15 Mar
Blog

Choose Lift Straps and Wrist Wraps Based on Function

At first glance, you'll notice that the Gymreapers flat slings have extra padding on the wrists for extra comfort. It's a great pair of harnesses for the deadlift unless you plan to lift more than 180 pounds.

Overall, I would recommend these harnesses for training days rather than strongman competitions.

Stiff weightlifter wrist wraps

It almost goes without saying that you will adjust your wrist wraps after each set as you get used to the workout.

Enter the Gymreapers Wrist Wraps. Aside from the cool logo they designed, The loop around the thumb makes it easy to adjust and you can find it on Amazon for a great price.

Choose lifting straps and wrist wraps based on feature - ratings, strongman, deadlift, wrist straps, handstand walking, push up handstand, flat lifting straps, overhead lift

Kraft wrist wrap

If you are looking for good wrist support for overhead snaps, the Gymreapers wrist wraps will provide you with significant support for your wrists.

Choose lifting straps and wrist wraps based on feature - ratings, strongman, deadlift, wrist straps, handstand walking, push up handstand, flat lifting straps, overhead lift

Again, it has a pretty cool logo that will make you look bad while doing over 200 pounds of overhead snatches, pull-ups, or toes at the bar.

However, I would refrain from putting these on if you are working on handstand walks or handstand pushups. While they provide great support for your wrists, they don't leave enough room for flexibility.

15 Mar
Blog

Embrace A Long-term, 3 Step Approach To Pain-free Fitness

After more than 11 years of coaching, I've learned that pretty much every single person who shows up to train with me is in pain.

Pain is something we can all relate to. For some, it is an emotionally rooted pain, and for the vast majority of adults, there is some amount of physical pain to deal with every day.

As a trainer, it can be tempting to want to resolve this pain by writing the perfect exercise program. The OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP) gave me another idea. The training program is only a small part of helping your clients live without pain.

Change your mindset

Most people are impatient and want results right now. This is why people try muscle ups when they can't even do a rigorous chest-to-bar pull-up (CTB). It is not your fault.

We have all been told we can::

Unfortunately, the road to greater fitness and less pain is slow.

The key is helping our clients change their mindset to take a long-term, patient approach to fitness and pain-free living.

Here are three steps that you may not have considered to change your mindset and stop feeling pain in the long run.

Step 1: Many people don't know where they are.

"Meet them where they are," says OPEX CEO Carl Hardwick, a man with nearly 20 years of coaching experience, often.

The basic idea is to learn as much as you can about your customers::

Then you can design an effective program for them that takes their entire life into account and ultimately "hits them where they are" in all areas of their life..

However, one of the problems with this is that many people don't know where they are. They don't even know what they are trying to achieve with training.

Somewhere along the way, they decided it sounded like a cool idea to snap a muscle and learn. However, some clients have ignored the fact that they can't put their hands over their head without straightening their spine (or maybe they don't even realize it is) and that they experience physical pain every time they snap to have.

This person keeps trying to slide a square pin into a round hole – talk about pain!

Others set arbitrary goals without really thinking about what it will take to achieve them. Have you ever had a client say she wants to lose 20 pounds and pull herself up, but her actions are inconsistent with her goal?

She never sticks to the homework you gave her and keeps admitting her Taco Bell addiction. As a coach, it is frustrating to see this person fail all the time, and it is even more frustrating to be the person who feels like a failure.

Much of the weeding out of this emotional and physical pain is based on awareness.

Helping clients find what they want – their intention or why – is the first step in uncovering, processing, and eliminating their emotional and physical pain, said Firass El Fateh, owner of OPEX Abbotsford, British Columbia.

You have to: "Dig really deep with your exact reason for this whole thing," said El Fateh. This starts on the first day. “It's about setting expectations from the start at the first consultation. Go over the assessment together and give the customer a clear picture of where they physically stand, ”he added.

Emotionally, if customers are honest about what they really want to sacrifice, it is more likely that they will B. Lose 50 pounds, shed emotional baggage, and work to fix your problem.

In practice, a thorough assessment can help your customers understand their limitations.

  • For exampleIf your client knows they haven't passed a shoulder flexion test, they're more likely to respect the fact that going over their head with a barbell is not yet a good idea. Maybe it's even why they're always in pain. From there, you can determine a path that will help them correct this weakness and avoid pain.

Changing mindset begins with being aware of what is causing the emotional pain and physical pain and understanding what they are trying to achieve.

Step 2: the beauty of simplicity

Remember the elementary school saying: keep it simple, stupid (KISS)?

As trainers, we always try to reinvent the wheel to get people interested and demonstrate our knowledge. Another lesson I learned from the OPEX CCP was the beauty of simplicity.

This leads, as Hardwick calls them, to the "Basic Lifestyle Guidelines (BLGs)".

Put simply, "Start with the lifestyle," Hardwick said.

The first thing to do is look at what the person did for fitness and whether they made "a series of inappropriate (for them) contractions and movements," Hardwick said.

Take a look at what they are doing during the other 23 hours of the day. How are your sleep hygiene, nutritional hygiene and stress levels? Teach them how this contributes to their pain, lack of recovery and fatigue, Hardwick added.

"If the client is not sleeping well, drinking enough water and getting enough sun, there is no point in delving into the part of the program design," added El Fateh.

In addition to sleep, stress, sunlight, diet, and other basic lifestyle guidelines, Hardwick asks trainers to consider how many steps the person is taking each day, how much water they are drinking, and what type of bowel movements they are having.

As OPEX founder James Fitzgerald put it, if you are not comfortable talking to your customers about their poop, you are missing out. "It's an undeniable barometer of health … you need to talk to your customers about it," he said.

"Identify the lowest hanging fruit living habits," Hardwick said, "and tackle them before you go to the trouble of writing a fancy exercise program that will promise the world to your client."

Step 3: teach them why.

Anyone can teach someone to squat, push, hinge, and pull. In order for people to be on board on a long-term path to better health and pain-free life, they need to understand why they are doing what they are doing. This encourages all-important buy-in, Hardwick explained.

"It has to start with the ability to train our customers," said Hardwick, not just through "principles and science," but also through your own and other customers' experiences.

El Fateh agrees. Once his clients have a clear understanding – based on the OPEX assessment he conducted – he can now “determine how their program will get them from their location to their desired location,” he explained.

He added, "It's important to explain why the program is behind … If people know why they're doing something, they're more likely to keep doing it."

The more self-sufficient and autonomous your customers become, the more likely they are to make decisions when you're not looking (which is mostly the case) that are smart for them and ultimately help them get out of the pain for a long time. Term.

15 Mar
Blog

Choose Lift Straps and Wrist Wraps Based on Function

At first glance, you'll notice that the Gymreapers flat slings have extra padding on the wrists for extra comfort. It's a great pair of harnesses for the deadlift unless you plan to lift more than 180 pounds.

Overall, I would recommend these harnesses for training days rather than strongman competitions.

Stiff weightlifter wrist wraps

It almost goes without saying that you will adjust your wrist wraps after each set as you get used to the workout.

Enter the Gymreapers Wrist Wraps. Aside from the cool logo they designed, The loop around the thumb makes it easy to adjust and you can find it on Amazon for a great price.

Choose lifting straps and wrist wraps based on feature - ratings, strongman, deadlift, wrist straps, handstand walking, push up handstand, flat lifting straps, overhead lift

Kraft wrist wrap

If you are looking for good wrist support for overhead snaps, the Gymreapers wrist wraps will provide you with significant support for your wrists.

Choose lifting straps and wrist wraps based on feature - ratings, strongman, deadlift, wrist straps, handstand walking, push up handstand, flat lifting straps, overhead lift

Again, it has a pretty cool logo that will make you look bad while doing over 200 pounds of overhead snatches, pull-ups, or toes at the bar.

However, I would refrain from putting these on if you are working on handstand walks or handstand pushups. While they provide great support for your wrists, they don't leave enough room for flexibility.

13 Mar
Blog

iLife A10 Robot Vacuum Review: Still Needs Babysitting

ILIFE A10 robotic vacuum cleaner on the floor

"The iLife A10 is a robotic vacuum cleaner that needs to be monitored to get the job done."

  • Lidar enables effective cleaning

  • Affordable price

  • Comes with two side brushes

  • Will trip over obstacles

  • Problems deleting humps

The Wyze Robot Vacuum has certainly raised eyebrows lately, which shows us that a low-cost offering can deliver just as good cleaning as bots doubling their price. However, we can't forget to mention another company that has its roots in the entry-level robot vacuum, iLife. It has been making robotic vacuums for a while, but its newest model, the A10, may well be a direct rival of the Wyze Robot Vacuum due to its similar features and cost under $ 300.

Comfort thanks to lidar

For the money you make, it's good that the iLife A10 has smarter navigation thanks to the built-in lidar that maps rooms. Once reserved for high-end robotic vacuums, lidar technology will slowly be introduced into budget models – and we're excited to have it available here with the A10. This allows the bot to effectively clean rooms by moving in straight lines.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

You can even set up restricted zones through the iLife app, which is essentially a virtual wall to prevent the bot from passing by. Again, you get some extra features that we don't normally find in robots in this price range. It's compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so you can start and stop cleaning using voice control.

Decent on hardwoods

One notable thing that stands out about the ILIFE A10 is that it has two side sweeping brushes, which is less the case in robotic vacuum cleaners these days as most of them only use a single brush. The two side brushes are useful for sweeping dirt and debris on hardwoods and tiles so that they can be swallowed up by the lower brush. Plus, it's nice that they spin at a decent speed – so they don't just throw debris all over the place.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

Lidar also helps navigate corners and makes sure the side brushes capture as much as possible. However, since these are standard bristle-style brushes, they can be easily frayed. Over time, this will make cleaning less effective. I prefer rubber brushes because in my experience they have been shown to be more durable.

When it comes to carpets, the iLife A10 with its 2000Pa suction takes care of superficial things by automatically switching to Boost mode. However, it does not achieve the same deep cleaning results as an ordinary handheld vacuum cleaner. All dirt is collected in its unique 600 ml cell waste bin, which protects the filter from clogging by dirt deposits. However, I'm not thrilled with the way the mechanism opens the trash can from above – which results in debris leaking out of the trash can when emptied.

It's not as fast as other robotic vacuums when it comes to cleaning my entire home, nor does it achieve the same level of cleanliness, but for what it's worth, the iLife A10 will keep your home clean and tidy. If you don't want to run the bot often, e.g. For example, at least once a day, you want to do it for a second run. The battery life of 100 minutes is sufficient for smaller rooms, but automatically charges when the battery is almost empty – and then continues where it left off.

Necessary for babysitting

It's not perfect for avoiding common household traps like tight spaces under furniture and the occasional cord. Therefore, expect to protect it from hardship often. In fact, it got stuck on a thicker surge arrester cable on the floor, which is strange as it is the thinner cables, like those on smartphones, that tend to trigger most of the bots.

Dividers also cause problems for the iLife A10. There's a thicker divider piece at the entrance to my bathroom, and the A10 doesn't try miserably to climb over that hump. His bikes seem ready for the job, but in this case he's just having problems.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

What I really notice about the iLife A10 is the frequency with which it has to be saved. Whether it's a sock brushing the bottom or tucked under my entertainment center in the living room, the A10 needs constant babysitting.

Our opinion

When time is money, it's no surprise why robotic vacuums continue to come in handy at home. The $ 280 cost of the iLife A10 will easily turn heads, but just know that it takes time and patience to make sure this bot completes its cleaning. If you're okay with this, it's worth considering.

Is there a better alternative?

In this price range, the Wyze Robot Vacuum is the only logical rival that is cheaper at $ 250.

How long it will take?

With a glossy top and a mostly plastic construction, the ILIFE A10 feels at least well put together. Frequent maintenance, however, is something I would recommend because the brushes can get tangled up quickly. There is a one year limited warranty against defects.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Even though babysitting is necessary to avoid getting into trouble, this is the only big tradeoff given the low cost.

Editor's recommendations




13 Mar
Blog

Understanding Metabolic Damage And Adaptation

The term metabolic damage has gained widespread popularity over the years. The researchers1 first observed a decreased metabolic rate in subjects who had lost a significant amount of weight. This reduction is far from shocking, as reducing a person's body weight also lowers their energy needs.

What was unique in this case, however, was that the metabolic rates of some individuals were well below the values ​​predicted by the researchers.

These results became popular in various fitness circles and quickly became labeled for metabolic damage. However, there is currently no convincing evidence for the existence of metabolic damage in this context. What the researchers observed is more precisely defined as metabolic adaptation and adaptive thermogenesis. 1

During a period of calorie restriction that accompanies a reduction in body weight, your body undergoes several physiological changes in order to adapt to the changing environment – both internally and externally.

Changes in hormones are associated with fat loss

Leptin is a hormone whose main function is to regulate energy levels and maintain body weight.

  • Often referred to as the satiety hormone, it helps regulate a person's urge to consume food. Since leptin is synthesized in adipocytes, leptin is sensitive to body fat stores
  • When we lose body fat during a period of calorie restriction, serum leptin levels decrease. This decrease in leptin concentration is accompanied by a cascade of neurochemical changes that can significantly increase hunger and reward-seeking behavior
  • Various other hormones, including the thyroid, are also affected. Thyroid hormone has been shown to be a key variable in determining energy expenditure and basal metabolic rate (BMR) .4

Observations show that fat loss during a persistent calorie deficit can lower thyroid levels and thereby lower the basal BMR.5

Fat loss affects physiological energy processes

In addition, the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis becomes more efficient. Typically, ATP synthesis is around 40% efficient, which means that around 60% of energy is lost through thermogenesis.6 However, with low energy availability and reduced body fat, mitochondrial efficiency increases.

Proton leakage, a process regulated by the decoupling of proteins, results in energy being lost as heat. However, increased mitochondrial efficiency decreases proton leakage and increases ATP synthesis as an adaptive response

We also see other aspects of our physiology, such as: B. the efficiency of muscle work, the gain when calories are limited, and the weight loss

As these adaptations occur, we also see a decrease in non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). This decrease is associated with spontaneous physical activity unrelated to exercise and is the largest energy expenditure

Researchers have observed that calorie restriction and body weight loss can significantly reduce an individual's NEAT. Unfortunately, this is mostly unconscious so there isn't much you can do.

Daily step counting is a common practice for recording and regulating energy consumption.

However, since this is specifically for the purpose of using up calories, it is technically not NEAT. It is the thermogenesis of exercise activity. But I digress.

Researchers have found that our bodies like consistency. Enter the settling point theory. As one article put it,

"The set point model is based on physiology, genetics and molecular biology and suggests that there is an active feedback mechanism that links adipose tissue (stored energy) to intake and output via a set point that is believed to be encoded in the brain." 10

While this does not account for all the relevant variables, it does, to some extent, explain the body's desire to maintain homeostasis in terms of body weight and energy availability.

In essence, when the availability of energy from the outside, such as food, and from the inside, such as in body fat stores, decreases, our body tries to resist this change through various physiological and neurochemical changes.

As mentioned earlier, changes in thyroid gland, leptin levels, and even an increased hedonic dive for food are just a few of the numerous adaptive responses.

If you reduce your body weight, the energy requirements for locomotion decrease accordingly.11 NEAT can vary by 2,000 kcal per day between people of the same size.12

In a previous article I wrote for Kabuki Strength,

I mentioned: “An article by Rosenbaum and colleagues mentioned a 10-15% reduction in total energy costs (TEE) that was not explained by changes in body composition. Of this 10 to 15% reduction, around 85% could be explained by the reduction in non-dormant energy consumption, to which NEAT is the largest contributor. “13.14

Once we account for these changes, the vast majority of the discrepancies between the estimated BMR and the actual BMR are taken into account.

So is metabolic adaptation a problem? Absolutely. But does it indicate some form of harm? Well, at the moment there doesn't seem to be any strong evidence for that.

What can you do to manage some of these adaptive responses and successfully maintain your new body weight composition?? One possible approach is to use a high energy flow approach. 15

Increase physical activity

Researchers have consistently found that regular physical activity is strongly linked to successful weight management.

  • By increasing energy intake in proportion to energy expenditure, we can counterbalance some of the adaptive responses of a diet and increase energy intake while staying within a given body weight range.
  • Increasing calories can reduce hunger, improve the thermal effects of foods, and help relieve mental fatigue accumulated during your diet.
  • A gradual approach to weight loss like 1% of your body weight loss per week can delay some of these adaptive responses because the acute change in energy availability is not dramatic.
  • In addition, it is important to set clear schedules and end dates for your diet periods.
  • Dieting for more than three months is usually not recommended as you will often see a drop in returns beyond this point.
  • If you use maintenance phases to slowly increase your energy intake while keeping your weight stable, you will have a higher calorie starting point by the beginning of the next phase of diet.

Metabolic damage doesn't seem to have strong evidence right now. What we usually observe instead is a metabolic adjustment.

In the vast majority of cases, these adjustments are completely reversible.

When used correctly, diet can be an important aspect of healthy eating and optimizing body composition.

References

1. Michael Rosenbaum and Rudolph L. Leibel, “Adaptive Thermogenesis in Humans”. International Journal of Obesity, London. 2010 Oct; 34 (01): S47-S55.

2. RV Considin 1, MK Sinha, ML Heiman, A. Kriauciunas, TW Stephens, MR Nyce, JP Ohannesian, CC Marco, LJ McKee, TL Bauer et al. "New England Journal of Medicine. 1996, February 1; 334 (5): 292-5.

3. Miguel Alonso-Alonso, Stephen C. Woods, Marcia Pelchat, Patricia Sue Grigson, Eric Stice, Sadaf Farooqi, Chor San Khoo, Richard D. Mattes, and Gary K. Beauchamp. "Food Reward System: Current Perspectives and Future Research Needs." Nutrition Report, May 2015; 73 (5): 296-307. Published online 9 April 2015.

4. Brian Kim, "Thyroid hormone as a determinant of energy expenditure and basal metabolic rate." Thyroid, 2008 Feb; 18 (2): 141-13. 4th

5. Edward P. Weiss, Dennis T. Villareal, Susan B. Racette, Karen Steger-May, Bhartur N. Premachandra, Samuel Klein, and Luigi Fontana. "Calorie Reduction, but No Exercise-Induced Fat Mass Reduction, Reduces Triiodothyronine Plasma Concentrations: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Rejuvenation Res. 2008 Jun; 11 (3): 605-609.

6. Sunil Nath, "The Thermodynamic Efficiency of ATP Synthesis in Oxidative Phosphorylation." Biophysical Chemistry. 2016 Dec; 219: 69- 74th Epub 2016, October 15.

7. Martin Jastroch, Ajit S. Divakaruni, Shona Mookerjee, Jason R. Treberg, and Martin D. Brand, “Mitochondrial Proton and Electron Leaks”. Essays Biochem, 2010; 47: 53-67.

8. Michael Rosenbaum 1, Krista Vandenborne, Rochelle Goldschmied, Jean-Aime Simoneau, Steven Heymsfield, Denis R. Joanisse, Jules Hirsch, Ellen Murphy, Dwight Matthews, Karen R. Segal, Rudolph L. Leibel, "Effects of experimental weight disorders on the Skeletal muscles work efficiency in humans. “Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2003 Jul; 285 (1): R183-92. Epub 2003, February 27th.

9. Christian von Loeffelholz, M. D. and Andreas Birkenfeld. "The role of thermogenesis of non-physical activity in obesity in humans." Endotext, {Internet}. Last updated April 9, 2018.

10. John R. Speakman, David A. Levitsky, David B. Allison, Molly S. Bray, John M. de Castro, Deborah J. Clegg, John C. Clapham, Abdul G. Dulloo et al, settlement points and some alternative models : theoretical options to understand how genes and environments combine to regulate obesity in the body. “Disease Model Mech, 2011 Nov; 4 (6): 733-745.

11. Michael Rosenbaum 1, Krista Vandenborne, Rochelle Goldschmied, Jean-Aime Simoneau, Steven Heymsfield, Denis R. Joanisse, Jules Hirsch, Ellen Murphy. Dwight Matthews, Karen R. Segal, Rudolph L. Leibel, "Effects of Experimental Weight Disorders on Skeletal Muscle Efficiency in Humans." Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2003 Jul; 285 (1): R183-92. Epub 2003 February 27th.

12. Christian von Loeffelholz, M. D. and Andreas Birkenfeld. "The role of thermogenesis of non-physical activity in obesity in humans." NCBI, Endotext {Internet}. Last updated April 9, 2018.

13. Debrocke, Daniel, "Preventing Weight Gain After Dieting." Kabuki Strength, April 24, 2020. Accessed February 25, 2021.

14. Michael Rosenbaum and Rudolph L. Leibel, “Adaptive Thermogenesis in Humans”. Int J Obes (London). 2010 Oct; 34 (01): S47-S55.

15. Gregory A Hand and Steven N Blair, “Energy Flow and Its Role in Obesity and Metabolic Diseases”. Eur Endocrinol. 2014 Aug; 10 (2): 131-135. Published online 28 August 2014.

12 Mar
Blog

2021 Toyota Venza Review: A More Refined RAV4

2021 Toyota Venza rating front

2021 Toyota Venza Review: Stargazer

"The Toyota Venza returns as an upscale hybrid SUV with some unique features."

  • Efficient hybrid powertrain

  • Great trick roof

  • Surprisingly stylish

  • Upmarket for a Toyota

  • Frustrating touch-sensitive buttons

  • On the smaller side

In case you haven't noticed, comeback season is just around the corner. The Ford Bronco, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Chevrolet Blazer, Hummer, Toyota Supra, and Jeep Grand Cherokee have all been dusted and revived. Old names resort to nostalgia and help automakers introduce more modern machines. On the Toyota Venza 2021, the nameplate is given a completely new slate, exactly what the model needed after the failure of the first-generation model.

We doubt many people turned down Toyota's decision to cancel the Venza when it was discontinued in 2015, but the two-row midsize SUV landscape hasn't changed too much in six years. Most of the same competitors exist, and few have done anything to raise the bar. In this regard, the 2021 Venza is a curiosity. Its all-hybrid powertrain positions it as one of the few electrified options, while the stylish design and available Star Gaze roof are a clear indication of how Toyota positions it as a cut above its other SUVs. These characteristics also help the Venza stand out in the class of the Nissan Murano, Ford Edge, Chevrolet Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe.

The Venza is slightly more expensive, starting at $ 33,645 for the base LE fairing, though every model comes standard with all-wheel drive. Our test car was first-class Limited equipment with a few optional extras like a head-up display, Toyota's Star Gaze panoramic roof, and rain-sensitive windshield wipers priced at $ 43,100.

Design and interior

It is more difficult to make a vehicle look good than it sounds. Typically, fewer design elements and sleek lines are preferred – two things Toyota designers have turned away from in order to get vehicles with a more dramatic style. Toyota used a bit of caution with the Venza and it really works. The EV-like grille, the chrome part in the front that connects the headlights, the tall rear fenders and the thin taillights that are connected to a horizontal light give the new Venza a design that dwarfs the old model.

Double-row midsize SUVs are all about styling. Without the third row, automakers have some leeway to create more stylish designs. Some options, like the Hyundai Santa Fe, go a little too far to be unique, while others like the Honda Passport play things a little too safely. Toyota managed to hit a sweet spot with the curved design, but the design comes at the expense of the interior.

The Venza can be classified as a mid-size SUV, but it offers less interior space than the smaller Toyota RAV4 Hybrid on which it is based. That's not to say the Venza's interior space is cramped, it's just smaller than almost any other option in the class. The most obvious disadvantage is the lack of loading capacity. With the rear seats, the Venza offers just 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space. That number opens up to 54.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That's less than most other midsize SUVs, which total around 70 cubic feet, and less than the RAV4 (69.8 cubic feet of cargo space).

The electrochromic glass roof can switch from matt to transparent at the push of a button.

Another problem we've encountered with other Toyotas is how noisy the interior can get. The four-cylinder engine sounds lively, especially when starting, and transfers a lot of vibration into the cabin. There is a noticeable amount of wind noise on the freeway that seems inappropriate for an upscale vehicle.

While the Venza doesn't offer a Lexus-like experience, the higher the trim ladder you climb, the higher it gets. The transition to the XLE cladding opens the door to stylish two-tone interiors, although synthetic leather upholstery is the most beautiful seat material and wood grain style cladding available. The SUV's true glory is the available Star Gaze panoramic roof, which is only available as an option for the Limited fairing. The electrochromic glass roof can be changed from matt to transparent at the push of a button, so that you can enjoy the entire panorama roof to the full. It's also a feature to brag about as it was previously reserved for ultra-luxury cars.

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

The material quality in our test car with limited equipment was impressive for an SUV of this class. Instead of hard plastic throughout the cabin like you find on many other Toyotas, there are soft-touch materials on almost every part you interact with. The design of the center console, faux wood trim, and faux leather upholstery all look fantastic, while the color palette, which in our tester was a mix of shades of gray, looked tasteful.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The SUV's infotainment system mirrors those found on other Toyota models, unless you opt for the longest-range Venza. The standard infotainment system includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen, four USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, an integrated WiFi hotspot, six audio speakers, a wireless smartphone charger and Bluetooth. A JBL audio system with nine speakers and a 12.3-inch touchscreen are the few options available.

Joel Patel / Digital Trends

The touch screen is a typical Toyota product with the latest Entune system. Both touchscreens have outdated graphics and a tricky layout. In addition to its size, the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen has physical buttons. Both the HVAC and infotainment systems can be controlled using capacitive touch buttons, which are frustrating at best. The larger touchscreen offers a split-screen feature with a nifty feature that lets you choose which side of the screen is split, either right or left. This makes it easier for the driver or front passenger to interact.

The standard safety functions come from the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 Suite. The package includes traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane departure warning. The few optional safety functions include parking sensors, a head-up display and a parking camera with surround view.

Although the Venza is equipped with all sorts of safety features, we should point out that the quality of the cameras is not spectacular. The camera has a fisheye lens that distorts the image so much that the 360-degree view is no longer as helpful. Fortunately, the Venza is available with a video rearview mirror that allows the driver to see what's behind the vehicle unobstructed.

Experience at the wheel

Under the hood, the Venza uses the same hybrid powertrain as the RAV4 Hybrid, which consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors. All-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission are also included. It is the only available powertrain that makes the Venza one of the few hybrid vehicles in the mid-range segment and one of the few hybrid-only vehicles on the market.

Toyota claims the Venza has a total power of 219 hp. That might not sound like a lot, especially since the Murano, Blazer, Passport, and Edge are all available with six-cylinder engines. Ultimately, however, the lack of power doesn't affect the Venza's appeal.

In the real world, the Venza offers a lot of performance for everyday use. The hybrid powertrain fills gaps in which a four-cylinder engine alone makes you want more, making the mid-size SUV feel a lot livelier than its performance allows. The transition from gasoline to electricity is smooth, and the spaceship-like sound of running the Venza on electricity makes you feel like you are in the future. If you plan to drive around town a lot, there is an “EV mode” which ensures that the Venza runs on electricity only to save fuel or to get around in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

The Venza moves away from its stylish exterior design and is designed more for comfort than agility. A soft chassis leads to more relaxed cornering than other medium-sized SUVs. However, this results in a comfortable ride over all road conditions. There is a "Sports" mode, but it doesn't make much sense in this application. Instead, we put it in "Eco" mode and left it there for most of the week.

If you need an SUV to tow cargo, you'd better look elsewhere as the Venza isn't towable at all.

Fuel economy and safety

The Venza's drivetrain may make some drivers want more power, but it makes up for it in terms of fuel economy. You get premium fuel economy values ​​of 39 mpg (40 mpg city, 37 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive. While that's not as good as the RAV4 Hybrid (40 mpg combined), it is far better than any other two-row midsize SUV, and better than any other midsize hybrid SUV. The all-new Kia Sorento Hybrid comes closest with a combined rating of 37 mpg.

The Road Safety Insurance Institute (IIHS) has named the Toyota Top Safety Pick in 2021. This is the organization's second highest rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the SUV with a total of five stars.

In the real world, the Venza offers a lot of performance for everyday use.

Toyota covers the Venza with a three-year base warranty of 36,000 miles and a five-year warranty of 60,000 miles on the powertrain. These are average for mainstream brands, though Kia and Hyundai lead the segment with a five-year base warranty of 60,000 miles and a ten-year warranty of 100,000 miles for the powertrain.

Like other Toyota hybrids, the Venza offers a 10-year warranty on 150,000 miles of battery and an eight-year warranty of 100,000 miles on components that make up the hybrid system.

How DT would configure this car

Priced at over $ 40,000, our Venza Limited test vehicle showed off all of the things that help the SUV stand out in the packed class. While it is possible to get into a cheaper Venza, you'll have to opt for the expensive Limited fairing to get the fantastic Star Gaze roof. We think it's one of the most sophisticated technologies out there and it's worth having.

So we're sticking with the Limited and spending the extra $ 1,400 on the Star Gaze roof. This gives you a stylish, well-equipped SUV with a feature that the entire neighborhood will be the envy of.

Our opinion

Few SUVs cause waves these days. While the 2021 Toyota Venza doesn't take the SUV class to a new level or rethink anything about booting vehicles, it has a unique feature and design to make it a distinctive choice.

The Chevrolet Blazer offers a sportier design borrowed from the Chevrolet Camaro sports car. It has a more spacious cabin, a more powerful V6 engine and sportier handling than the Venza. The Toyota Hybrid is far more efficient and has more technical features.

If you're off-road and want something that can haul up to 5,000 pounds, check out the Honda Passport. It has a ground clearance of 8.1 inches, an intelligent traction management system for different terrain and weather conditions and a powerful V6 engine. The pass cannot compete with the Venza in terms of fuel economy, interior design or technical features.

The new Hyundai Santa Fe is another two-row midsize SUV offered with a hybrid powertrain. While it may not be as efficient as the Venza or as well equipped in terms of safety features, it has a more spacious interior, even more technology, a more powerful drivetrain and a broader warranty.

Should you get one

Yes. A far better SUV than its predecessor, the Venza is enough to make you feel unique in a packed segment.

Editor's recommendations




12 Mar
Blog

How To Do Crunches: An All-Inclusive Guide

Crunches have long been the obsession of health enthusiasts. Crunches have become a household name, and everyone knows a thing or two about the classic crunches. These crunches are particularly popular with the abdominal muscle community. It is believed that crunches are one of the best exercises for building abs.

Crunches not only build abdominal muscles, but also provide stability and balance in the body. They also give strength to the muscles. The main target of the crunches is the rectus abdominis muscle and the quads (in the bicycle crunches). In addition, these crunches help reduce body fat and reduce weight.

Now crunches are going to be a boon to the body, as evidenced by the number of crunch benefits highlighted above. Hence, we're going to discuss the best and right way to do the crunches, as one wrong exercise can cause you to pull a muscle or two, which can be painful. Therefore, this exercise must be done correctly.

Step by step instructions:

The following instructions are for the very basic type of crunches. In my opinion, you should practice the basic crunches first and then move on to the other hard crunches.

  1. Start by lying on the floor and looking up at the ceiling.
  2. Your legs should be bent from your knees and your hands should be folded behind your neck. This will help you support your neck and head. This prevents injuries from stretching the neck too much.
  3. You can also cross your hands over your chest, and some people find this posture easier to hold than the one mentioned above.
  4. Now tighten your abdominal muscle area by pulling your belly button towards your spine.
  5. Lift your head and shoulders off the floor and gradually pull your back up as well.
  6. Stand up until you are almost in the sitting position.
  7. Stay there for 05 seconds and then return to your starting position.
  8. However, make sure that you do not relax as the exercise is not over yet.
  9. First, try doing about 10 to 15 repetitions of this exercise, then gradually increase them.
  10. But make sure you don't try too hard. If you experience pain in the abdominal muscles, stop doing this exercise. You can always do it tomorrow.

Common mistakes:

Relax on the floor:

As mentioned above, you shouldn't relax on the floor between exercises as this can release tension from your body, especially your shoulders and abs.

This is not something you want to do. To stop this from happening, do not allow yourself to lie down completely and keep your shoulders off the floor at all times.

To stretch the neck too much:

If you stretch your neck too much during this exercise, it means that you are not doing this exercise properly at all. It means that you are starting this movement from your head and neck instead of your abs. Hence, you may want to keep your neck stiff rather than stretching or pulling it.

Bend your back:

Arching your back during this exercise is a poor option and should be avoided. This can lead to back injuries.

However, it is best if your focus is not on straightening your back instead of focusing on the abs. It's okay if you end up with a natural arch. This will not restrict movement. However, a very high slope is not recommended.

Variations on the crunches:

  • Bike crunches
  • Reverse crunches
  • Vertical leg crunches
  • Crossover crunches
  • Long arm crunches
  • Weighted crunches
  • Cable crunches

How To Do Crunches: An All Inclusive Guide was first published on AnytimeStrength.

12 Mar
Blog

Roborock H6 Adapt Review: Clean Air Meets Clean Home

Customize roborock h6 rating

Roborock H6 cordless vacuum cleaner

"The unbelievable suction power of the Roborock H6 Adapt soaks everything up and at the same time keeps the air clean."

  • Light, with strong suction

  • Quiet, except in the highest suction mode

  • Five-stage air filtration to improve air quality

  • Numerous accessories make cleaning easier everywhere

  • Shorter battery life in high-performance mode

  • It takes four hours to fully charge

Robotic vacuums offer a consistent level of clean and unmatched convenience, but there are certain tasks they just can't do – cleaning the stairs, for example. Robotic vacuums are also not particularly suitable for on-site cleaning.

When a robotic vacuum cleaner is struggling, a cordless stick vacuum cleaner can do the job. Thanks to a number of vacuum cleaners that have appeared on the market in recent years, users have a wide range of choices. Now Roborock has added another option with the H6 Adapt, a Red Dot 2020 winner for its design.

The Roborock H6 Adapt combines five-step air purification with powerful cleaning and a lightweight design to provide a product that is not only easy to use, but can also improve air quality while keeping the house clean.

Small, light and powerful

The Roborock H6 Adapt is possibly the lightest stick vacuum cleaner I've ever used. The main body is only three pounds and the attachments barely weigh anything. It easily clears up dirt and doubles as a duster to keep the tops of the closet clean or to suck cobwebs out of the corners.

Since no stand is required, the H6 Adapt is the perfect vacuum for small spaces. You can just plug it in for charging, although it includes a wall mount that can charge the vacuum while doubling as an accessory rack. This is also a necessary addition as the H6 Adapt comes with a number of different accessories.

The main accessory is the baton, a 30-inch extension that fits any other accessory. The Adjust H6 There's also a larger carpet brush for vacuuming the floor, a motorized mini brush that's perfect for stairs, and a dust brush.

It also comes with a splitting tool for vacuuming tight corners and a flexible tube for accessing hard-to-reach areas. With all of these accessories, the H6 Adapt can clean a wide variety of different areas. You can use it to vacuum at the kitchen table, vacuum up flour in the kitchen and tidy up the car after a long drive.

Max Mode feels like it's vacuuming the paint off a car.

The battery is rated for up to 90 minutes of continuous suction power, although this will vary in actual use. The type of accessory and the cleaning mode you choose can have a significant impact, especially if you choose Max mode. This mode increases the suction power to the maximum possible level, but shortens the battery life considerably. That said, when you need to thoroughly clean an area, Max Mode feels like he's vacuuming the paint off a car.

Powerful suction meets air purification

Many people find stick vacuums less hygienic, and this is sometimes the case. In many vacuum cleaners, dirt particles can escape from the container, resulting in poorer air quality than at the beginning. This is not the case with the Roborock H6 Adapt.

As someone who is very allergic to cats but still owns one, the furniture in my house is vacuumed regularly. A couch is less relaxing when you sit on it and break out into beehives. Some vacuum cleaners only cause an allergic reaction by vacuuming cat hair, but the H6 Adapt does not.

I sneezed less, especially when using the higher power modes.

It holds the hair in its dust container and can remove up to 99.99% of all allergens less than 3 microns in size when cleaned. Roborock lists cat dander, along with dust mites, mold, pollen, dog dander, and other pollutants, as one of the particles it removes.

While I'm usually skeptical of air purification claims until they can be proven, the H6 Adapt has shown how effective it is. I've sneezed less, especially when I've used the more powerful modes for cleaning cat hair from furniture.

An LED display provides all the information you need

The H6 Adapt has an LED display on the handle that gives you information at a glance. Three main points are displayed: whether the vacuum is locked or unlocked, the remaining battery life and the current suction mode.

Knowing how much battery life is left is fantastic. It is shown as both a percentage and a specific time. You can see up to the second how much longer the battery lasts before you have to stop and recharge. This amount varies greatly depending on the mode. With a remaining battery life of 49%, the Eco mode (the lowest suction mode) offers a lifetime of just over 41 minutes, while the standard suction mode offers just over 21 minutes and the maximum suction mode only offers a lifetime of just over 21 minutes five minutes.

There is a button at the end of the handle that allows you to switch between suction modes as needed, as well as a button on the side that locks the vacuum. That way you can let go of the trigger and it will keep working. Goodbye, aching fingers!

After a minute of inactivity, the screen will automatically turn off to save battery life. It takes approximately four hours to fully charge the battery after you wear it out. So if you have a large house and want to vacuum the entire area, it is a good idea to get a spare battery.

Simple dirt disposal

All stick vacuums work roughly the same way, with a release latch to open and empty the dust bin. Too often this latch is at the bottom of the dust bin – in other words, when you open it, dust and grime shower on your hand.

The Roborock H6 Adapt provides a simple solution for this. There is a switch just below the trigger that opens the dust container. Hold the vacuum over the trash can and press the switch to toss the contents of the trash can into the trash can. The top of the vacuum opens to allow access to the filter in case it ever needs to be replaced. The entire vacuum has a modular structure so that parts can be exchanged without any problems.

Our opinion

The Roborock H6 Adapt is a great option that allows for thorough cleaning while addressing household air quality issues. Its light weight makes it a great solution for those who may not be able to lift heavy weights. The $ 450 price tag is steep, but the H6 Adapt is cheaper than some of its competitors like the Samsung Jet 90 ($ 649) or the $ 600 Dyson V11.

How long it will take?

The Roborock H6 Adapt is made of hard plastic. This durable material makes it lighter than the competition, but that doesn't mean it's weak. The vacuum feels strong, so I expect it to last for years, especially with proper maintenance. Should something go wrong, Roborock offers a one-year guarantee from the date of purchase.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're looking for a comparable suction device at a cheaper price, consider the Tineco Pure ONE S11 for $ 300. A few bells and whistles are missing, but the job is done for less. On the other hand, the Dyson V11 Torque Drive is top notch when it comes to raw cleaning power. While you are paying more, your carpets are clean.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Air filtration improves the quality of the air in your home by ensuring that dirt and allergens stay tightly trapped in the vacuum.

Editor's recommendations




12 Mar
Blog

HP Omen 30L Gaming Desktop Review: A Gorgeous Glass House

HP Omen 30l Gaming Desktop Rating 6

HP Omen 30L Gaming Desktop

"The HP Omen 30L Gaming Desktop is the most beautiful gaming desktop you can buy."

  • Smooth 4K gaming

  • Beautiful design

  • Accessible internals

  • Ready to upgrade

  • Good value

  • Can get very loud and hot

Everyone wants to build their own PC these days. The problem? It is next to impossible to find affordable components these days. If it's your first rodeo, putting one together from scratch can be daunting.

HP has developed its new Omen 30L Gaming Desktop precisely for this target group. With all of the industry-standard upgrades and a DIY-friendly setup, it's unlike anything you'd find on an Alienware or ROG desktop.

Did I mention this thing is absolutely awesome? It is. With a starting price of $ 1,100, it's pretty affordable too. Obviously, this is not the configuration anyone should buy. You pay over $ 2,000 to get a model with the new RTX-30 series graphics.

If you can grab one, you're going to be pampered.

design

The aesthetics of the HP Omen 30L fit my tastes perfectly. The case is simple and nifty, similar to NZXT or Lian-Li. The edges are straight, the vents are small and even the lighting is tasteful. Don't even compare this to a desktop from ROG or Predator.

The branding is also minimalist. A simple diamond shape adorns the front and glows in bright white like a kind of alien obelisk. Let's call it mid-century modern gaming desktop design.

Let's call it mid-century modern gaming desktop design.

Still, HP added a few details that set this device apart from the standard PC case that you can buy off the shelf. The front is made of tempered glass and offers a glimpse of the RGB-lit fan inside, interrupted by the pattern of triangular vents on the side. It feels like you're in a museum looking at an ancient relic. HP charges extra for this, but I love the ultra-reflective look.

The vent design is also along the top plate, which is made entirely of machined aluminum. Like any other surface on the tower, it feels extremely stiff. At the top you'll also find a number of ports including a headphone / microphone combo jack and two SuperSpeed ​​USB-A ports. I'd love to see a USB-C port offered here, which includes options like the Asus ROG Strix GT35 and Falcon NW Talon.

HP Omen 30l Gaming Desktop Rating 7

HP Omen 30l Gaming Desktop Rating 3

For all the metal and glass, HP managed to keep the system pretty light. It weighs 28 pounds, making it lighter than the 30 pound Lenovo Legion Tower 5i and the 35 pound Falcon NW Talon. However, the Omen 30L is slightly larger thanks to the large rubber feet underneath. According to HP, that empty space significantly increased airflow from below.

The tempered glass is also used for the side panel, which gives you a clear view of your hardware. At the top there is a row of RGB lights that pour the fixtures into a beautiful bath of color. Again, it's a touch that is similar to what many custom PC makers go for.

Internals

The Omen 30L Gaming Desktop uses a custom micro-ATX motherboard that is typical for this tower size. The board is even matte black, which is a nice touch. The Falcon NW Talon uses a full-size ATX board, which offers a few additional features but makes the internal layout feel a bit cramped. The Omen 30L is beautiful and spacious.

The card enables an additional M.2 SSD and two SATA drives in the available storage bays.

Cable management is a bit sloppy.

I wouldn't call it clean, however. Cable management is a bit sloppy, especially if you're from a boutique PC maker like Origin or Falcon NW. They are crossing each other in all directions and it would be quite a mess to untangle and redirect them. This is part of the DIY aesthetic that is better avoided in a pre-built system.

Fortunately, the internals are completely tool-free. The textured button on the back opens in the side area. It's an extremely simple and easy-to-use design. I even prefer the door hinges that open like the Falcon NW Talon, which can be inconvenient if you leave your tower on your desk.

The other side wall can be removed with just one screw. This also applies to the graphics card, which is held in place by a plastic brace to prevent sagging and ensure safe delivery. The Omen 30L has plenty of room for cards, even if it's as big as the massive Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090.

My test unit was a water-cooled system, although the base model uses a standard air cooler. In both cases, HP has partnered with Cooler Master for all of the thermal, including the front intake and rear exhaust fans. There's not much room for additional fans, though HP mentioned that there may be room on top to install a larger cooler. The 750 watt power supply is also provided by Cooler Master. Unfortunately there is no manual off switch included.

After all, the RGB memory sticks in my test unit came from HyperX, a company that HP now fully owns. My system was 32GB of Fury DDR4, which is the maximum amount you can get.

Game performance

With options from Intel, AMD, and Nvidia, the performance you get will vary. As it turns out, your choice of these processors and GPUs is a crapshoot too. Third-party manufacturers also have inventory issues. HP says an RTX 3060 configuration will also be available at some point.

However, if you get a configuration similar to mine, you won't be disappointed with the performance. It came with an Intel Core i9-10900K, an Nvidia RTX 3080, and a 1 TB M.2 SSD.

In 3DMark Time Spy, the Omen 30L fell right between some of its closest competitors. With a score of 16,108, it lands 11% in front of the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i and 5% behind the Falcon NW Talon. Both systems were also equipped with the RTX 3080. The lead over the Legion Tower 5i was reduced to only 3% in the older DirectX 11 benchmark Fire Strike.

The RTX 3080 is meant to be a 4K capable card, so I plug it into my 4K 144Hz monitor to see what it can do. It could play any game I tested in 4K at well over 60 fps (frames per second) on maximum settings, with the exception of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. The in-game benchmark of this title spit out an average of 52 fps.

It's the only game I've preferred the 1440p experience where it was 70 fps faster on average. It was between 5% (1080p, High) and 15% (4K, Ultra High) behind the Falcon NW Talon in various graphics settings and resolutions, which was a performance difference from the other games I also tested.

With the highest fidelity, the Omen 30L often exchanged beats with the talon. But in 1080p it fell behind the talon. The clearest example was Civilization VI, which is already more CPU-dependent than the others. The Omen 30L averaged 158 fps in 4K on Ultra, but that's 11% behind the Falcon NW Talon. This lead was increased to 22% with 1080p Medium, which shows how much the CPU has bottlenecks compared to the Omen.

There have been cases when the fan noise was very loud. How scary loud.

This was also true for Fortnite, where the Omen was faster than the Talon and Legion in 4K (95 fps) but was 10% behind the Talon in 1080p. I suspect most gamers won't be too offended by the inequality, but it's worth a mention if you're trying to get the absolute fastest frame rates out of your system.

It's hard to blame the Omen 30L too much, especially since there have been games like Battlefield V where there was a much more even battle between the three systems, with no deviations of more than 5 fps. Regardless, playing in 4K at 100 fps feels awesome and shows just how groundbreaking the RTX 3080 really is.

The more serious problem with the Omen 30L was fan noise. It wasn't bad during most of the games – but there were times when it was very noisy. How scary loud. During my 3DMark Time Spy, I also saw occasional spikes in CPU temperatures as high as 97 degrees Celsius, which you don't want to see. The system has leveled itself to about 73 degrees for most of the load, but the thermals should have tinkered a little more between the temperature peaks and the fan noise.

Creative achievement

Gaming is a priority for the HP Omen 30L, but there's no reason you can't try it in creative applications like Adobe Premiere or Blender. CPU performance is good, although you obviously get more multi-core juice if you go for AMD's Ryzen platform.

The Ryzen 5950X, which I tested in the Falcon NW Talon, for example, drew circles around the Core i7-10900K in both the PugetBench Premiere Pro and the Blender benchmarks. PugetBench tests critical tasks like 4K playback and video encoding. That's why the multi-core capabilities of the Talon with Ryzen drive exceeded the omen by 18%.

That said, the HP Omen 30L is a capable creative workstation, especially if you can use that monster GPU.

Our opinion

The HP Omen 30L Gaming Desktop is the most beautiful gaming desktop you can buy – hands down. Boutique options like the Falcon NW offer slightly better performance and far more neat cable management. But for the price, the HP Omen 30L is my preferred pre-built gaming desktop in its category.

Are there alternatives?

The two obvious options are the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i and the Alienware Aurora R11. The Legion Tower 5i is a good option, although you can't currently configure it with RTX 30 series cards. So forget about him.

Both the Alienware Aurora R11 and the Asus ROG Strix GT35 are larger and more powerful than the Omen 30L, but also more expensive. And nowhere near as good-looking.

Finally, both the Falcon NW Talon and Origin Neuron are good choices, but they are far more expensive.

How long it will take?

The HP Omen 30L will last as long as you have it. That's the beauty of desktops that are easy to update. Everything can be exchanged even if you run into technical problems.

However, HP's protection plan isn't very good. There is only a one-year standard warranty.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you can find one of the high-end configurations, you won't find a better pre-made gaming desktop.

Editor's recommendations




12 Mar
Blog

Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Review: Great Hardware Can’t Save Android

lenovo tab p11 pro review 5

Lenovo Tab P11 Pro Tablet

"It's probably the best Android tablet in its price range, but the Tab P11 Pro seriously disappoints with a sub-par software experience."

  • Breathtaking design

  • Excellent accessories

  • Solid performance

  • Excellent battery

  • Below average software experience

  • Android apps on tablets are terrible

  • Medium camera

It's difficult to decide on Android tablets these days, especially when they cost more than a few hundred dollars. Sure, some companies make stylish tablets with beautiful displays and top-notch performance, but Android is still holding them back – which is fantastic on phones but not so great on tablets. However, Lenovo believes it cracked the code with the new Lenovo Tab P11 Pro.

It cannot be denied: The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro is madness. It's thin, has a gorgeous edge-to-edge display, and offers solid performance thanks to the Snapdragon 730G. At first glance, it's a slightly cheaper alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, which is our first choice for Android tablets.

Ultimately, however, the Android experience is best for the smartphone, and Lenovo cannot change that. Here are our thoughts on the device.

Design and display

Lenovo seems to have gotten to the heart of the design aspect of its tablets. The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro is elegant and elegant, looks modern thanks to its borderless display and is made of high-quality materials. It reminds me a lot of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, which is a good thing – I liked the general design and feel of the Tab S7, and while the Tab P11 Pro can reasonably be called a design copy, it still looks great.

As is the trend these days, the tablet has nicely rounded corners with a metal unibody structure. There is a slate gray color scheme on the back, reminiscent of Apple's Space Gray, with an antenna line at the top and a dual-sensor camera. The camera module sticks out quite a bit from the back of the tablet, but with the included back cover, it's no big deal. We'll go into the included accessories a little later.

When you hold the tablet in portrait orientation, the on / off switch (with integrated fingerprint sensor) is on the top right and the volume rocker right next to it on the right. There is a USB-C port at the bottom. There is no headphone jack on the Tab P11 Pro.

On the right there are also a number of sensors and cameras that can be used for face recognition. Unfortunately, in my experience, facial recognition doesn't work that well, and you should opt for the fingerprint sensor instead. The face recognition worked exactly. It only took a few seconds for the device to actually unlock. The fingerprint sensor worked quickly and accurately most of the time.

With a thickness of only 6.9 mm, the Tab P11 Pro fits comfortably in the hand. At just over a pound, it's not overly heavy and the bezels are the perfect size – they leave just enough room to hold the device without accidentally touching the screen. You don't want them to get tighter.

Speaking of the screen, it's a sucker. The Tab P11 Pro has an 11.5-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1,600 x 2,560 and a brightness of up to 500 nits. It is wonderful. The text is nice and sharp, the colors are vivid and bright, and the tablet is perfect for watching movies and games. But it's not perfect. As someone who regularly uses an iPad Pro, I would have liked a high refresh rate here, but it's hard to reckon that the tablet won't have a high refresh rate due to its price range.

Our first Tab P11 Pro immediately had a screen burn-in issue, and Lenovo quickly replaced the review unit. If you experience a similar problem, it should be under the manufacturer's limited warranty.

Power, battery and camera

The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro is slightly cheaper than the Galaxy Tab S7, and one way to cut costs is with a slightly cheaper processor. However, this does not mean that the tablet does not have enough power. Still, thanks to the Snapdragon 730G processor, which comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, it can do most of the tasks that you can.

In all honesty, it's more than powerful enough. No, the Snapdragon 730G isn't as powerful as the Snapdragon 865, but it can handle multitasking, gaming, and more. Playing Call of Duty: Mobile was a good experience with few jumps and good load times. The tablet generally handled multitasking well, including surfing the web, sending emails, using Microsoft Word, and so on.

That doesn't mean it's a performance beast. It still has its limits. If you want to use it as a replacement for a laptop, for example, you will reach these limits. We recommend the 6GB RAM model if you can afford it and if you don't want to use your tablet just for media consumption. It's only $ 50 more and makes for a smoother experience.

In all honesty, it's more than powerful enough. No, the Snapdragon 730G isn't as powerful as the Snapdragon 865, but it can still handle solid multitasking, gaming, and more.

The battery life of the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro is excellent. The tablet comes with a massive 8,600 mAh battery that is more than enough to last for days of use. If you charge it and don't use it for a few days, you can expect over 90% of the battery remaining. If you use your tablet frequently, it should be a few days before you need to charge it.

Unlike a smartphone, the tablet's rear-facing camera isn't as important as the front-facing camera, as you will likely use your tablet more for video chatting than for taking photos. Unfortunately, none of the P11 Pro's cameras work great.

On the back of the device is a dual camera setup with a 13-megapixel main camera and a 5-megapixel ultrawide. There are two 8-megapixel cameras on the front, one for photos and one for face recognition. Both of them do their job in adequate lighting, but they add complexity to your photo or video and you are likely to run into problems.

software

The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro has a stunning design, display and battery life. Ultimately, however, it doesn't matter how good the hardware is if the software isn't up to the task. Unfortunately, this is not the case in this case.

It's not all Lenovo's fault. Android is a great operating system, but it's not really tablet-friendly, and even the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7's software experience isn't the best. It really is a shame and frustrating that, despite its mature operating system, Android still isn't the productivity powerhouse it could be.

Not to mention the fact that Android apps aren't really optimized for use with tablets. Twitter on the tablet is basically just an expanded version of the smartphone app, and it looks terrible. In comparison, the iPad app is divided into columns that really take advantage of the large screen's footprint. That's Twitter's fault, of course, but it underscores the fact that Android tablets have really been forgotten – and Android tablet makers look bad because of it.

As you'd expect, Lenovo is building its own features into the Tab P11 Pro's software. The tablet can be used in two different modes – a normal Android tablet mode and a so-called “productivity mode”. Productivity mode is activated by default when you connect the device to the supplied keyboard. However, you can also turn it on without a keyboard.

Productivity mode is similar to Lenovo's in terms of Samsung DeX, but without years of refinement. Apps are displayed with windows instead of the full screen. A number of the latest multitasking apps are displayed at the bottom of the screen. It's a good approach, but it feels very unfinished. For example, apps don't snap to the edge of the screen and load in a tiny window the first time they are opened. It's really not very well implemented, and you might be more productive in normal mode.

But I wouldn't turn to the Tab P11 Pro primarily for productivity gains, or at least not for its primary purpose. The device works well for casual jobs and, given the solid keyboard, can also be useful for things like replying to emails or writing in a word processor without the need for multitasking. However, don't expect to be more productive and still keep your sanity.

All of this is made worse by the fact that the tablet ships with Android 10, which is now over a year old. Given Lenovo's track record with Android updates, it's entirely possible that the tablet will never get Android 11 or even Android 12. However, I would be happy if I turned out to be wrong.

Keyboard and pen

The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro comes with a number of accessories that support different uses, and these accessories are really beautiful. That said, it's a shame the tablet's software wasn't really designed with productivity in mind.

To protect the tablet, there is a back cover and a keyboard that can be used separately. In the end, I just kept the back cover of the tablet the whole time. It has a nice textile appearance and the stand makes it easy to put a tablet on the table when needed. The stand is infinitely adjustable so you can adjust it to the angle you want. The only frustration I have with the back cover is that the hinge creates a bump in the middle, which means it can't lie flat on its back.

The keyboard corresponds to the design of the back cover and is magnetically attached to the underside of the tablet. Once attached, it works pretty well. It's not the keyboard with the best feel, but it's not bad for a free, included accessory. Keys could use a little more travel to see them, but that's a minor complaint and I still generally enjoyed typing on it … but only on a table. The kickstand design means this isn't the best device for your lap.

The tablet also comes with a pen. While it's not bad, I haven't used it much. In contrast to the Galaxy Tab S7, the pen is not magnetically attached to the tablet itself. Instead, a sleeve is supplied that you can attach to the device with an adhesive. However, this is a pretty permanent approach. Alternatively, you can attach the sleeve to a keychain. Neither is a good solution.

Price and availability

The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro starts at $ 500. However, as mentioned earlier, if you want to use the tablet for any kind of productivity or multitasking, I recommend upgrading to the $ 550 6GB RAM model. It is available directly from the Lenovo website.

Our opinion

The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro is a tough sell. It's probably the best Android tablet in its price range thanks to its great hardware and the fact that there isn't a lot of competition – unless the Galaxy Tab S7 goes on sale. In this case, it's a better option. Unfortunately, the Tab P11 Pro is seriously disappointed with a sub-par software experience, making it difficult to recommend to anyone who wants to achieve more than just basic media usage and very basic productivity.

Is there a better alternative?

If you want to stay in the Android ecosystem, there are a few alternatives you should consider. Perhaps the most notable is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, which was available for $ 550 at the time of this writing. The Tab S7 software experience is still not perfect, but it is better than the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro and offers improved performance thanks to the Snapdragon 865+.

If you're not keen on Android, the iPad Air is our top pick for the best tablet out there – and for good reason. It also has a stunning modern design and great performance, as well as a premium software experience for work or leisure. It's a far better product in almost every way except you have to pay extra for accessories like a keyboard and pen. Even the entry-level iPad is worth considering, and while it doesn't look as premium, it still offers a better overall experience than the Tab P11 Pro.

How long it will take?

The Lenovo Tab P11 Pro is made of metal and should be able to be used for at least two years without physical damage or major slowdowns. If you take good care of it, you might be able to use it for three or four years. Be aware, however, that the software slows down and the software feels pretty out of date.

Should you buy it?

Get an iPad Air or Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 instead.

Editor's recommendations




«‹164165166167168›»