06 May
Blog

Different Types of Helpful Meditation Cushion

When it comes to successful meditation, the body needs to be relaxed. Hence, meditation pillows are necessary for anyone who regularly practices meditation techniques. An enormously helpful meditation pillow can help the body to be relaxed and comfortable and to make the meditation experience successful. Know and choose from the different types of meditation pillows available in the market.

Zabuton:

A round zafu pillow is traditionally placed over a zabuton so that practitioners can sit on the round zafu with their knees falling on the soft square zabuton. If you don't have the space or budget for two pillows, you can only buy Zabuton. Zabutons are large and have an integrated knee support compared to the other pillows.

Your knees can easily rest on the padded surface when you are in a lotus, comfortable seat, or cross-legged position. However, your knees must be resting on a blanket, mat, or floor when choosing other options.

A hidden advantage of Zabuton is that it can also act as a yoga cushion. You'll need to fold the helpful meditation cushion in half and use the built-in strap to secure it properly. It can be used as a pad under the knees for practicing Shavasana at home or as a temporary pad for practicing yoga.

Zafu:

Placing a zafu on top of a zabuton can add adequate height to your pelvis and provide adequate cushioning for your knees. You can also use Zafu on its own as a helpful meditation cushion. Fold it in half for more cushioning. Or, put a blanket or something similarly supportive so that your knees can easily rest on it. You'll love it when your spine gets 6 ½ inches of elevation this way. Again, it would be helpful if you sat on the front half of the zafu for effective spine alignment, rather than in the middle.

Zafus are also available as temporary pillows that can be used in any situation, be it watching TV on the sofa or stretching on the floor at home.

V-shaped yoga pillow:

This type of helpful meditation pillow, as the name suggests, is in the shape of the English alphabet "V". It can support the pelvis and thighs, which makes it ideal for anyone with knee or back problems, and is already flexible when sitting cross-legged on the floor looking for more comfort.

If you have a low, rounded back and your knees are raised 6 inches or more on the floor, the pillow's thigh support won't be particularly useful for you. Like the zabuton, it's useful for anyone who is comfortably seated on the floor and just looking for more padding and support.

This is also an extremely helpful meditation pillow as it is small enough and can be placed over a chair. You can sit cross-legged on this pillow while working at your desk.

Zen Yoga Pillow:

This is a rectangular pillow and extends a 6 ½ inch slope – like the zafu. But it feels higher because of the shape and fullness. Such a type of pillow will allow you to reach the maximum height. This makes it a helpful meditation pillow for anyone who has difficulty sitting on the floor, has tight hip problems, or has "really stiff" hips.

Due to the rectangular shape, the stability is higher. Taller practitioners can get more stability, size, and support with the Zen Yoga Cushion. Use the zabuton with the Zen yoga pillow for a more chic arrangement and extra knee support.

Related article: Morning meditation

06 May
Blog

Hisense U8G 4K ULED HDR TV Review

Hisense U8G 4K ULED HDR TV

Hisense U8G Series 65 "4K ULED TV

"The U8G is Hisense's most impressive television to date."

  • Incredible brightness

  • Excellent black levels

  • Vibrant, bright colors

  • Good exercise

  • Excellent for playing

  • good sound

  • Bad off-angle picture

  • Color problem with low luminance

As a replacement for the popular Hisense H9G from 2020, the new Hisense U8G 4K ULED HDR TV has a lot to offer. The two TVs look very similar, but it depends on what is inside. The H9G was praised as being particularly bright, while maintaining impressive black levels, resulting in high-contrast image quality.

Will we see some improvements and performance improvements with this new model? I hope so, because the U8G costs significantly more than its predecessor. For example. The 65-inch H9G I tested in August 2020 was $ 950 while the 65-inch U8G I tested here is $ 1,300.

In this review, I'll look at peak brightness measurements, take a look at backlight behavior, assess black levels, examine color accuracy and image quality adjustments, and see if it all adds up to make a TV want to buy.

Video review

Jump to: What is ULED? Out of the box | Setup | Connections | Picture settings | Calibration | Processing | Image quality | Sound | Play | Our opinion

What is ULED?

Let's start with the ULED nickname as I think this might be confusing for some people. To be clear, this is a quantum dot TV, so it might as well be called a QLED TV. Hisense only has its own branding, so this TV is comparable to other QLED LED-backlit TVs on the market.

Out of the box

Riley Young / Digital Trends

The Hisense U8G is effectively packaged and should be well protected for transport. There's not much in the box – you get the TV, two legs, screws for the legs, a slightly redesigned remote control, batteries and a composite video cable, and product literature.

Hooking up the TV legs is a breeze, and I really appreciate the central stand that allows larger screen-sized models to fit onto a wider range of stands.

Hisense U8G 4K ULED HDR TV stamdRiley Young / Digital Trends

Hisense U8G 4K ULED HDR TV side viewRiley Young / Digital Trends

The TV has very thin bezels, except for the lower edge, which is finished with a brushed metal strip. The TV doesn't have a particularly thin profile, so it may not look as elegant on the wall as more expensive competing models.

Hisense U8G 4K ULED HDR details

While we tested the 65-inch model 65U8G, our test also applies to the 55-inch model.

Screen size Model no RRP
55 inches

55U8G

 $ 899.99
65 inches 65U8G $ 1,149.99

Set up

Riley Young / Digital Trends

The Hisense U8G runs Android TV as the operating system and not the newer Google TV. I reached out to Hisense to find out if the U8G might get an upgrade to Google TV in the future and will update this review as soon as I hear anything. However, I suspect it will stick with Android TV.

As an Android TV, setting up access to apps requires a lot of user IDs and passwords – there's no getting around that. However, if you sign in with your Google account, you will automatically be signed in to your YouTube account as well.

Hisense U8G 4K ULED HDR TV remote controlRiley Young / Digital Trends

Speaking of Google: The U8G is equipped with a microphone in the remote control and another in the television for calling up the Google assistant. Make sure to choose the setting that allows the Google Assistant to hands-free use the TV's microphone the way you want. It's easy to miss when you tend to click through the setup options quickly.

links

Hisense U8G 4K ULED HDR TV HDMI connectionsRiley Young / Digital Trends

The Hisense U8G has two HDMI 2.1 inputs on the HDMI 3 and 4 inputs. You will find that each is labeled for 4K 120 Hz. It's also worth noting that HDMI 3 is also the eARC connector. So if you plan to use eARC to return sound to a soundbar or A / V receiver, you'll need to use HDMI 4 for your Xbox Series X / S, PlayStation, 5 or HDMI 2.1 equipped gaming PC.

It's also important to browse the picture settings menu, find the HDMI format, and select the "Advanced" option to unlock advanced features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), 4K 120 Hz, and automatic device detection.

Picture settings

Riley Young / Digital Trends

The out-of-the-box picture settings I chose (and would recommend to U8G owners) were Theater Day for SDR content, HDR Theater for HDR10 content, and Dolby Vision Dark for Dolby Vision content. Theater Night and Dolby Vision Day are good alternatives depending on the viewing environment. For my calibration and measurement, however, these options made the most sense.

From there, I turned off motion smoothing and made sure the device's local dimming feature was set to high. I left most of the other settings at their defaults as they were set correctly for the image presets I selected.

Calibration and measurements

Hisense U8G 4K ULED HDR TV screen close-upRiley Young / Digital Trends

As part of my calibrations and adjustments, for which I use the Calman software and a SpectraCal C6 colorimeter profiled on an X-Rite i1Pro meter, I set the two-point white balance of a TV. This ensures that the TV uses the optimal mix of red, blue and green primary colors for better color accuracy.

With the H9G, I ran into an issue where I couldn't adjust the SDR and HDR white balance separately. Whether this was a specific issue for this TV or Hisense made a change, this issue no longer exists. I was able to set each of them separately for more accurate readings.

After making these settings, I measured the TV's grayscale and peak brightness and ran a series of color tests.

In SDR, I measured a little over 700 nits of peak brightness, which is pretty intense! When switching to HDR, I got a little more than 1900 nits after adjustments – it was closer to 2,100 before I shifted the white balance. That's pretty incredible, and contrasts the HDR brightness of this TV with the Samsung QN90A, which is a much more expensive TV.

Light colors look amazing.

These brightness numbers are great, but you'll also want to see solid black levels. The good news is that the U8G's black levels are just as impressive as the H9G's, meaning that when the TV is viewed straight on the axis there is minimal bloom or halo. However, once you step aside, those dark colors are lost and the TV's backlight usually shows up. Black turns milky and there are some color shifts too.

As for the color, it's kind of a mixed bag. Light colors look amazing. I found them well saturated, but not oversaturated, very rich and with an impressive range of colors. However, low luminance colors seem to have problems. Objectively, I could tell from the measurements – the darker the color, the more the color missed its target.

You don't often notice this when viewing real content, but there have been times when the image appeared to have some dark, blotchy areas, which at first appeared to be the result of an issue with panel uniformity, but upon closer inspection it actually did to do the performance of the backlight. Again, I haven't seen this often, but it did come up a few times with some of the content I saw. Most of the time I saw the effect when I saw an image slowly fade in – from dark to light. This resulted in a color streak effect that was never present in lighter images. Something to consider.

Otherwise, the backlight on the U8G was very quick to respond – the TV has no problem with delaying dimming or lightening the backlight as I've seen on some other TVs this year. So when something goes black it can go black very quickly, and when an object lights up it lights up instantly.

Processing

The level of detail on this TV is also very impressive. The U8G has fine details with minimal artifacts and passes most of our stress tests with ease. Very rarely do I see the moire effect or the screen door effect on this television. Plus, this particular example has a pretty neat LCD panel. I didn't see any spots or even a lot of vignetting in the corners. It looks great for golf and hockey where you get a lot of green or white and it's easy to see a dirty screen effect.

Movement is impressive on the U8G too. It has great response time and is also very bright, so you will see a jerk when slowly panning images. This can be ironed out with a minimum of motion smoothing, but that can create a soap opera effect that cinephiles like me don't like. Overall, however, the U8G offered surprisingly solid movement performance.

I think my only real complaint about this TV would be part of the macro blocking I saw while watching shallow bit depth content from highly compressed video. I want the TV to clean that up a little better. There have been moments when I saw YouTube and saw a lot of macroblocking (big squares of color) in darker areas. Fortunately, higher quality content doesn't suffer as a result. This is how your Netflix, Disney +, HBO Max, Blu-ray Discs, and PC / console games all look great.

Image quality to take away

Hisense U8G 4K ULED HDR TVRiley Young / Digital Trends

Aside from all of the objective measurements and analysis and just sitting back and watching TV, I could tell that it was difficult not to be impressed with the U8G – when you are sitting right in front of it. This TV is a real blender. The extremely high contrast that the U8G offers is somewhat reminiscent of OLED TVs, and you get that contrast no matter how much light there is in the room because of its exceptional full-screen brightness.

HDR images on this TV look great and luckily there is a lot of HDR and Dolby Vision content out there for you to enjoy these days. The TV looks solid for SDR too, but I'd only say if you are looking at it in a dark room you might want to dim the backlighting a bit as the TV can look almost too bright in general.

sound

Surprisingly, the U8G sounds very good! It has a respectable amount of bass, the dialogue is always very clear, and the highs aren't too harsh, although they sparkle and offer a good amount of high-end detail. Definitely a bonus!

Play

This TV is great for gaming. It has very little input lag in game mode, the HDR images are jumping off the screen, the shadow details are great for first person shooters, and the movement looks solid. The U8G supports VRR and beats up to 120 frames per second thanks to a native 120 Hz panel and HDMI 2.1 inputs. You only get two HDMI 2.1 ports, but that's exactly what we see from almost all manufacturers except LG. So all in all, this TV is great for gamers.

Our opinion

I think it's safe to say that the Hisense U8G is definitely a high-flyer. It improves the H9G in the most meaningful way. The price of this TV tier has increased a bit, but you get performance for the premium you pay. I think the value is very high given the U8G's performance. I look forward to making some comparisons in the months to come as this TV currently looks like it's going to be very hard to beat for the price.

Is there a better alternative?

The Hisense U8G is currently in a class of its own. The closest comparison would be the Vizio P-Series Quantum, which is hard to come by at the time of this review's writing. The TCL 6 series is comparably inexpensive, but this is an aging model and has yet to be replaced. It doesn't get nearly as bright as the U8G. Given the U8G's performance specs, which go well with a premium TV like the Samsung QN90A, it's impossible not to see its incredible value.

How long it will take?

Given the U8G's support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HDMI 2.1, this should continue in the future.

warranty

Hisense provides a one-year parts and labor warranty on its televisions. More information about the Hisense warranty program can be found here.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you're looking for an affordable TV with very good performance, the Hisense U8G has few peers.

Editor's recommendations




06 May
Blog

Resident Evil Village Review: An Eclectic Retrospective

Resident Evil Village rating viallage close-up

"Resident Evil Village brings together the best and worst parts of the franchise into one diverse, if uneven, experience."

  • Creative worldbuilding

  • Memorable set pieces

  • Reward for exploration

  • Compactly designed village

  • Uneven structure

  • Weak action

  • There is no tension

If Resident Evil 7 was a return to form for the game's most iconic horror franchise, Resident Evil Village is a full blown identity crisis. The new part is not satisfied with simply repeating the success of its predecessor, but packs 25 years of history in eight hours. It's not the best Resident Evil game, but it could be the Resident Evil game.

That's both good and bad news for fans of the changing franchise. Everything that players loved about classics like the original game and Resident Evil 4 is in the DNA of the new game. This also applies in the opposite direction, as Capcom put together a big, bold franchise retrospective that doesn't cover up the warts.

Resident Evil Village works best when it features atmospheric exploration that cleverly extends the roots of the franchise puzzle box. As an action-packed first person shooter, it's less fun. This style battle represents the entire series in a nutshell.

A horror anthology

Resident Evil Village picks up three years after the events of the 7th Charisma Black Hole. Ethan Winters settled in Louisiana with his wife Mia and baby Rosemary after the entire incident. His home paradise crumbles when Chris Redfield makes a shocking appearance. Ethan is looking for his family in a creepy European village infested with lycans, vampires and more (oh my god!).

Like many elements of the game, the story is a little ubiquitous. It offers some excellent horrors early on as Ethan is overwhelmed by vicious werewolves that make the old zombies of the franchise look cute. The tone quickly gets duller when the game introduces its colorful characters. Structurally, it is a horror film anthology in which each character overwrites their own monster film.

Sometimes that flow really works. The Lady Dimitrescu ("the great vampire") section of the game plays out like a mini version of Resident Evil 2, in which players sneak around a large castle, solve puzzles and run away from vampires who persist in the halls . It is a self-contained B-film that summarizes a lot of fascinating world buildings in a short two-hour route.

One particular section that I'm not going to spoil features both the best horror and puzzle work the series has ever done in the same breath. The focused brevity only makes it so much stronger.

It's a happy exploration of genre stereotypes that can spread its grotesque wings and play with something other than zombies.

Other vignettes are not as successful. A later section calls up horror action films from the 1990s such as Lake Placid and manifests itself primarily as a car chase, in which suspense is traded for simple platform puzzles. Slide a box, push some buttons, and avoid obvious death traps with scripts. Ironically, the more action-horror-themed the less exciting actually playing it is.

While some ideas fit the game mechanics better than others, it's nice to see the series' horror nerd roots fully displayed here. It's a happy exploration of genre stereotypes that can spread its grotesque wings and play with something other than zombies.

I'm on my way downtown

Resident Evil Village may look like a dawn for the series on its surface, but most of its new features are a clever iteration of the franchise's design staples. This is most evident in the game's title village. It's more open than a normal Resident Evil mansion, but works the same way quietly. The village is a large puzzle box that players slowly unlock over time.

Some of the game's best moments simply come from atmospheric exploration sections. There are so many little rewards hidden in different corners of the map. It's not a sprawling open world, but that's why it works. It's a compactly designed village that is worth exploring every little hut.

In a game full of iconic characters, the village itself is the real star of the show.

Every new feature serves the village. A last-of-us style crafting system acts as a clever advancement of the item combination and provides other reasons to clean up. There is a traveling vendor (an intentional reference to Resident Evil 4) who sells weapon upgrades and ammunition for looted valuables. There are even a handful of small side quests that encourage a thorough clean up while also telling some micro-stories that explore the history of the decaying city.

Resident Evil Village

Some ideas feel like light experiments auditioning for a full role later. Take the new cooking system that rewards players with health boosts as they hunt animals hidden all over town. With just a tiny handful of recipes, Capcom just seems to be testing the water for a sequel. In general, Village plays out like an anniversary poll designed to help the studio figure out where to go next.

It's not the best version of what it could be, but every little bit helps create a Resident Evil game that highlights the strengths of previous locations. In a game full of iconic characters, the village itself is the real star of the show. Sorry, Lady D fans.

Power struggle

Almost every beloved Resident Evil release has the same problem. While they generally start out as terrifying horror games that take the player out of power, they inevitably conclude with an inferior action set piece. Village commits that sin again, but it's more frustrating than ever. The back third of the game suddenly turns into a boring corridor shooter that gets to the heart of the most self-serious melodrama (I have to stress this: Ethan Winters might be the most boring hero in any video game).

Resident Evil Village

The guns don't feel built for quick shootouts with dozens of enemies. They are slow, almost archaic. This works in horror sequences where players have difficulty firing shots on a rapidly approaching Lycan. It is less fun to shoot away waves of enemies with bullet sponge later in the game. The same panic-inducing mechanics are used to fuel an action-power fantasy. It just doesn't mesh.

This is evident in the game's bonus mercenary mode, where players kill a certain number of monsters in a short amount of time. Slow movements and sluggish shots just make the mode look like it's running at half speed, like Ethan shooting while sinking into quicksand.

With every dramatic blow that has no lasting impact on the story, any sense of danger is lost early.

This conflict is an ongoing theme throughout the game. Players should feel powerless and powerful at the same time. These ideas collide and weaken both ends of the spectrum. Throughout the story, we see really terrible things happen to his characters that are quickly dismissed as "just a flesh wound". As soon as the feeling feels that an injury can be healed with magical healing potions, all efforts and tensions go out the window. Body horror turns into slapstick comedy.

It feels like certain scenes are just there for the sheer shock value – and that effect quickly wears off. With every dramatic blow that has no lasting impact on the story, any sense of danger is lost early. The fact that players can simply jump into a menu and craft ammunition during combat also helps. Despite all the gore, nothing really bad ever happens. With no consequences, risks or stakes, I played through the entire back half of the game with stony faces, without anything having led me astray. That's the kind of lukewarm reaction horror films fear.

Is Resident Evil a series about puny people who barely survive terrible situations? Or is it about pseudo-superheroes triumphantly shooting down mutants? Resident Evil Village is idling at this intersection instead of choosing a path.

Our opinion

Resident Evil Village is an uneven collection of horror movie send-ups. Sometimes it offers a really exciting vision of the future of the series with imaginative world building and rewarding exploration. In other cases, it is an ordinary shooter struggling to get real bets or tension. These two tones are often at odds with each other, highlighting all of the franchise's best and worst instincts in one eclectic package. Chalk it up to a quarterly crisis.

Is there a better alternative?

Many previous Resident Evil games do what Village does, but in a more focused way. Try 2 for exploration, 3 for action, or 7 for horror.

How long it will take?

The story lasts around eight to ten hours, though there's a huge incentive to replay it to unlock new weapons and art. The mercenary mode also provides additional game time.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's a real question. This is still a fascinating entry in the legendary series, even if it is unsuccessful at times. But those who haven't shopped should steer clear, regardless of how much they want to meet Lady Dimitrescu.

Editor's recommendations




06 May
Blog

Trifo Lucy Robot Vacuum: Prioritizes Security Over Cleaning

Trifo Lucy Robot Vacuum on hard wood

Trifo robot vacuum cleaner

"The Trifo Lucy can keep an eye on your home, but it may not do a good job cleaning it."

  • Useful surveillance camera function

  • Good at avoiding most obstacles and clutter

  • Terrible mopping implementation

  • Not efficient at cleaning

  • Jerky navigation in tight spaces / edges

Trifo's Lucy robotic vacuum first caught my interest during CES 2020 and was one of the first robotic vacuums ready to take the category in a new direction. What sets it apart from the crowded field is its ability to see its surroundings with an embedded camera right in front of the bot – with the promise of avoiding trippy wires, challenging furniture corners, and the dreaded droppings on the floor.

In addition to avoiding obstacles, the camera is designed to provide peace and quiet when you are not there as it doubles as a surveillance camera. Hence, it will pay attention to your every move and notify you if something is wrong. While we've seen other interpretations over the past year, I'm curious to see if it offers a more practical solution. However, it doesn't matter if it can't be cleaned well.

An example of the superiority of lidar

Read the specifications of the Trifo LucyIt seems like a promising bot that does double duty as a cleaning lady and babysitter. While Artificial Intelligence (AI), 1080p HDR video, Alexa integration, night vision, and 3D obstacle avoidance have a lot of technical jargon in them, I can't help but mention that all of these technologies don't distract my attention from the fact that this is it is not as efficient at cleaning.

Trifo Lucy Robot vacuum on hardwoodJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Sure, moving my hardwood floors up and down in open spaces isn't a problem, but tight spaces and narrow hallways are a challenge despite all the technology on board. The most obvious thing is that it does not use a lidar (light detection and ranging) sensor which is used by many medium to long range robotic vacuum cleaners these days. Instead, the Trifo Lucy's navigation depends on a combination of the front-facing 1080p camera, the cliff sensors below, and the depth sensors.

The performance is a clear example of why lidar-based vacuums are so effective. While it does a good job of avoiding clutter, including loading cables on the floor that still plague many bots, it's puzzling to see jerky movements when trying to hug walls to get in a straight line clean. To make matters worse, this is a tight-knit navigational battle – it just moves in random directions. However, it avoided the false poop I put on the floor. At least you know it is smart enough to avoid it!

Maintenance is a must

The cleaning performance is average at best. It's nowhere near the most efficient or proficient at vacuuming. First, it is not so good with carpets, despite the suction force of 3,000 Pa. This is mainly due to the bristle brush on the underside, which catches tufts of hair in the process. While superficial debris is picked up, carpets never feel that deeply clean. Meanwhile, the side sweeping brush also suffers from tangled hair – frequent grooming is required to keep it in tip-top shape.

Trifo Lucy Robot vacuum floorJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Fortunately, it works better on hard floors because the side sweeping brush doesn't turn too fast – so dirt and debris aren't flung in all directions when sweeping. Surprisingly, the Trifo Lucy's wheels can easily handle bumps and partitions, but I still had to rescue them so they wouldn't get stuck under a bedside table.

With the Trifo app, I appreciate the way a map of my apartment is displayed along with icons that indicate obstacles it encountered while cleaning. However, I would have loved to see an accompanying photo of these obstacles – similar to the Roborock S6 MaxV. Finally, it took Lucy three separate cleaning sessions to create a correct map layout of my apartment that could later be used to set up restricted areas that act as a virtual barrier.

All in all, it's an average performer who may take a few passes before you can be sure it's clean.

Don't worry about wiping

Yes, there is a wipe function on the Trifo Lucy, but it's a ridiculous implementation. This is due to the small water compartment and the disposable pads that you have to use. Because of the holder for the pads, it never seems like the pad is touching the floor when wiping. In addition, there is no way to adjust the water flow on the pad. Rather, it is simply based on gravity.

Security guard when you are not home

If there is any salvation grace for the Trifo Lucy, it has to be its safety function. This is basic for sure, especially considering that the camera detects all movement – regardless of what it is – and doesn't classify it in the app.

The cleaning performance is average at best.

Unlike other robotic vacuum cleaners, you need to be more careful with the placement of the charging station. This is because it can sense movement while it is charging in the base, even in the dark as it has night vision. If you have placed the base so that the robot can see the front door, it can therefore detect anyone who comes in.

Trifo Lucy Robot vacuum camera close-upJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

You can view all recordings through the app. What is missing, however, is two-factor authentication to really reassure home privacy. I hope this will be available in the future. Another missing feature I'd like to see is an option for some sort of patrol mode where the Trifo Lucy can patrol a given path. It's a decent secondary feature that's actually handy, but it's still difficult to overlook the other shortcomings.

Our opinion

I had high expectations for $ 500 Trifo Lucy. In the year since it was introduced at CES 2020, we've seen several other robotic vacuums showing us the next evolution in robotic vacuums. Unfortunately for Lucy, the inability to clean efficiently makes it a difficult consideration when you have other bots doing better – while also providing that security camera functionality. Ultimately, the success of a robotic vacuum cleaner depends primarily on its cleaning performance. I cannot say with complete confidence that the Trifo Lucy is capable of this.

How long it will take?

Frequent maintenance is essential here as the brushes can easily get tangled. Cleaning the sensors and cameras also helps. There is a one-year limited warranty on parts only.

Is there a better alternative?

You'll need more than $ 700 for that Roborock S6 MaxV, but it is very similar to the Trifo Lucy in that it is a 2-in-1 vacuum combination that wipes, offers lidar-based navigation, and an A.I.-assisted camera for superior obstacle avoidance. And oh yes, its vacuuming and mopping performance is superior in every way.

Should you buy it?

No, although the security camera feature is a tempting package. If it can't clean well, its purpose of being a robotic vacuum is pointless.

Editor's recommendations




05 May
Blog

Mobvoi TicWatch GTH Review: Not a Watch You’ll Want to Wear

mobvoi ticwatch gth review

“The derived design and poorly executed software of the Mobvoi TicWatch GTH make it impossible to recommend, even though it's cheap. It's hard to believe that it comes from the same company as the excellent TicWatch Pro 3. "

  • Comprehensive sensor array

  • Derivative design

  • Questionable tracking accuracy

  • Uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time

  • Outdated software

Have you been looking for a cheaper, slower, less accurate, and less attractive Apple Watch tee? Good news, because Mobvoi's TicWatch GTH is a perfect match for you. It costs only $ 80 and looks pretty similar to Apple's smartwatch, but that's where the similarities end. If for some reason you're not just buying one of the many very good fitness bands for less or one of the far better smartwatches for a bit more, let's talk about where the TicWatch GTH gets it all wrong in more detail.

design

What is there to say The TicWatch GTH outrageously copies the familiar shape of the Apple Watch. It is slightly smaller overall, has a 10 mm thick case and is only available in matt black. The crown is in the same location as the digital crown on the Apple Watch, which even Oppo avoided on the Apple Watch-like Oppo Watch, but here it's a simple button. The 20 mm wristband is made of TPU and is attached with quick release pins. The case is apparently made of metal, but feels great like plastic.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's not very comfortable to wear. I noticed that the plastic wrap will soon get hot and itchy even if I don't do any exercise. The strap slips around my wrist unless it's pulled tight enough that I cut off circulation and the holder refuses to stay in place, meaning the end of the strap folds around underneath your cuff. It couldn't be better if the 1.55-inch screen lights up with 360 x 320 pixels, as this exposes the massive bezel around it.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Positive? The glass above the screen has a pleasing 2.5D curve that makes it easy to wipe, and the case is swim-proof with a water resistance of 5 ATM. It really is. What bothers me most about the TicWatch GTH isn't that it's a cheap imitation of the Apple Watch or that it's not very nice to wear. It's a more expensive version of the humble Willful smart watch I recently tried. It costs $ 36 on Amazon, but it's no better in terms of design and convenience. In some ways, it's even worse.

Health surveillance

The TicWatch GTH is filled with sensors – its only real redemption function – at least when taken at face value. They monitor your heart rate, blood oxygen levels and, unusually, skin temperature. The skin temperature monitor is definitely something we don't see often in wearables. It is either activated in the TicHealth suite of apps on the watch or can be automatically monitored along with heart rate and blood oxygen throughout the day.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The question is, why should you need to know your skin temperature? The temperature of the body's largest organ is different from your internal temperature, which tells you about a fever when measured with a thermometer. Although skin temperature can indicate changes in temperature, it may be due to environmental and nutritional reasons. It combines SpO2 blood oxygen values ​​and respiratory rates as health data that was provided on the TicWatch GTH but was not adequately explained by Mobvoi.

If you want to fill the watch with sensors and rate it crucially for each Mobvoi, please try to explain why we need to know all of this. A map displayed on the watch gathers all the sensor data ready to inform or worry you depending on how you view that type of information, and a vaguely descriptive phrase about the function itself doesn't count. I couldn't test the accuracy of the skin temperature monitor, but it never alerted me that I was either too hot or too cold. So I'm assuming that I'm fine and that it is functioning normally. The heart rate monitor and the blood oxygen sensor gave almost identical results as the Apple Watch Series 6.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The workout is recorded on the watch and there are a variety of options including running, swimming, yoga, and mountaineering. When compared with the Apple Watch during a 30-minute workout, the TicWatch GTH recorded a slightly lower heart rate throughout and in the final report, significantly fewer calories – around half – were burned. A software update may improve accuracy in the future, but right now the training data may not reflect how hard you are actually working. Since there is no GPS on board, this is not a tracker for serious athletes or athletes.

Another important note. Mobvoi has taken a step back from linking GTH sensors to COVID-19 detection, which was hinted at in the early press materials. On the product side, however, the company says it is working with Carnegie Mellon University on a system that will use the GTH's sensors to detect the disease at an early stage. Due to the accuracy of the training tracking and the lack of an explanation of how the sensors work now, I will not trust the GTH with my ongoing health in the near future.

software

You use the Mobvoi app to connect the watch to your phone. It also collects all of your exercise data and displays a dashboard with data taken from the watch's sensors. The watch uses Mobvoi's own software, which is reminiscent of the system of some early Amazfit wearables, as the menu is a vertically scrolling list and “maps” with information such as weather and training details are displayed to the left and right of the main screen.

mobvoi ticwatch gth review notificationsAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

mobvoi ticwatch gth review trainingAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

mobvoi ticwatch gth reviews menuAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

mobvoi ticwatch gth review activityAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

While the speed is reasonable, the software looks and feels outdated. A good example is changing the watch face, an action performed in the app because it takes an excruciating 2 minutes and 2 seconds to transfer and apply a new watch face to the watch. I know because I timed it. The first Amazfit smartwatches I used took a similarly long wait, but that has changed since then. Mobvoi is obviously happy to be completely behind the times.

Carrying and using the TicWatch GTH is often frustrating and not very rewarding

Notifications are accompanied by a weak vibrating alert and not all apps are supported. Outlook and Teams are missing from the list even though they are installed on my phone, for example. The information displayed varies from displaying most of the text to nothing outside of waiting for a message. You cannot interact with any notifications.

The watch does not have an ambient time display and you have to press the button to wake up the screen as there is no option to tap the screen. The raise-to-wake function works, but is very slow to respond. Although the screen has a decent pixel density, the quality of the text and images varies. Notifications look a lot more pixelated than other menus, so the operating system isn't done yet, for example.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The Bluetooth range is also quite short and the watch is often disconnected from my phone. The connection won't always reconnect without me going into the app and forcing it to do so. Carrying and using the TicWatch GTH is often frustrating and not very rewarding. This situation is not supported by software that feels out of date compared to the competition.

battery

The TicWatch GTH has a 260 mAh battery which, according to Mobvoi, lasts 10 days before it needs to be charged. This seems accurate, but one irritating flaw makes it difficult to judge battery life. The battery indicator on the watch constantly shows a full charge, while in the app it remains about three quarters full. Not helpful and doesn't include a percentage counter either. Hence, it is impossible to judge when to think about recharging until the battery is almost empty.

Price and availability

You can buy the TicWatch GTH now for $ 80 or $ 70. It is available directly from Mobvoi's own website or from Amazon.

Our opinion

The TicWatch GTH makes me angry. I like the addition of the temperature sensor above the heart rate and blood oxygen monitor. It may help us better assess our overall health, and it's great to see it in an affordable wearable. Except that its inclusion here is done so badly that the value has been lost.

Mobvoi does not adequately explain why we should use or trust these sensors or how best to interpret the results. After comparing the GTH to another smartwatch, there are concerns about accuracy in some areas. It doesn't instill much confidence or encourage me to wear the watch all the time. Not that I want to wear it all the time. The derivative design turns off instantly, the bezels on the screen make it look even cheaper than it actually is, and the strap is uncomfortable so I don't want to wear it overnight to keep track of sleep.

Almost no matter how much you're looking to spend, dozens of wearables are vying for your attention, and almost all of them are better buys than the TicWatch GTH. That it comes from the same company behind the TicWatch Pro 3 smartwatch, one of our top picks, is as confusing as it is frustrating.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes very much. If you're looking for a simple, reliable fitness tracker, the Honor Band 6 and Xiaomi Mi Band 6 cost less and offer better performance. The $ 60 Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 may be a bit old, but it's more comfortable and looks better. Happy to spend more? Make your choice from our list of the best fitness trackers.

If you want a smartwatch, we recommend spending a little more and getting the $ 130 Amazfit GTS 2e, which has a far more attractive design and better software. That's when you want to spend the minimum. If you own an iPhone, buy an Apple Watch – the Apple Watch SE is fine – and if you have an Android phone, Samsung's wearables are very good too. Samsung itself is currently only charging $ 180 for the Galaxy Watch Active 2, so there are deals available.

While the TicWatch GTH is cheap, the savings you get from purchasing it don't translate into a satisfying home ownership experience.

How long it will take?

Because of its water resistance and durable metal case, the TicWatch GTH should withstand harsh treatment, and the strap can be easily replaced if it breaks. The software needs to be fine-tuned now, but no updates have come in during my time with the watch. If you can decide to buy and live with the fact that the software may stay the same, it should remain technically relevant for a few years given the extensive array of sensors.

Should you buy one?

No. The design of the derivatives, concerns about accuracy, and frustrating software have put it way behind the competition regardless of cost.

Editor's recommendations




05 May
Blog

How to strengthen your legs to make them sturdy

You need to follow an exercise program regularly, or you are a beginner or you don't exercise at all. In all cases, a primary consideration should be a strong and better foundation. Muscular legs form a strong foundation for your exercise program or daily activities.

Muscle legs are considered to be the basis of training that improve athletic performance and keep the body fit. They improve the balance and strength of the bones for regular everyday activities. A good reason for leg muscle training is that it works almost the whole body.

Here's an excellent guide to muscular legs, and hey! It is not that hard. All you need is a start. Follow the guide for safer muscle leg exercises.

WALKING LUNGES

Services: It works the front muscles of the leg. It helps to achieve balance and stability.

How do you do lunges?

  1. Stand upright, casually.
  2. Take a long step forward while simultaneously bending the knee of another leg so that it almost touches the floor.
  3. With the pressure on the front leg, both legs come forward together.

Now follow the same thing with another leg.

Repetitions: 12-15

Sentences: 2

SQUATS

Services: It focuses on calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps. It also helps in strengthening the core and glutes.

How do squats?

  1. Stand up straight with your legs shoulder width apart and your feet forward.
  2. Bend your knees and slowly drop into a chair in a sitting position so that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your elbows lightly touch down to your knees.
  3. Stay there and hold for 3-4 seconds.
  4. Stand up while focusing and contracting your calves.

Repetitions: 12

Sentences: 3

Jumping squares

Services: It strengthens your calves, quads, and hamstrings. It strengthens both the core and the glutes.

How do you do jumping squats?

  1. Stand up straight with your legs shoulder-width apart.
  2. Take a long step forward while simultaneously bending the knee of another leg so that it almost touches the floor.
  3. Hold for a few seconds.
  4. Jump in the air and raise your arms
  5. Crouch down again. This is a repetition

Repetitions: 12

Sentences: 3

SPLIT SQUATS

Pros: It focuses on the calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps. It also helps in strengthening the core and glutes. It improves the balance of the body.

How do I do split squats?

  1. Stand with your back on a piece of a raised platform.
  2. Place your foot on the platform with the back of your shoes facing up.
  3. Bend your knee and go down until the other knee hits the floor.
  4. Hold there for a few seconds and come back.

Repetitions: 12 per side

Sentences: 2

PULSE SQUATS

Services: It focuses on full legs. It strengthens the core.

How do you make legumes?

  1. Stand up straight with your legs shoulder width apart and your feet forward.
  2. Bend your knees and slowly lower yourself in a chair sitting position so that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your elbows are lightly touching to your knees.
  3. Move your hips up and down a little for 10 seconds.
  4. Stand up while focusing and contracting your calves.

This is a repetition

Repetitions: 6-8

Sentences: 2

WEIGHTED SPLIT SQUATS

Pros: Pros: It focuses on the calves, hamstrings, and quadriceps. It also helps in strengthening the core and glutes. It improves the balance of the body.

How to do weighted split squats?

  1. Hold the dumbbells with both hands. Stand with your back to one piece of the raised platform.
  2. Place your foot on the platform with the back of your shoes facing up.
  3. Bend your knee and go down until the other knee hits the floor.
  4. Hold there for a few seconds and come back.

Repetitions: 12 per side

Sentences: 2

INCREASED CALF HEIGHTS

Services: It defines the calves and improves ankle strength.

How To Do Elevated Calf Raises?

  1. Come to the first step on the stairs.
  2. Just put your toes on the platform and lift your heels up.
  3. Lower as much as you can until you feel the stretch. Hello! Be careful not to stretch much more than you can take.

Repetitions: 12

Sentences: 2

Jumping lungs

Services: It works the whole leg. It helps to achieve balance and stability.

How do you do jumping lunges?

  1. Stand upright, casually.
  2. Take a long step forward while bending the knee of another leg so that it almost touches the floor and your arms are crossed on your chest.
  3. Jump to switch legs

Repetitions: 12

Sentences: 2

STEP UPS

Services: It works all the muscles in the leg and buttocks. It helps to achieve balance and stability.

How do I do step-ups?

  1. Take a platform. Climb with one leg up and the other nearby, but not on the platform.
  2. Stop there and balance.
  3. Switch legs after feeling the burn

Repetitions: 12 on each side

Sentences: 2

RUNNING OR CYCLING

Choose one of these to increase the efficiency of the other exercises. It strengthens muscles and improves cardiovascular fitness. Your benefits are endless.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Combine exercises that you want to include in your fitness program and off you go! All you need is the consistency to get muscular legs that you would be jealous of when others have.

05 May
Blog

Apple AirTag Review: Tracker Leverages Billions of Devices

Apple Airtag rating 1

"AirTags are a great way to keep track of your belongings as they take advantage of the vast ecosystem of Find My products developed by Apple."

  • Very easy to use

  • Uses a huge ecosystem

  • Replaceable battery

  • Precision tracking works great

  • Accessories are expensive

  • Some privacy concerns

Apple's Find My app has long been a great way to keep tabs on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. But what about your non-smart items? After years of rumors and leaks, AirTags are finally here to help you keep track of everything else you want to attach them to and bring everyday non-smart items to the connected world.

AirTags use some fancy technology to beat the competition in ways that only Apple can match. That said, Apple's Find My network is now available on every iPhone. This means that you can be informed of the location of your items in near real time, provided they are in a relatively well-populated area.

AirTags have a lot to offer. At first glance, they aren't overly expensive and are great to incorporate into Apple's walled garden. They're not perfect, but if you're a hardcore Apple user they get pretty close.

Design and furnishings

AirTags are small and portable, making them very easy to keep on a keychain or in a purse or wallet. In terms of base size, AirTags are 1.25 inches wide and 0.31 inches thick.

Of course, most of the time this won't be your actual size. This is because AirTags do not have a hole for a key fob. So if you want to keep an AirTag on your keys (or anything other than a sealed pouch), you'll need to purchase an accessory to hold the AirTag. Yes, accessories for your accessories.

It's a little frustrating that the key fob hole is missing. Sliding an AirTag onto a set of keys is perhaps the most obvious use for them, and while Apple wants to push AirTag accessories, it seems like a pretty basic feature that needs to be ignored.

AirTags look pretty good. They have white plastic on top and a silver back with the Apple logo. This back is perhaps surprisingly removable. Underneath is a button cell battery that you can replace yourself. It's a bit of an un-Apple step, but a very welcome one, though you don't have to remove the back more than once a year or so. And it's better than many other similar trackers that don't have a removable battery.

Apple's own AirTag holders are very nice, of course – although they are a bit pricey. I've used the AirTag leather keyring most of the time, the simplest offering that is $ 35. That's right, it's more than the $ 29 AirTag itself. Most people will go the more rational route – I found a pack of four similar holders on Amazon for $ 25. While I can't speak to the quality of these, let's face it, they're probably fine. Apple's accessories are of course very high quality – you just have to pay a lot for them.

As you'd expect from an Apple product, setting up an AirTag is easy. In this case, of course, you will need an iPhone with iOS 14.5 or higher. Simply unpack the device, pull out the plastic battery label, and place the device next to your iPhone. It should appear like a new pair of AirPods. Then you can connect it to your Apple ID, name it and give it a small symbol. Once you've set it up, you'll be able to see it along with everything else in the new Items tab of the My Search app.

Features and performance

As mentioned earlier, AirTags work on the Apple Find My network. This means that they can communicate with other Apple devices, even those that do not belong to you, to let you know where they are. When an iPhone is within Bluetooth range of your AirTag, its location is updated and you can see exactly where it is – without the owner of that accidentally passing iPhone ever knowing. This is an incredible way to take advantage of the number of iPhones in the world and an example of why AirTags work so well.

Competitors like Tile offer similar features – but will never be as effective. Tile trackers can communicate with any phone that has the Tile app installed. That's a far fewer number of people than those who have iPhones simply activated with Bluetooth.

If an iPhone is within Bluetooth range of your AirTag, its location will be updated and you can see exactly where it is.

If you lose an item with an AirTag, the Find My app has a number of features that you can use to quickly retrieve it. For starters, you can see the last known location of an item on a map. If you are in a populated area it is likely that the location will be nearly accurate. Once you're approximately 30 feet from the subject, you're within Bluetooth range – and that's where precise tracking comes in. Precision tracking uses the U1 chip in your iPhone and AirTag to get an accurate location. I have found that it is accurate to within a few centimeters. If you use this feature, you will see instructions on your iPhone for where your item should be.

If you still can't find it, or if you know you're around, you can set off a tone from your AirTag to help you find it. The alarm will be relatively loud, especially given the size of the device. All of the tools work relatively well together, making it easy for you to find your lost item.

AirTags also have a special "lost mode". If you lose an AirTag, you can turn on lost mode in the Find My app. You will then receive a notification if it is found by another device on the Find My network. There is an NFC chip in AirTags. If an AirTag is in Lost Mode, another iPhone user can tap an AirTag to find your contact information when you enable this feature.

Privacy concerns

Of course, there are some privacy concerns about AirTags – as with anything designed to be "tracked". However, Apple added some features to prevent problems from occurring. The first privacy concern is that someone could slip an AirTag into someone else's purse or pocket without them knowing where it is. If your iPhone detects that there is an AirTag with you on the way and the owner is not there, you will receive a notification on your phone. If after a while you still can't find the AirTag, it will start chirping, which is also useful for users with an Android device.

Unfortunately, these features may not work as quickly as they should. The notification will take a few hours to appear and the sound may not turn on for three days. In other words, someone could still use an AirTag to track someone else's location without them knowing if they are an iPhone user for at least a few hours or a few days if they don't have an iPhone.

Fortunately, your own location is no problem for AirTags. AirTags do not store location information locally – instead, this information is stored encrypted in the cloud. AirTags should be near the bottom of the list of anyone concerned about tracking, as the phone you carry with you everywhere is far better suited for this.

Our opinion

Apple AirTags are a great way to keep track of your belongings. They use the huge ecosystem of Find My products developed by Apple and can be seamlessly integrated into your iPhone.

At $ 29, the actual AirTag is also relatively cheap. However, if you want to use it for your keys or attach it to something else instead of tucking it in a secure pouch, you need to consider the cost of accessories. That can really add up when you buy multiple AirTags.

Are there any better alternatives?

If you are an iPhone user, there are no better alternatives. Apple has enabled third-party support for the Find My network, so better alternatives may eventually be released. However, Apple users who are prone to losing their keys or other items should stick to AirTags for the time being.

Of course, if you're not too keen on staying in the Apple ecosystem, there are other options. The most important of these is Tile's wide range of products, which include credit card size trackers, trackers with a hole in your keychain, and so on. Unfortunately, as mentioned earlier, Tile's trackers can't network half of US smartphone users like AirTags, but they're a great option for basic tracking.

AirTags and Tile-Tracker are similar in price. You can get a pack of four AirTags for $ 100. That's the same price as a 4-pack of Tile Pro trackers. While Tile Pro trackers offer a keychain hole, they don't have the same integration as the devices Apple designed themselves.

How long it will take?

AirTags should last for years. They have a replaceable battery that can be charged for a year and they are IP67 waterproof so they should withstand things like rain, the weird drop in the sink, etc. Don't get them wet on purpose, but if they get wet they should survive.

That doesn't mean AirTags won't get scratched. If you leave them on your keys over time, they will definitely get some scratches – but should still work just fine.

Should you buy it?

Yes. AirTags are the best trackers for iPhone users right now.

Editor's recommendations




04 May
Blog

Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2: A Small Business Laptop

lenovo thinkbook 13s gen 2 review gen2 1

Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2

"The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 offers solid performance at a solid price."

  • Fast productivity performance

  • Good battery life

  • Solid build quality

  • A few welcome security extras

  • Attractive aesthetics

  • Flat keyboard

  • The touchpad could be bigger

  • Bad graphics performance

Lenovo's first attempt at building a laptop specifically for small businesses – the ThinkBook 13s – stalled a bit. It was a serviceable 13-inch machine, but it didn't have many tangible benefits for the target market. Now it's the second round that the company is releasing the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2, which aims to bring the laptop up to date.

I have a mid-range configuration of the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 priced at $ 819 with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7, 16GB of RAM, a 256GB PCIe solid-state drive (SSD), and a 13.3-inch model tested 16:10 IPS display with WQXGA resolution (2560 x 1600).

Lenovo managed to iron out some of the obvious shortcomings of the original, making the ThinkBook 13s a solid option for buyers buying a laptop under $ 1,000.

design

The original ThinkBook 13s was a very conservatively designed laptop that lacked outstanding aesthetic features – and it looks more like Lenovo's consumer line than the business-minded ThinkPads. The Gen 2 model looks similar, but Lenovo has made some important changes. First, the bezels are much thinner and look more modern when the lid is open. Second, the lid now has an anodized aluminum area that creates a slight two-tone effect on top. It looks great and spices up what is otherwise an ordinary looking silver laptop. It's not as sharp as non-business laptops like the Dell XPS 13 or the HP Specter x360 14, but it has its own laid-back charm.

These thinner bezels make for a laptop that, despite its larger display that tends to make a laptop deeper, is smaller in all dimensions than its predecessor. It's not as small as the XPS 13, which has even smaller bezels, but it's a good size for a 13-inch laptop. This time it's also thinner at 0.59 inches compared to 0.63 inches and lighter at 2.78 pounds compared to 2.9 pounds. That's almost identical to the 0.58-inch, 2.8-pound XPS 13. While the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 feels bigger than the XPS 13, it's still a fairly small and lightweight laptop for the class.

Another improvement over the previous model is the longevity feel of the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2. Both passed the Mil-spec 810G test, but the newer model has fewer bends in the lid and bends in the keyboard deck. This time everything is aluminum, too, while the original uses aluminum in the lid and an aluminum-magnesium alloy in the bottom. I find the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 to feel just as sturdy as the XPS 13, which is kudos as the latter is a standard for well-built laptops.

Lenovo Thinkbook 13s Gen 2 Review Gen2 3

Lenovo Thinkbook 13s Gen 2 Review Gen2

After all, connectivity is a strength with a caveat. There is only one USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support. While this is a good thing, it is also used to power the laptop and therefore cannot be used to connect a peripheral without a dock. You can, however, connect an external display thanks to the full-size HDMI 2.0b port, also on the left. There is also a 3.5 mm audio jack next to it. On the right side there is a Kensington lock port and two USB-A 3.2 ports.

Overall, this is an improvement over the two USB-C ports on the XPS 13 that support Thunderbolt 4. It is noticeable that there is no SD card reader, which is a surprise in view of such an excess of connectivity. Wireless connectivity is cutting edge with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.

performance

The ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 equips an Intel Core i5-1135G7 quad-core CPU of the 11th generation with eight threads. It was a solid performer when we tested it a few times, and the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 continues that tradition.

As of GeekBench 5, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 is exactly where you'd expect it to be, slightly below the laptops with the faster Core i7-1165G7 and significantly below the Ryzen 7 5800U and the Apple M1. Note that all of the results here are obtained with performance optimization utilities set to "normal" mode. None of the laptops in the comparison group benefited much from their "performance modes" in which such a utility was available (with the exception of the XPS 13 in a test). This is a common feature that in many cases makes me wonder why such utilities all exist.

In our handbrake test, which encodes a 420 MB video in H.265, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 performed very well for a Core i5 and beat the Dell XPS 13 equipped with a Core i7 (the ThinkBook result in performance mode corresponded). The Asus ZenBook 13 UM325UA took the lead in this test thanks to its Ryzen 7 5800U, which is incredibly fast in multi-core processes. In Cinebench R23, a test that drives the CPU for a longer distance, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 again outperformed its class, outperforming the XPS 13 and the Porsche Design Acer Base RS, which was another fast Core i5 machine.

Next, I ran the PCMark 10 Complete benchmark, where the ThinkPad 13s Gen got a good overall score. The XPS 13 wouldn't complete this test, and the ThinkBook fell behind the Acer Swift 3X with its Core i7-1156G7. However, the Acer Swift 3X also came with Intel's Iris Xe Max graphics, which it could improve on on machines with the standard Intel Iris Xe graphics (including the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2). As with many Tiger Lake laptops, the ThinkBook did much better in the essentials and productivity areas of the PCMark 10 suite than in the content creation area. The ZenBook 13 UM325UA with its Ryzen chip was the champion here.

Geekbench
(single / multiple)		 Handbrake
(Seconds)		 Cinebench R23
(single / multiple)		 PCMark 10 3DMark Time Spy
Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2
(Core i5-1135G7)		 1406/5379 178 1357/5502 4668 1511
Dell XPS 13 (Core i7-1165G7) 1540/5432 201 1449/4267 N / A 1589
Lenovo Yoga 7i (Core i5-1135G7) 1357/4246 207 N / A 4565 913
Asus ZenBook 13 UM325UA
(Ryzen 7 5800U)		 1423/6758 124 1171/7824 6034 1342
Porsche Design Acer Base RS
(Core i5-1135G7)		 1415/5364 181 1380/4973 4682 1504
Acer Swift 3X (Core i7-1165G7) 1551/5847 158 1485/5944 5117 1889
Apple MacBook Air M1 (Apple M1) 1727/7585 N / A 1479/6880 N / A N / A

Overall, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 is a quick productivity workhorse that should keep up with all but demanding creative workflows. Lenovo meets the performance needs of small business owners and a few others.

In terms of games, the ThinkBook did well in the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark. However, this didn't result in my real test with Fortnite. The ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 ran at 1920 x 1200 (I couldn't get 1920 x 1080 as an option) and only managed 18 frames per second (fps) in high graphics and 14 fps in epic graphics. Most Tiger Lake laptops achieve at least 30 fps or 23 fps. I ran the test a few times to confirm my results and I have no idea why the ThinkBook does so badly in this game.

display

The original ThinkPad 13s used a 13.3-inch 16: 9 Full HD IPS display (1920 x 1080) that was below average in brightness, colors and contrast. For the second generation, Lenovo improved its game with a larger 13.3-inch 16:10 IPS display with a WQXGA (2560 x 1600) resolution that is more productive for productivity and significantly sharper than the original in a few others improves main areas.

The brightness was not particularly high at 274 nits. We prefer 300 nits or more for good indoor visibility. For example, the Dell XPS 13 4K display has 420 nits. The ThinkPad 13s Gen 2 had wider colors than the original at 77% AdobeRGB (about five percentage points above average) and 100% sRGB. The original was 70% of AdobeRGB and 93% of sRGB, while the XPS 13 4K was slightly better with 79% of AdobeRGB and 100% of sRGB. The ThinkBook 13s Gen 2's color accuracy was good with a DeltaE of 1.65 (less than 1.0 is excellent) compared to the original at 1.4 and the XPS 13 4K at 1.21.

The new model also had a higher contrast ratio of 920: 1, close to our preferred 1000: 1. That beats the 710: 1 of the original, which was disappointing and well below average, but the Gen 2 models still couldn't match the 1360: 1 of the XPS 13 4K. Gamma came into play at 2.1, just a bit brighter than the perfect 2.2.

All in all, this was a pleasant representation. It's bigger and better for long web pages and Word documents, and its colors were pleasant without being oversaturated. The contrast was high enough that black text appeared on a white background, and with excellent support for Dolby Vision HDR, Netflix's high dynamic range (HDR) content was vastly improved. This isn't a display for creative professionals who need wide and accurate colors, but it's great for everyone else.

The sound was surprisingly loud, and the two down-facing speakers pumped out a serious volume. Unfortunately, at 100% there was some bias that detracted from the experience. If you turn the settings down a bit, you'll still get enough volume to watch Netflix without distortion, and you'll enjoy solid mids and highs, but no bass. A pair of headphones or bluetooth speakers is recommended.

Keyboard and touchpad

Another area where the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 cannot be confused with a ThinkPad is the keyboard. You can find a version here that is much closer to Lenovo's consumer-grade machines like the Yoga line, as it offers a lot less travel and a fairly jarring basic action. The key switches are very light. So if you don't want to use as much pressure to press a key you will like it, but it's almost too easy for me. I didn't find it nearly as precise as the much better keyboards found on the Dell XPS 13 and the HP Specter 2-in-1 series. The keyboard has a few special keys, including keys to start and stop video calls and a special key to access support options. You can also press a button to turn off the microphone, a plus for privacy.

Despite the larger display and relatively small bezels, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 doesn't have as much keyboard deck space as the XPS 13. This is because Lenovo needs more space above the keyboard for the hinge and power button. That said, the touchpad is a decent size, roughly the same as the XPS 13, and it's a Microsoft Precision touchpad that has reliable and precise support for Windows 10 multi-touch gestures. It's a good touchpad that matches the best you'll find in premium laptops – a plus as the ThinkPad 13s Gen 2 is significantly cheaper. In addition, my test device had an attractive touch display, which was welcome.

Windows 10 Hello support is provided by a fingerprint reader built into the power button and worked well. This is a much better solution than a standalone fingerprint reader. With the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2, you can simply press the power button to wake the device and log in. For extra privacy, you can also find Lenovo's ThinkShutter privacy panel for the webcam.

Battery life

The ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 has a 56-watt-hour battery, which is significantly larger than the 45-watt-hour battery of the previous model, which only has an average battery life. Our benchmarks have changed since we checked the original, but we can make some comparisons.

First, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 lasted just over nine hours compared to the original's eight hours in our web benchmark, which runs through a number of popular websites. The newer model's score is above average, beating the 6.3 hours on the Dell XPS 13 4K. The Asus ZenBook 13 with the Ryzen 7 5800U lasted almost 16 hours with an OLED display. In our video test of repeating a Full HD Avengers trailer until the battery runs out, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 achieved almost 13.5 hours, which is slightly above average and 2.5 hours longer than the original. The XPS 13 4K lasted 10.5 hours, while the Asus ZenBook 13 lasted 15.5 hours.

I would rate the battery life of the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 as very good.

I also tested using the PCMark 10 battery test which puts a strain on the CPU and GPU (we didn't use PCMark 10 with the original model). The ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 barely got it over two hours, which is below several other Tiger Lake laptops, including the XPS 13 4K, which got it almost three hours. We did not test the Asus ZenBook 13 in this test. Finally, I ran the PCMark 10 application test, which is the best indicator of productivity longevity, and the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 held up for 11.5 hours, the fourth highest score we've ever seen. The XPS 13 4K lasted around 8.5 hours, and we again didn't test the Asus ZenBook 13.

I would rate the battery life of the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 as very good. It takes a full day of productivity work when you are not using the CPU and GPU, and you may still have some time to do some evening work. This is a significant improvement over the original ThinkBook 13s, and makes the newer model much better suited for small business owners who may need to work remotely.

Our opinion

The ThinkBook 13s offers largely the same security and support as the original model, which is a definite plus for the target small business market. On top of that, however, it's also faster, has better battery life, and feels better built, which makes it a more compelling business option.

It's not thin or light enough to beat rivals like the Dell XPS 13, but it's also significantly cheaper – another boon for small business owners with cash shortages. In fact, at this price point, it's a compelling option for any laptop buyer, including consumers, who could benefit from a machine that is made to last, be fast, and have a long life.

Are there alternatives?

The Dell XPS 13 is the obvious alternative, offering the same 16:10 display in a smaller package. Performance is similar for both, and the ThinkBook offers better battery life thanks to the lower resolution display. However, Dell does offer a Full HD option which is more competitive here. The XPS 13 is hundreds of dollars more expensive, too.

If you're looking to consider a 2-in-1, the HP Specter x360 14 is a great choice. It's faster, looks better, is just as well built, and features a spectacular OLED display with incredibly deep blacks, high contrast, and wide and precise colors. It's also significantly more expensive than the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2.

How long it will take?

The ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 is tough enough to provide years of productive service. It helps that the components are all up to date. You immediately receive a 1 year guarantee. However, Lenovo offers enhanced services for small business owners who need longer coverage and more durability.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The ThinBook 13s Gen 2 doesn't necessarily have more business-centric features than the original model, but it does offer improvements in key areas that small business owners will appreciate.

Editor's recommendations




04 May
Blog

Home Workout : No Equipment Exercises

Exercising at home has many benefits and is no less effective than exercising in the gym. All you need is a combination of effective exercises. With this in mind, we've created a series of exercises that can be used to train the entire body without equipment.

Here are ten home training exercises that will burn every muscle in your body and keep your body in shape without going to the gym or lifting the heavy weights that lead to injury.

Follow the regimen with an interval of 30 seconds between each set.

JUMPING JACKS

Main part engaged: legs

Position: Stand with your legs together. Put your hands on the side of your thighs.

The movement:

1. Bend your knees slightly.

2. Jump with it and pull the legs out at the sides. Pull your hands up like airplane wings to shoulder height.

3. Jump back to close the legs and hands that are resting on the sides.

Representative: 15-20

Sets: 2

BURPEES

Main part engaged: Full body

Position: Stand with your legs open to shoulder width.

The movement:

  1. Bend your knees to the level of a squat and place your hands on the floor with your elbows between your knees. We better call it a frog pose.

2. Push your legs back with your feet parallel to your ankles and take a plank position with your ankles straight.

Tip: Squeeze the core and contract the glutes, which remains the most important point in getting the burpee right.

Attention: Avoid arching your back while doing planks to avoid lower back injuries.

3. Bring your legs forward by jumping and swinging your feet until your knees are back between your elbows and you are back in the frog position.

4. Now swing your whole body in the air by stretching your hands straight up.

Tip: Jump with full body intervention to make each burpee you do much more effective.

With this we complete a burpee.

Repetitions: Continue for 1 minute

Sets: 2

SQUATS

Main part engaged: Lower body and core

Attitude:

1. Stand shoulder width apart with your feet pointing outward about 15 degrees.

2. Look straight and bend your knees. Hold on to the core.

The movement: Slowly bend your knees and drop into a chair. Hold for a few seconds. And come back to the posture.

Representative: 12-15

Sets: 2

High jumps

Main part engaged: Full body

Position 1. Stand shoulder width apart.

2. Lock your palms in front of your chest and bend your knees slightly.

The movement: Jump in the air with extra pressure. Go as high as you can.

Repetitions: 12-15

Sentences: 2

PRESS KNEES

Main part engaged: Arms and shoulders

Position: Assume the push-up position with palms slightly wider than shoulder width. Put your knees on the floor

The movement: 1. Bend your elbows and let your torso fall down without bending any joint on your torso until your chest touches the floor. Hold on to the core.

2. Press up to straight elbows.

Repetitions: 8-9

Sentences: 2

LATERAL LYING HIP ABDUCTION

Main part engaged: Glutes

Position: 1. Lie on the left side of your body.

2. Stretch your legs over each other. Rest your head on your left hand or on a pillow.

The movement: Raise your right leg up to 45 degrees in the air and bring it down. This is a repetition.

Representative: 15-15 on both sides

Sets: 2

PLANK

Main part engaged: Core and arms

Position: 1. Lie on your chest.

2. Place your upper body on forearms and palms that are touching the floor.

3. Lift your whole body and place your torso on your toes. Keep the whole body straight and the core engaged.

The movement: Hold the stance with the core locked and core locked in place.

Representative: 30 seconds to 1 minute

Sentences: 2

PLANK UP-DOWN

Main part engaged: Shoulders and core

Position: Get into the plank position on your elbows.

The movement:

1. Place the palm of one hand on the floor and use the other arm to push it up until you are in a push-up position.

2. Now lay one elbow at a time on the floor until you have reached the plank position. This completes one repetition.

Tip: Don't bend your spine during the entire exercise. Keep the core busy increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the exercise.

Representative: 8-10

Sets: 2

PRONE T.

Main part engaged: Shoulders

Position: Lie completely on the floor with chest to toe touching the floor. Keep your arms outstretched at your sides and do a "T" with your body and arms as a whole.

The movement: Accompanied by your chest and head, raise your arms in the air and hold them for a few seconds until you feel the burning sensation in your shoulders.

Tip: take a break when you feel the strain on your neck.

Representative: 15-20

Sets: 2

CRUNCHES

Main part engaged: Vein

Position:

1. Lie completely on the floor.

2. Bend your knees and place your feet hip-width apart on the floor. Cross your hands on your chest.

The movement:

1. Contract your abs, inhale, and lift your torso up to 45 degrees towards your knees.

2. Come down into the pose

Tip: Relax your neck

Representative: 20-22

Sets: 2

04 May
Blog

No Legs, No Worries- Keep Your Upper Body Strong and Quick

Clean and press the seated dumbbell for stability, strength and a strong back.

Becoming a college strength and conditioning coach isn't easy, but it was the young man Jesse's dream. There was no time to sit and enjoy my epic triumph as I had dreamed of. I was thrown in the middle of it.

On the first day, I was the head strength and conditioning trainer for three teams.

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