Dan Coveney

Founder & Lead Reviewer

Founder of GadgetScout and owner of a UK computer-repair business — twenty years advising real customers on laptops, PCs, networking and home tech. Writes the 'From the Repair Bench' series about the gear he sees on the workbench every week, and covers laptops, PCs, storage and charging. Based in Kent, UK.

Articles by Dan Coveney

• The Habit That Could Wipe Out Years of Your Work in an Afternoon
  Storing files on your desktop feels convenient, but one Windows reinstall or failed hard drive later and they can vanish completely — here's why.
• Pixel 11 leak points to Tensor G6 chip and 256 GB base storage
  Fresh leaks reveal Google's next flagship will ditch the 128 GB entry tier and debut a new in-house chip built on TSMC's 2nm process — but a possible RAM cut could sting.
• Why Your Files Have Vanished Behind a Lock You Don't Remember Setting
  A forgotten password or a BitLocker key you never knew you had can lock you out of your own files — here's what's actually going on and what to try first.
• OnePlus 15 Review: The Battery Life Champion Worth Considering?
  OnePlus 15 rewrites the rules with jaw-dropping battery life—but does it have what it takes to dethrone the flagship giants?
• Gemini 3.5 Pro tipped for 17 July launch with 2M-token window
  Google's most capable AI model yet has already missed one deadline — here's what the reported specs mean and what remains unconfirmed.
• Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Hardware Trade Secret Theft
  Apple filed a federal lawsuit on Friday accusing OpenAI, its chief hardware officer, and an engineer of systematically stealing confidential information about unreleased Apple products.
• The Scam That Got Through Even Though She Had Antivirus Running
  Free antivirus is better than nothing, but the scams emptying bank accounts right now bypass it completely — here's what I see on the bench every week.
• Why Your Computer Suddenly Can't Find Anything to Boot From
  That black screen with "No Boot Device Found" looks like the end of the world, but in my experience it's often something straightforward rather than a dead machine.
• Is a Home Server Overkill? NAS vs Mini PC vs Old Laptop
  Tired of paying cloud fees forever? We pit NAS, Mini PC, and old laptops against each other to find the smartest home server for your needs.
• Anker vs Baseus vs UGREEN Power Banks: Who Makes the Best Now?
  Compare Anker, Baseus and UGREEN power banks to find the best portable battery brand for your needs and budget.
• Why Your Old Email Password Could Be The Weakest Link In Your Security
  Your email password might be the oldest, weakest one you own — and if it leaks, everything else goes with it.
• Do You Really Need a Faraday Pouch for Your Car Keys?
  Thieves can clone your car's signal in seconds. But do Faraday pouches actually stop them—or are they just expensive peace of mind?
• Microsoft quietly replaces OpenAI and Anthropic with own MAI models in Office
  Tens of thousands of Excel and Outlook AI prompts are now being handled each week by Microsoft's in-house MAI models, not the third-party services users assumed were running under the bonnet.
• OpenAI GPT-5.6 Goes Public After US Government Review
  The Sol, Terra, and Luna model family launches broadly today after 12 days gated behind a US federal review process that has now set a precedent for frontier AI releases.
• Your Files Are in OneDrive — But Are They Actually Safe?
  OneDrive gives most people a false sense of security — here's how to check it's actually protecting the files and folders that matter to you.
• Framework, Fairphone and the Repairable Tech Worth Buying
  Tired of throwaway gadgets? Framework and Fairphone are proving that durable, user-repairable tech isn't just possible—it's finally worth buying.
• Thermal Paste, Pads and Compounds: Which One Should You Actually Use?
  Choosing the wrong thermal interface material can silently throttle your PC's performance. Here's what actually works best for your build.
• Why Ignoring A Broken Laptop Hinge Can Destroy The Whole Machine
  A broken laptop hinge feels like a minor annoyance — until it tears the display cable, cracks the screen, and splits the chassis in two.
• Best Surge Protectors and Power Strips to Protect Your Tech
  Shield your devices from damaging power surges with our top picks for surge protectors and power strips that keep your tech safe and powered.
• How to Improve Your Webcam Image Without Buying a New One
  Unlock a sharper, more professional webcam image with simple tweaks to lighting, settings, and software—no upgrade required.
• The Real Reason I Tell Customers To Stop Using Their Old Windows PC
  When Windows drops support for your version, slow becomes the least of your worries — here's what I tell every customer who's still running an ageing machine.
• Best USB-C Car Chargers and Phone Mounts for UK Drivers
  Stay powered and hands-free on UK roads with our picks for the best USB-C car chargers and phone mounts for every budget and vehicle.
• Nvidia RTX Spark laptops arriving this autumn from Dell, HP, Microsoft
  Eight confirmed Windows laptops powered by Nvidia's new RTX Spark superchip will land this autumn, with more than 30 designs expected at launch.
• My Customer's Laptop Was Fine — Until Windows Update Got Hold of It
  A customer brought in a laptop that had been working fine the night before — one Windows update later, it wouldn't get past the loading screen.
• Best Laptop Stands and Risers for Better Posture
  Tired of neck pain from hunching over your laptop? These top-rated stands and risers will transform your posture and productivity instantly.
• How to Choose a UPS to Protect Your PC and Router From Power Cuts
  Don't let a sudden power cut fry your PC or erase unsaved work. Learn how to pick the right UPS to keep your devices safe and running.
• The Backup Device That Looks Like It's Working Until the Day You Need It
  A £5 USB stick from a motorway services might seem fine for backups — until a customer walks in clutching one and everything on it has vanished.
• The Reason Your "Backup" Drive Could Let You Down One Day
  An external hard drive sitting in a drawer feels reassuring, but it has a shelf life — and when it goes, it usually goes without warning.
• iOS 27 public beta expected to land around 14 July
  Apple's developer betas are tracking ahead of last year's schedule, pointing to a mid-July public release — but UK users face a significant Siri AI gap at launch.
• EU Top Court Makes Google's €4.1bn Android Fine Permanent
  Europe's highest court has dismissed Google's final appeal, cementing an eight-year legal battle over anticompetitive Android practices with a €4.125 billion penalty that cannot be challenged further.
• Qi2 and MagSafe Chargers Explained: What's Worth Buying Now
  Wireless charging just got smarter—but not all chargers are equal. Here's what Qi2 and MagSafe actually mean for your wallet and devices.
• Best USB-C Monitors That Charge Your Laptop From One Cable
  Simplify your desk setup with these top USB-C monitors that power your laptop and display content through a single cable—no adapters needed.
• How to Clean and Repaste an Old Laptop Yourself (Without Wrecking It)
  Breathe new life into your sluggish laptop with a simple cleaning and repaste—no tech degree required, just patience and the right tools.
• The Bargain Charger That Wrecked a Perfectly Good Laptop
  A repair-shop owner on the cheap third-party charger that damaged a laptop - what to watch for and how to buy a safe replacement.
• Best Mini Projectors for Bedrooms and Back Gardens
  Transform any space into a cinema with our top mini projectors—perfect for cozy bedroom nights or starlit garden screenings.
• Why a Nearly-Full Hard Drive Can Make Windows Almost Unusable
  A repair-shop owner on why a nearly-full drive cripples Windows - what to clear safely, and when to move files off for good.
• Why Your Laptop Says 40% and Then Suddenly Dies
  A repair-shop owner explains the laptop that shuts off at 40% - why the percentage lies as batteries age, and what to do about it.
• Best Budget 3D Printers for Beginners
  Discover the best budget 3D printers for beginners under a few hundred pounds, pre-calibrated and ready to print in minutes.
• Liquid on Your Laptop? Why the Bag-of-Rice Trick Isn’t a Repair
  A repair-shop owner on liquid damage - why rice does nothing, what really kills laptops after a spill, and the first steps that matter.
• Why Is My PC Fan So Loud? Causes and Quiet Fixes
  Loud PC fans signal trouble—dust, heat, or failing hardware. Discover the real causes and simple fixes to silence your system fast.
• How to Set Up a Plex Server at Home: A Beginner's Walkthrough
  Transform your home into a personal streaming hub! Learn how to set up Plex Server step-by-step and access all your media anywhere, anytime.
• The Laptop That Runs Hot, Loud and Slow — Because It’s Full of Dust
  A repair-shop owner on the overheating laptop that just needs cleaning - why dust kills performance and how to fix it safely.
• External SSD vs Cloud Storage: Which Should You Actually Pay For?
  Both promise to save your files—but one charges you forever while the other fits in your pocket. Here's which actually makes sense for your money.
• The Fake ‘Microsoft’ Warning We Remove Every Week — and the One Thing It’s Really After
  A repair-shop owner on the fake 'Microsoft' security pop-up scam he sees weekly - how it works, and exactly what to do.
• How Much Power Supply Do You Actually Need for an RTX 50 Build?
  Nvidia's RTX 50 series demands serious wattage—but are you overspending on your PSU? We break down exactly what your build actually needs.
• That Faint Clicking From Your Laptop? Stop What You’re Doing — Here’s Why
  A repair-shop owner on the clicking-drive sound that means imminent data loss - what it is, and the one thing you must do immediately.
• The ‘Slow, Ready for the Bin’ Laptop That Usually Just Needs One Cheap Part
  A UK repair-shop owner on the most common 'my laptop is too slow' fix - it's almost never worth replacing the whole machine.
• I've Repaired Computers for 20 Years, and This Is the Backup Mistake I See Most
  A UK computer-repair-shop owner on the most common, most painful and most avoidable problem he sees - and the simple 3-2-1 backup fix (cloud + a rugged external SSD) to set up today.
• Best Portable Air Conditioners UK 2026: 5 Units to Beat the Record-Breaking Heat
  Discover the five best portable air conditioners in the UK for 2026, from budget-friendly options to premium models that beat record-breaking heat and humidity.
• Best Car Jump Starters UK 2026: Are the Cheap Ones Really as Good as NOCO?
  Compare top UK car jump starters from budget to premium brands and discover whether expensive models justify their price.
• How to Tell If Your Old PC Can Run Windows 11 (and What to Do If It Can't)
  Stuck on Windows 10? Find out if your aging PC can make the leap to Windows 11—and discover your best options if it falls short.
• Anker Solix vs EcoFlow: Which Portable Power Station Should You Buy?
  Anker Solix and EcoFlow both promise reliable portable power, but which delivers better value, performance, and features for your needs?
• OpenAI and Jony Ive AI Device Rumours: What We Know So Far
  OpenAI and legendary Apple designer Jony Ive may be teaming up to build a groundbreaking AI device—here's everything we know so far.
• How to Stop Your Laptop Overheating and Thermal Throttling
  Overheating silently kills your laptop's performance. Learn the simple fixes to beat thermal throttling and keep your machine running at full speed.
• Best Laptops for Students UK: The Definitive Buyer's Guide
  Discover the best laptops for UK students in 2026, from budget Chromebooks to powerful MacBooks, tested for real student workloads.
• Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 Rumours: Features, Price and Release Date
  Samsung's Galaxy Ring 2 is coming—with smarter health tracking, longer battery life, and a sleeker design. Here's everything we know so far.
• How to Securely Wipe and Sell Your Old Laptop or Phone in the UK
  Don't let your old device haunt you — learn how to wipe your data completely and sell safely, protecting your privacy every step of the way.
• Best Webcams for Video Calls and Streaming in the UK
  Compare the best webcams for UK video calls and streaming, from budget Full HD models to 4K cameras, plus lighting tips.
• How to Set Up Dual Monitors on a Laptop (UK Guide)
  Learn how to set up dual monitors on your laptop with this comprehensive UK guide covering cables, docks, Windows 11, macOS settings and troubleshooting.
• Best Bluetooth Trackers After AirTag: Find Your Keys and Bags
  Compare the best Bluetooth trackers in the UK including AirTag, Tile and Chipolo to find your lost keys, wallet and bags.
• Best Smart Locks for UK Front Doors
  Upgrade your home security with our expert picks for the best smart locks designed for UK front doors—convenient, stylish, and seriously secure.
• What Is an NPU? Making Sense of AI PCs and Copilot+ Laptops
  Discover how NPUs are revolutionizing AI-powered PCs, supercharging performance while slashing battery drain in Microsoft's next-gen Copilot+ laptops.
• Anker vs UGREEN: Which Charging Brand Should You Actually Buy?
  Anker and UGREEN both promise fast, reliable charging—but which brand actually delivers? We break down the real differences to save you money.
• Best Webcams and Mics for Streaming and Twitch
  Level up your stream with the best webcams and mics—top picks for crystal-clear video and studio-quality audio on Twitch.
• DDR5 Explained: How Much RAM Your 2026 PC Actually Needs
  DDR5 is faster than ever, but do you really need 64GB? We cut through the hype to reveal exactly how much RAM your next build actually demands.
• How to Tell if a USB-C Cable Will Actually Fast-Charge Your Phone
  Not all USB-C cables are created equal—discover the key specs and markings that separate true fast-chargers from the imposters slowing you down.
• Best Dash Cams for UK Drivers
  Stay protected on UK roads with our top dash cam picks—featuring 4K recording, smart alerts, and seamless insurance integration.
• GaN vs Traditional Chargers: What the Hype Actually Means
  Learn what GaN chargers actually do, how they compare to traditional silicon models, and whether the hype justifies the upgrade for your devices.
• Cheap NAS for Home Backup and Plex: Best Options
  Tired of paying cloud fees? Discover the best budget NAS devices that keep your files safe and your Plex library streaming smoothly at home.
• AMD Ryzen 9000 vs Intel Core Ultra: Which CPU for Your 2026 Build?
  AMD's Ryzen 9000 and Intel's Core Ultra go head-to-head—but which chip truly dominates for gaming, productivity, and future-proofing your 2026 rig?
• NVMe SSD Buying Guide UK: PCIe 4.0 vs 5.0 and What You Actually Need
  PCIe 5.0 SSDs promise blistering speeds, but do you actually need one? We cut through the hype to help you spend wisely on storage.
• Best USB-C Hubs and Docks for MacBook and Windows Laptops
  Expand your laptop's connectivity with the best USB-C hubs and docks—tested picks that add ports, power, and productivity to any setup.
• Best Mechanical Keyboards for Typing and Work in the UK
  Discover the UK's best mechanical keyboards for work and typing—from clicky switches to silent keys, find your perfect match for productivity.
• How to Speed Up a Slow Windows 11 Laptop Without Buying Anything
  Breathe new life into your sluggish Windows 11 laptop with these free, proven tweaks that boost speed and performance—no upgrades or spending required.
• How to Build Your First Gaming PC: A UK Beginner's Walkthrough
  Build your dream gaming PC without the guesswork! Our UK beginner's guide covers every step, from picking parts to powering on for the first time.
• Best Portable SSDs for UK Buyers: Fast External Storage Tested
  Fast, reliable storage on the go—we tested the top portable SSDs available in the UK to find the best for speed, value, and durability.
• Best Mini PCs for UK Homes: Tiny Desktops That Punch Above Their Weight
  Discover powerful mini PCs that save space without sacrificing performance—perfect for UK homes seeking smart, compact computing solutions.
• The Complete UK Guide to Recovering Lost Data
  Lost files, corrupted drives, accidental deletions—discover every proven method UK users need to recover precious data before it's gone forever.
• The Best Solar Companies to Trust With Your Roof
  Discover the top-rated solar companies transforming homes and cutting energy bills—find your perfect match for a greener, more affordable future.
• Best Portable Power Banks UK: Anker's Premium Range vs the Competition
  Discover which portable chargers dominate—does Anker's premium lineup justify the price, or do rival brands finally steal the crown?
• Meta Ray-Ban Display review: glasses with a screen are finally a real product
  Meta Ray-Ban Display adds an in-lens screen and neural wristband to smart glasses, offering practical AR features for early adopters willing to pay double the price.
• Refurbished Laptop Buying Guide UK: What to Check Before You Buy
  Learn what to check when buying a refurbished laptop in the UK to avoid fraud and find a quality machine that lasts years.
• MacBook Air M4
  The MacBook Air M4 remains the best laptop for most UK users in 2026, offering excellent performance, 16GB base memory and lasting battery life at a sensible price.