the “disco mode” to all of them at once, as well as view the total electricity consumption. These parameters remain individual. And although this is not critical, I would like to see more advanced capabilities specifically for group control.

I took basic screenshots that show the general appearance of the Tapo app interface and basic functionality.

Tapo Android Main Screen

Tapo Android Bulb Settings

Tapo Android Bulb Features

Tapo Android Party Mode

Tapo Android Scedule

Tapo Android Timer

Tapo Android Away Maode

Tapo Android Group features

Tapo Android List of group devices

The bulbs turned out to be convenient to use. Installation takes a few minutes: screw into the E27 socket, open the application, connect to Wi-Fi – and you’re done. Then you can play with colors, create schedules or even set timers. For example, I use them for evening lighting – the soft warm light creates coziness, and when necessary – you can switch to a colder white tone for work.

When all the bulbs were connected and organized into a group, I decided to see how they were displayed in the client list on my Ubiquiti UCG-Max router. I was pleasantly surprised that even a photo was automatically downloaded according to the bulb model.

Compared to the regular LED bulb that I use in parallel, the Tapo L530E looks like an undisputed favorite. It not only shines, but also adds a sense of control and flexibility. You no longer need to get up to turn off the light – everything is done from your phone or even a voice command.

Of course, like any device, it has its limitations. But overall, the Tapo L530E is an excellent combination of price, quality and capabilities. And most importantly, it is not a “disposable toy”, but a serious product that works stably, integrates with other systems and gives a sense of security.

Macro photography reveals a fascinating world of details invisible to the naked eye. Every dust particle, insect wing texture, or plant surface becomes a full-fledged subject. But a good lens alone isn’t enough. Lighting is the key to successful macro photography, and that’s where a ring light comes into play.

Recently, I purchased a ring light for Sony E-mount with a 49mm diameter on AliExpress (product link). It fit my macro lens perfectly, and I was amazed by the results. Let’s explore its features, advantages, and how it transforms your macro photography.

Unboxing

The parcel from China arrived in Ukraine in 7 days. According to the declaration from Estonia, I can assume that the Chinese have warehouses to store their goods to optimize logistics.

paackage

what inside

crack

remote control

Unfortunately, I received damaged packaging, as a result, the ring lampshade was cracked, but the lamp was working, and this crack did not affect the quality of picture. There was only a lamp in the box. The USB cable is built-in and non-removable.

LED light key specs:

• Device name: Dimmable led macro fill light
• Color temperature: 5000-7500 (3 modes Cold white, Warm yellow, Mixed neutral)
• Light intensity adjustment: 0-100%
• Installation interface: M49*0.75
• Power consumption: 5-7W
• Power connector: USB Type-A
• Control: buttons to power on/off, toggle modes and brightness

Benefits of Using a Ring Light in Macro Photography

1. Even Lighting – No harsh shadows, better texture visibility — ideal for insects, flowers, jewelry, and circuit boards.
2. Adjustable Brightness – Multiple intensity levels help you fine-tune the exposure without changing ISO or aperture.
3. Cool Lighting – LED light doesn’t heat up the subject — important when working with living creatures or delicate plants.
4. Easy Mounting – Attaches directly to the lens via Sony E-mount — stable, compact, and user-friendly.
5. Portable – Lightweight and USB-powered — perfect for outdoor use.

What is a Ring Light and How Does It Work?

A ring light is a circular light that surrounds the lens, providing even illumination from all directions. It eliminates harsh shadows and enhances fine details, especially useful for close-up shots where traditional lighting often causes unwanted reflections or deep contrasts.

In this review I use the lens Sony E 3.5/30 MACRO SEL30M35. It was nice to see that this lighting can also be attached to the hood of this lens, which makes its use more versatile.

Led light thread

installation

lens hood

installation over lens hood

A ring light placed around the lens eliminates unwanted shadows — especially those caused by your hands or the camera itself when you’re close to the subject.

Search for an object for test photos

The first thing that came to my mind was a watch. It has small dimensions, it can be conveniently placed on a table due to the metal bracelet. Therefore, the choice turned out to be quite interesting, because I focused on the inscription Swatch Swiss

Practical Tips for Using a Ring Light

1. Use a tripod — helps avoid blur with slower shutter speeds.
2. Manual focus is best — autofocus can struggle at close range.
3. Adjust brightness — depending on how reflective your subject is.
4. Play with angle — even ring lights allow some creative shadow manipulation.

Preparation includes using a tripod, setting the camera to manual focus, and illuminating the focus area. The overall test setup looks like this

watch light

display focus markers

Result was amazing!

Lighting: The Heart of Macro Photography

Even the best lens can’t perform without good lighting. Light determines:

• contrast and depth,
• sharpness (especially at fast shutter speeds),
• accurate colors.

I decided to test the lighting modes, which are switched by the remote control in the following sequence:

• No light (turned off)
• Cold white
• Warm yellow
• Mixed neutral

No light

White light

Warm light

Neutral light

Conclusion

Macro photography begins with light. This affordable ring light from AliExpress turned my ordinary macro lens into a powerful tool for exploring the miniature world. It’s not just an accessory — it’s an essential piece of gear for anyone passionate about macro photography.

If you’re into shooting small objects or want to dive into the microcosm — this ring light might be your perfect companion.

Unboxing and Packaging

The headset comes in a minimalist cardboard box without seals or protective stickers. Instead, a basic sticker lists the model name, manufacturing date, and country of origin. Since this is a recent model, HP has already started leaving its mark on the packaging.

Inside the box, you’ll find:

• Instruction manual, certification insert, and safety warnings.
• A fabric carrying case with a branded label.
• Headset Poly BlackWire C3325 (76J21AA)

Documentation

carrying case

headset

The case is sturdy, and the zipper opens effortlessly. The 2-meter-long cord is surprisingly flexible and features Poly’s signature red color.

Key Features and Build Quality

This model boasts dual connectivity options:

1. 3.5mm mini-jack
2. USB adapter with in-line controls for:
   • Microphone toggle (on/off)
   • Volume adjustment (+ and -)
   • Dedicated Microsoft Teams button

The headband is crafted from soft, leather-like material, and the ear cushions are equally pleasant to the touch. For added convenience:

• The speakers rotate 180°, making storage a breeze.
• The microphone boom swivels in both directions, accommodating both left- and right-handed users.

Performance and Usability

Sound quality is where this headset truly shines. Whether I was testing smartphone audio, earpiece clarity, or the microphone, the performance consistently exceeded expectations. The universal design ensures comfort during prolonged use, and the thoughtful engineering caters to various preferences.

Final Thoughts

The Poly BlackWire C3325-M is undoubtedly a high-tech, high-quality headset. However, it comes at a premium—$80 might seem steep for some, but quality often comes at a price, akin to what you’d expect from Logitech. If you value comfort, performance, and versatility, this headset is worth considering.

Video available on my YouTube channel on Ukrainian language. You can turn captions ON and understand wat I say. Enjoy it!

Foreword

My first impressions are incredibly bright because it really is a powerful device with a modern interface, controls, an intuitive configuration tool!

Unboxing

Box in a minimalist design in beige cardboard. The size of the box has significantly increased to 175 x 160 x 80 mm. On the back of the box, on the lower left, there is a label pasted with information about the country of manufacture, the address and a hologram that the product is certified and authentic. As in the previous version, the box is opened by pulling on a special opening tab. After opening the box, as in the previous version, there is a bright blue qr-code in the center, which leads to the instructions for the first connection. That is, at the first stage

After turning this side of the box in the center, the router itself is flaunted in a matte factory film. Under the router, after removing the white tab, in the plastic section there is a 5V 3A charger, a short 15 cm patch cord, legs in the form of a sticker, and a very small paper instruction is inserted into the side pocket. I took a photo of each element separately and larger. Everything was placed compactly and competently, I liked it.

In order to understand the difference in size and number of ports, the location of elements, I decided to physically compare the two models UXG-Lite and UCG Ultra, see how incredible the difference is.

Settings and Speed test

After waiting for the router to fully load, which is about 2-3 minutes, I saw an animated recommendation to continue setting up on the display. The display displays information clearly and interactively, it’s just great!

When accessing the Internet, the setting takes place through the UniFi application via Bluetooth. I made the settings through a Samsung Android smartphone. After opening the application, literally in a few seconds a message appears that a new Cloud Gateway Ultra device has been found with an offer to continue the configuration. The first setup can take from 4 to 20 minutes, so it is better to have the smartphone charged.

Also, the speed is displayed on the display of the router itself

Since this security gateway already has a built-in UniFi controller, there is no need for separate local services or a hardware Cloud Key device.

If you have any questions, ask in the comments, I will be happy to share my experience in using this router!

Today I will write about my experience ordering and unboxing the Raspberry Pi 5.

Let me start by saying that the Raspberry Pi 5 was announced for pre-order on September 28, 2023. I followed this news, but the time zone difference did not allow me to order exactly on the 28th.

On September 29, I visited the official website https://thepihut.com/ and pre-ordered the 8GB RAM variant. I paid $98 for this option including shipping and tax.

On October 24, I received a letter that the pre-orders were divided into several shipments, namely:

First batch (orders before 28/09/23 10:00 (UK Time))
Second batch (orders between 28/09/23 10:00 and 28/09/23 20:00 (UK Time))
Third batch (orders after 28/09/23 20:00 (UK Time))

I got to the third round and already on January 10, 2024 I successfully got it.

The long-awaited unboxing of the Raspberry Pi 5!

Given the experience of buying a Raspberry Pi 4, I didn’t expect to get anything else in a small box other than documentation, a disclaimer and the Raspberry Pi 5 itself.

The size, color and design of the box is almost the same as its predecessor. In the lower corner, the amount of RAM is indicated – in my case, 8 GB. The box is tightly sealed, and when you try to open it, there will definitely be traces of opening, so I think it is impossible to pack it back without exposing the previous unpacking.

The reverse side describes the specifications, the link to the official site where you can get started with this Raspberry Pi. There are also terms and conditions for using the HDMI logo. A barcode with numbers starting with 50 identifies the country of manufacture as Great Britain, which gives confidence in the quality of the product.

The front and back sides are very similar to the previous revision, but there is a difference that the USB and Ethernet connectors are not located from left to right, but on the contrary from right to left, which will not allow connecting a POE HAT+ from the 4th version.

The package, as I mentioned above, is minimal:

• Small box
• warning card
• instruction
• Raspberry Pi 5

This is how I received my Raspberry Pi 5, unpacked it and hope to install all the desired services on it, which I will write about in my next posts.