This week in tech brings a mix of storage solutions, laptop deals, and exciting retail news for PC enthusiasts. We'll dive into a review of Seagate's Ultra Compact SSD, highlight a significant discount on an Asus Vivobook S15 laptop, and share the latest on Micro Center's long-awaited return to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Seagate Ultra Compact SSD Review: Pocket Rocket
Seagate's Ultra Compact SSD is making waves as a high-performance USB thumb drive that leaves older, slower models in the dust. This isn't your parents' flash drive! The drive boasts impressive 10Gbps speeds in a compact form factor, making it a great option for users needing fast, portable storage. 
The review highlights several pros, including its Type-C connector, free data recovery services, and included Dropbox and Mylio subscriptions. While it might not be the absolute fastest in its class, the added perks make it a compelling value proposition.
According to the review, "The extras provided by Seagate such as free data recovery, Dropbox, and Mylio make it arguably a better deal than the fastest thumb drive."
Performance-wise, the Ultra Compact SSD holds its own, delivering impressive speeds in various tests. It's a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade from traditional USB drives or seeking a convenient way to transfer large files.
Asus Vivobook S15: Snapdragon X Laptop Deal
Looking for a new laptop with amazing battery life? Best Buy is offering the Asus Vivobook S15, powered by a Snapdragon X Plus processor, for just $599.99 – almost half its original price! This deal is hard to ignore, especially for those prioritizing portability and longevity.
The Vivobook S15 features a vibrant 15.6-inch OLED screen, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 70-watt-hour battery that promises to outlast many competitors. 
While the screen isn't touch-enabled and it might struggle with high-end 3D games, the combination of performance, battery life, and price makes it an attractive option. If you've been waiting for a Snapdragon X laptop deal, this might be the one.
Micro Center's Return to San Francisco: A PC Builder's Paradise
Great news for PC building enthusiasts in the San Francisco Bay Area! Micro Center is finally opening a new location in Santa Clara, California, slated for May 2025. This marks a long-awaited return for the popular retailer, known for its wide selection of PC components, knowledgeable staff, and legendary in-store deals.
The author of the original article expresses their excitement, recalling past Black Friday bargains and the community's eagerness for a local Micro Center. 
The new store promises to be a haven for PC builders and tech enthusiasts alike, offering everything from individual components to pre-built systems and general tech gadgets. Get ready to start saving for your first visit!
Bonus: Iperius Backup Basic Review
For those concerned about data backup, Iperius Backup Basic offers a powerful and versatile solution. It's especially well-suited for IT professionals and power users due to its extensive feature set and options. While the interface may have a steeper learning curve, the program's performance and capabilities make it a worthwhile consideration.
Iperius Backup Basic supports multiple backup destinations, imaging, and even enterprise-grade solutions. It offers a robust, feature-rich solution for those seeking comprehensive data protection.