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

06 Oct
Blog

Best Dyson Deals and Sales for October 2020: Vacuums and Fans

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This year the need for healthy air is greater than ever. Dyson vacuums and fans have extensive air filtration, including standard HEPA filtration. However, due to Dyson's high prices, many customers are waiting for the corded or cordless vacuum cleaner, fanless fan, or hair care device that they are looking forward to getting on sale. Fortunately, Dyson frequently cuts its products and changes prices frequently every week. The best place to start? Right here, with our collection of the best Dyson deals and best Dyson sales.

Today's Best Dyson Deals

  • Dyson V7 Allergy HEPA Cord-Free Stick Vacuum Cleaner, White – – $ 280was $ 330
  • Dyson V7 Motorhead Origin Wireless Vacuum – – 300 dollarswas $ 400
  • Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 fan heater – – $ 444was $ 470
  • Dyson V10 Motorhead cordless vacuum cleaner – – $ 470was $ 500
  • Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean Upright Vacuum Cleaner – – $ 518was $ 599

Today's Best Dyson Vacuum Deals

  • Dyson V7 Allergy HEPA Cord-Free Stick Vacuum Cleaner, White – – $ 280was $ 330
  • Dyson V7 Motorhead Origin Wireless Vacuum – – 300 dollarswas $ 400
  • Dyson V8 Tier cordless vacuum cleaner – – $ 399was $ 411
  • Dyson V10 Motorhead cordless vacuum cleaner – – $ 470was $ 500
  • Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Blue – – $ 518was $ 599

Today's Best Dyson Fan Deals

  • Dyson Pure Hot + Cool, HP01 HEPA air purifier, space heater and fan – – 400 dollarswas $ 500
  • Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 fan heater – – $ 444was $ 470

How to choose a Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner

Ever wondered the difference between Motorhead, Animal and Absolute versions of the Dyson lightweight cordless vacuum cleaner of the same generation? Dyson typically sells two or three models of each new generation of its versatile cordless vacuum cleaners.

Subsequent generations will often have more powerful motors, longer battery life and sometimes larger dust containers. Each model of a generation usually has the same engine and main features. These variants generally represent different functions and accessories of a new generation. List prices for the latest generation models typically differ by $ 50 to $ 100.

Dyson typically sells two or three models of each new generation of its versatile cordless vacuum cleaners. Subsequent generations will often have more powerful motors, longer battery life and sometimes larger dust containers. Each model of a generation usually has the same engine and different key features.

Dyson uses the engine head designation for the most basic model, usually with a single cleaning type and a basic range of accessories.

A Dyson Animal V-Series stick vacuum cleaner comes with a mid-range assortment that often includes two cleaning heads and most of the accessories, or in some cases just one cleaning head with all of the accessories for that model.

The Dyson Absolute Cordless V-Series models usually include everything available for that model, so you can expect two cleaning heads (regular size and mini) and the full range of accessories.

When buying a Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner, look out for the features and accessories that you are sure to actually use. Many homeowners buy vacuum cleaners with lots of accessories and supplies, but only use two or three accessories like a splitting tool and an upholstery brush during their years of operation.

If you are sure that you are using all of the accessories available for a Dyson model, it is cheaper to buy all of them at once than to fill it up with individual pieces at higher prices later. However, don't let the bundle price argument sway you if you usually vacuum as quickly as possible and only occasionally get on the edges, ceilings and under furniture.

An Expert's Guide to Dyson Deals and Dyson Sales

If Dyson's list prices are above your budget, there are several ways you can save on the brand's equipment.

  • sales – Dyson has frequent “Official Dyson Sales” throughout the year, often at 20% to 40% off.
  • Reconditioned models – Dyson also has an active business selling reconditioned models at even bigger discounts. Dyson runs its factory refurbished models through full function tests and each model comes with a Dyson warranty.
  • Model adjustments – You can also find fabulous deals on Dyson products where the company carries on older models even after new generations have started. So, if you're considering the latest Dyson cordless stick vacuum, but it is a few hundred dollars more than you want to spend, look back on a generation or two. New Dyson models often have more powerful engines and other special features, but any of the last two or maybe even three generations may be perfect for your needs.
  • Mystery deals – This savings factor is likely due to the inventory adjustment, but we don't know for sure. However, there are times when Dyson dives into models of the previous generation and defies the price differences of the original model. For example, we've seen previous Dyson Absolute V-series models sold at major retailers and even on the Dyson website for the same or less than the same-generation V-series Animal or Motorhead models. You can sometimes get a better-equipped model for the same or a lower price.
  • When the stars align in your favor – Even if all four of the money-saving factors apply, which is rare, the best deal on a Dyson is still more than you need to spend on a simple vacuum cleaner. However, if you want the quality and brand name from Dyson, buying a higher-level, factory-refurbished Dyson V-series stick vacuum cleaner for less than a lower-level version of the same generation is a perfect deal.

Looking for more must-haves? Visit our curated Deals Hub for Roomba deals, vacuum deals, and other great smart home deals.

We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and we carefully and independently choose what we cover. The prices, details and availability of the products and offers in this post are subject to change at any time. Make sure they are still valid before making a purchase.

Digital Trends can earn commissions on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers.

Editor's recommendations




06 Oct
Blog

Can I Train With A Herniated Disc?

Short answer? Yes.

Before you rush into the weight room, we need to take a step back.

Even if you are still exercising, exercising, and are generally able to move around with a herniated or bulging disc, There are a few precautions and steps you need to take to keep the Owie from kicking your butt hard.

First of all, you need to understand your injury. Know your enemy and all that.

What is a herniated disc?

Your spine is made up of small sections of bone called vertebrae. There is a disc between each of these bones.

Lower back pain, lower back injuries, lower back injuries, lumbar spine pain, lumbar spine injuries

These guys are there for three reasons.

  1. Shock absorption
  2. protection
  3. Allow movement

Oh, and to make you angry when you try to lift something way too heavy for yourself.

A disc bulge or a herniated disc occurs when one of these fluid-filled discs is injured.

It can either stick out or burst, usually causing nerve constriction and severe pain.

On the other hand, most adults have disc bulges and no effects at all. In general, it's completely natural.

Many people receive MRIs and decide they're done when they have a herniated disc or bulging discs.

But if you've ever had a herniated disc, you know what kind of pain it can cause.

When I had three herniated discs, I couldn't move at all without a lot of pain. I mean, really couldn't move, and if you're in such pain this minute, I sympathize with you. I understand because it's a lot of fun.

At the end of the tunnel there is light

It may not seem like it, but there is.

You can come back just as badly from herniated discs if you take the right steps.

It's about getting the right support to rebuild your spine and convince your brain that it is safe and does not need to produce that pain action signal.

There are four main steps to getting you back into action.

1. Isometric exercises

  • Listen, if you've had a backsplosion (to TM by the way) you have to take a step back and scrape everything down to your training basics.
  • This means that by learning to re-tense your muscles again, you will learn to support your core and support your spine. They re-educate your brain, acknowledge that you know what you are doing, address the problem, and most importantly, restore your relationship with gravity.
  • By building isometric strength, you are giving your spine the support it needs to move safely and eventually take a load.
  • Proper support means less pressure on your discs.

2. Find moves and exercises that you can do

  • It sounds easy.
  • But that's not all. It would be best if you find exercises that you can do and repeat the ones you cannot.
  • For example, the second exercise in the video is the split-posture lunge. This exercise repeats the muscle activation of the squat and won't leave you crying when trying to get out of bed the next day.

3. Start again with the introduction of hinge movements

It would be best if you reinserted your trunk and spine in hinge movements.

Slowly!

Just the hinge at the hips can be too much for your spine to drop straight off. So you need to find a way to hinge, but keep in mind the initial weight and range of motion.

Next, you need to gradually increase the weight.

4. Create the control

It's best if you build control of your spine and the muscles that support it.

If you cannot control and support your spine, you will never fully recover from a herniated disc.

Try out the all-fours-spinal wave in the video to build the controls you need to move about well.

If you can't control the car you drive, you can't expect it to stay on the road, can you?

It makes perfect sense when it is landscaped, but sometimes it's difficult to see the forest for the trees.

06 Oct
Blog

The Best Peloton Exercise Bike Alternatives for 2020

If you work out at home, you can work out at home using smart bikes, ellipticals, and multifunction machines. Peloton is the hottest name in fitness technology today, but prices can be a drag. There are many exercise bikes and other alternative fitness options available from Peloton that are suitable for home use, from interactive treadmills to rowers. Some of the alternatives we found include a one-year subscription to iFit Virtual Home Fitness Workouts. Other computers are compatible with iFit, and you can purchase a membership for the service separately. Echelon training devices also offer fitness apps by subscription.

The best peloton alternatives

  • Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Cadence folding treadmill with a 30-day iFit trial membership – – $ 380, was $ 499
  • ProForm – SMART Power 10.0 exercise bike – – $ 899was $ 999
  • Bowflex C6 bike – – $ 999 with free shipping
  • Echelon Reflect 40 ″ – $ 1,040was $ 1,200
  • Echelon Smart Connect bike EX5 – $ 1,240was $ 1,500
  • ProForm Carbon E7 Elliptical Trainer – Black – – $ 1,399was $ 1,999
  • NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle with 1 year iFit membership – – $ 1,999$ 1,000 off

Bowflex C6 bike – $ 999

Bowflex C6 bike
With the Bowflex C6 Bike you can choose your training app. The C6 is compatible with the Peloton App, the Zwift App and the Explore the World App to follow virtual courses and trails that adapt to your speed. Access your training or coaching app of your choice via Bluetooth and precisely set the resistance with 100 micro-adjustable levels. The C6 has dual-link pedals with toe cages, two dumbbells, and a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate wrist monitor.

Buy now

ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer – $ 922 was $ 1,999

ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer
The HIIT Trainer Elliptical from textProForm includes a 30-day trial membership for iFit online workouts, classes and coaching. There are 24 resistance levels for ProForms High Impact Interval Training (HIIT) with the machine's stepper + elliptical movement. Articulated handlebars expand your training range. Steel construction with oversized leveling feet. To use the iFit content, you need a Wi-Fi connection and provide your own tablet.

Buy now

Echelon Reflect 40
You don't have to exercise in front of a mirror. Mount the Echelon Reflect 40 on a wall and complete a personal training with a Reflect membership. You'll also enjoy live classes, on-demand classes, and be able to compete with family and friends. The Reflect 40 weighs 26 pounds and measures 39 inches high x 20 inches wide x 2 inches thick. The HD display has a resolution of 1080p and a vertical refresh rate of 60 Hz for smooth videos. You don't have to buy the Reflect membership, which costs $ 39 per month (one month is included in the price of the device). You can also save by purchasing an annual Reflect membership with the device for $ 1,400 ($ 80 savings) or a two-year membership with the device for $ 1,600 ($ 360 savings). When you buy a Reflect 40, you also get a free Apple Watch.

Echelon EX5
The Echelon Smart Connect Bike EX5 is available now (other Echelon Smart Connect Bike models can only be pre-ordered) and has a competition seat, adjustable handlebars, clip and cage pedals as well as a 32-level magnetic resistance. The EX5 has a smart device holder for your phone or tablet that can be rotated 180 degrees. With an Echelon Connect membership ($ 39 monthly, one month included), you can work with 30+ top-notch coaches and take instructor-led classes ranging from kickboxing to Zumba to yoga and more. Save $ 80 when you buy the EX5 with an annual membership for $ 1,400 or save $ 360 when you buy an Echelon Smart Connect Bike EX5 with a two-year membership for $ 1,600.

Echelon EX5S
You have to wait until the end of June for the Echelon Smart Connect Bike EX5S to be delivered. However, pre-orders are now possible. The latest model in Echelon's Smart Connect Bike range, the EX5S, features a 21.5-inch HD touchscreen display, new anti-kick stabilizers on the frame and power connections on the front and rear. The top model costs $ 1,640 with a monthly Echelon Connect membership. You can save $ 80 if you order the EX5S with an annual membership for $ 2,000 or save $ 360 and buy the EX5S with a two-year membership for $ 2,200.

NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle – $ 1,999

The NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle, while not much cheaper than the Peloton, is probably the best option when it comes to comparable features – they're practically the same. The S22i has a screen that is almost the same size as the peloton. However, the ability for instructors to adjust your incline and resistance for you (you need to do this yourself with the peloton) makes it a better option if you want to focus more on your training. NordicTrack also includes a one-year membership in these workouts in the purchase price of the S22i, which is another benefit.

What is iFit?

iFit is an online fitness program with personalized virtual coaching, virtual studio courses and target training. iFit memberships are $ 15 per month for individuals and $ 33 per month for families of up to five people. You can use iFit workouts with a smartphone or tablet with any cardiovascular fitness machine. Still, many of the iFit-compatible exercise bikes can connect to iFit and automatically adjust settings such as resistance, speed and incline to vary the intensity of the exercise.

Icon Fitness and Health, the company that owns iFit, is also the parent company of NordicTrack, ProForm, Freemotion, Weider, Weslo, Gold & # 39; s Gym and others.

Other fitness equipment

While we've focused on high-tech fitness bikes here that are great peloton alternatives, an exercise bike is only part of your home gym. We recently searched the internet for great deals on other home gym essentials that you can check out below.

Good luck and to a fitter 2020!

We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and we carefully and independently choose what we cover. The prices, details and availability of the products and offers in this post are subject to change at any time. Make sure they are still valid before making a purchase.

Digital Trends can earn commissions on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers.

Editor's recommendations




05 Oct
Blog

Can I Train With A Herniated Disc?

Short answer? Yes.

Before you rush into the weight room, we need to take a step back.

Even if you are still exercising, exercising, and are generally able to move around with a herniated or bulging disc, There are a few precautions and steps you need to take to keep the Owie from kicking your butt hard.

First of all, you need to understand your injury. Know your enemy and all that.

What is a herniated disc?

Your spine is made up of small sections of bone called vertebrae. There is a disc between each of these bones.

Lower back pain, lower back injuries, lower back injuries, lumbar spine pain, lumbar spine injuries

These guys are there for three reasons.

  1. Shock absorption
  2. protection
  3. Allow movement

Oh, and to make you angry when you try to lift something way too heavy for yourself.

A disc bulge or a herniated disc occurs when one of these fluid-filled discs is injured.

It can either stick out or burst, usually causing nerve constriction and severe pain.

On the other hand, most adults have disc bulges and no effects at all. In general, it's completely natural.

Many people receive MRIs and decide they're done when they have a herniated disc or bulging discs.

But if you've ever had a herniated disc, you know what kind of pain it can cause.

When I had three herniated discs, I couldn't move at all without a lot of pain. I mean, really couldn't move, and if you're in such pain this minute, I sympathize with you. I understand because it's a lot of fun.

At the end of the tunnel there is light

It may not seem like it, but there is.

You can come back just as badly from herniated discs if you take the right steps.

It's about getting the right support to rebuild your spine and convince your brain that it is safe and does not need to produce that pain action signal.

There are four main steps to getting you back into action.

1. Isometric exercises

  • Listen, if you've had a backsplosion (to TM by the way) you have to take a step back and scrape everything down to your training basics.
  • This means that by learning to re-tense your muscles again, you will learn to support your core and support your spine. They re-educate your brain, acknowledge that you know what you are doing, address the problem, and most importantly, restore your relationship with gravity.
  • By building isometric strength, you are giving your spine the support it needs to move safely and eventually take a load.
  • Proper support means less pressure on your discs.

2. Find moves and exercises that you can do

  • It sounds easy.
  • But that's not all. It would be best if you find exercises that you can do and repeat the ones you cannot.
  • For example, the second exercise in the video is the split-posture lunge. This exercise repeats the muscle activation of the squat and won't leave you crying when trying to get out of bed the next day.

3. Start again with the introduction of hinge movements

It would be best if you reinserted your trunk and spine in hinge movements.

Slowly!

Just the hinge at the hips can be too much for your spine to drop straight off. So you need to find a way to hinge, but keep in mind the initial weight and range of motion.

Next, you need to gradually increase the weight.

4. Create the control

It's best if you build control of your spine and the muscles that support it.

If you cannot control and support your spine, you will never fully recover from a herniated disc.

Try out the all-fours-spinal wave in the video to build the controls you need to move about well.

If you can't control the car you drive, you can't expect it to stay on the road, can you?

It makes perfect sense when it is landscaped, but sometimes it's difficult to see the forest for the trees.

05 Oct
Blog

The Haunting of Bly Manor Review: Gothic Horror With A Heart

In 2018, The Haunting of Hill House became a hit in the Halloween season for Netflix with its intergenerational story of a family tormented by supernatural beings in a haunted house. The 10-episode series was so well received that Netflix announced a follow-up project a few months later. Now The Haunting of Bly Manor offers another modern reinterpretation of a classic Gothic horror story.

The Haunting of Bly Manor premieres on Netflix on October 9, and while it feels similar to Hill House in developing its story (and even sharing several cast members with its predecessor), Bly Manor still features plenty of strong horrors and narrative twists to keep you guessing while the story is wrapped up in a new set of themes.

Show creator and co-producer Mike Flanagan returns behind the camera for The Haunting of Bly Manor, which follows an American who agrees to look after the niece and nephew of a British businessman on the family estate. Hill House actress Victoria Pedretti portrays Dani Clayton, the young governess whose experience in the family's seemingly idyllic summer home takes a terrible turn when the children act strange and supernatural beings make their presence known.

Back to the past

While The Haunting of Bly Manor is thematically different from Hill House, much of the series' story structure and framework will feel familiar for better or for worse to fans of the latter.

Flanagan has an affinity for playing with schedules and using flashbacks to make audiences unsure how key events in each character's story and the overarching story relate. This narrative technique was well used in The Haunting of Hill House, which produced many of its greatest revelations from the sudden convergence of the characters' individual storylines. This trend continues with Bly Manor, which similarly devotes large chunks of its story – in some cases entire episodes – to a character's story and perspective on events to date, and then brings that narrative detour back into the primary story arc for a revelatory aha Moment.

Resorting to this storytelling device isn't necessarily a negative for Bly Manor, as anyone familiar with Flanagan's previous work – Hill House in particular – will enter the series with a level of convenience that will allow you to spend more time on it Struggling to capture what's happening on the screen to make sense of it.

The Haunting of Bly Manor's narrative structure isn't the only element it shares with Hill House, either. One of the aspects of Hill House that gave it a hefty helping of second-viewing appeal was Flanagan's talent for adding subtle elements to scenes that anticipate future events or simply reward eagle-eyed viewers. Hill House's popularity led to countless articles about the unique ghosts that showed up in certain scenes but likely went unnoticed, and Bly Manor continues to test your attention to what is going on in the background of each scene.

These traits – along with the presence of several Hill House cast members – make Bly Manor seem a bit too familiar at times, but luckily the impressive cast performances and some significant thematic differences set the new series apart from its predecessor.

Horror with a heart

Pedretti is especially entertaining as the former school teacher who arrives at the mansion with her own serious baggage to find herself in the middle of a far more sinister ordeal. The arc of her character makes her waver between moments of heartbreaking helplessness and inspiring strength, and she makes both extremes seem equally plausible in her portrayal of a woman struggling to feel comfortable in her own skin.

T & # 39; Nia Miller and Rahul Kohli also deliver unforgettable performances as longstanding housekeepers and cooks on the property, respectively. Both actors delve deep into their characters, transforming roles that might have been readily available in the story into all-too-human characters to invest in increasingly as the terrifying story progresses.

Young actors Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Amelie Smith appear well beyond their years as siblings Miles and Flora Wingrave, portraying their characters with just enough nuance to keep the secret of their experiences high throughout the series.

Aside from commendable performances, it's the themes of the story that ultimately set Bly Manor apart from Hill House the most.

Sentimental fear

While The Haunting of Hill House used the genre of Gothic horror to investigate how addiction, trauma, and abuse can drive wedges into a family and curl outward for generations, The Haunting of Bly Manor is at its core a story about that Power of love and memory to overcome our mortal life.

The famous (or perhaps infamous) Hill House had an audience that alternated between screaming and crying with its surprisingly resonant emotional depth, and Bly Manor does a similar feat. The individual love stories at the core of each character's arc at Bly Manor are authentic and powerful, making the entire series feel more surprising than bleak. It is not an easy feeling to make your way into a Gothic horror story, and it is thanks to Flanagan's vision for the series and its talented cast that Bly Manor can hit that tricky tone so well.

Gothic horror has always been about more than just fear, and with both The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor, Flanagan has proven that he is not only aware of that fact, but himself with all of them Nuances and potentials of the genre offers. In this way, he has also brought the works of writers Shirley Jackson and Henry James back to the public – another laudable achievement – and again reminded us that the horror genre is truly timeless.

All nine episodes of The Haunting of Bly Manor premiere on October 9th on Netflix.

Editor's recommendations




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