16 Sep
Blog

Lost Judgment Review: Yakuza Spin-off Loses the Plot

Yagami slide kicks an enemy in Lost Judgment.

Lost Judgment Review: Yakuza spin-off loses plot

RRP $ 60.00

"Lost Judgment is a mechanically solid Yakuza spin-off, but its tangled story makes it feel like a TV show that ran a few seasons too long."

advantages

  • Polished yakuza gameplay

  • Faster fight

  • Healthy side stories

  • Tons of activities

disadvantage

  • Simplified investigation

  • Inconvenient property

  • Lack of ease

If Yakuza is a goofy soap opera, Lost Judgment is hardened procedural drama. Both genres have similarities, especially when it comes to melodramas, but the difference lies in how seriously they take themselves. Soap operas tend to be naughty, really indulge in their exaggerated emotions, and take it to the edge of comedy. Procedures like Law and Order aren't quite as tongue-in-cheek. It's not easy to make fun of a grizzly murder.

It's an important distinction that yakuza fans should keep in mind. Lost Judgment is a mechanically well-known spin-off of the long-running action RPG series, but it has a completely different tone. We no longer see Kamurocho through the eyes of an adorable Himbo or a bright-eyed outsider, but rather a die-hard detective investigating a disgusting array of crimes. Kamurocho may look the same, but the streets feel a little darker this time.

Lost Judgment exacerbates Yakuza's traditional beat-em-up battle and adds a lot more game variety thanks to its detective premise. However, its story is much more chaotic and deals with a bevy of sensitive subjects that are not always handled with grace.

Go out on the street

While Lost Judgment is classified as a spin-off, it's actually a replacement for the traditional yakuza experience. Like its predecessor, Judgment from 2018, the story takes place in Takayuki Nagami, an independent detective who works on the same criminal streets we've seen in almost every yakuza game. As in these titles, Nagami jumps back and forth between a few small, open cities that are densely populated with missions, side quests, and mini-games. I am always amazed how much I don't mind going back to Kamurocho thanks to the clever use of space. No road feels useless; There are enough attractions to make it feel like a living space.

For those who found Yakuza: How a Dragon's Leap into Turn-Based Combat disappointing, Lost Judgment is a return to the good old days. That is, the good old days when you beat the snot out of people in real time. The fight here is an upgrade as fights feel faster and more fluid than games like Yakuza Kiwami. A faster fighter than Kiryu, Nagami uses three different styles to defeat enemies. With a slew of move upgrades to choose from and loads of tough contextual specialty attacks, combat feels more complex than ever. Kiryu was a cumbersome powerhouse, but Nagami is a force of nature that ricochets off walls and emerges from the ground to hit surprising Hurricanranas.

Yagami slide kicks an enemy in Lost Judgment.

It's not just the fight that feels different from Nagami's perspective. Since he's a detective, more happens in the gameplay. He can park walls to sneak into buildings, use gadgets to investigate crime scenes, and sneakily track suspects. The beat-to-beat gameplay in Lost Judgment adds a lot more variety and prevents it from feeling like a beat-em-up button tamper. When it comes to fighting, they have a little extra weight. After all, when Nagami has to get his hands dirty, Nagami prefers to go quiet so you know something has gone wrong.

Despite this simplicity, Lost Judgment feels like a better use of the Yakuza framework in many ways.

Many of the side systems are simplified which makes them unobtrusive but not always exciting to play. Investigation Sections are little more than a point-and-click mini-game for finding clues. When players are asked to sift through accumulated evidence to solve a loose ending, all they have to do is click through a list of documents until they find the right one. There is no consequence in saying something ridiculous in court or showing someone a completely independent piece of evidence.

Despite this simplicity, Lost Judgment feels like a better use of the Yakuza framework in many ways. Strolling the streets of the city and examining every little alley narrative makes a lot of sense here. Something as basic as side quests feels more motivated because they're designed to have Nagami pick up cases instead of getting unhappy into a goofy conflict on the street. Everything feels more conscious, which makes the game feel like a smart replacement for the main yakuza games (which will reflect Like a Dragon in the future).

law and order

While the game is mechanically solid, it wades into tricky narrative territory. And since a large part of the game is spent with dialog-heavy cutscenes, that stands out in the end. The story begins when a rotting corpse is discovered in a warehouse, covered in blood and covered in insects. This is not just a simple murder case. Multiple storylines entwine, including a bullying crisis at a local school and a pull button.

The latter is sure to generate a lot of backlash. The crime itself is inconvenient, but the role it plays in the main story becomes confusing and grotesque. I won't go into that there, but it's a moment where I wonder if Lost Judgment bites off more than it can thematically chew. It covers sensitive topics like bullying and sexual harassment, but is not always graceful in presentation.

The Lost Judgment story ultimately feels like a good show that goes on a few seasons too long.

The story is ultimately about the tangled webs that form when our judicial systems fail. The different players all fall victim to the system to different degrees. Everyone struggles to find solutions to problems that courts simply cannot solve. It's less black and white than yakuza's sometimes caricatured portrayal of organized crime in which thugs are thugs and sometimes poignant for it.

The main character of Judgment shows someone a picture on their cell phone.

The problem here is that Lost Judgment is a little too invested in a twisted TV series plot to cover these ambitious topics. Major revelations end up feeling like the kind of cheap cliffhangers designed to keep audiences busy. Sacrifice becomes a slippery subject as the characters' power dynamics keep changing, turning meaningful, real-world commentary into pulp fiction.

The Lost Judgment story ultimately feels like a good show that goes on a few seasons too long. The plot twists as if a studio had ordered two unexpected seasons just before the last one. Characters spin more than a WWE wrestler, which makes Nagami look like an amateur who trusts everyone. Yakuza's soap opera shocks are still there, but they are out of place in a much more serious story.

Night on the town

As with yakuza games, the main storyline is only one aspect of Lost Judgment. Its cities are full of smaller stories and activities. Nagami can play a game of shogi in the street, drive drone races, or play fully emulated classic Sega games in his office. These little additional details have always given Yakuza its special charm and are not lost here. It's just wonderful to take a break from a tense story and relax in the batting cages with well-designed mini-games.

While some of the activities are well known, others bring new energy to cities. There are a few surprisingly entertaining "VR" games out there, including a neon-filled version of Mario Party. There's a silly rhythm-based dance mini-game that replaces karaoke. Most noticeable is that Nagami always has a skateboard with which he can cruise around town. It's not particularly complex, but it's both stylish and practical as a locomotive tool.

Nagami dances with high school students in Lost Judgment.

In addition, there are some impressive side missions this time around. The game essentially features an entire side campaign in which Nagami helps a school's mystery club solve a number of cases. Given how heavy and messy the main story is, it's a healthier series of stories that steal the show. I wish the whole game was more of an '80s school comedy with a self-serious Nagami who became an ignorant mentor to kids.

… The verdict may loosen up a little in future installments.

It's one of the few places that Lost Judgment is rightly funny, and that's the biggest let down here. Yakuza tells serious crime stories, but that is always offset by noisy, funny side quests that plunge into the absurd. No side quest here is as fun as helping a man safely cross a bridge while wearing a jacket that will make everyone beat him up. Nothing made me laugh like Kiryu, who was accidentally tricked into buying dirty magazines for a child. In comparison, everything here is a little more grounded. You wouldn't call Nagami a fool.

For me, this lightness is really the heart of Yakuza. Comedy adds depth to its story and characters. Kiryu would be a boring protagonist if it weren't for the sitcom side quests that highlight his sillier side. The rift in the Yakuza franchise created by Like a Dragon isn't all about real-time vs. turn-based combat. If Like a Dragon and Lost Judgment are any clue, the main Yakuza games will retain their sense of humor, while the Judgment titles tend more towards weighty drama (i.e., if the series still exists). Players can choose whichever they like more, but Judgment could be a little looser in future installments.

Our opinion

Lost Judgment is a fitting replacement for the traditional yakuza style, even if it doesn't share the same heart or humor. The fight feels better than ever and there's just more to do thanks to various detective mechanics that keep everything from getting too boring. This strong gameplay ultimately disappoints with a tangled and sometimes insensitive story that fails to quite fulfill its thematic ambitions. The bones are still there, however, which makes this another great excuse to see what's going on in Kamurocho.

Is there a better alternative?

I would recommend starting with the main line of the Yakuza series before getting into it. Yakuza 0 or the Kiwami games don't play as well, but they feel more structured.

How long it will take?

The game lasts up to 30 hours and that number increases quite a bit thanks to the optional school missions, 42 side quests and various mini-games.

Should you buy it?

No. If you haven't shopped into the franchise yet, this is unlikely to change your mind. This game is more for hardcore yakuza fans who miss its traditional fighting style, although by and large it's not quite as satisfying.

Editor's recommendations



16 Sep
Blog

Corsair Sabre RGB Pro Wireless Review: Competitive Mouse

Corsair Saber Pro Wireless on a black background.

Corsair Saber RGB Pro Wireless Review: Competitive Mouse, Competitive Price

RRP $ 110.00

"The Corsair Saber RGB Pro Wireless offers all the functions of the best wireless eSport mice, only for less money."

advantages

  • 2,000 Hz polling rate

  • Flexible iCue software

  • Comfortable design with palm grip

  • Only 79 grams

  • Two wireless modes

disadvantage

  • Limited extra buttons

  • One RGB zone only

In the world of esports mice, it's usually hard to get excited about another barebone mouse – especially if it's an update to an existing model. This is the Corsair Saber RGB Pro Wireless. It's almost identical to the $ 60 Saber RGB Pro, just no cables and at almost twice the price.

Even so, it's cheaper than the competition and comes with specs to look forward to.

You can buy a great wireless gaming mouse like the Logitech G305 for less than half the price, yes. But with an updated sensor, two wireless modes, and software that goes beyond RGB lighting, the Corsair Saber RGB Pro Wireless is a great gaming mouse that beats the competition.

draft

Corsair Saber Pro Wireless on a black background.

The Saber Pro Wireless is part of Corsair's Champion Series, a line of products designed in collaboration with eSports athletes for optimal performance. In terms of dimensions, it is identical to the available Saber Pro, only with the wire cut off. However, the wireless model is only a hair heavier – 79 grams versus 74 grams.

It's not ambidextrous like the Logitech G Pro, which is the direct competitor of the Saber Pro Wireless. Instead, the top shell is offset to the left for a right-handed design and protrudes about 10mm further out at the front. A high center gives you a lot of support in relation to the palm grip. The claw grip works too, although I prefer something smaller like the Razer Viper Ultimate because I don't have the biggest hands.

The Saber Pro Wireless doesn't need looks given its price.

Because of its looks, the Saber Pro Wireless is not going to win any awards. It's a black mouse with an RGB Corsair logo on the back (which you can customize via iCue). It's even less noticeable than the wired Saber Pro. The wireless model lacks lighting around the scroll wheel and does not display the DPI scale on the side of the mouse.

Still, given its price, the Saber Pro Wireless doesn't need any looks. It's $ 20 cheaper than the Logitech Pro and $ 50 cheaper than the Razer Viper Ultimate. There are cheaper wireless mice like the Steelseries Rival 3, but nothing with specs that rival the Saber Pro Wireless.

Sensor and buttons

The Saber Pro Wireless features Corsair's Marksman 26K DPI sensor, which you can adjust in iCue in 1 DPI increments. According to Corsair, the mouse has a tracking resolution of 650 IPS and you can set a query rate of up to 2,000 Hz. This rate corresponds to a response time of 0.5 ms in wired mode, and Corsair claims "wireless transmission under 1 ms" with its slipstream technology.

Corsair Saber Pro Wireless with the scroll wheel.

Compared to the wired Saber Pro, the polling rate appears to be a downgrade. The wired model supports a polling rate of up to 8000 Hz. However, each step above 1000 Hz divides a millisecond. So the higher you go, the less return you will get. And 2,000 Hz is fast enough, so this spec is less of a downgrade than it might seem.

No one should reasonably be using a 26K DPI mouse, but the Saber Pro Wireless allows you to. Wireless gaming mice like the Razer Orochi V2 score with 18K DPI. For higher demands, you'll need to turn to Logitech's flagship options with its 25K Hero sensor like the Logitech Pro X Superlight.

I used the Saber Pro Wireless as my only mouse for about a week – and I still use it. As someone who spends at least a couple of hours every night in Destiny 2, the Saber Pro Wireless could keep up. I switched to my Razer Viper Ultimate and an older Corsair M65 with no noticeable difference out of shape.

Corsair says the Saber Pro Wireless has seven programmable buttons, even though I only counted six (and six only show up in iCue). In addition to left, right and middle mouse clicks, you have a DPI setting button in the middle and thumb buttons for forward and backward on the left. You can reassign any of the buttons in iCue, as well as assign macros or functions to them.

No one should reasonably be using a 26K DPI mouse, but the Saber Pro Wireless allows you to.

The left and right click buttons use Omron switches that are rated for 50 million clicks. They're also Corsair's Quickstrike buttons, which means there is no gap between the switch and the button. Honestly, I can't tell any difference from other high-end gaming mice, so this seems to be mostly marketing fluff. Omron switches, however, are nice to have and to be expected for a mouse of this class.

Connectivity and battery life

According to Corsair's pricing, wireless is worth about $ 50 more on the Saber Pro Wireless. And it is. The slipstream wireless tech held up perfectly in a nervous shooter like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, as well as a slower action game like Resident Evil Village. When switching between wired and wireless, I could never tell the difference.

Slipstream isn't all you have access to, however. The Saber Pro Wireless also works with Bluetooth 4.2, and you can switch between the two with a toggle on the mouse button. As someone who likes to use PC peripherals on my Nvidia Shield, the Saber Pro is a perfect match for the Bluetooth-enabled Logitech G915 TKL keyboard.

Corsair says the Saber Pro can last up to 90 hours on one charge, which is a lot longer than it sounds like. I immediately started using the Saber Pro without charging it. Even then, the mouse lasted a full week before it needed to be charged, and it warned me via a little red LED on top before it ran out.

The wireless dongle for the Corsair Saber Pro Wireless.

The battery life is 90 hours in Bluetooth mode without lighting. If you want to use slipstream, that drops to 60 hours. Even so, I never had battery life issues even when using Slipstream with the lights on. By default, the mouse goes to sleep after 15 minutes, so you can save some juice while you're away.

Once the battery is empty, you can connect the included USB-C cable for charging while you continue to use the mouse. I've got used to this on my Razer Viper Ultimate, so I'm glad Corsair added a wired mode as well. The charging port is sunk slightly to handle the bulk of the cable, although I would have liked Corsair to have moved it a little further back. The included cable protrudes about half an inch in wired mode.

software

Bundled software is usually an afterthought, but iCue, on the other hand, is a reason to get the Saber Pro Wireless. Corsair has kept adding to this software and is now better than ever. Lighting is the least interesting part of the software, at least for the Saber Pro Wireless.

As mentioned earlier, you can rebind any of the six buttons. In addition to keystrokes, mouse functions and special language keys, you can also use macros. I used the built-in macro recorder to create a 591 step macro and it worked. The recorder even records delays so that you can execute complex input strings at the push of a button.

The macro recorder in Corsair's iCue software.

There are a variety of options in iCue. Switching between languages ​​on the keyboard, starting apps with one key and programming complex macros are all possible – and they are also easy to set up in iCue.

You can divide the DPI in iCue into five profiles that are saved on the mouse. Once you've set these, you can use the mouse on all computers without iCue installed. Along with the DPI settings, you can organize lighting and button mappings into three built-in profiles that travel with the mouse.

There is also a lot going on in the settings. You can turn off DPI adjustment, which is useful for avoiding gaming mishaps, and you can adjust the time after the mouse falls asleep. As is typical for iCue, you can also calibrate the sensor to your surface and pair the mouse again if it gets disconnected. Out of the box, the mouse worked for me straight away, even without iCue installed.

Corsair has gone deep instead of far with iCue. Logitech's G-Hub is useful, if not nearly as deep as iCue, and Razer has several apps that focus on overall PC performance, not customizing peripherals. Simply put, iCue is packed with functionality for peripheral devices while maintaining accessibility.

Our opinion

The Corsair Saber RGB Pro Wireless is not for everyone. You can save a lot of money on mice like the Rival 3 that have lower specs but still hold up for the average gamer.

However, if you are a serious esports gamer, you will love the Corsair Saber RGB Pro Wireless. With an insanely high DPI sensor, long battery life, and a price that beats other top peripheral brands, it's a simple mouse for competitive gamers.

Are there alternatives?

Yes sir. The Razer Viper Ultimate and Logitech Pro are both excellent ambidextrous mice, but they're a bit more expensive.

The Steelseries Rival 3 is a much cheaper alternative, although it doesn't have such a nice sensor.

How long it will take?

The Omron switches on the Corsair Saber Pro Wireless are rated for 50 million clicks. If you clicked 10,000 a day – which is unlikely – it would last just under 14 years. Realistically, you can use Saber Pro Wireless for over 15 years.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if you're looking for a high quality wireless mouse that covers the basics. However, it depends on the type of games you are playing. Something like the Razer Naga is better suited for MMOs with its extra buttons, while the Corsair M65 has a blunt design that is easier to use in shooters.

Editor's recommendations



16 Sep
Blog

Engage With Clients Through Social Media

When people decide if they want to visit your spa, they will use social media for social proof to help decide if you are the right spa for them. If you don't have a strong social media presence, you may lose trust and credibility with potential customers. Discover our best marketing tips for a strong and engaging social media presence that will keep your spa in mind and encourage repeat appointments.

How to connect with customers through social media

1. Reply and engage with any comments

Social media is one of the few digital ways your business has two-way communication with customers that gives you the ability to get feedback, monitor sentiment, and build a relatable brand personality. Part of building this personal relationship is replying to as many comments and direct messages as possible. Fast response times and friendly, helpful delivery are a surefire way to attract and retain new customers.

Authenticity and transparency are the key to building trust and social proof. You engage on a public platform so that others will stumble upon your conversations when they visit your account. If your spa has multiple employees who manage their social media accounts, you may want to create a social media engagement document. This document describes best practices for answering all types of questions so that your voice sounds consistent and professional on all platforms. This document should cover the correct tone, brand voice, and language you plan to use, as well as answer templates for the most frequently asked questions. You may also want to respond optimally to sensitive issues (such as politics, religion, or race) or to customer concerns such as allergic reactions to certain spa treatments or skin care products.

Other topics that may require replies in templates include:

  • Product advice / recommendation requests
  • Concerns about skin reactions
  • Return and Exchange Policy

2. Post at the right time

Which social media platform are your customers most active on? When do you get involved the most? When you can answer these questions, you can maximize your potential for post engagement and reach. By doing some trial and error and analyzing your customers' behavior using data, you can determine your ideal publication times. But guesswork should at some point be replaced by analytical tools to get precise insights into your customers' social media behavior. Social media engagement platforms like Sprout Social or Later are very useful for planning content and recommending the best time to post. Some social platforms like Instagram's business account already have built-in analytics tools.

3. Livestream in questions and answers

As more people become familiar with video calling and working online, live streaming on Instagram or Facebook becomes an attractive option. You can create a Q&A livestream and open the room for questions so you can stay connected with your customers remotely. Watching a live video in your spa room creates a stronger sense of connection as your prospects get a better feel for the spa and give you the freedom to say and do anything. Many people have questions for estheticians and would like to take this opportunity to provide feedback or ask them questions in a low pressure environment. When answering audience questions, you can use the question format to talk about the services and treatments you offer, making the livestream a subtle marketing tool.

Women smile and look at a phone

4. Re-share high quality content

As you interact with your audience and niche, you are likely to stumble upon quality content that your audience would love too. Consider republishing content when it visually integrates with your feed. Make sure what you repost isn't intrusive or completely different from your branding image. Before reposting, contact the original creator to request their reposting permission and offer them credit. Once you have permission, you should create an original signature to update the content and mark the original creator.

5. Use unique content

Use content that highlights what makes your spa unique and why people come to your spa. As you brainstorm content ideas, think about the key messages you want to share, such as:

  • We have special offers on Tuesday evening
  • Our beauticians will be happy to put together a skin care program specifically for your skin type
  • We carry products made from organic ingredients
  • We know about skin care
  • We have trustworthy and highly qualified staff ready to help you

For example, if you decide to create posts to showcase your staff's knowledge of skin care, create educational posts explaining the different skin types or suggesting skin care products. If you want to highlight your employees' skills, you can post a photo of their work with a client with a before and after photo showing results or testimonials from previous clients. This is an excellent option if you or your employees have unique skills or are performing specialized treatments.

Other content ideas are:

  • Post a question sticker on your Instagram story as "Ask me anything!" Invitation to answer all burning questions
  • Post photos of your favorite skin care products
  • Ask your beauticians about their favorite products and tag them in a quote post
  • Post a video, Instagram reel, or TikTok video that shows your audience how to perform a skin care routine in the correct order
  • Set up a “Tip Tuesday” or regular schedule so your audience knows when to expect a certain type of post. Tip Tuesday could be a day to highlight facts about the skin, knowledge of ingredients, or explain treatments and techniques used in your spa

The possibilities are only limited to your imagination!

Since it can be difficult to always create original content, Eminence Organics creates social media packages especially for our spa partners. They contain sophisticated images as well as sample messaging for various social media platforms. Spa Partners can log in and download from the News page and the Downloadable Images page on the Professional site. We hope this will ease some of the content creators' fatigue!

You can use this list of social media tips to build your online audience. Interested in even more resources? Find out how to become an Eminence Organics Spa partner and the benefits we offer, including social media packages and more.

16 Sep
Blog

Skatebird Review: A Game About Birds That Can Skate

A fiery bird in Skatebird.

Skatebird Review: It's not a Tony Hawk, but it does contain tiny hawks

RRP $ 19.99

"Skatebird's rough skating mechanics are balanced by his charming humor in the Internet age."

advantages

  • Laughable writing

  • Generally adorable

  • Killer skating soundtrack

disadvantage

  • Controls awful

  • Shaky physics

The genre of skateboarding games has many established kings. If you're looking for something very arcade-esque, play Tony Hawks Pro Skater, while Skate 2 or 3 offers a slightly more realistic (but still completely bombastic) experience. Regardless of how you look at it, these two franchises own the skating genre, much like Call of Duty and Battlefield own multiplayer shooters of their own. There are others out there, but they don't stack up.

Now we have Skatebird that pops up out of nowhere and instantly shows that while it won't take the crown from Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, it was never designed to do it. Instead, Skatebird is here so people can have a fun, if sometimes frustrating, time. It's a goofy arcade skateboarding game full of funny dialogue and goofy references that doesn't promise anyone the skating game of their dreams. But at least it will brighten your day.

For the birds

The entire premise of Skatebird is written in its name, and if you're not used to such jokes, just leave this review right now. You are a bird that makes ice skates. Skatebird sounds like a skateboard. Understand? Great, go on.

In Skatebird you drag, fly and chirp (or as the game calls it, “screm”) as a tiny, gnarled bird through everyday areas. The game has all the trappings of a typical arcade skating game, starting with character customization, where players can choose what kind of bird they want to be and what goofy accessories to wear. Of course, I took a cowboy hat with me, which was always worn.

The required joke is made in Skatebird.Thought Skatebird wasn't making a Tony Hawk joke?

After a brief introduction, players are thrown straight into the first area of ​​the game: a huge bedroom that belongs to their bird's great friend. Unfortunately, Big Friend is feeling down, so the skater along with a herd of others decides to flee the room, find out why the friend is so bad, and fix the problem with the power of ice skating.

Skatebird's story is a play on words, all with a subtle background of anti-capitalist sentiments …

In short, the bird's owner does a shitty job at a shitty tech startup that the Birds of course sabotage by first rerouting the boss's AC from his office and to everyone else, then destroying servers and more. Skatebird's story is word play at a time, all with a subtle backdrop of anti-capitalist sentiments, and if the idea of ​​capitalism-hating birds doesn't bring a smile to your face, I beg you to get a feel for the humor.

Better to fly

It's a shame to say, but the goofy story and stupid jokes of Skatebird are the stars here. The game stays in its arcade style, with each face button controlling a move. One button does an ollie, another grinds, another grabs, etc. That's the best thing about Skatebird: It's easy to control. You decide when your bird grabs or grinds. It is much, much more difficult to influence whether you will actually land successfully after a trick.

Skating in Skatebird has all the grace of a bird on a skateboard, which exactly isn't. The bird is more like a fish in the air flapping around with no sense of direction. I did tricks and then tried to land on the ground only to have the board pointed at a 45 degree angle for some reason, resulting in my bird absolutely eating tar. The game seems to provide for this, however, by giving players control of their trapped bird, which can be rolled around for fun, but that feeling only lasts through a couple of failed landings.

Rest over a roof in Skatebird.

Getting around with wheels on the ground is no better, as Skatebird's wobbly physics engine regularly decides that a small bump against an object is enough to knock your bird down. However, at other times you will build up speed and hit a wall without turning around because the game apparently still thinks you are accelerating which means you need to get out.

Situations like this get even more annoying when you realize that it is not that easy to build up speed in Skatebird. Birds, of course, can't pump on a skateboard. Instead, the game has a "Fancy" meter that players fill by going up and down ramps to go faster. Before taking a big jump or long grind, there is a need to wind your way down some ramps while making sure you don't bump into anything or fall off the board, which can be a frustrating challenge.

Skating in Skatebird has all the grace of a bird on a skateboard, which exactly isn't.

What Skatebird lacks in grace it makes up for in charm. While roughly half of my moment-to-moment gameplay was spent getting upset with my bird for choosing to see what the sidewalk looks like up close, the other half was spent grinning like a fool. Walking around to the game's fantastic soundtrack, which goes perfectly with other skating game soundtracks and is likely to land on my Spotify soon, is an absolute blast. Small touches like this made everything else bearable.

Our opinion

I don't think Skatebird was made the best skate game ever, mainly because it's so far from being as good as that. Instead, Skatebird is here to be a distraction – something fun and goofy, to get you off things. Admittedly, it's hard to think of rent or other heavy issues when you're playing a stupid little game about a stupid little bird on a stupid little skateboard.

When you buy Skatebird, don't expect it to reinvent the genre. It doesn't. But this game could have been about birds diving and exploring underwater (working title: Skubird), and as long as it had the same charm and sense of humor, I would have enjoyed it anyway.

Is there a better alternative?

If you are looking for a good arcade skating game, Tony Hawks Pro Skater 1 + 2 is an easy choice.

How long it will take?

I put about five hours into Skatebird, but if I tried to collect every collectible and beat every mission it would probably take more than seven.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but with the caveat that you dampen all expectations. Skatebird is not a game about skating birds, it is a game about birds who can ice skate.

Editor's recommendations



15 Sep
Blog

Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System Review: Affordability Is King

The square router from Vilo.

Vilo Mesh Wi-Fi System Review: Complete Wi-Fi Connectivity for Only $ 60?

RRP $ 60.00

"Compared to the competition, you can save 90% of the costs with Vilo by sacrificing only 30% of the speed."

advantages

  • Affordable price

  • Easy setup with an intuitive app

  • Lots of ethernet ports for a wired connection

  • Compact, attractive design that is expandable

disadvantage

  • No Wi-Fi 6 support

  • Some speed and connection issues

  • No WPA3 support

Mesh routers are a great option for your home WiFi needs, but the prices of these systems often make them inaccessible to many households. Vilo wants to turn the home mesh WiFi market upside down with an affordable proprietary system.

At just $ 20 for a single router or $ 60 for a three-pack that combines to cover a home up to 4,500 square feet, Vilo promises to have up to 120 devices at a time for a fraction of the cost to connect competing devices.

It's roughly a fifth the cost of the competing Linksys Velop Mesh Wi-Fi system, so Vilo obviously had to make some compromises. But it cuts in all the right places, balancing performance and features at its extremely attractive price point.

Jump to: Design | Specifications and Features | Establishment | Performance | Our opinion

draft

A single unit of Vilo's mesh router costs just $ 20.

Vilo mesh routers can be purchased as a pack of 1 – ideal for smaller rooms and offices – or as a larger pack of 3 to cover larger houses. Each unit, called a node, is identical and interchangeable, so it can be used either as a satellite or as the main router directly connected to the modem.

The Vilo units appear much higher quality than they are, and nothing about the Vilo's build quality would give away its $ 20 price tag. In fact, the minimalist square canister design – and the non-glossy white surface of the device – reminds me of the higher quality Velop mesh system from Linksys. The Velop, by comparison, costs a whopping $ 229 to $ 300 for a three-pack.

Like the Velop, the Vilo is very light and its compact design – 5.9 x 2.7 x 2.7 inches – no bigger than a large can of iced tea. The simple design of this device blends in perfectly with your furniture and home decor.

Vilo's eye-catching logo is on top of the router.

Unlike traditional Wi-Fi routers, mesh systems don't come with graceful, protruding antennas that resemble alien-like tentacles. The goal of these systems is that the more stylish design means that you'll want to place these devices throughout your living space to provide better WiFi coverage, rather than hiding the mesh system and obscuring its signal behind furniture and devices.

On the front of each vilo you will find a recessed round button that allows you to quickly disable the network connection to that particular node. as well as an LED display for the network status. When the Vilo starts, the LED will be red, but will change to solid blue when you are connected to the internet and the system is ready. A blinking blue light indicates patchy internet coverage, while an amber light indicates the device is ready to be paired and set up.

If you're sensitive to light or don't want Vilo's LED to interfere with the ambient lighting in your home, you can cover the LED hole with white tape for a cleaner aesthetic.

There are three Ethernet ports on the back of Vilo's home mesh routers.

Each device has three Ethernet ports on the back to accommodate wired connections if required. Ethernet ports on satellite devices can be useful for gamers who may need a reliable connection and have their modem or main mesh router in another room, or for connecting IoT devices in remote corners of your home. The ports here won't deliver the same speeds as you'd expect when connecting directly to your modem, but they can help maintain a more stable connection for critical applications.

The ethernet ports on satellite units are a welcome change from my older Amazon Eero system that didn't have support for wired ethernet connections on satellites. In general, I use the Ethernet ports on my satellite nodes to connect my game console, an IoT home hub with no built-in Wi-Fi, and my desktop PC.

Specifications and functions

The square router from Vilo.

For just $ 20 per unit, you won't find support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E specs on the Vilo. Still, with dual-band 802.11ac on board, you get the same Wi-Fi 5 support found on something like the higher-end Linksys Velop AC2200 mesh system. Unlike Vilo, Linksys offers a premium version of its Velop system with Wi-Fi 6 support.

The main difference is that for $ 229, the Velop has a tri-band antenna for better coverage and reliability, while the cheaper Vilo uses a dual-band antenna. At a significantly lower price, you still benefit from MU-MIMO connections, beamforming and band steering with the Vilo. The belt control can be configured via the Vilo Living app, which is available for both iOS and Android. The app's dashboard provides you with additional information about your mesh network, such as: B. Your Wi-Fi signal strength, the current firmware version and your choice of encryption method.

A single button on the front to toggle Vilo's internet.

To set up your home WiFi network, you need to use the app. Every Vilo device comes with a QR code on the bottom. As soon as you have registered and logged into the app, you will be asked to scan the QR code of the main device first – this is connected directly to the router. If you buy a multipack, subsequent satellites will be detected automatically after you connect them. While Vilo offers a three-pack configuration, you can purchase additional nodes and pair them with your system if your home requires it. Like competing mesh systems, the app gives you a lot of control and information about your home network in a non-intimidating way.

Another benefit of the app is that parents can control the network to plan downtime when individual devices are locked. If you have young children, this is an extra layer of the digital wellness apps built into many modern phones and can help establish healthy internet habits.

You can also block specific websites, create a guest network that visitors with a separate password can use, and remotely restart your mesh system if there is any glitch. And if data is your interest, you can also view a usage report to see how much data each device is using. For guest networks, you can use Vilo to set up temporary networks with an expiration time or permanent, so that you can flexibly change your password and your settings to ensure security.

Put up

I tested a three-pack of the Vilo system on my parents' premises, which is bigger than my smaller apartment and a better indicator of how the units work together as a mesh network. In my smaller room, a modem with a unit would have been enough.

For the test environment, I replaced the existing Eero Pro 6 network at home with the Vilo network. I put one unit in the upstairs bedroom at the back of the house, one in the living room downstairs in front of the house, and one in the garage.

Due to the layout of the house, the garage has always been a Wi-Fi dead zone, and in the past my parents have placed repeaters or a mesh node in the garage to connect their garage door opener and ring. to control cameras. Since every device must be connected to the mains, it must be located near an electrical outlet.

power

The dashboard for your Vilo Mesh network.

Like a network of cell towers, the mesh system would determine which node has the best connection and switch your device to the strongest node as you move around the room. It all happens seamlessly, and in theory you should get the best WiFi reception without having to switch to a different network every time you enter a different coverage zone.

To test the Vilo's performance, I wanted to see if there were any drops in speed and differences in coverage reliability as I moved around the room. I know my parents have 300Mbps symmetrical speeds from their local Internet Service Provider (ISP), and when I connect my iPhone directly to the router-modem combo provided by the ISP, I get speeds in that range.

The bandwidth ranges from the lowest speed of 280Mbps to the highest speed of 325Mbps. The Vilo device supports a maximum of 867 Mbit / s in the 5 GHz band and up to 500 Mbit / s in the 2.4 GHz band.

Vilo says that each device has four internal antennas and can serve multiple users with MU-MIMO, which makes it reliable for different devices connected at the same time. Beamforming is also used to route the signals from the nodes to the devices, and band steering automatically sets each device to either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band.

If necessary, you can deactivate the band control in the Vilo app for devices that require a specific connection to a 2.4 GHz band. I disabled the band controls for the test and instead forced Vilo to rely on the 5 GHz band for our tests so that the ISP speeds would not be limited by the lower band.

Security options for your Vilo Mesh network.

During speed tests at various locations around the house, I found that the Vilo network was on average 30% slower than the Eero Pro 6, averaging just over 350 Mbps across multiple locations in the house. Still, a three-pack of the Eero Pro costs $ 6,599 for a three-pack.

This means you can save 90% on costs by only sacrificing 30% on speed, making the Vilo a serious winner for most average households.

It wasn't all bad, however. In the living room, which is connected to the main node – the unit that is directly connected to the modem – the speeds are higher on average at around 400 Mbit / s. When moving to the opposite end of the house, where only the main node was running, the speeds fluctuated by almost 200 Mbit / s.

When a satellite was used in the same location in the house, the speeds were around 250 Mbps. In the garage, with its infamous Wi-Fi dead zone, speeds were around 75Mbps during my speed test – that's 15% of the 500Mbps my ISP promised.

Compared to the Eero Pro 6 system, the drop in speed was not as drastic as with the Vilo. In the living room, the Eero Pro 6 reached almost 450 Mbit / s, so it is slightly faster than the Vilo in this setting. Outside of the main node, however, when moving to the other end of the house, speeds were much faster than the Vilo at an average of 320 Mbps. In the same location with a satellite unit, speeds were on average more than 100Mbps faster, at 370Mbps. And in the garage, the Eero was still delivering almost 150Mbps on the dedicated node for that room.

The biggest criticism of the Vilo is that the handover between different nodes does not work as well as on competing systems. This is a problem if you start your connection at one node on one end of the house and then move to another point in the house that should have been served by another node for optimal speed and coverage.

This doesn't happen often, but I noticed when I was pulling out of the garden – where I had good WiFi coverage on my phone when connected to the node from the upstairs bedroom – to the front of the house, which should have been should be served from the main node in the living room. After my migration, not only did my WiFi reception collapse – which indicated that I was connected to a more distant node – but also my speeds drastically due to the weaker reception.

While this isn't a common problem for most families – you really work on your laptop or tablet in one place – it is an issue when you FaceTiming or video calling with people while walking around the house.

Speeds are only part of the story when it comes to Wi-Fi networks. In general, I found the Vilo system very reliable in use. In the month that I used the Vilo network – both on my parents' test site and in my apartment – the network had to be restarted twice.

The first time was after a software update that caused a bug that prevented one of the satellites from being detected and the second time when devices connected to Vilo's network could not access the internet.

While this may seem frustrating, the glitches are easier to miss with the lower price of Vilo. Compared to my older Wi-Fi 5 Eero system, the Amazon branded network works much more reliably today, but when I first started I had the same glitches twice or three times a year and mostly after software updates.

Our opinion

If you don't already have a mesh home network, the Vilo system should be at the top of the list. While Vilo compromises on more modern features – the system lacks an option for Wi-Fi 6 support and it comes with a dual-band antenna instead of a tri-band antenna for even more robust coverage – its affordable starting price of $ 20 for one single router unit or $ 60 for a three-pack make Vilo great value for those looking to switch to a home Wi-Fi mesh system.

Are there alternatives?

Vilo's bigger competitors include Amazon's Eero, Logitech's Velop, and Google's Nest Wi-Fi. And while Wi-Fi 6 is supported on some of the more expensive models like the Eero 6 or Velop AX4200 Wi-Fi 6 system, you pay a premium for that technology. Right now, Wi-Fi 6 has not yet fully caught on, and even if your current smartphone or laptop supports it, most households in the US don't have the broadband speeds to use Wi-Fi 6.

According to Ookla's Speedtest.net, most households in the country have an average of 192 Mbps for fixed line broadband. Vilo's Wi-Fi 5 network supports up to 867 Mbps, which most broadband plans at sub-gigabit speeds should handle competently.

In addition to mesh networks, Vilo also competes with conventional WiFi routers, especially when they are coupled with range extenders.

How long it will take?

Vilo offers a one year limited warranty to cover all hardware defects. And unlike smartphones, Wi-Fi units are often stationary, so they're not prone to accidental damage. With a smart device like a mesh router, you also get years of support with software updates that run in the background and ensure that your Vilo network lasts for years. In general, the Vilo network should hold you up until you upgrade to home broadband speeds greater than 1 Gbps.

Should you buy it?

If you do not need a Wi-Fi 6 and do not yet have a Mesh WLAN system, you should definitely consider upgrading to the Vilo-Mesh. The device offers a stylish, good-looking appearance, but it does make some compromises in terms of speed. But at $ 60 for an entire home network, the speed losses don't matter much to prudent buyers as long as the system works as advertised and you can get reliable reception in the farthest corners of your home.

Editor's recommendations



15 Sep
Blog

Xiaomi 11T Pro Review: Not Worthy of its Pro Name

Xiaomi 11T Pro.

Xiaomi 11T Pro Review: Not worthy of its Pro name

"The Xiaomi 11T Pro is not an upgrade of the Mi 11, but at best a sideways step, and although it offers the required performance, it is difficult to justify its Pro name everywhere."

advantages

  • Very fast wired charging

  • Great performance for games

  • Camera with many functions

disadvantage

  • No watertightness

  • No wireless charging

This review is definitely not about Mi as Xiaomi removed the name "Mi" from its phones, with the update to the six-month-old Xiaomi Mi 11 being simply referred to as the Xiaomi 11T. There are three models in the new range – the 11T, 11T Lite, and 11T Pro – and I used the top model, the 11T Pro.

You can't call the 11T Pro a sequel because it's not that drastically different from the Mi 11. Worse still, there isn't anything that makes it a pro phone here either, and that makes me wonder why it exists. Let's see if there's a hidden reason.

draft

The Xiaomi 11T Pro weighs 204 grams, is 8.8 mm thick and has a flat screen and a back that looks like glass that covers metal, but feels and sounds more like plastic. The addition of the "T" to the name indicates that this is not a full sequel to the Mi 11, but a refresh, as OnePlus once did with its own T models. However, this Pro version doesn't look as modern as the basic, older Mi 11.

Xiaomi 11T Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The curved glass above the Mi 11's screen didn't have a functional element, but it did give it some character, as did the multi-level camera module on the back. With the 11T Pro, that's all gone. The back has a glossy finish and an attractive brushed metal look, but it gets smeared and sounds pretty hollow. It offers enough support to hold it securely in your hands. although. It can be seen here in the color Meteorite Gray, but there are also white and blue versions.

What does it say about the rest of the phone's design if it's the power button that I like the most?

My favorite design element is the power key because it is very easy to use. It stands proudly on the chassis on the right, but still contains the fingerprint sensor. Since the last phone I used was the Nokia XR20 with its practically hidden fingerprint sensor, it's nice that the 11T Pro's sensor is easy to find and extremely responsive. I've never had to resort to any other unlock method while using the 11T Pro.

Top of the Xiaomi 11T Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

However, what does it say about the rest of the phone's design if it's the power button that I like the most? It says it's a bit boring and forgetful. There is nothing wrong with the look of the 11T Pro, but nothing particularly stylish either. The 20: 9 aspect ratio of the screen, the chunky housing and the weight of more than 200 grams make it not particularly pocket-friendly or feel very modern. There is also no IP rating, which leaves it behind most of its competitors and puts it at a higher risk of harm.

screen

Covered with Gorilla Glass Victus, the 11T Pro's screen is a 6.67-inch AMOLED with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, a peak brightness of 1000 nits, a touch sampling rate of 480 Hz, HDR10 + certification and a resolution of 2400x 1080 pixels. This is a downgrade to the Mi 11's higher resolution screen and it really shows. It's less vibrant, has a cooler tone, poorer contrast levels, and is generally less visually exciting to look at. It might look a little more natural at best, but if you look at it side by side, your eyes will fall on the Mi 11 by default.

Xiaomi 11T Pro screen.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The screen does not have an adaptive refresh rate, so it is set to either 60 Hz or 120 Hz. While the smoothness of 120 Hz is always visible when it's active, it tends to slow down scrolling in some apps and in the menu. On Twitter, for example, scrolling is much slower and the app feels slightly squishy. This is also evident in areas of the operating system. Switch back to 60Hz and it will go away. I also found the automatic brightness a bit overly sensitive and dimmed the screen when I didn't want it.

While not terrible, there isn't much on the screen that makes me think of the 11T Pro as a "Pro" phone, a trend that has continued throughout my review.

camera

The main camera has 108 megapixels and is supplemented by an 8MP wide-angle and a 5MP tele macro camera. The Mi 11 had a higher megapixel wide-angle camera. How did that affect the photo experience? It's pretty similar to the Mi 11. It takes some great photos and then some bad ones with strangely muted colors or poor white balance.

The camera module of the Xiaomi 11T Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The 2x digital zoom shows good detail as it doesn't get too close, and the main camera can take balanced photos that emphasize natural tones, but because the camera is inconsistent, I've often taken two or three photos from slightly different angles, in hoping one would come out well. The differences between them can be huge at times – see the photos of the roof structure in the examples below for evidence – and I don't trust the camera very much.

The 5 MP super macro mode is more useful than most because of an auto focus feature, and photos are more attractive and easier to take than phones with a simple 2 MP macro fixed focus camera. The phone records 8K video at 30 frames per second (fps) and it's all the same AI. Video modes from Mi 11 too. These offer cinematic looks like a super zoom-in-style shot, a lowlight tracking mode and a "time freeze" in which one object is frozen while everything else continues to move. In practice, all of these require very specific situations to shine, and most work best with another person in the shot.

Xiaomi's addition of an optical zoom is welcome, but its presence isn't enough to really elevate the 11T Pro's camera over the Mi 11, and the name "Pro" was definitely not added to highlight camera improvements.

battery

The Xiaomi 11T Pro is the fastest charging phone I've tested. The 5000 mAh two-cell battery gets its power from an included wired 120 watt charging block that Xiaomi claims will reach 100% in 17 minutes. I couldn't believe the phone fully charged so quickly the first time I tried it, as the battery was full in around 20 minutes.

Xiaomi 11T Pro seen from below.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Strangely enough, it doesn't always go that fast. Most days the total charge time was 20 minutes, but other days it went up to 30 minutes. Still fast, but the variation doesn't instill confidence in the system, which is important. I am using a European charging block with an adapter for use in the UK, which may affect the charging speed.

I didn't charge the 11T Pro overnight at all because the battery life is enough for about two working days or a day and a half of continuous use. This means that by using the 120W wired fast charge, I can fully charge the battery first thing when I'm doing something else, like showering or having breakfast. There's no wireless charging, and while I don't really see this as a major downside, it's a standard feature on many competing phones, and it was also the case on the Mi 11.

Side view of the Xiaomi 11T Pro.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Fast charging is very practical, saves energy and should also contribute to the longevity of the battery. The battery life is better than the Mi 11, due to a slightly larger battery capacity and improved efficiency of Xiaomi's MIUI 12.5 software. It's really the only vaguely pro aspect of the phone, and even then, it's a bit of a chore.

Performance and software

A Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and either 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM fuel the 11T Pro. It has dual SIM 5G connectivity, NFC for Google Pay, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Android 11 with Xiaomi's software MIUI Global 12.5 is installed.

First the good things. There's an app bar, a really pretty and highly customizable always-on screen, and new super wallpapers that look amazing – they're fully animated, very fluid and dynamic as they change their appearance with the time of day. The phone was reliable, I was able to uninstall most of the pre-installed apps, and I could also see some efficiency improvements from battery life.

On the other hand, there are various frustrations that ruin the experience. You select an app drawer during setup, but it still pops up all of the apps on multiple home screens for you to clean up. The always-on screens look great, but don't show app-specific notification icons on all wallpapers, just an unhelpful blanket icon for "You have notifications". The new version of the notification shade uses both sides of the screen – left for notifications, right for quick access controls – which isn't ergonomically good, but luckily you can switch to the traditional side. Dark mode is also problematic and doesn't always let apps display properly.

The Snapdragon 888 is a great performer, and the phone hasn't missed a beat, with more than enough power to handle video, games, photography, and other apps while multitasking without the slowdown. I played Asphalt 9: Legends without any problems and also Genshin Impact. As with all Snapdragon 888 powered phones, you won't have to worry about ditching the latest games or having enough power for almost any task.

Price and availability

The 11T Pro is unlikely to ever be officially available in the US, but you will likely be able to import it. In the UK, the 11T Pro will be released on October 1st with pre-orders starting September 24th, with the price set at £ 599 or € 650 for the 8GB / 128GB version or around $ 770. Two other versions will also be available, an 8GB / 256GB phone for £ 650 / € 699 or $ 830, and a 12GB / 256GB phone for £ 749 and $ 885 in select markets.

Our opinion

The question I have asked myself most about the Xiaomi 11T Pro is: “Why does it exist?” It has the same chip as the Mi 11, an almost identical camera and a lower screen, but a slightly larger battery and one faster charging. I find it doesn't look as good as the Mi 11, and when you hold the two at the same time, the Mi 11 feels like the superior, more expensive device. The last puzzle comes with the name because not only does it not beat the standard Mi 11 to deserve its Pro title, but I couldn't find anything that technically made it "Pro" at all.

Obviously, if you own the Mi 11, there is no need to upgrade. The bad news (for Xiaomi) is that since it's not a sensible upgrade over the Mi 11, which only launched in February, there are some strong alternatives from the competition. The Snapdragon 888 may make the 11T Pro seem like a flagship, but unfortunately it's surrounded by midrange technology that isn't always very well optimized and doesn't do justice to the chip or the Pro name.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes sir. We recommend the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for a great mix of affordable price, powerful camera, great screen, and useful feature enhancements like water resistance and 5G connectivity. Alternatively, take a look at the OnePlus Nord 2, the Google Pixel 5a or the Realme GT. If you have to spend more, the OnePlus 9 Pro is still a good buy.

How long it will take?

They will be used for two years without any problems, but by then it may be ripe for a replacement. There's no water resistance here so you need to be careful with the phone, but a clear TPU case is included to keep it secure. There is 5G to keep the phone updated on connectivity for a while, and because of the top of the range processor, there are no performance concerns. Xiaomi sends out software updates on a regular basis, but these mainly apply to MIUI, and while the phone receives Android updates for three years, you have to wait longer on Android 12 than you would with a phone like the Google Pixel 5a.

Should you buy one?

No. It is not an upgrade compared to the Mi 11 and cannot compete with many other budget smartphones.

Editor's recommendations



14 Sep
Blog

How To Make Your Skin Feel Stronger And Thicker

Does your skin look thinner, less bouncy, and more tender? There is no question that the thickness of your skin changes with age. Little by little, your skin feels drier, more tender and less elastic. And with thinner skin comes a weakened skin barrier. When the skin is healthy, it successfully does its job of protecting us from irritation, skin diseases and inflammation. But when our skin barrier is weakened, the body cannot defend itself. We'll explore how thin and weak skin can affect the skin barrier and repair methods to make the skin healthier and stronger.

Why is my skin so thin?

aging

As you get older, you may notice changes in the texture and elasticity of your skin. The reason your skin can appear thinner and drier is because your body makes less collagen as you age. Collagen is the structural protein that gives the skin elasticity, firmness and suppleness. Collagen fibers are the stable pillars that support the top layer of skin and prevent sagging skin. But with the decline in collagen, skin becomes thinner and less supple. You can thank your genetics for how quickly your collagen supply is depleting.

Loss of collagen in the skin infographic

Lifestyle factors including medication

As Healthline suggests, long-term use of certain medications can cause you to develop thin skin, including:

  • Prescription blood thinners
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)
  • Topical and oral corticosteroids
  • Over-the-counter aspirin

There are also a number of lifestyle factors that can lead to early aging and thinning of the skin, including:

  • smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Lack of regular exercise combined with a poor diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates

Sun exposure

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light causes sun damage to your skin, and after many years of tanning (and burning) you can begin to develop thinning skin. Sun damage can also take the form of age spots, sagging skin, wrinkling, or skin cancer. You may notice thinning skin on your face, arms, or hands, the parts of your body that are most exposed to the sun.

How does thin skin affect me?

Thin skin doesn't cause medical problems – it's only a problem if your skin bruises easily or is damaged. As Medline Plus notes, “As you age, there is an increased risk of skin damage. Your skin is thinner, more fragile, and you lose some of the protective layer of fat. ”The skin's ability to snap back worsens with age, as does the thickness of the dermis. And bruises and wrinkles appear on thin skin.

If you take care of your skin in addition to your thinning skin, its barrier can be compromised. The skin consists of three layers: The subcutaneous layer consists of sweat glands, fat and tissue. The next layer is called the dermis, which is made up of the blood supply and nerves. The outermost layer is the epidermis, which forms your skin barrier and protects you from bacteria and dirt. A healthy, functioning skin barrier blocks environmental stimuli while retaining natural oils and moisture. An unhealthy skin barrier doesn't protect you from potential skin problems like irritation, inflammation, or dryness. Thin skin is already sensitive enough, but if you don't hydrate very dry skin or exfoliate too much, you can irritate it. If you want to learn more about what causes a damaged skin barrier, read this in-depth guide. Here's a breakdown of the practical ways you can achieve stronger, thicker skin.

How to make the skin stronger and thicker

Eat foods that support collagen production

It has been shown repeatedly that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for increasing collagen production and thus strengthening our skin and improving the barrier function of our skin. Vitamin C also plays an important role in collagen and you can find it in foods like broccoli, leafy greens, and citrus fruits.

A variety of foods can help your body increase collagen production, including:

  • chicken
  • Leafy vegetables
  • Berry
  • Fish and shellfish
  • protein
  • Citrus fruits

Use skin care products that contain peptides

If you are already satisfied with your diet, you can use skin care products that contain peptides to strengthen your skin. Dermatologist Dr. Nancy Samolitis, MD, FAAD told Byrdie, “Peptides are essentially fragmented parts of proteins. So when used in skin care, the goal is for these collagen fragments to stimulate collagen growth … Whole, non-fragmented proteins (like collagen) cannot be absorbed directly through the top layer of skin, leaving those smaller pieces deep inside can penetrate the cellular level. "

Apply moisturizer daily

To strengthen your skin, shift your attention from exfoliating to moisturizing instead. Whether you are a dry, mixed, oily or sensitive skin type, hydrating your skin is the first step towards healthy skin and a strong skin barrier.

Your dehydration could be genetic; You might just be born with a dry skin type. However, if your skin type is indeed oily, mixed, sensitive, or normal, dryness from air conditioning or hot showers to the weather can be the cause. Help your skin stay strong by applying a moisturizer after cleansing. This step helps lock in moisture and protect your skin from the elements.

In the following video our Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar has some moisturizer recommendations for every skin type.

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPXO1mpvGy0 (/ embed)

Are you struggling with thinning skin? Have you tried any of the above tips or other treatments for this problem? Learn more about the Marine Flower Peptide Collection with powerful plant peptides and sea flower technology for stronger, firmer and firmer skin.

14 Sep
Blog

Logitech G435 Gaming Headset Review: Too Cheap to Be Good

The Logitech G435 gaming headset on a stand.

Logitech G435 gaming headset

RRP $ 80.00

"The Logitech G435 is a wireless gaming headset that sacrifices too much to be affordable."

advantages

  • Wireless Lightspeed connection with Bluetooth support

  • Easy

  • Comfortable for long gaming sessions

  • Payable

disadvantage

  • Feels cheap

  • Disappointing sound quality

  • Not a boom mic

When looking for the best gaming headset, it's easy to fall into the trap of wanting wireless connectivity. With one less cord, the workspace is really tidy, and it's nice to be able to get up without taking off the headset.

However, the feature significantly increases the price due to the need for a wireless radio, electronics, and battery. However, this is not the case with the Logitech G435 Lightspeed. You won't find a cheaper wireless gaming headset – at least not one from a well-known brand.

Unfortunately, the G435 is cutting too many corners to reach this price point, leaving you with a headset that doesn't feel like it's worth $ 80.

draft

Thin headband of the G435 gaming headset from Logitech.Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

When it comes to design, the first thing you notice about the G435 is that it is extremely light. It only weighs 165 grams, which is absolutely nothing for headsets, especially wireless ones. For comparison: Razer's Barracuda X weighs 250 grams, which is considered light, and something high-end like Corsair's Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT weighs 382 grams, even lighter than the 240-gram Logitech G335.

So yes, the G435 is very light indeed. But the quality of workmanship is a problem with a headset for this lamp. There is no getting around it: The G435 feels thin and cheap. The plastic parts are all thin, there are no beautiful materials and the headband looks full, but is just a plastic frame with a fabric cover.

I feel like if I held the headband in my fist it would just be strong pressure to snap. This is not good. Logitech only markets the light weight as a benefit, but it feels like it was a decision to cut costs, and it shows. The heavier Logitech G533 looks and feels higher quality and can be picked up at a discount for less than the newer G435.

However, I cannot deny the advantages of an ultra-light headset. The light weight and soft fabric ear cups of the G435 make it one of the most comfortable headsets I've ever worn. It's also surprisingly comfortable to rest on your neck.

The ear cups don't pivot to lie flat on your chest, but since there's no protruding microphone and it's surprisingly small, your chin won't collide as much when you turn your head.

characteristics

Beamforming microphone on Logitech's G435 headset.

When it comes to features, it's no surprise that the G435 isn't very featured. But that doesn't mean it's shabby. The headset supports various spatial audio codecs including Dolby Atmos, has an optional volume cap of 85 decibels to protect your ears, and the dual beamforming microphones work together to reduce background noise.

And yes, that means the G435 doesn't have a boom mic, as is common with gaming headsets. Boom microphones provide sharper, clearer audio quality compared to the smartphone-grade quality that beamforming microphones offer. It's a surprise to see Logitech leave it out here as even the G335 includes one.

The G435 is charged via the USB-C port, and a fully charged battery has a lifespan of 18 hours. Controls are just as easy: there is an on / off button, volume control and a microphone / mute button.

Controls of the G435 gaming headset.Niels Broekhuijsen / Digital Trends

The primary connection method for the G435 is via the included 2.4 GHz Lightspeed dongle, but you can also use it with Bluetooth devices in a low-latency mode – this combination does it not only with PCs, but with PlayStation devices and mobile phones can be used.

That's pretty cute considering the vast majority of gaming headsets don't support Bluetooth and you often have to jump on something like the SteelSeries Actis 9, which costs a whopping $ 200.

Sound quality

Logitech G435 gaming headset ear pads.

The actual test of the headset naturally depends on the sound quality. The G435 is still packed with 40mm drivers, which sounds promising, but in practice I wouldn't expect any acoustic miracles from the G435. There's a lot of bass and some detail at the top, but the headset lacks something in the middle section – I'd describe the sound profile as hollow.

The sound lacks the "fullness" that makes you turn up the volume for the satisfaction you want. So it is good that it is equipped with a volume limiter.

But then again, this is a $ 80 wireless headset. Great sound quality was never the primary goal, and the acoustics are good enough for casual gaming. However, if you are a competitive gamer you may want to look for something a little more revealing sound so you don't miss your opponents' steps as they sneak up on you.

Our opinion

The Logitech G435 Lightspeed has a lot to offer, such as light weight, comfort and Bluetooth support. However, unless you absolutely need a wireless headset for under $ 80, I'd stay away from that and spend the same budget on a wired pair.

With the need to squeeze a wireless radio, control module, and battery into the tight budget, Logitech had to make concessions on build quality and sound quality. They take off too much of the overall experience, and while it's wireless, the G435 doesn't feel like $ 80 headphones.

Are there alternatives?

The next alternative is Razer's recently launched Barracuda X gaming headset, which costs $ 20 more. While it doesn't support Bluetooth, it offers better processing and sound quality, plus a proper microphone, and looks better for outside the home. It's more expensive, but well worth the extra effort.

The Logitech G533 is also a good choice. Although it originally sold for $ 150, you can currently pick it up at Retailers for only $ 74.

If you're shopping wired on the same budget, the entry-level HyperX Cloud II headset offers much better build quality and sound quality.

How long it will take?

Although the G435 should last two to three years if carefully cared for, its fragile construction is an accident or a rage that is far from snapping into place.

Should I buy it?

If you really need a $ 80 headset, don't buy a wireless headset. Too much of the budget goes into the wireless radio, electronics, and battery, and with that budget it is better to buy a wired headset.

Editor's recommendations



14 Sep
Blog

Garmin Enduro Review: An Endurance Watch You’ll Never Outrun

Garmin Enduro

Garmin Enduro Test: Durable sports watch for long distance fans

RRP $ 799.00

"The Garmin Enduro sports watch provides long-lasting power for ultra-endurance athletes"

advantages

  • Stunning battery life

  • Outdoor focused sports tracking

  • Comfortable nylon strap

  • Spacious, easy to read display

disadvantage

  • No topographic maps

  • Expensive costs

Fitness watches will keep you on track in the long run, but powering such a watch is a challenge. Long distance runners sometimes carry a charging cable and bulky portable batteries to charge their watch. Step inside the Garmin Enduro, Garmin's latest sports watch that offers an incredible 70 hours of run time on a single charge. Is the enduro a game changer for the ultra-running crowd or just hype?

Solid construction, prone to scratches

The Garmin Enduro is a hybrid watch that borrows heavily from the brand's outdoor-focused Fenix ​​line and the Forerunner running watches. The Enduro has a sturdy stainless steel bezel and a metal-polymer case that can withstand the elements. I've used it for hiking, biking, and climbing, and I still have to scratch the body of the watch.

Garmin Enduro worn on the wrist.

I can't say that about the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display. After about a month the watch will have a few light, superficial scratches. I probably got them from rough rock climbing or from sticking my hand through spokes, pedals, and chains while fixing my bike. The scratches do not affect the performance and are only visible at an angle.

The Enduro has a color display, but don't expect to be blown away by a rich, colorful user interface. Color is used wisely to either indicate critical statistics or convey information. The 1.4-inch display is easy to read in sunlight and is large enough to check your stats without slowing down.

Chunky but comfortable design

The Enduro competes with the Fenix ​​series in terms of size, but surpasses them in terms of comfort. Instead of the standard elastomer sports strap, the Enduro is equipped with a very comfortable nylon strap. The strap wraps around your wrist and is fastened with Velcro. The band reduces sweat and doesn't rub my wrist like other sports bands.

Close-up of the Garmin Enduro watch strap.

If you don't like the nylon strap, you can simply swap it out for a different version. Like the Fenix, the Enduro is a bit bulky, especially for smaller wrists, but relatively light, the steel version weighs 71 grams.

Fitness tracking for outdoor people

The Garmin Enduro records a wide range of activities including hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. Like most Garmin watches, the Enduro quickly grabs a satellite signal and keeps it safe even in thick forests. It's chock-full of metrics like ClimbPro that let you know when you hit a steep climb and a Trail VO2 max calculation that takes altitude into account. The enduro is over the top for gym goers and yoga fans, but die-hard outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate these extras as they climb mountains and cover kilometers.

Limited smartwatch functions

The Garmin Enduro is packed with fitness and outdoor-oriented features, but its smartwatch features are limited. You can receive incoming phone calls and notifications, but you can only answer them if you have an Android phone. Even on Android, you can only reply to text messages.

Thanks to its widget-based interface, you can view the weather, sunrise and sunset times and upcoming calendar events. The Enduro supports Garmin's Connect IQ app repository, but most of the apps available are wellness or music oriented and don't complement the watch's already rugged multisport feature set.

Stunning battery life

I thought the Coros Vertix and Suunto 9 had great battery life, but the Enduro blew them both away. With normal use, the Enduro lasted more than a month between charging processes. Charging was an afterthought – something I only did when the watch reminded me when it got low. The worst part was finding my charging cable after not using it for more than 30 days.

The Enduro lets you explore for days and weeks without a power source

In contrast to the Apple Watch, I didn't have to worry about the battery life even with activated GPS and fitness tracking. I've used the Enduro while hiking on both day trips and overnight trips. A full-day hike in GPS mode hardly harmed the battery life. It was so liberating not to have to worry about running out of juice before my hike was over. On a multi-day trip, I didn't have to carry a charging cable or power source with me. I turned off GPS tracking at the end of each day and still had enough battery after four days.

Solar provides a power boost

The battery life is further increased by an integrated solar cell that surrounds the bezel and is embedded under the glass display. Power Glass technology is designed to only provide extra power, so don't rely on it to fully charge your watch. You have to be out in the sun for a while to see a difference. I hardly saw a difference on short trips in the woods, but it did improve battery life on a day hike in the bright sun.

Missing maps and music

The Enduro's overwhelming battery life has its price. Garmin had to trim battery-guzzling features like navigation and music found on the Fenix ​​6 and Forerunner 945 models. You get breadcrumb tracking and uploadable routes on the Enduro, but you don't get the highly detailed topographic maps you find on the Forerunner 945 or Fenix ​​6 Pro. There is also no music memory. Yes, you can control music playback on your phone with the Enduro, but you cannot use the watch as a standalone music player.

Our opinion

The battery life is the killer feature for the Garmin Enduro. If you hike, bike or run long distances, the Enduro is a breeze. The sports watch is comfortable to wear and the battery lasts forever. You don't have to carry the extra weight of a battery pack or charging cable, or worry about running and charging at the same time. Its high cost of $ 800 may be a hard sell to some people, but it certainly covers everything an outdoor enthusiast craves.

Is there a better alternative?

The Garmin Enduro is a niche product for endurance runners, bikers and hikers. Unless you want longer battery life, a Fenix ​​or Forerunner series watch should save you some money and add some features. The Fenix ​​has map and advanced navigation features that can be more appealing to outdoor enthusiasts than battery life. Likewise, the Forerunner 945 has advanced run metrics for those who run for hours rather than days.

How long it will take?

Garmin's outdoor watches are known for their rugged construction, and the Enduro is no exception. The stainless steel case resists scratches and the nylon strap can be closed securely. We got a few light scratches on the display from climbing rocks or repairing a bike, but you can put a screen protector on. Garmin has a one-year warranty that covers defects in manufacturing or workmanship.

Should you buy it?

If battery life is at the top of your list, then go for the Garmin Enduro. The Enduro will blow away the other watches from Garmin and even those from competitors like Suunto or Polar.

Editor's recommendations



14 Sep
Blog

HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8 Review: Superlight, Superexpensive

HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8 sits on the desk.

HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8 review: Super light and super expensive

RRP $ 2,679.00

"The HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8 is a super light business laptop with a high price."

advantages

  • Solid build quality and yet light

  • Bright, color-accurate display

  • Good productivity performance

  • Superior battery life

  • Industry leading suite of business tools

disadvantage

  • Very expensive

  • 16: 9 display is old school

How important is half a pound in laptop design? Well, that's enough for HP to justify a new brand called "Aero" in its line of laptops.

There's the budget-conscious Pavilion Aero 13, which packs a ton of power into a 2.18-pound chassis. A lighter laptop could be even more convenient for business people, and that's why HP has an Aero for you too. The EliteBook 840 Aero G8 accomplishes this goal of being half a pound lighter than its non-Aero version.

I tested the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 with a Core i7-1185G7 and a 14-inch 1080p display. Unfortunately, it comes in the old school 16: 9 aspect ratio and comes at an extremely high price of $ 2,679. But it's light, powerful, and packed with business features that your IT staff will appreciate.

draft

If you compare the Aero version of the EliteBook 840 G8 with its non-Aero sibling, you will find a laptop that is almost identical in size, just a few centimeters in width and depth and just as thick at 0.70 inches. But HP made the EliteBook Aero 840 G8 out of magnesium instead of aluminum, and managed to cut almost half a pound from 2.92 pounds to 2.5 pounds. It's light for a 14-inch business-class laptop and noticeably easier to carry around.

While there are 14-inch consumer laptops in the same weight range as the Acer Swift 5, which weighs 2.31 pounds and is 0.59 inches thick, there aren't many business devices that can match this. The Dell Latitude 7420, for example, weighs 2.7 pounds with carbon fiber in its construction and 2.89 pounds with an all-aluminum chassis while being 0.68 inches thick.

HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8 sits on the desk. Rear view from above / cover.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

One laptop that goes with the EliteBook is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 at 2.49 pounds and thinner 0.59 inches, which also uses magnesium in its case and is more flexible. Ultimately, the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 achieves its goal of being extremely light, even if it is not the thinnest notebook on the market.

The EliteBook 840 Aero G8 also manages to get around a common pitfall of magnesium chassis, namely that they tend to be less stiff than aluminum. The EliteBook is solid all round, with a lid that only bends if there is inadequate pressure, a keyboard deck that shows no bend, and a case bottom that doesn't give way. Business laptops tend to be more solidly built than some consumer laptops, like the MSI Prestige 14 Evo, which is made of aluminum but still has a slightly flexible lid, so it's nothing new. But being so light and so solid is a great combination and not too often. The laptop's hinge is a bit tight and requires two hands to open the lid, but it's tapered all around to make it easier to open and it retracts to 170 degrees for collaborative viewing.

Aesthetically, the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 fits the general HP EliteBook look and feel. It's all silver with few decorations. There's a chrome HP logo on the lid and a subtle EliteBook logo on the keyboard deck, and the speaker grilles on each side of the keyboard have a laser-cut pattern, but otherwise we're talking about a minimalist design. The Dell Latitude 7420 is similar in its simplicity, as are other business laptops.

Business laptops need to be connected, and the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 delivers.

Manufacturers tend to be conservative in their designs for this class of notebooks – you don't want a laptop that attracts attention in a conference room. However, that by no means makes the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 a bad looking laptop. It's pretty attractive and has just enough angles and rounded tail and lid edges to give it a fairly modern look. I'll note that the large top and bottom display bezels detract from that perception a bit – the EliteBook has an 85% screen-to-case ratio, which is low for a modern laptop.

Right side view of the HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8. Plugins and ports.

Left side view of the HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8. Plugins, connectors and hinges ..

Business laptops need to be connected, and the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 delivers. On the left you will find a nano security lock, two USB A 3.1 Gen 1 ports, a 3.5 mm audio jack and an optional smart card reader. On the right is a proprietary power connector (my test unit came with a USB-C charger), a full-size HDMI 2.0 port, two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4, and a nano-SIM slot for 4G LTE or 5G support. In addition to WWAN support, WI-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 are on board.

Security and privacy

You will not spend that much money on the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 for the conservative, light housing and the relatively standard components. Rather, you – or, more likely, your company – will make the investment to gain access to the wide range of security and management tools built into HP's business machines.

It is this level of security and manageability that justifies the laptop's very high price.

The EliteBook uses HP's Wolf Security for Business, which has many features that enable the laptop to meet the most demanding business security needs. The list is complete and begins with HP's Management Integration Kit (MIK), which makes it easy to integrate the laptop with Microsoft's System Center Configuration Manager for better manageability. The EliteBook 840 Aero G8 offers optional Intel vPro and thus expands its ability to be integrated into enterprise IT systems.

HP's Endpoint Security Controller (ESC) runs at the lowest tier of the laptop and features hardware-assisted technology that provides a hardware root of trust through HP Sure Start that is physically isolated and protects the laptop's critical firmware. The protection also works during runtime, constantly monitors the security system and uses cryptographic hardware functions from Wolf Security. HP Sure Recover minimizes downtime with built-in recovery tools, network-based recovery, and the ability to support corporate images. HP Tamperlock protects against physical attacks on the chassis and DMA, flash replacement, side channel and TPM probing attacks.

We'll stop here, but suffice it to say that the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 is very secure and easy to manage, giving users and businesses the peace of mind that their machines and data will stay safe. It is this level of security and manageability that justifies the laptop's very high price.

power

HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8 sits on the desk.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

My test device was equipped with the 11th generation Intel Core i7-1185G7 with vPro. This top U-series GPU in Intel's product range is aimed at thin and light laptops and offers a theoretical increase in performance compared to the more popular Core i7-1165G7.

In our benchmarks, the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 was able to compete with most of the similarly equipped notebooks in our comparison group. It was the third highest in Geekbench 5, with the HP Elite Dragonfly Max taking first place in this test. In our Handbrake test, which converts a 420 MB video to H.265, the EliteBook does well for the CPU and takes fourth place, with only the MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo being significantly faster than the Intel pack.

I added the Asus ZenBook 13 OLED to give a taste of the AMD Ryzen 5000 series performance, and as you can see, it is significantly faster on CPU-intensive tasks. The EliteBook is also in the midfield in the Cinebench R23 benchmark, another test that loads the CPU. In PCMark 10, the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 maintained its average performance, which extended to the Complete Score listed in the table as well as the areas of Essentials, Productivity and Content Creation of the benchmark.

Overall, the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 is a solid productivity performer that is not at the top, but can keep up. You will find it useful for keeping up with your demanding productivity workflow, but you will not want to use it for creative applications. However, that's not a blow to the EliteBook as it applies to all current Intel U-series laptops. You need to turn to AMD for better creative performance.

Geekbench 5 (single / multiple) Handbrake (seconds) Cinebench R23 (single / multiple) PCMark 10 3DMark time spy
HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8 (Core i7-1185G7) 1569/5279 204 1474/4496 4868 1663
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 (Core i7-1165G7) 1327/5201 170 1469/4945 5147 1776
MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo (Core i7-1185G7) 1352/4891 203 1360/4392 4872 1751
HP Elite Dragonfly Max
(Core i7-1185G7)		 1570/5297 252 1385/3604 4724 1468
Dell XPS 13 (Core i7-1165G7) 1540/5432 201 1399/4585 3859 1589
HP Specter x360 14 (Core i7-1165G7) 1214/4117 236 1389/3941 4728 1457
Asus ZenBook 13 OLED
(AMD-Ryzen7 5800U)		 1423/6758 124 1171/7824 6034 1342

The gaming performance of the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 corresponded to that of other laptops that are equipped with Intel's integrated Iris Xe graphics. That said, it wasn't great. In Fortnite, you get around 29 frames per second (fps) on 1080p high graphics and 22 fps on epic graphics.

This is good enough for older titles or newer titles with greatly reduced resolution and graphics. But this is a business laptop and doesn't pretend to be a gaming device.

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Close-up of the screen of the HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

I'm not a fan of full HD displays (1,920 x 1,080), not even 14-inch displays. I like higher resolutions. However, I liked the power-saving display of the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 more than usual – apart from its traditional 16: 9 aspect ratio. The display was bright, the colors were dynamic without looking excessive, and black text appeared on a white background. Subjectively, it's one of the better 1080p displays I've used on a laptop that isn't specifically designed for developers.

My colorimeter supported me. First, the display was actually bright at 479 nits, well above our 300 nit threshold and well above the premium average. This is a display that you can probably use in sunlight. The contrast of 1,740: 1 was also excellent for an IPS display and is again well above our preferred threshold, in this case 1000: 1. It is better than the display of many other business laptops, including the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9, which only delivers 306 cd / m² and had a much lower contrast ratio of 970: 1.

The colors were also good for a non-creator display with 77% AdobeRGB and 99% sRGB. That is a few percentage points above the average of the premium display and again surpasses the 76% and 96% of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9. The display of the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 was with a Delta-E of 1.11 (1.0 or less is excellent) is also accurate, compared to the ThinkPad with 0.99.

All in all, I found the display a pleasure to use for productivity work and Netflix binge. Again, I would have preferred a higher resolution display, but many people will find a full HD display to provide a sufficiently sharp image on a 14-inch display. I wish the display had been touchable though, and that's an option for those who feel the same way.

Sound is provided by two upward facing speakers on either side of the keyboard. HP advertises the speaker volume and bass, and I found the claims to be true. Fully turned up there was a lot of sound and no distortion. Mids and highs were nice and clear, and yes there was a hint of bass. The EliteBook 840 Aero G8 can't live up to the audio standards of the Dell XPS 15 or MacBook, but it's good enough for watching Netflix and occasionally listening to music.

Keyboard and touchpad

Close up on the HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8 keyboard.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

HP's EliteBooks all have great keyboards. The EliteBook 840 Aero G8 has been redesigned to be even better, especially to provide a consistent feel across all keys. The redesign includes adding a programmable hotkey and moving the power button onto the keyboard, and requires a little more pressure and longer holding to activate it. The mechanism of the keyboard is deep, with a snappy floor movement and very quiet. I would rate it on the HP Specter keyboards, which have long been my favorite Windows 10 keyboards, and better than Dell's XPS line of keyboards. Only the Magic Keyboard in the MacBook is better.

The touchpad is medium in size with a smooth glass surface and Microsoft Precision touchpad support. I found it serviceable, with reliable performance using Windows 10's multi-touch gesture suite, however, it's smaller than it could be to accommodate buttons for the Lenovo TrackPoint-like cursor nubbin in the center of the keyboard. This works well if you're into that type of control, and provides a textured surface to stay in control.

Windows 10 Hello support is provided by both a fingerprint reader in the upper right corner of the palm rest and an infrared camera for facial recognition. Both worked quickly and easily, so that the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 could log in without any problems.

Close-up of the HP EliteBook 840 Aero G8 webcam.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Battery life

The EliteBook 840 Aero G8 offers a 53 Wh battery, which is average for a 14-inch laptop. With a 1080p display, I'd expect good but not great battery life, probably enough to last you through a day of work but not enough to last through the evening.

As it turned out, the battery life was a little better than I expected. I saw about 11 hours on our web browsing test which is a strong result. The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo with the same CPU, Full HD + display (1,920 x 1,200) and 70 watt hour battery is only one minute longer. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9, a more direct competitor, lasted for about another hour. In our video looping test, which is playing a local 1080p film trailer, the EliteBook again managed a good time with 14 hours and 15 minutes. Anything over 12 hours is exactly what we would expect from a premium laptop. I have to say that the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 lasted a spectacular 21 hours, so that the EliteBook does not completely dominate the business class.

In the PCMark 10 Applications battery test, which provides the best indication of the battery life, the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 achieved a strong 13.75 hours and is thus at the upper end of our database. The ThinkPad dominates again with 17.25 hours. I also ran the PCMark 10 gaming battery test, which saw the EliteBook hit a little over five hours – the longest we've seen. However, this test seems to show how hard a laptop works on battery power, rather than absolute battery life, so expect reduced performance when turned off.

Overall, the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 was a robust performer in terms of battery life. It exceeded my expectations and will keep you working well into the evening if necessary. You may not get the fastest performance while on battery life, but it will keep you going when you are not on a charger.

Our opinion

HP took the EliteBook 840 G8 and made it easier with the Aero version, giving business users a solid alternative that leverages HP's powerful suite of enterprise security and management tools. The EliteBook 840 Aero G8 is well made and yet very light, offers good performance and offers excellent battery life.

It's expensive though. You are definitely paying for the business functions and most likely it will not be the user who is paying for it. But organizations looking for a great business laptop should keep the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 on their shortlist.

Are there alternatives?

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is a strong competitor in terms of performance and battery life and is cheaper with the same configuration ($ 2,260 on offer), but only has a one-year warranty, Lenovo also packs several business features, but they are not quite as extensive as the selection from HP.

Dell offers another solid alternative with the Latitude 7420, which is also cheaper at $ 2,020 (with a three-year warranty). Dell has its own suite of business tools, and the Latitude will serve companies well when they need easy-to-manage security measures.

If you don't need a business-class laptop, there are a variety of consumer alternatives. But in this case, the EliteBook 840 Aero G8 shouldn't even be considered.

How long it will take?

The EliteBook 840 Aero G8 is well made and should trust that it can last many years in typical business operations. The components are state-of-the-art so that they will keep pace with Windows requirements for years. You will appreciate the three-year warranty that can be expected for business-class devices, but is not always offered at no extra cost.

Should you buy it?

Yes sir. It's expensive, but worth it when you need a laptop that your business can trust.

Editor's recommendations



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