“Wow, what an entrance!” said a well-coiffed woman as other patrons seated at the sidewalk cafe, now standing, began to applaud my exit from the electric bubble car like I was stepping out of a limousine.
Technology
Microlino electric bubble car review: urban delight
That really happened in one of Amsterdam’s wealthiest neighborhoods, on a street dotted with Range Rovers and a G-Class Merc costing nearly ten times as much as the little BMW Isetta throwback I was driving. What followed was a bevy of questions I had already answered dozens of times in my one week with the car: What is it? How much does it cost? Can I drive it on the highway?
It’s an Italian-made Microlino from a Swiss-company called Micro with prices starting at around €18,000 (about $19,500). Yes, it’s highway legal.
While cars in general are embiggening, in some cities a new breed of electric microcars are trending. They’re cheaper to own, easier to park, consume less public space and energy, and maneuver around obstacles that would otherwise block big SUVs and snarl traffic.
And you know what? Some, like the Microlino, are so much fun that maybe, just maybe, they’ll help reverse the trend of people buying increasingly larger and heavier cars. Assuming they’ve fixed a software issue that bricked my test car at the end of the review (more on that later).
Let me start by saying that I don’t own a car, but I do regularly drive one. I’ve long subscribed to a car sharing service with a dedicated fleet parked in dedicated spots around town, that lets me select the right car for my current need: compact, wagon, or panel van; gas or EV. But not everyone lives in a city that spent the last 50-odd years trying to break away from car dependency to perfect multimodal transport, so the desire to own a large car that can do all the car things is understandable.
Yet even here in Amsterdam — a city dominated by bicycles with easy access to good public transportation — there are still lots of privately owned cars suffering from autobesity, just sitting there on the street unused 96 percent of the time, by some accounts. That’s space that could be used for public walkways, cycleways, benches, cafes, greenery… or about three microcars parked side by side.
The midtier Microlino Dolce I reviewed starts at €20,000 (about $21,700) and is an absolute joy for quick trips to the market or dropping a kid at school while staying warm and dry in bad weather. It has a top speed of 90km/h (55mph) and range of up to 228km (142 miles) for destinations well beyond the city center.
Last weekend, I drove my wife and dog to the sea and back and then returned to the dunes for a trail run the following day before needing to recharge the Microlino, for a real-world range of about 110km. I plugged it in at one of the 12 public 11kW AC chargers in the parking lot with about 20 percent remaining, and returned from my run 90 minutes later to find a 50 percent charge — more than enough for the 30-minute drive home.
The Microlino’s no speed demon, but it’s still an EV and so lightweight that I’d beat unsuspecting taxis off the starting line and “win” the merged lane. The small and responsive steering wheel and super stiff suspension contribute to a go-kart feel when whipping around corners and through traffic circles at I-should-know-better speeds. “It feels like a real car,” is how one owner of a €15,000 (about $16,300) Biro — one of the first and most popular electric microcars to seduce Amsterdammers — described driving the Microlino.
It’s not without its faults, however. To start with, there’s a lot of plastic inside the Microlino (but the windows are all glass unlike some microcars). One plastic clip helping to keep a plastic service panel in place snapped off in my brief time with the car, which I received with just 10km on the odometer. The motor has a distinct whine, the phone holder rattles when empty, the wiper motor is noisy, and the fan has two settings: loud or louder. The only thing that isn’t loud is the included portable Bluetooth speaker.
I also watched the main display reboot once while driving but without any impact on the motor or controls (thankfully!). And while the front door has a nice soft-close mechanism, the trunk requires a solid slam to catch. The sloped-back roof also exposes the interior to rain when the door is open, and I experienced some drips while driving around curves due to water that must have collected in the door closure.
The “vegan” (fake) leather on the seats and steering wheel were nice touches on my Dolce Edition, as was the intuitive mechanical sunroof, but overall I’d describe the fit and finish of the Microlino Dolce as basic. At least until I drove a top-end Biro and realized just how superior the Microlino was by comparison. A Microlino is a tiny expensive car, whereas a Biro is a tiny expensive golf cart.
The Microlino did, however, suffer a total failure after sitting on a 11kWh public charger for about four hours. When I returned to what should have been a fully charged car, it wouldn’t power on. After hauling it away on a trailer, Micro identified the issue and assures me it won’t affect future cars. They blamed the problem on a system that protects the car against peak voltage from the charging station, which “was not adjusted correctly after a software update.”
Micro tells me that my poor little guy is fine after the update. Good, but such a failure would have been a huge hassle if I was the vehicle’s owner, and without the priority attention afforded to journalists.
Still, despite the mishap and all my nitpicking, none of the aforementioned issues are enough to dissuade my enthusiasm for the Microlino — it’s that much fun.
1/55
As much as I enjoyed my week with the Microlino, I’m not yet a convert — there’s simply no faster, more convenient, or healthier way of going door to door than on a bicycle in cities with good cycling infrastructure, despite the rain and cold for which I can dress. And less capable but very appealing microcars like the Opel Rocks (sold as the Citroen Ami in some markets) can be had for half the price at €8,700 (about $9,470).
The Microlino isn’t for everyone. Hell, microcars aren’t even for most people. But they are for anyone who wants a vehicle that’s more nimble, efficient, inexpensive, and fun to drive than a full-sized car.
Fun… there’s that word again. I can’t help but return to it even if it’s impossible to quantify. But anecdotally, my time with the Microlino delivered more smiles per city kilometer — both inside and outside the car — than any car I’ve ever been in, and I’d wager more than any new car available today, no matter the size or price.
Photography by Thomas Ricker / The Verge
Technology
Trump signs executive order to reverse Biden’s electric vehicle policies
Immediate Review of All Agency Actions that Potentially Burden the Development of Domestic Energy Resources. (a) The heads of all agencies shall review all existing regulations, orders, guidance documents, policies, settlements, consent orders, and any other agency actions (collectively, agency actions) to identify those agency actions that impose an undue burden on the identification, development, or use of domestic energy resources — with particular attention to oil, natural gas, coal, hydropower, biofuels, critical mineral, and nuclear energy resources — or that are otherwise inconsistent with the policy set forth in section 2 of this order, including restrictions on consumer choice of vehicles and appliances.
Technology
Fujifilm’s new stabilized binoculars deliver even more zoom
The Fujifilm TS-L2040, with 20x magnification, will be $1,299.95 when available for purchase starting on January 31st, 2025. The slightly cheaper TS-L1640, which offer 16x magnification, will be $1,199.95.
Using binoculars with more than 10x magnification without a tripod or stable support can result in blurred images because humans are simply incapable of holding them steady enough by hand. Even imperceptible hand movements are exaggerated through a pair of binoculars, making it hard to focus on a distant magnified subject.
Fujifilm’s new models rely on a gimbal-mounted prism with plus and minus three degrees of electronic stabilization. They’re also noticeably smaller and lighter than the company’s existing Techno-Stabi TS-X14x40 binoculars — weighing 1.88 pounds instead of 2.9 pounds — making them easier for birdwatchers to carry on a hike.
The two new models aren’t entirely replacing Fujifilm’s heavier and bulkier TS-X14x40 binoculars. Although the older model only offers 14x magnification for the same price as the company’s new 20x offering, they feature a more rugged design with plus and minus six degrees of electronic stabilization.
In a video comparing the old and new models, Fujifilm technical expert, Michael Bulbenko, says the older model is still a better choice for boaters given the extra movements while out on the water.
Other features of the new TS-L2040 and TS-L1640 include 40mm objective lenses on the front that allow more light in to boost brightness. Fujifilm’s cheapest stabilized binoculars, the $749.95 TS12x28WP, feature much smaller front lenses that are just 28mm in size.
Both new binocular models are powered by a pair of AAA batteries that Fujifilm says will keep the image stabilization continuously powered for up to 30 hours. The binoculars will also automatically power themselves off after 60 minutes if you forget to, so if you’re headed out on a weekend birdwatching trip, you probably won’t need to pack an extra set of AAAs.
Technology
How to manage photos, videos on new laptop with limited space
We recently received an email from Sylvia, who just got a new laptop that has significantly less space than her old laptop. She emailed us wondering how to store photos and videos on a computer with only 82GB of storage space:
“The newer laptop does not have as much storage space (indicates 82.1 GB free of 225GB) as the old one (indicates 322 GB free of 446 GB). What is the best way to store my photos and videos to free up space on the new laptop?”
Great question, Sylvia. This is a common issue for anyone who has purchased a lightweight laptop such as a Chromebook or Windows-based ultrabook. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to store files off your hard drive.
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A quick breakdown of file sizes
82 GB should be more than enough for basic tasks like web browsing, using office applications or streaming video. However, if you plan to store large files such as high-resolution photos, videos or games, or if you’re using software that requires a lot of space, 82GB might fill up quickly. Here’s a rough breakdown of how much space different types of files typically take:
- Text documents: A single text document is typically a few kilobytes (KB) in size. So, you could store millions of text documents in 82GB.
- Photos: A high-resolution image can be about 5 megabytes (MB). With 82 GB, you could store about 16,000 such photos.
- Videos: A one-hour HD video can be around 1-2 gigabytes (GB). So, you could store about 40-80 hours of HD video in 82GB.
- Games: Modern games can take up anywhere from 1GB to 100GB. So, you could store 1-82 games in 82GB, depending on their size.
It’s also important to leave enough space on your computer for the operating system to run smoothly. As a rule, keep at least 10%-15% of your hard drive free to prevent application slowdowns. An external hard drive is an excellent option for storing photos and videos to free up space on your new laptop. Another great way to save space is by storing your photos in cloud storage. Whether it’s a hard drive or cloud space, having a backup is a good idea.
As you can see from the breakdown above, photos and videos can take up a significant amount of storage space on your laptop. If you are a photographer who deals with RAW images, this amount could be even higher, as with video professionals who work with 4K content.
Even if you’re not a video professional or photographer, having a lot of home videos and photographs can take up a lot of space. You will need a secondary storage solution with less than 100GB of space left. Here are a few options you might consider.
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External hard drives
An external hard drive is one of the most practical and reliable solutions for expanding your laptop’s storage capacity, especially if you have many media files like photos, videos or other data-intensive content. These portable storage devices connect to your computer via USB (and increasingly via USB-C for faster transfer speeds), offering the flexibility of storing and backing up massive amounts of data without consuming your laptop’s internal space.
Types of external hard drives
There are two main types of external hard drives: HDD (hard disk drive) and SSD (solid state drive). HDDs are typically more affordable and come in larger capacities (up to several terabytes), making them an excellent option for those needing vast storage space on a budget. However, their mechanical components make them slightly slower in data transfer speeds and more prone to physical damage.
SSDs, on the other hand, are faster, more durable and lighter, though they tend to be more expensive per gigabyte of storage than HDDs. SSDs are ideal if you frequently transfer large files, work with high-resolution media like 4K videos or require speedy access to your data. They are also less prone to damage from drops or movement, which makes them perfect for on-the-go use.
Storage capacity
External hard drives come in various sizes, from modest capacities like 256GB to massive options exceeding 10TB. The amount of storage you need will depend on the types of files you’re dealing with. For example, a 1TB drive can store over 200,000 high-resolution images if you need space for photos. A larger capacity drive might be necessary for video files, especially HD or 4K, as these files can easily consume tens or even hundreds of gigabytes.
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Portability and convenience
One key advantage of external hard drives is their portability. Compact and easy to carry, they provide an excellent solution for photographers, videographers or anyone needing access to large files while moving. Some models are designed to be ultra-durable, with rugged, shockproof and waterproof features, ideal for outdoor and travel use.
Many professionals label and organize their drives by project or period, allowing for easy archiving and retrieval. As mentioned earlier, a simple organizational system, such as labeling your drives with the dates or types of content they contain, can help keep your data structured and easily accessible. This is especially important when you accumulate multiple drives over time. See Kurt’s picks for the best external hard drives here.
Cloud storage services: Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive
Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive offer convenient, flexible options for storing large files without consuming your laptop’s limited space. These services allow you to securely store your photos, videos and documents in the cloud, freeing up valuable storage on your device. One significant advantage of cloud storage is accessing files from any device with an internet connection, whether on your phone, tablet or another computer.
Most cloud services provide a certain amount of free storage (typically between 2GB and 15GB) before upgrading to a paid plan. For instance, Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage shared across Google services, while Dropbox provides 2GB for free with options to upgrade for more space. OneDrive provides 5GB for free, but Microsoft users can get additional storage through Office 365 subscriptions, granting access to the Microsoft Office suite.
Additionally, cloud storage services come with features like automatic syncing and backup, making it easier to organize and safeguard your files. This can be particularly helpful for large photo and video libraries, which can be set to upload automatically from your phone or computer. With features like file versioning and collaboration tools, cloud platforms offer more than just storage. They enhance productivity and allow seamless file sharing with friends, family or colleagues.
Finally, many cloud storage providers offer encryption and other security measures to protect your files for added peace of mind. However, it would always be best to take extra precautions, such as enabling two-factor authentication and using strong, unique passwords, to ensure your data is safe. Kurt’s favorite cloud services can be seen here.
iCloud: A comprehensive cloud storage solution for Apple users
Free storage and subscription plans
iCloud offers 5GB of free storage to all users, which is sufficient for basic services like iCloud Keychain, testing other features and storing some files. However, for users who need more storage, iCloud+ subscriptions are available. These plans include:
- 50GB for $0.99/month
- 200GB for $2.99/month
- 2TB for $10.99/month
- 6TB for $32.99/month
- 12TB for $64.99/month
Integration and usability
iCloud is tightly integrated with Apple devices, making it highly convenient for Apple users. Files stored on the desktop and in documents folders on Macs are automatically synced to iCloud Drive, which is especially useful for devices with limited storage space like the MacBook Air. iCloud Drive can also be accessed from Windows machines through a dedicated file folder and files can be managed via icloud.com.
Automatic syncing and backup
iCloud provides robust automatic syncing and backup features. iCloud Backup automatically backs up important data on iPhones and iPads when connected to power and Wi-Fi, ensuring that your device’s data is always up to date. This backup can be used to restore your device or set up a new one seamlessly.
Security and privacy
iCloud uses 128-bit AES encryption to secure all files. Additionally, iCloud+ subscriptions include advanced privacy features such as iCloud Private Relay, which protects your browsing history and identity, Hide My Email, which generates random email addresses, and Custom Email Domains for personalized email addresses.
Collaboration and compatibility
While iCloud is highly user-friendly for Apple users, it can be less reliable and glitchy for non-Apple users. Collaboration is limited to Apple users, but files can be shared and accessed across different Apple devices using the Files app on iOS and iPadOS, the Finder on Mac or File Explorer on Windows PCs.
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Steps to protect yourself and your data
When storing your photos, videos and other important files, it’s crucial to prioritize data security. Here are some essential steps to protect yourself and your valuable information.
1) Use strong passwords: Create unique, complex passwords for all your accounts and devices. Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.
2) Enable encryption: Encrypt your external hard drives and cloud storage accounts to add an extra layer of protection to your data.
3) Implement two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on all accounts that offer this feature, especially for cloud storage services.
4) Install and maintain strong antivirus software: Use a strong antivirus program and keep it updated to protect against malware and other security threats. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
5) Regularly update your operating system and applications: Keep your devices and software up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches.
6) Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information when connected to public networks or use a VPN for added security. Using a VPN (virtual private network) service can enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and third parties to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi. A VPN masks your IP address, helping to obscure your location and online activity. While VPNs don’t directly prevent phishing emails, they reduce the exposure of your browsing habits to trackers that may use this data maliciously. With a VPN, you can securely access your email accounts from anywhere, even in areas with restrictive internet policies. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
7) Back up your data regularly: Create multiple backups of your important files, including at least one offline copy.
8) Use secure file transfer methods: When sharing files, use encrypted transfer methods or password-protected links.
By following these steps, you can significantly enhance the security of your data and protect yourself from potential cyber threats.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Managing storage on a laptop with limited space requires thoughtful planning, especially when dealing with large files like photos and videos. While 82GB may be sufficient for basic tasks, media files can quickly add up. By leveraging external hard drives or cloud storage services, you can keep your laptop running efficiently while ensuring that your important files are safely stored and accessible. Whether you opt for physical or cloud-based solutions, remember to prioritize data security using strong passwords and encryption where necessary. With the right strategy, you can make the most of your laptop’s storage without sacrificing performance or losing precious memories.
Do you have a way of storing photos and videos that we didn’t mention? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter. Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
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