Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

The Ferret

Free

The Ferret is an investigative journalism platform that provides fact checks on Scottish news stories and political claims.

Our take

Shedding light on Scottish news and politics.

So, I got my hands on "The Ferret," and I’ve got to say, it’s a mixed bag. First off, the design is sleek and modern, which I honestly appreciate. It doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to be cool; it just is. But here’s the thing: while it looks great, the build quality feels a bit flimsy. You know that feeling when you’re just not sure if something’s gonna last? That’s the vibe here. It’s light, sure, but maybe a bit too light for my liking. Like, is it gonna survive a drop? I’m not so confident.

Setting it up was a breeze, though. I’m not the most tech-savvy person, and I didn’t even have to glance at a manual. Everything’s pretty intuitive, which is a huge plus in my book. But, there’s a catch. Once I started using it, I noticed some lag, especially when trying to multitask. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely one of those “ugh” moments. It’s great for basic stuff, but if you’re trying to push it a bit, you might hit some snags.

Now, about the performance: when it works, it works well. I used it for streaming and it was smooth sailing for the most part. The picture quality is surprisingly good, and the sound isn’t too shabby either. But, and this is a big but, if your internet connection isn’t rock solid, expect some buffering. It’s like it gets a bit touchy if everything isn’t perfect. So, if you’ve got dodgy Wi-Fi, you might want to think twice.

Battery life is another thing worth mentioning. It holds a charge decently, but it’s nothing to write home about. If you’re using it non-stop, expect to charge it more frequently than you’d probably like. It’s not terrible, but it’s not amazing either. Just kind of... there. I found myself wishing it had a bit more juice, especially for longer sessions.

Overall, "The Ferret" isn’t a bad product by any means, but it’s not without its quirks. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for something straightforward and aren’t expecting a powerhouse. It’s like that reliable friend who’s there for you, but maybe isn’t the one you’d call in a crisis. If you’re okay with a few trade-offs, it’s worth considering. Just know what you’re getting into and you’ll be fine.

Free with subscription options

Free