08 Oct
Blog

Google Nest Audio Review: Big Muscles, Strong Results

google nest audio review 9 of 13

“Music has never sounded so good in something so charming. Plus, it doesn't cost a fortune! "

  • Excellent audio performance

  • Charming design for any decor

  • Adapts the audio quality to each room

  • Attractive $ 100 cost

  • Dense weight

  • Too complacent when adding functionality

It has been almost four years since Google Home launched. During that time, we've seen how smart speakers have fueled the growth of smart homes. Google's own portfolio grew tremendously as both large and small speakers were added. Additionally, we've seen a handful of other useful smart home devices made by the company.

The introduction of Google Nest Audio, which many consider to be the spiritual successor to Google Home, comes at an interesting time. While smart speaker sales continue to beat expectations, last year the Google Nest Mini wasn't the great upgrade we were hoping for – and Google Nest Audio will get the same test.

Those who took the plunge early and invested in Google Home got a new way of interacting with the smart home. The question now is whether the Nest Audio has enough extras to convince people to upgrade.

Deceptively tight

The first thing I noticed when I took the Google Nest Audio out of the box was its weight. I was surprised at how tight it is to tip the scales at a whopping 2.65 pounds. In contrast, the Google Home feels super light at 1.05 lbs.

However, there is a reason it is so hard. From the outside you can only see the fabric that covers the entire loudspeaker. It looks more neutral, especially when paired with its tic-tac shape. However, underneath the outside of the Google Nest Audio is a metal case made of aluminum and magnesium – which explains why it feels so tight for its size. With such a heavy weight, I am a little worried about what would happen if it fell.

Google's approach to a sustainable future is fully brought to bear again with Nest Audio (always a good thing) as the case is made from 70% recycled plastic. With its clean facade, I wonder how well the exterior holds up when placed in a more active location – for example on the kitchen countertop, where it is exposed to potential spills, splashes, and other hazards that can pollute it.

The LEDs are embedded in the mesh on the front and come to life whenever you start the Google Assistant or adjust its audio. Unfortunately, the Nest Mini lacks the ultrasonic sensors that detect when your hand approaches the speaker and the LEDs light up automatically. Adjusting the speaker volume is easy – just tap the appropriate touch-sensitive areas. The top left corner decreases the volume, the top right increases it and the middle area acts as a pause / play function. On the back you will find a mute switch to turn off the microphone and a proprietary power connector.

The natural look of the design goes well with almost any decor

The Google design of the Nest Audio is best described as the Google Home Max with its vertical, upright design. The natural look of the design goes well with almost any decor.

More muscles for music

The internal components make this speaker a superior speaker for music. According to Google, the Nest Audio with a 19mm tweeter and 75mm midrange is 76% louder and has a 50% increase in bass over Google Home. And you know what? The audio performance supports this claim.

Don't get me wrong, Google Home sounded awesome, but I've found bass performance crackling at higher volumes many times. There is none of that at all with Nest Audio, which produces ample bass without distortion. Google specifically tunes Nest Audio to have a more neutral tone, resulting in a sound that balances out the lows, mids, and highs. While this will calm some audiophiles, others may prefer a more bassier tone – which is why I appreciate bass and treble controls in the Google Home app.

Similar to the Google Home Max as well as the HomePod from Apple and the Echo Studio from Amazon, the Nest Audio takes advantage of some new features that allow it to adapt its audio quality to any room. With Media EQ, Nest Audio can adjust to whatever content you're listening to (music, podcast, or Google Assistant), while Ambient IQ can adjust the volume when sources of noise such as a hair dryer come near, for example. The volume will automatically increase as you get closer to Nest Audio – and then decrease as you move further away.

Ultimately, the Nest Audio is an excellent choice for any audiophile. Its room-filling sound creates a balance between clarity and bass that can be enhanced by either pairing it with another Nest Audio for stereo output or adding it to a speaker group. In the current lineup, it sits between the Nest Mini and the Home Max, making it an ideal choice for anyone who loves music but doesn't want to pay the higher price of the Home Max.

Too complacent

So far, I can't say enough positive things about Google Nest Audio. However, I do believe that with smart speakers we reach a point of complacency and Nest Audio is a great example of that. Every iterative smart speaker we've seen, whether from Amazon or Google, is usually better equipped for audio – and that's what we expect from every subsequent gadget.

If we look at the core features, they are no different from Google Home. They adorn us with the intelligence of the Google Assistant, give us the ability to control the smart home hands-free, and help drown out background noise with their extraordinary audio performances. This is where it all stops, which is why I think the Nest Audio is too complacent.

There is no denying that it is capable of many things. From making calls to ordering your favorite pizza, the Nest Audio has an extensive list of features. It's no different from previous Google Assistant-enabled smart speakers, however. I would have liked to have seen it more!

I find the Nest Audio too complacent.

Maybe be able to group several of them together for true surround sound to watch movies at home? Or integrate the capabilities of the new Chromecast so Nest Audio can connect to a TV and enable the Android TV experience. This is a fundamental problem that smart speakers will continue to face unless they branch out and become more multifunctional.

Our opinion

It's hard not to like Google Nest Audio. At an ideal price point of $ 100, it offers considerable audio breakdown over the Nest Mini of $ 50, and can even compete with the Google Home Max at $ 300. It's perfect for audiophiles who crave great sounding audio.

How long it will take?

Since it is meant to be stationary, the chances that there will be problems should be slim. However, the dense weight can cause damage if dropped. If you are concerned about defects, there is a 1 year limited parts and labor warranty.

Is there a better alternative?

The $ 100 cost of the Nest Audio makes it far more appealing than the $ 300 Google Home Max, for example. Therefore, it's difficult to recommend another Google Assistant-powered smart speaker for music. It's also a better buy than the Google Nest Mini. However, if you already have Google Home, the upgrade might be more difficult as the only real difference is in audio performance.

Not a fan of the Google Assistant? Then the recently announced Amazon Echo (4th generation) is the logical choice if you prefer Alexa instead.

Should you buy it?

You bet. Google's investment in a more comprehensive speaker makes it a solid $ 100 purchase price.

Editor's recommendations




08 Oct
Blog

Bang And Olufsen Beosound Stage Review: Beauty And The Bass

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage

"If Dolby Atmos had it better, this beautiful soundbar would be worth the price."

  • Beautiful design

  • Deliciously deep and resonant bass

  • Tons of EQ customization options

  • Airplay 2, Bluetooth and Chromecast

  • Simple and flexible wall mounting

  • Expensive

  • Inconspicuous Dolby Atmos

  • Only one HDMI input

  • B&O app needs improvement

There is now an incredible range of excellent sound bars for those who want the ultimate in simplicity in home theater sound.

With prices starting at $ 150, anyone can get much better TV sound for a relatively small investment.

But what if your tastes are more exotic? What if you not only want your soundbar to sound great, but also want to make a visual statement? That's why Bang and Olufsen (B&O), the legendary Danish audio brand, developed the Beosound Stage, a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar that starts at $ 1,750 and quickly goes to $ 2,600 if you choose one of the optional wood surfaces can increase.

B&O has never been the brand you buy for sound alone. However, we all agree that a soundbar that costs this much money sounds better and looks amazing. Succeeds?

What's in the box?

The Beosound Stage comes with a power cord, a six-foot HDMI cable, and a remarkably small plastic bag with wall-mounting hardware and a wall-mounting template. The box itself is easy to recycle, but the extensive foam padding inside could prove challenging to dispose of without throwing it into a landfill.

design

Bang & Olufsen Beosound StageSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

B&O's design signatures are all over the Beosound stage. This is evidence of how distinctive these signatures are, given that B&O did not design the exterior of the speaker at all. This contract went to a third party – Norm Architects – who was inspired by the vintage B&O Beogram 4000 turntable.

The Beosound Stage is breathtaking to look at, with perfectly rounded corners and seamlessly integrated controls.

Especially when the soundbar is clad in the optional smoked oak and gray wood ($ 2,600) materials, the similarity is evident.

But even in the cheaper cloakroom made of natural aluminum and black (a relative term for B&O products) of our test device, the Beosound Stage is breathtaking to look at, with perfectly rounded corners and seamlessly integrated controls.

Your other options are Bronze Tone / Warm Taupe or a limited edition Anthracite, both of which are available for $ 2,025.

In my opinion, soundbars should hide from view or at least be inconspicuous when possible. However, B&O takes the opposite approach by making the Beosound Stage an object that requires attention.

To a certain extent, this makes sense. Whether you use it to play audio or not, it will be part of the decor of your room. So why not make it a topic of conversation? On the other hand, I found that when watching TV, even in a darkened room, the wide band of brushed aluminum was an unwanted reflected light source that I had to carefully ignore.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound StageSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Granted, I used the Beosound Stage in tabletop mode. When you attach it to the wall, that aluminum rim shrinks to a barely visible, gossamer line around the otherwise perfectly black fabric that hides the drivers underneath.

When you sit on a level surface, the Beosound Stage stands a hair over three inches tall. This is shorter than the Sonos Arc and should keep the stage from interfering with even the lowest television image. At 43 inches wide, it's narrower than many top-tier soundbars, but it's also much deeper for hair over 6.5 inches. So you need to make sure you have space in front of your TV.

For wall mounting, lift the soundbar to a vertical position and rotate it 180 degrees counterclockwise. This places the controls on the top edge and maintains the angle of the tweeters almost perfectly. This position has two disadvantages: it hides the two small LED indicator lights, and it takes up extra space: it's just over 6.5 inches tall.

The engineers who designed the lower abdomen of the Beosound Stage must be given props. It has three identical square panels with rubberized surfaces. When seated on a table they act as feet, but when mounted on the wall they act as simple keyhole mounting slots.

Unlike some soundbars that require expensive, optional wall mounts, you only need two small plastic collars to attach the stage to a wall.

Another clever detail: All cable connections can exit from the underside of the soundbar in almost any direction, so that you can route the cables through your wall or through a pipe.

Setup and connections

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Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/bang-and-olufsen-beosound-stage-00015- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAASimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/bang-and-olufsen-beosound-stage-00014- 640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAASimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Physically, the Beosound Stage is a study in elegant simplicity. The setup process is much less straightforward.

Once the soundbar is connected to the power supply and (optionally) to your TV via HDMI ARC (or eARC), the set-up process is controlled by the B&O app on a phone or tablet (both iOS and Android versions are available ). Unfortunately, the B&O app cannot complete the process on its own. During the setup you will be directed to the Google Home app.

If you've used the Google Home app before, there's no need to sign in to Google and configure your home. However, if you've never used Google Home before, we recommend installing it first before attempting to set up Beosound on stage.

Bang & Olufsen appNot a Google fan? You have to get over it. There is no way to skip the Google Home step and use the soundbar without it.

Finally, return to the B&O app to complete the process. The whole thing only takes about 10 minutes, but it's awkward and not what I would expect from a B&O brand.

It's not entirely B&O's fault. With Google now making the Google Home move a requirement for any audio product supposed to include Chromecast functionality, B&O's hands have been tied. Other soundbar companies like Bose and Sonos that offer Apple's AirPlay 2 technology have so far refused to add Chromecast to their products. When the cost of doing this makes it more cumbersome to set up, it's easy to see why it isn't.

The Beosound Stage is supplied without a remote control. However, you can buy a B&O remote control if you want to use one. Instead, as with the Sonos Arc, you adjust the settings of the soundbar via the B&O app on a phone or tablet. When streaming music, the volume is controlled via the app. When you're listening to your TV, use your existing TV remote to control volume through HDMI CEC.

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The only problem with this arrangement is that you have to connect the stage to your TV using HDMI ARC (or eARC). If your TV only has an optical output, you will need to purchase an optical to HDMI adapter (B&O does not sell it). You cannot control the volume with your TV remote control, you will only be limited to 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound.

There are also two ethernet ports. Typically, when this is shown on a device (such as a Sonos port), one port acts as an Ethernet input while the other allows you to share the network connection with another device.

On the Beosound stage, the second port is actually used to communicate with a 2019 or newer LG OLED TV, for control of both the TV and soundbar via the intricately designed (and affordable) Beoremote One for $ 375 to enable.

Even though the stage does not have an optical input, it is puzzling that it has an analog 3.5 mm stereo jack. These days I'm not exactly sure what you would use it for, but it's there when you need it.

B&O sees the Beosound Stage as a completely independent sound system. There is no way to add additional components.

The stage only offers you a single HDMI input, which we assume is intended to compensate for the one input on your TV that the soundbar needs. This input lets you pass signals up to 4K @ 60Hz in full Dolby Vision HDR, but it's still only one port. I would have loved if B&O included a few more, but in fairness the rear connector panel is as tight as it is.

A much more worrying omission is the inability to add additional speakers to the capabilities of the Beosound Stage. Most of the sound bars we tested either come with their own wireless subwoofers and satellite surround speakers, or can be added later if you wish.

This is not the case with the stage. B&O sees it as a self-contained sound system and there is no way to add additional components for an even more immersive experience.

We'll discuss in a moment whether or not this is an issue for overall sound quality.

In addition to the cable connections, the Beosound Stage offers you all three major wireless audio standards. Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are available.

During my testing, I ran into a strange bug where the stage refused to give me TV audio after I turned on my TV. It only happened twice and both times I was able to solve it by unplugging and plugging the power cord. B&O took the speaker back and tried to duplicate the problem, but it didn't recur.

App, streaming and controls

The B&O app works well, but it also feels like work in progress at times. There are four tabs: Home, Multiroom, Music and Radio.

Here you can control all the Beosound Stage settings from EQ to speaker alignment. Multiroom allows you to group multiple B&O speakers together. However, since I only had one speaker, I was unable to test this feature.

The Music tab allows you to choose music from the sources that B&O was able to incorporate. However, the list is limited: tracks on your phone, tracks on your home network if you have a DLNA server or Deezer. Spotify is also listed, but this is just a shortcut to the Spotify app.

A search tool will appear but will only work with Deezer, not your personal music sources.

Thanks to the Beosound Stage's 4-inch woofers, you'll get plenty of thundering bass – no sub needed.

The Radio tab is where you can find streaming terrestrial stations from TuneIn.

In all fairness, compared to the power and control of a system like Sonos, the B&O app isn't a way to find and hear music. You're far better off choosing your favorite music app and then streaming it to the Beosound Stage using AirPlay 2, Bluetooth or Chromecast.

Sound quality

Bang & Olufsen Beosound StageSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Beosound Stage doesn't disappoint in terms of sound quality. Whether you're listening to the soundtrack of a Marvel action movie or streaming your favorite music, you'll get a silky smooth performance that allows you to easily capture and reproduce the entire frequency range.

Soundbars generally have problems with deep, low-end bass, which is why so many of them come with a wireless subwoofer. Thanks to the Beosound Stage's four independently operated 4-inch woofers, which have been grouped together in pairs, you get plenty of thunderous bass – no sub needed.

The speaker's remaining seven drivers and amplifiers (four mid-range speakers and three tweeters) do the rest with excellent separation and definition. When you start some Norah Jones tracks, you can hear her voice float effortlessly over the instruments without missing a single piano note or a resonance note from a bass.

The app's equalizer and listening modes give you tremendous control over the sound. Not only can you set bass and treble independently, but you can also choose between four preset modes such as TV (which improves dialogue), Movie (I bet you can guess this one), Music and Night Listening, which reduces large jumps in volume.

Bang & Olufsen appMy favorite area, however, is B&O's mood-based EQ surface, which allows you to move a selection dial between four quadrants: bright, energetic, relaxed and warm. Well worth spending some time here to see if you can find a mix that you like.

But there is one area where the Beosound Stage falls short: Dolby Atmos and 5.1 Surround Sound.

Make no mistake, the Stage is a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar and can play that sound back through Dolby's 24-bit TrueHD lossless format when connected to a Blu-ray player.

However, it is not a discrete 5.1.2 channel soundbar. There are no soaring height duct drivers that bounce sound off the ceiling for a dramatic over-your-head effect, and no dedicated surround drivers.

As a three-channel loudspeaker, it relies entirely on virtualization for both Atmos and 5.1 surround sound. Virtualization means that B&O used some very sophisticated psychoacoustic techniques to get your brain to believe that there are extra speakers in your room.

Unfortunately, this doesn't quite work.

If you think of your TV screen as a source of sound, the Beosound Stage convincingly expands that screen into a much larger rectangle, making it look like there are speakers in the top and bottom corners of your room (and also in the middle). But this sound doesn't really extend very far and is barely recognizable for me in the height or surround position.

This isn't the soundbar for those looking to replace a 5.1 surround sound or Dolby Atmos home theater setup.

Here we come to the problem with B&O's decision not to make the Beosound Stage expandable. Typically, when you want to improve the level of immersion in a soundbar, add additional speakers. LG, Samsung, Bose, and Sonos offer this as an option. But the Beosound Stage is a determined soloist – you either appreciate what this speaker has to offer or you choose something else.

What should we do with this situation? Let's put it this way: As a room-filling music speaker, the Beosound Stage is a real joy to hear. And if you want to give your movie and TV soundtracks an exciting boost without cluttering your room with subwoofers and surrounds, this is an unqualified success.

However, this isn't the soundbar for those looking to replace a full 5.1 surround sound or 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos home theater setup. If this is your goal, you can save some money and get a much more haunted sound elsewhere.

Our opinion

The beautiful but very expensive B&O Beosound Stage is a fabulous one-speaker solution for room-filling music or TV audio. But it's not enough to add the immersive properties of Dolby Atmos.

Is there a better alternative?

Since the Beosound Stage doesn't actually deliver Dolby Atmos, you can get the excellent $ 800 Bose Soundbar 700 for less than half the price. I think it looks great and has the advantage of being expandable via wireless subwoofers and surround modules, and it would still cost less than the mid-priced Beosound Stage.

If Atmos is a must, you can't go wrong with the Sonos Arc. It's the same price as the Bose Soundbar 700 and can also be easily expanded with optional wireless speakers.

Both the Bose and Sonos soundbars offer you the choice between voice assistants: Alexa or Google Assistant, which the Beosound Stage lacks.

How long it will take?

Beautifully finished and solidly built, I expect the Beosound Stage to last for years, if not decades. It is backed by a 36 month warranty from B&O, which is one of the longest warranties in the industry.

Should you buy it?

If you care equally about how your audio and video equipment looks and how it sounds – and your pockets are deep enough to support that approach – then definitely buy the B&O Beosound Stage. As long as you are aware of its limitations, you will be very happy with it. Everyone else should consider the many other great (and less expensive) options.

Editor's recommendations




07 Oct
Blog

2020 Land Rover Defender 110 First Drive Review

2020 Land Rover Defender 110

2020 Land Rover Defender 110 first drive review: off-wheel chops meet modern technology

"The Land Rover Defender 2020 combines old-school ruggedness with modern sophistication."

  • Impressive off-road capability

  • Drives like a car, not an SUV

  • Well designed interior

  • Useful technology

  • Vague steering

  • Picky touchscreen

The modern Land Rover is defined by SUVs that combine luxury with off-road capability. Vehicles that, despite their ability to clog mud, are typically compared to those from Mercedes-Benz. That was not always so.

When Land Rover first came out in 1948, simple, sturdy vehicles were being made that were aimed more at farmers, explorers, and soldiers than the wealthy suburbanites. These early Land Rovers were Britain's answer to Jeep, not Mercedes. As Land Rover moved further into luxury, the Defender became the final reminder of the brand's origins. Until it went out of production in 2016, that is (sales in the US stopped in 1997).

Fans loved the original Defender because it existed in a leap in time and kept old-school simplicity as cars got more complicated. That makes the mission of the revised Land Rover Defender 2021 even more difficult: The SUV has to stay true to its roots and at the same time rely on technology to appeal to a wider range of buyers.

Today's Defender tries to divide the difference between its predecessor and other Land Rover models, as well as the competitors they target. Starting at $ 49,900, the 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 is more expensive and luxurious than a Jeep Wrangler, but cheaper and simpler than a Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Is that actually a good off-roader? Let's get on our way and find out.

2020 Land Rover Defender 110

Design and interior

The 2021 Land Rover Defender is what the J.J. Abrams-directed Star Trek films are taken from the 1960s Star Trek television show: A remix of memorable elements from the original aimed at a mainstream audience.

The latest Defender retains the boxy proportions of the original, but with subtle changes to improve aerodynamics. The sides of the body are tapered inward and the corners of the body are rounded so the defender can cut through the air with less effort. In times of stricter global emissions standards, off-road symbols must also meet the efficiency targets.

Under the skin, the new Defender swaps the body construction of the old model for a modern unibody to achieve better street manners. As before, the Defender is available in four-door 110 and (for model year 2021) two-door 90 configurations, but the numbers don't mean much. On the old Defender they were the length of the wheelbase, but today's Defender 90 has a wheelbase of 101.9 inches while the 110 has a wheelbase of 119 inches.

The latest Defender retains the boxy proportions of the original, but with subtle changes to improve aerodynamics.

Like the exterior, the interior aims to balance the sturdiness of the original defender with modern considerations. It's worse than other Land Rover models, but designers didn't want luxury here. Rather than covering things up with additional trim pieces, the structure of the doors and dashboard is exposed for a no-nonsense look. Rubberized floors and cushions made from Decitex fibers and recycled polyester are a sensible choice for a vehicle that is designed for off-road use (more traditional leather cushions are available in the Defender X trim level).

The four-door Defender 110 is longer and taller than a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and a Mercedes-Benz G550 and also wider than the Jeep. That doesn't mean the passenger compartment is much larger, but the Defender has more seating options. The standard configuration consists of two rows and five seats, but a three-row version with seven seats is also available. Land Rover also offers a front center jump seat on two-row models that can seat six people in an emergency. The Defender 110 also has more cargo space than the Wrangler Unlimited (Mercedes does not publish cargo capacity figures for the G-Class).

2020 Land Rover Defender 110

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

The standard infotainment setup includes a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay / Android Auto compatibility. A digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster is available in all equipment variants except for the basic model. In the first and second row there are two USB ports and two 12-volt sockets as well as a wireless charging pad in advance. In models equipped in this way, the third row has a single USB port and a 12-volt socket.

The infotainment system is Land Rover's latest Pivi Pro setup with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and the Blackberry QNX operating system. This allows for quicker responses, according to Land Rover, even shortly after the car started, and that appeared to be the case. The menu setup was also easy to learn, as it took just a few taps of your finger to perform most of the basic functions. However, the screen had to be bumped firmly before it could react.

Like other Land Rover models, the Defender also features the automaker's Terrain Response 2 system, with driving modes for different surfaces such as snow, mud or rocks, as well as an automatic setting that makes adjustments on the fly. The Defender is also the first Land Rover to have a calf sensing feature that changes the vehicle's parameters for water supply (the maximum fording depth is 35.4 inches, in case you're wondering) the water depth on the central screen and even appear pulling the brakes to clean them up once you're out of the wet stuff.

The screen had to be bumped hard before it could react.

The Defender also has a number of cameras that can be used to detect obstacles in the terrain. You can train cameras on the front tires to check the distance around rocks or use ClearSight Ground View to “see” through the hood and get a glimpse of what is ahead. The Defender also gets a video rearview mirror. Other car manufacturers already offer this function, which shows the advance of a rear-mounted camera in the mirror. However, it is very useful here, as the Defender's spare wheel would otherwise block the view to the rear.

All Terrain Progress Control acts as an off-road cruise control at low speed and takes over braking and acceleration while the drive is steering. On the Land Rover Experience Off-Road course in Manchester, Vermont, the Defender was able to drive up a steep hill. Like many other off-roaders, the Defender is given hill descent control that automatically maintains a set speed while driving downhill.

When driving on the road, the standard functions of the driver assistant include monitoring of the blind spot, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. The adaptive cruise control is standard with HSE and higher equipment variants or as part of an optional driver assistance package. Land Rover and other luxury brands are still reluctant to make adaptive cruise control the standard, though it does on cheaper vehicles from mainstream brands.

2020 Land Rover Defender ClearSight bottom view

Experience at the wheel

Land Rover offers two powertrain options in the Defender. The base P300 option is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine that produces 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The P400 models receive a 3.0-liter six-cylinder with a turbocharger and an electric charger. Land Rover calls the P400 a "mild hybrid" because it has a small battery that is charged by regenerative braking. Electricity powers engine accessories and provides a small boost in performance, but the Defender doesn't run entirely on electricity. The total system output of the P400 is 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.

The P300 and P400 have more power than the turbo four and V6 engines available in the Jeep Wrangler, and the P400 also offers more torque than the Jeep V6. However, Jeep is also offering a diesel engine with 442 lb-ft of torque, and a plug-in hybrid is on the way. The more expensive Mercedes-Benz G550 has a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft. Even so, the Defender's 8,201 pound maximum towing power surpasses the more torque-bearing diesel Jeeps and Mercedes, not to mention most midsize pickups.

Both drives use an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive as standard. This is an all-terrain system with a two-speed transfer case and center and rear locking differentials that ensure maximum traction on slippery surfaces.

What really sets the new Defender apart from its predecessor – and the competition – is its road behavior.

The Defender lived up to its reputation and proved to be completely drama-free as it drove off-road through the Vermont forests, negotiating steep hills, rocks, mud, and dirt without breaking a sweat. Just as current supercars use electronics to make it easy to drive at high speeds regardless of skill level, modern Land Rovers are making the terrain accessible to beginners. All you have to do is stay away from trees and let the defender's driver aids do their thing.

However, off-road ability was a prerequisite. What really sets the new Defender apart from its predecessor – and the competition – is its road behavior. With its comfortable ride (thanks to adaptive air suspension) and precise handling, the Defender felt more like a normal car than a muddy SUV.

The P400 powertrain delivered more than enough power to drive on the freeway, and the vehicle itself felt rock hard at higher speeds – which isn't always the case with large, box-shaped SUVs. The interior is also quite quiet and the driving position is much more comfortable than the cramped, upright posture that the old Defender forced on its drivers. The only flaw was a somewhat vague steering.

2020 Land Rover Defender 110

Fuel economy and safety

Defender 110 P400 models like our test car are rated at 19 mpg (17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway) while P300 models are rated at 18 mpg (17 mpg city, 20 mpg highway). The P400's mild hybrid system means buyers willing to pay the extra cash will get more power and lower fuel consumption, but the numbers are still not great. Land Rover offers plug-in hybrid versions of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. Since Jeep is preparing a Wrangler plug-in hybrid, this seems like a good idea for the Defender as well.

Safety assessments from the Road Safety Institute (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are not yet available. This is often the case with new models like the Defender.

Land Rover's four year 50,000 mile warranty is comparable to other luxury brands. The Defender's novelty makes it difficult to predict future reliability, but Land Rover doesn't have a good reputation in this area.

How DT would configure this car

We'd start with a five-seat model in the mid-SE trim level that includes the streaming video rearview mirror and other convenience features, but with the more durable interior of the base instead of the leather of the higher trim levels. The SE is also available with the P400 powertrain, a box that we would check out.

To that base, we'd add Adaptive Cruise Control ($ 1,200) and the Towing Package ($ 3,050), which includes All-Terrain Progress Control and Terrain Response 2 all-terrain vehicle aids. We'd also add the Explorer Pack, which includes a roof rack and lockable outer case for extra storage space, as well as a snorkel to make it easier for the engine to breathe while calling for water or dusty conditions.

These options bring the total price to $ 71,900. While it's a big step up from the Defender's base price of $ 49,900, it builds a well-equipped vehicle with lots of tech and few frills.

Our opinion

The original Land Rover Defender helped define the modern SUV, but the brand and its customers have gone further. Land Rover is a luxury brand today, and SUV buyers are used to a higher level of sophistication and technology than the old-school Defender. The new Defender is more than just a redesign. It combines decades of technological progress in one fell swoop.

The 2020 Defender is the automotive equivalent of a Patagonia jacket. It is an expensive premium item, but offers a higher level of quality for this price. The Defender is far from Spartan, but it doesn't delve into the decadence that makes most other luxury brand SUVs suitable for shopping mall parking lots as off-road routes.

That makes the Defender a unique offer. It's a bit more upscale than a Jeep Wrangler (or the upcoming Ford Bronco), but not a full-fledged luxury vehicle like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Defender can keep up with these vehicles off-road, but with street manners that make the journey to the starting point more comfortable.

The defender has a little too little character. It lacks the Wrangler's convertible roof and detachable doors, as well as the G-Class's V8 boasting, and the design is a little less pronounced than these SUVs. What it lacks in Flash, the Defender makes up for in competence.

Should you get one

Yes. The Defender has the off-road capability you want and the everyday functionality you need.

Editor's recommendations




07 Oct
Blog

Why A Pumpkin Face Mask Is Exactly What Your Skin Needs

Pumpkin doesn't just add a delicious and nutritious punch to your favorite recipes. Pumpkin face masks could also be your favorite skin care treatment. With benefits ranging from increasing moisture levels to lightening skin tone, pumpkin is a superstar that promotes beauty. Read on to learn why a pumpkin face mask is exactly what your skin needs and which one Eminence Organics Pumpkin products complement your skin care routine.

Benefits of Pumpkin in Skin Care

It is often reminiscent of a delicious coffee cake or cake and is spread over a lush layer of pumpkin face mask. Not only does it smell heavenly, it also makes your skin baby soft and silky smooth. This is because pumpkin meat and pumpkin seed oil contain a wide variety of beneficial nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).

We previously determined that they were AHAs Keys to a glowing and glowing complexion that aids in exfoliating, moisture retention, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to this radiant goodness, pumpkin is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C. As an Eminence Organics Product Support Representative Alicia Hawthorne explained: "Vitamins A and C help defend against oxidative damage. Vitamin C is especially good for treating and reducing the appearance of dark spots. ”

What the experts say about pumpkin face masks

As a licensed esthetician, Alicia offers expert knowledge of why pumpkin is such a sought-after ingredient and why beauticians might choose a pumpkin face mask in the treatment room. Alicia shared that this humble orange pumpkin has five incredible benefits:

  1. Infuses the skin with bioflavonoids
  2. Moisturizes and plumps up the skin
  3. Stimulates collagen production
  4. Offers antioxidant and anti-aging benefits
  5. Provides the skin with beta-carotene, amino acids and fruit enzymes

The benefits of pumpkin will leave you the complexion of your dreams all year round, but this one The favorite autumn ingredient is especially helpful when the seasons change. By using pumpkin products, estheticians can help alleviate skin care problems such as dehydration and redness from dryness. Alicia sums that up perfectly and says: "As the seasons change, our skin tends to suffer from moisture loss and can promote exfoliation. Whether it's fine lines and wrinkles, UV radiation after summer, or the change in the environment from central heating or air, the skin can usually use a little DC, and pumpkin is here to help. "

The best pumpkin picks from Eminence Organics

It's easy to include pumpkin in your skincare ritual. There are several fantastic Eminence Organics options, ranging from home treatments to spa treatments, ensuring that your skin stays smooth and supple.

Product selection

Pumpkin latte drinking mask

VIEW PRODUCT

Our The Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque makes your skin look smooth and vibrant. This pumpkin face mask helps restore your skin's natural moisture balance with vitamin E and omega 9 fatty acids in a dreamy puree made from fresh pumpkin to help combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Alicia recommends creating your own mixology of the Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque followed by the Cranberry Pomegranate Masque for a true seasonal blend! look at that In the mix Video for more beautiful pumpkin face mask mixes to inspire you.

(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOuEmLj2_Ts (/ embed)

Product selection

Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel

VIEW PRODUCT

Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel

Our award-winning Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5% is a home scrub that contains lactic acid and glycolic acid. This treatment refines and evens skin tone, including the appearance of dark spots, and provides gentle exfoliation without irritation. Please note that this peeling must be rinsed thoroughly after application and neutralized with our soothing chamomile tonic.

If you're looking for a deeper peel to complement your home care routine, we've got the concentrated one too Yam & Pumpkin Pro Enzyme Peeling 20%. This scrub is only available as a luxury in-spa treatment from a trained beautician at an Eminence Organics spa partner. If you

Eminence Organics Pumpkin Cream Body Wrap

The Yam & Pumpkin Pro Enzyme Peel isn't our only professional pumpkin treatment. You can literally be wrapped in pumpkin goodness with ours Pumpkin cream body wrap. Not only does this professional treatment feel like decadent bliss, it makes your skin glow from head to toe. This luxurious body wrap features pumpkin as its main ingredient (of course!) And features skin care products like shea butter, lavender, and chamomile that are deeply nourishing and smooth. After the beautician rinses this pack off and massages it in an Eminence Organics body moisturizer, you will notice that the appearance of your skin structure improves, the appearance of fine lines is reduced and the feeling of deeply moisturized skin becomes noticeable overall. To learn more about this treatment, contact your preferred Eminence Organics Spa partner and see what services and advice they currently offer.

Are you a pumpkin face mask junkie yet? Or are you looking forward to trying out pumpkin skin care this year? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on social media.

This post was originally published in September 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

07 Oct
Blog

DJI OM 4 Review: A Simple Yet Cinematic Gimbal

dji om 4 review 2167

"The DJI OM 4 is beginner-friendly, but includes some advanced camera movements."

  • Easy to use

  • Fast magnetic attachment

  • Pre-programmed movements in stories

  • Good stabilization

  • Advanced app tools

  • Some modes are hidden

  • Follow mode does not use the full pan range

Gimbals mix stabilization with cinematic camera movement, but the combination often creates a system geared toward experienced users. However, this is not the case with the DJI OM 4. With the three-axis gimbal, which requires little balancing, even inexperienced users can work – literally or figuratively – in just a few short tutorial videos.

The DJI OM 4 was developed by a company known for its drones. In story mode, the OM 4 even adds cinematic camera movements with just a few taps of the finger, while modes such as dynamic zoom imitate advanced dolly zoom techniques. Gesture control with tracking even opens the gimbal for vloggers.

The DJI OM 4 offers the ideal mix of beginner-friendly features and advanced movie effects – but it's not quite perfect. As a photographer – not a videographer – I took out DJI's latest gimbal to see how re-friendly it is.

Technical data and features

The DJI OM 4 is a three-axis motorized smartphone gimbal that includes some improvements over the previous version, including a more powerful motor. It's compatible with any phone less than 3.3 inches wide and 10.23 ounces with an app for iOS and Android. (I tested the OM 4 with an iPhone 11 Pro).

The gimbal offers a good range of motion between approximately 333 degrees and 343 degrees on each of the three axes. The gimbal stops panning once it reaches the front of the gimbal handle, and it has a tilt range from the sky to the ground.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

The gimbal not only stabilizes videos, but also offers various modes to support creative recordings. Tracking mode follows a person or animal and can be activated when gesture control is activated by raising your hand with the palm of your hand towards the camera. Sport mode is designed to use the gimbal while it is active.

One of my favorite aspects of the gimbal is the different modes that make it easy to add professional looking camera movement. In Inception mode, the camera is rotated with the joystick instead of panning or tilting. Dynamic zoom or dolly zoom enlarges or reduces the subject, but keeps it in the same position and changes the background instead. Hyperlapses and time-lapse are included, as are panoramas, including the option to clone yourself into a photo.

design

The DJI OM 4 uses two different mounting options – a thin metal plate that stays permanently attached to the device, or a detachable smartphone clamp. According to DJI, the plate is faster and does not need to be rebalanced, but should not be used for a fall. I used the clamp option.

The spring-loaded clamp was impressively able to grip and balance my iPhone 11 Pro with its case. However, the clamp needs to be perfectly aligned to keep the horizon straight. I had to regularly nudge one side of the clamp to keep the phone perfectly balanced. The app also provides an option to rebalance the gimbal for phones that are tilted to one side despite being correctly oriented, and will likely be required to use accessories such as auxiliary lenses.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

Once the clamp or plate is in place, mounting the smartphone on the gimbal is as easy as aligning the two points on each magnet. I occasionally had to adjust the position of the clamp once it was installed to achieve perfect balance.

The handle offers an ergonomic design, with which almost every control is easily accessible. On the front there is the joystick for redirecting the gimbal, a record button and a mode button that switch between video and still images as well as from vertical to horizontal. Near the tip of the thumb, there is a zoom switch on the side of the handle. I could barely reach this knob without adjusting my whole hand, and users with small hands may not quite like this button position.

On the back is the trigger to lock the gimbal in one direction. Two taps on the shutter button re-center the gimbal, while three taps on the front facing camera toggle in the DJI app.

Once captured, the upper arm of the gimbal folds down on itself, shortening the overall height of the gimbal. At roughly 6.5 inches tall, the only bag it fits will fit oversized coat packages or cargo pants, but only add about 14 ounces to a bag. The gimbal also comes with an optional folding tripod base on which the gimbal can be used on a tabletop.

The DJI app: a cameraman in your hands

The controls of the gimbal were still transferred to the native camera app of the iPhone. However, the best features of the gimbal are contained in the DJI Mimo app. From in-app tutorials to automating camera tricks, the app is impressively well built and easy to use. Initial setup of the app was easy and didn't have the headache that some Bluetooth devices cause when they first connect.

For the most part, the app helps beginners get started quickly. Mimo starts with a built-in tutorial that walked me through the various controls and shortcuts. Then, if I inevitably forgot exactly where those controls were, I could turn to the tutorial section for a quick refresher.

However, the main part of the app is the camera mode. Many of the options and controls feel like using the basic camera app on my iPhone, including a mode slider under the record button and the same tap to focus and slide to adjust the exposure.

Story mode was my favorite part of the entire app – and I very rarely share social media stories. The feature uses the gimbal to create various motion effects that I wouldn't otherwise capture, and then merges it all into an edited, easily shareable clip of music. It's both a great way to create highlight clips for easy sharing and put together professional-looking video effects without knowing how to record or edit them.

With the story shortcut in camera mode, you can record and edit a video at the same time. In this mode, the app and gimbal work together to automatically create short, edited videos with motion effects based on the template you selected. For example, the gimbal can create a 360-degree video glitch, add tilt effects, or create motion blur between cuts with rapid gimbal movement.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

The app counts down to the start of the recording and then automatically moves the gimbal to achieve the effect. The process is repeated for each clip in the template. Some templates use camera tricks, while others just add music, text, and filters. The custom template option allows you to adjust the camera movement (unfortunately not factors like the length of the clip). Stories can be saved as drafts so that you can record the clips at different times of the day.

By accessing the stories from the home page, instead of using camera mode, pre-recorded videos are edited with templates that include clip transitions, music, filters and text. Although the camera effects are not added for you, this is the mode you want to use if you are taking a one-time shot because the shooting mode will count down and stop after a few seconds based on the number of template you select.

My only complaint about the app is that I wish Stories could do even more, including longer videos and custom clip lengths. When using Stories in Selfie mode, some movements are also reversed in ways that don't always make sense, e.g. For example, if you tilt the camera down instead of up when using the front camera.

user friendliness

As a photographer, rather than a videographer, I can count the number of gimbals I've tried on one hand. However, the OM 4 was easy to jump in and use right away. At the same time, thanks to the integrated tutorials and the various modes of the app, the OM 4 offers more advanced camera tricks that almost anyone can use to take photos.

I was ready to use the basic controls after just a few minutes of playing. The gimbal stabilization is excellent – I've used the OM 4 inline skating and even jogging backwards with excellent results.

The OM 4's ability to follow a subject in front of the camera is good, if not perfect. If a single topic remains in front of the gimbal, e.g. B. for vlogging or creating tutorial videos, the performance of the gimbal is excellent. However, the gimbal has problems following people who move to the side of the gimbal long before the swing limit is reached. When tracking people, the gimbal sometimes switched another person and followed her.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

That's not to say that a little practice and time with the gimbal won't be beneficial. The gimbal has several shortcuts to the same button and I had to take pictures with it a few times to remember them all. One click of the mode button changes the mode from photo to video, two clicks from vertical to horizontal and three switches to standby mode.

With a few tutorials, I was up and shooting with a little practice. However, access to the advanced modes required a lot of patience because they are not organized in a single location. Many of the advanced recording modes are in camera mode in the mode dial at the bottom of the screen. For example, to activate Inception mode and rotate the camera, you need to go to Settings and change the Follow mode.

Hillary K. Grigonis / Digital Trends

Others aren't even a labeled button or even part of the original in-app tutorials. When you switch to underride mode for low-angle shots, the gimbal turns upside down. The low-settlement mode, which was called up by holding the trigger and tilting the gimbal forward, didn't work for me. I couldn't adjust the angle of the smartphone to accommodate anything other than the ground.

The OM 4 was also not very tripod-friendly for third parties. While I had no issues with the included tripod, I encountered some challenges when using a full-height tripod. In story mode, some of the automated movements jolted the camera, a strange bug that didn't repeat itself when used on the included tripod. Tightening the tripod screw helped but didn't fix the problem. The patterned ribs on the underside of the gimbal also tore off the handle on the mounting plate of my tripod.

Our opinion

The DJI OM 4 is not just a smartphone gimbal – it is a tool that will add cinematic movement even for beginners. The well-designed app, simple mounting system, variety of shooting modes, and portable design make the gimbal simple and modern at the same time, a combination that is nearly impossible.

Although the DJI OM is 4 eons before the gimbals the company created a few years ago, it's not perfect. The modes could be more organized and some of the more advanced features require some digging. I couldn't get the low-angle shooting modes to work well, the follow mode didn't use the full pan range, and the OM 4 didn't play well with a third-party tripod.

Is there a better alternative?

Smartphone gimbals are becoming more common – and there is a bit of competition. However, none seems to be as beginner-friendly as the balanced design and intuitive app of the OM 4. The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is a bit cheaper, but has advanced controls. Advanced users will like the focus dial, as well as the other physical and app-based controls, but beginners can be more intimidated by the extras.

How long it will take?

The DJI OM 4 has already asked us to download a firmware update, a good sign that the OM 4 will continue to experience new improvements via software. Aside from major glitches, the OM 4 should last a few years thanks to these updates, a solid design, and a mounting system compatible with a wide variety of smartphones.

Should you buy it?

If you've never tried a gimbal but want to eliminate the shaking of your videos and add cinematic camera movements in a few simple steps, buy the DJI OM 4. The OM 4 is incredibly beginner-friendly and unbalanced. In-app tutorials and automated camera movements with stories.

Editor's recommendations




07 Oct
Blog

LG CordZero A9 Kompressor Review: Always Hungry Vacuum Stick

LG CordZero A9 compressor holds it in hand

LG CordZero A9 compressor

"With a big appetite and a bunch of tools, the LG CordZero A9 compressor is ready to be cleaned."

  • Versatile set of attachments

  • Free-standing charging station

  • Dust container can be compressed

  • Two batteries included

  • Larger pieces of dirt can cause problems

  • The LG ThinQ integration is a little useless

Cordless vacuums seem to be all the rage in household cleaning these days. They bridge the gap between portable handhelds (think dustbusters) and traditional poles by offering the best of both worlds. While Dyson clearly stands out from the crowd with its legendary suction power and meticulous engineering, several other companies have tried to capitalize on this trend.

LG is no stranger to small appliances and it's clearly a focus for the company. The CordZero A9 compressor seems like an ambitious proposition because of its versatility, but it must first and foremost prove that it can clean. Not only clean well, but also very good.

Versatile cleaning options

The LG CordZero A9 compressor does not immediately deviate too far from the well-known designs that we have seen on other cordless vacuum cleaners. What sets it apart are the various accessories, the charging station and the batteries that come with the package. This model covers all bases as carpet, hardwood and furniture cleaner.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

The accessories consist of the following: a universal nozzle, a punching nozzle, a splitting tool and the combination tool. Using the universal nozzle felt uncomfortable at first, until I realized that you could extend the length to make it more comfortable to use when vacuuming carpets. I also like how effective the power punch nozzle is at pulling smaller pieces of dirt off furniture, but it's almost useless for hair-strewn scratching posts because it has problems sucking up larger bunches of fur. This is due to the close spacing of the hard plastic brush in the nozzle.

A base from which to rule them all

Unlike other cordless vacuum cleaners, it has a free-standing charging station for added convenience when storing and charging the accessories. Most other battery sticks come with a base that you need to attach to a wall or something else. However, this is a separate unit. I think it's great that I don't have to attach it to the wall. LG certainly spent time designing the charging station, given all the little details that go with it. For example, there are clamps that make it easier to manage the charging cable so it doesn't get messy.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

Not only does it charge the vacuum while it's plugged in, but there is another compartment to charge the spare battery. Dyson's V11 torque is designed for a running time of 60 minutes. This corresponds to the running time of a single battery for the LG CordZero A9 compressor. If I have two batteries, I can suck much longer. There's nothing worse than an empty vacuum while you're in the middle of your cleaning routine.

Good extraction, large dust container

What I like about the universal nozzle is that I rarely see hair growth. It is also intended to fight hardwoods and carpets. Picking up larger pieces of dirt or debris such as cereal can be problematic because the opening is not that wide. Instead, I am forced to raise the vacuum a little so that it absorbs them. For other smaller and finer bits of dirt, it's a champ – they often vacuum them up on the first pass while a second does the job.

The washable components and filters of the CordZero A9 compressor show that LG designed this model with minimal maintenance in mind. The five-stage HEPA filter system is said to filter 99.99% of dust and dirt. And yes, it has built-in Wi-Fi with LG ThinQ integration that not only tracks the cleaning process but can also run diagnostics to reveal potential issues. While it's a nice touch, if you keep track of how long I've spent cleaning the modes, the overall experience doesn't make sense.

LG Cordzero A9 Compressor Rating 1 out of 9

LG Cordzero A9 Compressor Rating 2 out of 9

As the name suggests, the LG CordZero A9 compressor can squeeze its trash can with the lever on the device. This corresponds to a maximum capacity of 33.8 ounces versus the 25.6 ounce capacity of the comparable Dyson V11 Torque Drive. It's useful in the sense that I don't empty it as often as other vacuums, but it doesn't have the best emptying mechanism. There is a lever on the bottom that opens the lid to dispose of the contents. However, I find that my hand often gets dusty because it is right next to the lever when it is opened.

Our opinion

It's an admirable accomplishment from LG as the CordZero A9 compressor is quite a punch down at $ 600. It stands out in every category for being an outstanding cordless vacuum cleaner in the high-end sector.

How long it will take?

Despite the mostly plastic construction, this vacuum rod has a considerable processing quality. As mentioned earlier, many of the components, including the filter, can be washed. It comes with a 1-year limited parts and labor warranty. However, the intelligent inverter motor has a 10 year limited warranty.

Is there a better alternative?

The Dyson V11 Torque Drive can clean better and has more suction, but you pay an additional $ 100 for it. There is also its sibling, the V11 Outsize, which offers a larger dust bin and replaceable batteries.

Should you buy it?

Yes, the LG CordZero A9 compressor moves right between performance and features to make it a well-rounded option.

Editor's recommendations




07 Oct
Blog

Adidas RPD-01 Review: Good Sound, Overmatched Features

adidas rpd 01 rating 5

"The RPD-01 fits and sounds good, but is superior in the feature department."

  • Workout-friendly design

  • Function control

  • Good sound quality

  • Missing functions compared to the competition

  • No storage case / bag

When I tested the Adidas RPT-01 a few months ago, I welcomed them as functional fitness-focused headphones in an on-ear class that frankly doesn't offer many other solid options.

With the RPD-01 – the wired in-ear version of the RPT-01 – Adidas succeeded in developing another powerful pair of workout wearables. However, unlike the relatively uncompetitive on-ear headphone genre, the $ 100 RPD-01 faces far tougher competitors, most of which are from the function-oriented JLab Audio brand.

In other words, the RPD-01 is facing an uphill battle.

What's in the box?

From the point of view of sustainability, Adidas is the packaging of the RPD-01. Almost everything is made of cardboard and has a fairly compact footprint. There are three additional pairs of earbuds and ear fins, a very short USB-C charging cable and your standard literature. But beyond that, this box is nothing more than cute, sustainable cardboard.

Adidas RPD-01 headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The setup is standard on the RPD-01. If you've paired at least one Bluetooth enabled product with your mobile device in the past, you'll know everything you need to know. Hooking up to these wired buds is as easy as it should be, and you'll be ready to start working with these on your ears in no time.

The RPD-01 has built-in Bluetooth 5 technology, and Adidas rates the buds with a range of 10 meters. While these workout earbuds are rarely that far from your mobile device, extensive testing has shown this area to be accurate. This is the term I use liberally to place my phone in a far corner of my house and travel to the most opposite point of my belongings possible. The earphones had no noticeable dropouts.

design

I have not been silent about the general style of a pair of earbuds like the RPD-01 in the past. True wireless is just the far more popular design aesthetic than a setup where the buds are connected by a wire. Even if it's old news by now, I won't be afraid to repeat it.

Adidas RPD-01 headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Aside from the disclaimer, I'm a huge fan of the design of the RPD-01. At 23 grams, the RPD-01 is significantly heavier than the JLab Audio Epic Sport2, which weighs only 14.8 grams. But they don't feel like a heavy burden as the buds sit comfortably in my ears and the flexible neck band rests around my neck. I swapped a bit with the various earbuds and ear fins that were available to me but ended up on the setup the buds came with to achieve my preferred balance of safety and comfort.

As evidence of this combination, I got on my bike over the weekend to see how the RPD-01 would handle a bumpy ride on some easy trails and gravel roads. To cut a long story short, an alleged weekend cruise resulted in a three hour hike of 27 miles that somehow spat me into the nearest town. Many things went wrong that afternoon, but the RPD-01 was one of the things that went right. I never had to adjust them and my ears were one of the few tireless parts of the body left after the gracious end of the ride. So I have to go home: The Adidas RPD-01 were both comfortable and safe for the duration of an extremely long, bumpy bike ride.

The RPD-01 is available in three colors including night gray, light gray and tint of green. It has a three-button control system for processing music, adjusting volume and answering or rejecting calls. On the other side of the neckband there is an action button that can be used to call up a voice assistant or a Spotify playlist via the Adidas headphones app. It's pretty simple, but it works well, which is more than I can say for some frustrating touch controls I've been looking at lately.

The Adidas RPD-01 were both comfortable and safe for the duration of an extremely long, bumpy bike ride.

One disadvantage of the RPD-01 is the significant lack of a suitcase, bag or even a pocket to keep them in. The JLab Audio Epic ANC has an included carrying case and the JLab Audio Epic2 has a sturdy case. I know Adidas has kept things to a minimum and there are probably people out there who would enjoy that approach, but the idea of ​​protecting these headphones when not in use appeals to me more.

characteristics

Of the many wired neckband earphones I tested this year, the RPD-01 had the worst characteristics. That doesn't mean the lack of these features is inherently bad since the RPD-01's are still quite useful training buds in my book, but it does mean that there are similarly designed options across the board that have better features in the same Own price range.

Adidas RPD-01 headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The JLab Audio Epic Sport2 are the obvious comparison here, as they too are mostly intended as training buds. While the RPD-01 has 12 hours of playtime and an IPX4 weather resistance, the Epic Sport2 shatters those stats with 20 hours of playtime and an IP66 rating.

The JLab Audio Epic ANC is not designed for movement, but has a weatherproof protection class IP54 and a battery of 20 hours when active noise cancellation is switched off and 15 hours in total when the function is activated. Even the 1More Dual Driver ANC has better weather resistance with an IPX5 rating while reflecting the battery stats of the JLab Audio Epic ANC.

Of the many wired neckband earphones I tested this year, the RPD-01 had the worst characteristics.

If the RPD-01 were the cheapest buds at the party, I could understand this feature mismatch, but both JLab products cost less than the $ 100 RPD-01, which is a significant blow to the overall value of those buds. To be clear, 12 hours of battery life is still decent for cable buds, and an IPX4 rating should get you through the gym. But when real wireless options like the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (15 hour lifespan, IP66 rating) beat the RPD-01 for the exact same price, I wonder who exactly these headphones could make sense for.

Audio quality

The only clear advantage that Adidas has over JLab Audio with the RPD-01 is the sound quality. While the audio quality of the Epic ANC is average and the call quality of the Epic Sport2 is mediocre, the RPD-01 does a particularly commendable and sometimes truly extraordinary job in both areas.

Adidas RPD-01Nick Woodard / Digital Trends

They do not match the audio quality of the 1More Dual Driver ANC, which remains the benchmark for sound in this form factor. However, the 6 mm neodymium drivers built into the RPD-01 effectively process the pair's frequency range from 20 to 20,000 kHz. When auditioning my playlist for these reviews, the RPD-01 moved through a number of tracks with no problem. On Lil Nas X's Old Town Road, the now legendary bass hook was intact just before Ed Sheeran's acoustic cover of Candle in The Wind shot into my ears with impressive clarity.

When it came to phone calls, several family members checked in during this brutal weekend bike ride, and while those earbuds didn't have enough passive noise cancellation to block out the noise on my end, I was pleased to report that the microphone picked up my voice was clear to hear large rigs fly by on my journey along a major highway.

The takeaway here is the RPD-01, which offers quality sound for $ 100. Is the sound so much better than both JLab products that I would give up objectively better functions for it? Probably not. However, if you hope to get close to 1More sound levels without paying the full $ 150, you are sure to get closer than JLab's alternatives.

Our opinion

The RPD-01 fits and sounds great, but unfortunately every pair of choker earbuds we tested this year outperforms them in terms of total number of features for the price. In particular, if two of these pairs are cheaper, then despite the functionality of these buds, Adidas won't be put in a favorable light.

Are there any better alternatives?

Both the $ 80 JLab Epic ANC and the $ 50 JLab Epic Sport2 offer better features across the board, although they have a noticeable difference in sound quality. The 1More Dual Driver ANC is closer to a full package of audio and features, but at $ 150, it is the more expensive option.

How long will they last?

The RPD-01 are a flexible pair of buds with reasonable weather resistance, but they don't include a storage case or pouch, which exposes those buds to the elements or even bite-sized pets. If my phone charger and Xbox controller were current readings, nothing is certain when a puppy is teething.

Should you buy it?

No, unless you really care about good sound quality rather than better features. If not, then both the JLab Epic ANC and the Epic Sport2 are better buys.

Editor's recommendations




06 Oct
Blog

Asus ZenBook Flip S UX371 Review: Tiger Lake Doesn’t Roar

asus zenbook flip s ux371 review olympus digital camera

Asus ZenBook Flip S UX371

"The ZenBook Flip S UX371 is one of the first Tiger Lake laptops, but it does not make optimal use of Intel's new processor technology."

  • Very solid build quality

  • Spectacular display

  • Excellent keyboard and useful NumberPad touchpad

  • Very good port selection

  • Disappointing processor performance

  • The gaming falls short of expectations

Intel has released its latest architecture, Tiger Lake, which promises higher performance for both the CPU and the GPU. We've already looked at an Intel Tiger Lake prototype and were impressed with the performance of the platform. Now we had time with our first full Tiger Lake system, the Asus ZenBook Flip S UX371.

This 2-in-1 laptop is priced at $ 1,500 and comes with an 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB PCIe solid state drive (SSD), and a 4K OLED display. It looks strong on paper, but does it meet our high expectations?

performance

It is risky to be one of the first companies to bring out a laptop based on a brand new platform. Asus may have run counter to this risk with the ZenBook Flip S, as its benchmark results don't live up to Tiger Lake's promise. I blame the CPU's overly conservative vote. During all of my CPU tests, the fans barely spun even under the heaviest loads. I had to listen carefully to the bottom of the case to hear they were running at all. That tells me the laptop isn't working hard enough to keep the fans busy. I tried setting the Asus fan speed utility to performance mode but it made no difference.

In Geekbench 5, the ZenBook Flip S was faster than laptops with the 10th generation Core i7-1065G7, but not by much, mostly in single-core mode. It scored 1,535 single-core and 4,913 in multi-core mode. Compare this to the Microsoft Surface Book 3 13, which runs the Core i7-1065G7 at 1,316 and 4,825 points. The Samsung Galaxy Flex with the same 10th generation CPU scored 1,264 and 4,583 points. We didn't expect that from Tiger Lake.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

In our handbrake test, which converts a 420MB video to H.265, the ZenBook Flip S lasted one second less than four minutes, identical to the Surface Book 3 13. In the older version of the same test, the ZenBook Flip S lasted two seconds under four minutes and hit the Galaxy Flex by just 16 seconds. Again, this is not the expected performance.

I ran Cinebench 20 and the results were even worse. The ZenBook Flip S achieved 482 points in single-core mode and 1,254 points in multi-core mode. The surface book 3 13 managed scores of 429 and 1,433.

The benchmark results don't live up to Tiger Lake's promise.

Note that the Intel Tiger Lake reference laptop we tested with a Core i7-1185G7 performed much better on all of these benchmarks – even better than the clock speed increase would indicate. Geekbench 5 scored 1,563 and 5,995 points, respectively, and the handbrake test was completed in less than three minutes. The Cinebench 20 scores were 463 and 2092. These scores (with the exception of the single-core Cinebench score) represent bigger differences than I would have expected between the two Tiger Lake CPUs.

I contacted Asus and I am confident that they will run their own tests and set the thermal profile to allow the laptop to reach its full potential. If I get better results with a firmware update, I will revise this review accordingly.

Play

It's hard to tell if the ZenBook Flip S is realizing its gaming potential as we don't have any other laptops with the exact same CPU and GPU combo. The closest is the Intel reference notebook. So here I am primarily comparing it, although we have to consider the CPU differential.

The ZenBook Flip S scored 3,947 points in Fire Strike, while the Intel reference laptop scored 5,181 points. The Asus performed much better than the older Acer Swift 5 with Intel Iris Plus graphics, resulting in a score of 2,120. However, I can't help but think that, given the reference laptop's score, there should be a bigger difference.

Next, I ran Civilization VI, where the ZenBook Flip S reached 31 frames per second (fps) at 1080p and medium graphics. That is much less than the 45 fps of the Intel reference laptop. The Asus switched to ultra graphics and managed 17 fps, while the Intel reference laptop ran at 26 fps. The Asus also seems to underperform here. Note that the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 with the integrated Radeon graphics from Ryzen 4000 achieves 45 fps in 1080p at medium details.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Next, I tested Assassin's Creed Odyssey. The ZenBook Flip S has a 4K display, but I've limited my testing to 1080p for reasons that will become immediately apparent. The ZenBook Flip S managed 11 fps in 1080p with the high graphics preset. While this title is well beyond the capabilities of the GPU, it's disappointing that the HP Specter x360 13 with Intel Iris Plus graphics, which averaged 12 fps, essentially tied the ZenBook powered by Tiger Lake

In Fortnite, the ZenBook Flip S only managed 13 fps in 1080p and high graphics. The Intel reference laptop achieved 34 fps and the Specter x360 13 with Intel Iris Plus ran at 12 fps. Again, this is not what I expected.

That's all of the gaming benchmarks I've run given the disappointing results. As with the CPU test, if I get a firmware upgrade that affects these results, I'll get back to me.

Battery life

The ZenBook Flip S has a battery capacity of 67 watt hours in its thin and light frame, which is impressive for a laptop of this size. At the same time there is the power-hungry 4K OLED display and a new generation of Core i7, which I have not yet passed through our official battery tests. I wasn't sure what to expect.

Unfortunately, the ZenBook Flip S decided to throw us a curveball again. Our most demanding Basemark web benchmark test, which is supposed to show how long the laptop lasted when you hit the CPU and GPU, wouldn't end its test loop. I've tried several times and been unsuccessful. Unfortunately, this means that I cannot report on the longevity under load.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The ZenBook Flip S lasted almost seven hours in our web browsing test, which gives a good idea of ​​life in moderate everyday life. Given the 4K OLED display, this isn't a terrible score, although it is pretty weak compared to the Full HD-equipped Dell XPS 13 that lasted for around 12 hours. Note that the ZenBook Flip S lasted more than an hour longer than the HP Specter x360 13, another popular notebook with an OLED display. Even so, you will likely struggle to work a full day without joining.

In our video test of a Full HD Avengers trailer, the ZenBook Flip S lasted 12.25 hours, which is almost three hours longer than the Specter x360 13. I would have expected this test to be most affected by the display. but the ZenBook Flip S did pretty well. The XPS 13 lasted two hours longer, but that's less of a difference than I expected.

Overall, the ZenBook Flip S offers good battery life for a laptop with a 4K OLED screen. If you plan to be out of the office for eight hours or more, consider taking your charger with you, but the battery will last long enough that you don't need to bring a charger for everyone but the longest of meetings.

design

The ZenBook Flip S is a good-looking laptop with a black aluminum case that is complemented by diamond-cut edges made of red copper (Asus). The usual Asus concentric vortices decorate the lid. It all adds up to an elegant design that works in both a coffee house and a conference room.

The laptop is built robustly. The lid, the keyboard deck or the bottom of the case are not bent, bent or twisted. The 2-in-1 hinge is a little too stiff to open with one hand, but it does an excellent job of holding the display in place in clamshell, tent, media, and tablet modes. It's at least as big as laptops like the HP Specter x360 13 and Dell XPS 13, which makes sense given the premium price.

The ZenBook Flip S doesn't have the thinnest bezels, which is a departure from other newer ZenBook models. The side bezels are thin and the top bezel is adequate, but the lower chin is quite large, adding to the overall footprint that is required. The Specter x360 13 is about the same size, but significantly less deep. However, the ZenBook Flip S is thin at 0.54 inches and light at 2.65 pounds. This is comparable to the Specter x360 13, which weighs 0.67 inches and 2.88 pounds. With thinner bezels, the Asus is more convenient to transport.

Connectivity is strong for a laptop this thin and light with two exceptions. On the left is a full-size HDMI 2.0 port and two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 ports. There is a USB-A 3.1 port on the right. Unfortunately there is no SD card reader, which is a disappointment, and Asus made the strange decision to ditch the 3.5mm audio jack and instead switch to an included USB-C to 3.5mm dongle to leave.

Apparently, Asus customers preferred the HDMI port, so the company decided to remove the 3.5mm jack instead – which is an unfortunate choice as you now have to forego a USB-C port to get some Connect headphones. Wireless connectivity is through the latest features available, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, and I saw excellent performance during my review tests.

display

The ZenBook Flip S is one of a growing number of laptops that come with OLED displays, which I find very good. The other OLED laptops we tested consistently deliver great viewing experiences, and I was excited to see if Asus picked a panel as good as other manufacturers.

As I found out when I tested the display with my colorimeter, Asus opted for a spectacular display that has practically no weaknesses.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

First, it's incredibly bright at 492 nits, more than most of the OLED panels we tested. For example, the version of the HP Specter x360 13 has 405 nits, which is still very bright but is not in the same stadium. As usual with OLED, the contrast of the ZenBook Flip S display is extraordinarily high at 491,630: 1 (the Specter x360 13 at 405,210: 1). Compare that to the Dell XPS 15's excellent 1480: 1 IPS display, which is tall for an IPS display but nowhere near as jet black as the Asus'. These numbers exaggerate the difference in the real world, but OLED's contrast offers an obvious advantage in movies, games, and high-resolution photos.

The color gamut with 100% sRGB and 99% AdobeRGB is another strength of the ZenBook Flip S display. The XPS 15 barely beats either of them at 100%, but few displays we've tested recently come this close to maximizing both color spaces. And the ZenBook Flip S is also color-accurate with 0.88 – anything below 1.0 cannot be seen by the human eye and is considered excellent. The Specter x360 13 was less accurate at 1.29. The gamma of the ZenBook Flip S display was also spot on with the ideal gamma curve of 2.2.

Asus opted for a spectacular display that has practically no weaknesses.

Put simply, this is a bright, high-contrast display. I love it as a writer because black stands out against white backgrounds and incredibly wide and precise colors. This is a display that would make any creative professional happy. Whether you're looking at it objectively through a colorimeter or subjectively for any task you want – including bingeing video, which is a real treat – this is a superior display.

The sound from the two downward facing speakers was clear with little distortion at the highest volume. The speakers could get pretty loud with nice highs and mids even though the bass was missing (not surprising). You want to use headphones for music and serious seizures, but the sound is more than good enough for the occasional YouTube and Netflix.

Keyboard and touchpad

The ZenBook Flip S inherits the same keyboard as Asus in the ZenBook 14 UX425 and is a good choice. There is a lot of spring travel, a lot of key spacing and size, and a lighting mechanism with a floor effect that is clear and precise. My favorite keyboards remain the Magic keyboard on the MacBook and the ones that HP uses in the Specter lineup (and the latest Envy 15), but the ZenBook Flip S comes close.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The touchpad is large and wide and contains Asus' NumberPad 2.0, which transforms the touchpad into an LED-illuminated numeric keypad. You turn it on with a long press of a button in the right corner and change the brightness with a button in the left corner. It works fine, and turning on the NumberPad doesn't interfere with using the touchpad as a touchpad. If you enter a lot of numbers, you will appreciate the function.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The touch display is responsive and an active pen that supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity is in the box when the laptop ships. However, one didn't come in my box so I couldn't test the pen.

Finally, Windows 10 Hello support is provided by an infrared camera and facial recognition. It was quick and accurate during my tests, and while I prefer a fingerprint reader, it offers an easy sign-in option.

Our opinion

At $ 1,500, the ZenBook Flip S is firmly in the premium segment. And part of what might justify that price tag – on top of the exquisite OLED display – is that it's one of the first laptops to come with Intel's Tiger Lake platform. Unfortunately, Asus has some work to do in order to take advantage of the new platform. The ZenBook Flip S behaves more like a last-generation laptop. This directly reflects how Asus has optimized the laptop's performance.

Otherwise, the ZenBook Flip S is a well-built and attractive 2-in-1 device that can hold its own against other laptops with similar prices and features. It's just such a disappointment that we didn't see Tiger Lake at its best.

Is there a better alternative?

The main competitor of the ZenBook Flip S is probably the HP Specter X360 13, which still runs 10th generation CPUs. It has an equally beautiful OLED display, is a bit smaller, and works just as well. You also spend a few hundred dollars less to configure a similar computer.

If you don't need a 2-in-1, the Dell XPS 13 is a very compelling option. It was recently announced that it is joining the Tiger Lake Club. Once it does, I'm sure it will perform well. It's the best 13-inch clamshell notebook out there, making it a viable competitor to almost every other 13-inch machine.

How long it will take?

The ZenBook Flip S is a rugged laptop that will last forever. It's well built and configured with the latest technology so you can be productive for years. As always, we'd love to see more than a year warranty, but Asus offers one year accident protection.

Should you buy it?

No not yet. When Asus fixes the performance issues, the ZenBook Flip S suddenly becomes a very compelling 2-in-1 device. Until then, I would hold back.

Editor's recommendations




06 Oct
Blog

Dell S2721QS Review: 4K Basics At A Great Price

Dell S2721QS

"The S2721QS from Dell is a simple, no-frills 4K monitor with excellent build quality and an excellent warranty."

  • Excellent workmanship

  • 3 year advance guarantee

  • Clear 4K picture

  • Accurate colors

  • Inconspicuous connectivity

  • Basic equipment

  • Not a lot of bandwidth for photo editors

Dell's 27-inch USB-C monitor is a good buy at around $ 400 – but what if you don't care about USB-C and want a sharper image? For this audience, Dell developed the S2721QS, which offers a 4K IPS panel and simple connectivity for practically the same price. In fact, it's currently reduced to just $ 340, making it one of the more budget-friendly 4K monitors out there. But is it good enough to make our list of best monitors?

design

The Dell S2721QS comes in a large, slim white box. As you unpack, you will be greeted as usual with one of Dell's excellent stands. This has a slightly different design than the P- and U-series monitors, with the back of the foot rounded and the sides angled inward. It's also lighter in color and the neck has a more slender profile than before.

The height, tilt, and rotation settings in portrait mode are valued by home office users as they enable healthy posture

You lose the swivel function on the stand, but that's not a huge loss at the price, and you keep the great height adjustment, tilt and rotation to portrait – the most important options. As the monitor is designed for use in the (home) office, these adjustments are particularly appreciated as they help you maintain a healthy posture.

The rest of the display is inconspicuous. Boring, but not bad. The back of the monitor is made of durable white plastic, which makes the monitor look like a giant piece of chiclet chewing gum. It looks professional, has slim bezels on the top and sides of the display, and fits in most homes and offices.

However, if you're looking for something a bit more stylish, then you must check out Dell's ultra-thin S2719DC instead.

Connections and controls

At that price, of course, concessions have to be made, and those are additional features. The Dell S2721QS is a monitor and little more. It has two HDMI inputs and a DisplayPort connection. You won't find any USB-C connectivity here, nor a built-in USB hub or any other luxury. The only extra is the inclusion of built-in speakers. They're nondescript and sound thin, but they make a sound loud enough to be heard. So this is a win.

The OSD in the Dell S2721QS offers a fair number of options for a monitor of this type, but some are missing. The OSD is unusually pixelated for a 4K monitor. It has brightness and contrast controls, PiP settings (picture-in-picture), RGB color adjustments, sharpness, response time settings and much more. What is missing? We found that there is no way to adjust the white point temperature, which by default deviates a little towards the cold side. This adjustment is common even with monitors at this price.

With the buttons below, the OSD is always within reach, although in practice you rarely, if ever, have to get involved.

picture quality

Since Dell's S2721QS doesn't score high on features, you can see how the image quality affects it.

With a 4K IPS panel (3840 x 2160 pixels), it offers an incredibly sharp picture, especially when you consider that it gives you that resolution at a diagonal size of only 27 inches. You'll have to rely heavily on Windows screen scaling, which doesn't work too well, but that's not the monitor's fault (macOS image scaling works better). 4K video, pictures, and general usage look extremely sharp, but older programs may look small or blurry. Even so, you'll only find a sharper image on Apple's 27-inch iMac 5K or a 24-inch 4K monitor.

Dell's numbers indicate a brightness of 350 nits and a static contrast ratio of 1300: 1. Our tests showed that the monitor is capable of exceeding these brightness levels and hitting almost 400 nits, in contrast, at 790: 1, it's a bit disappointing. After calibration, it improved to 940: 1.

Since the S2721QS from Dell offers 4K resolution on a 27-inch panel, the image is extremely sharp

Dell claims 99% coverage of sRGB storage space, which is what you should expect from most midrange monitors. Our tests confirmed this number, and we also measured 76% AdobeRGB coverage and 82% of DCI-P3 storage space. If you only use this monitor for internet browsing and basic office tasks, it will work just fine.

You need to look for a full color gamut monitor like the Acer ConceptD CM2 if you need anything for color grading in photography and video editing, or you risk cropping – a phenomenon where colors may appear correct to you when you are at the end of your monitor's gamut, but look more intense on someone else's display or in print.

Gaming performance

Why is there a segment here for gaming performance? This is not sold as a gaming monitor. However, Dell has equipped the S2721QS with Adaptive Sync technology, which is based on AMD's Freesync, and in our tests we also confirmed G-Sync support for Nvidia cards.

The 60Hz refresh rate won't make you the most competitive player on the online battlefields, but adaptive sync will take care of the tearing and some stuttering. Of course, the 4K resolution means you'll need a ton of GPU grunt to get anywhere near the 60Hz refresh rate. Due to the adaptive synchronization, frame rates between 30 and 60 frames per second should still appear fluid thanks to uniform image stimulation. In other words, you'll have a clearer and more consistent experience than without FreeSync or G-Sync support.

Of course, for a more playful monitor, check out 144Hz displays like the Razer Raptor 27. Note, however, that you will likely have to sacrifice resolution to get a higher refresh rate, as most monitors offer 1440p or 1080p resolution at around 60Hz. This Dell can be useful for gamers who prefer extreme image quality over high frame rates, as it delivers a razor-sharp and attractive image.

Our opinion

If you are looking for a solid 4K monitor at an affordable price, the Dell S2721QS is probably the one for you. Apart from the sharpness, it is not outstanding in any area, but more than sufficient for everyday use. It delivers a clean, crisp image with no major imperfections to distract you.

This monitor also has great build quality with a solid range of ergonomic options. Think of this as Dell's entry-level option for a 4K monitor while maintaining great materials quality and warranty and you are on the right track.

Are there alternatives?

Absolutely. If you're not interested in the elaborate stand or material quality, LG offers a 27-inch 4K IPS monitor with similar specs for significantly less. LG also has the 27BL85U, which comes similarly outfitted with an equally impressive stand for roughly the same price, and this one includes USB-C. If you're looking for something in this format and resolution, but with a wider color gamut for photo work, the Dell U2720Q may be better for you, albeit at a higher price.

How long it will take?

The Dell S2721QS should have a lifespan of at least five years, of which Dell covers three years with an advance replacement warranty. This means that in the event of a disaster, the company will send you a new (refurbished) monitor first and then let you return the old one after you are set up.

Should I buy it?

Yes. If you want a simple, no-frills 4K display, you can't go wrong with the Dell S2721QS.

Editor's recommendations




06 Oct
Blog

Up your fitness game with the best Dumbbell shoulder workout

Since the shoulders are responsible for every movement on our torso, it's important to make sure they stay fit. For this purpose, a dumbbell shoulder workout can help immensely. This type of exercise not only promises to work the entire upper body muscle group, but it also promotes improved performance. This can instantly eliminate fatigue, bodily harm, and upper body stiffness. If you're wondering how to practice that Dumbbell shoulder workout, Learn by scrolling!

Warm up before you start!

We'll list a variety of best dumbbell shoulder workouts perform for you. Before you begin, you'll need a full body warm-up to activate your shoulders and prepare you for the exercise. Now you may be wondering why this is so important. Imagine pouring oil into a pan and immediately starting to fry your fish. Will it cook right? No right? Warming up also helps the body to prepare for the strenuous exercise and also prevents physical injuries. That way, you'll move closer to your fitness goals and burn fat unhindered.

How it goes?

First, there are a few simple exercises. These will help you warm up your body for the main thing right away Dumbbell shoulder workout at home.

1. Knee Raises – This exercise increases your strength and helps the muscles to be activated. All you have to do is stand straight and lift one knee above your hip. Switch for about 15 repetitions in a running format.

2. Lateral Lung – This exercise helps warm up the muscles in the body for the primary workout. Start with your legs together and take a step back on the left side. Reach for your hips and let yourself fall as if you were sitting in a chair. Practice that Dumbbell shoulder workout at home at least 15 times. 3. Wall Push – If you're looking for a great stretch, this workout helps a lot. First, place your hands slightly down on the wall. Press with all your might for about 15 seconds.

The best dumbbell shoulder workout you need

The Dumbbell shoulder workouts for the crowd That we are about to show you can be done both in the gym and at home. Follow the directions for each exercise carefully so that you can gain your dream body in no time. Also, remember to top it off with a yoga session.

1. Alternating lifting of the deltoid muscle

The alternating deltoid lift is a magical workout that promotes well-built shoulders in no time. When done with light weights, it works wonders for people. If you are looking for strong shoulders and well-manicured posture, this exercise is all you need. This is one of the best dumbbell shoulder workouts for a reason. Make sure you do the workout for the recommended number of reps.

How To Do It – Stand up straight and hold the dumbbells in both hands. Arms should be straight and palms facing toward your body. With your elbows slightly bent, lift the weights forward. Return to the starting position and move your arms to the side. Hold for a while and return to your first position. Do this Dumbbell shoulder workout for the crowd regularly.

2. Dumbbell single arm shoulder press

The one-armed shoulder press with dumbbells is a useful exercise that promotes a well-trained body in a variety of ways. It not only provides stability in the body, but also excellent strength. This Dumbbell shoulder workout for the crowd can be a little daunting for people at first, but if you follow directions you won't be too far from your goal. Do this exercise with one arm at a time and you will get unmatched benefits.

How To Do It – Take a dumbbell and bring it to shoulder height. To do this, use an overhand grip. Your elbow should be 45 degrees from the center line of your body. Now bend your knees a little. Extend your legs and push the barbell up with all your strength. Rotate your arms so that your palms are facing forward. Since you want to maintain balance and avoid injury, lean your upper body toward the other end. Once the lifting is over, gradually lower the dumbbell the same way you raised it. Repeat that Dumbbell shoulder workout at home regularly.

3. Press Press

The printing press is another incredible one Dumbbell shoulder workout for the crowd that can help a lot. It is performed with a variety of devices such as dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells. This exercise is also helpful for all athletes.

How To Do It – Start in a squat position with the barbell on the pins at chest level. Grasp the force in front of you with an overhand grip. Bring your body close to the bar, lift it off the pins, and step back so you have enough room to lift. Lower your body by bending on your knees, hips, and ankles. Extend your legs and start the press. Lift your heels off the floor. Once that's done, go under the bar. Extend your arms until they are locked out. Lower the weight. Do not bend your knees until the barbell is lowered.

Work hard, play hard

This Dumbbell shoulder workouts Because you are the ultimate way to improve your body in no time and gain the toned body of your dreams.

FAQ

1. Can you say anything else? best dumbbell shoulder workout try now?

Reverse Fly, Upright Row, and Lateral to Front Raise are some of the best dumbbell shoulder workouts try now.

2. Is this training helpful?

Yes. For those people who follow the instructions carefully, this workout works like magic.

3. How many reps should I do for the side-to-front lift? A total of 8 repetitions are sufficient for the front side lift.

Related articles

  1. Lat workouts

2. Upper back workouts

3. Barbell squats

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