02 Jan
Blog

Fossil Gen 5E Review: Too Ordinary for its Own Good

Fossil Gen 5e review wrist pocket

"Fossil is shrinking the size and price of the Gen 5E smartwatch, but it ends up with something that isn't special enough to inspire."

  • 42mm and 44mm case options

  • Stylish, varied design

  • Easy to use basic fitness tracking

  • The Snapdragon 3100 processor is out of date

  • Wear OS notification support is unreliable

At first glance, the Fossil Gen 5E is a very desirable smartwatch. It's reasonably priced, has a great design, has a smaller body than the Fossil Gen 5, and covers most of the features that casual trainers need. However, due to some questionable hardware choices and the lack of desirable features outside of design, it doesn't feel very new or special.

Does this affect the excitement? Does it struggle to tie you up and convince you to put the clock on in the morning? Let's go into a little more detail Fossil Gen 5EGood and bad points.

design

Fossil knows what it does to watches, and the Gen 5E is further proof of that. The black silicone strap on my test model is excellent. Its design and feel is very reminiscent of the silicone straps on my Seiko diving watches – flexible, comfortable and robust, and that's a very good thing. It is matched to a 44mm black stainless steel case that is the same size as the older Gen 5 watch but without the two buttons that flank the crown. This gives it a neater look without drastically compromising functionality.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

While the watch shown here has a 44mm case, you can also buy the Gen 5E with a 42mm case, which makes it suitable for smaller wrists. Buy the smaller watch and it will have an 18mm strap instead of a 22mm version of the larger Gen 5E watch. Since there are few smartwatches made exclusively for women, such a choice is very welcome. Fossil's design palette for the Gen 5E is diverse and well thought out, the build quality is excellent and I like the stealthy black style that doesn't go too far down the tried and true minimalist path.

Fossil's range of designs for the Gen 5E is diverse and well thought out.

This is where the good news ends and things that fail the Gen 5E show up. The watch's bezel is smooth, curved, and helps with swiping across the screen. However, the bezel of the screen is almost unbearably large. The screen of the Gen 5E measures 1.19 inches, so it is quite small and, in combination with the large black housing, underlines the large black screen bezel. It reminds me more of fitness-oriented smartwatches than one made by a top watch designer.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I didn't miss the two extra buttons on the case, but I do miss a rotating crown to make scrolling through Google's Wear OS software a little easier and faster. The Gen 5E's fixed crown is a button to open the menu, return to the watch face, and, if held down, open the Google Assistant. The lack of this feature and the large screen bezel make the Gen 5E look pretty old compared to many other smartwatches released in the past few months.

Screen and software

The 1.19-inch screen is just right for a smartwatch. These screens are not for watching videos, they are for showing information at a glance. They are perfect for this. The 390 x 390 pixel resolution offers the same density of 328 pixels per inch that you'll find on the larger Gen 5 watch. So it is spicy enough and also pleasantly colorful. There are dozens of Fossil watch faces to choose from, and they are wonderfully diverse.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's version 2.23 of Google's installed Wear OS software, but not the latest H-MR2 update with various new features and potential performance improvements. However, current fitness and design updates are on board, e.g. B. the redesigned weather tile and the ability to call the Google Assistant with a long press on the crown. The watch also has the latest features from Fossil, including the Wellness App and Extended Battery Mode.

The Wear OS still has flaws, and the Wear 3100 chip just feels old at times.

Fossil's proprietary fitness tracking system uses the Snapdragon 3100's co-processor to help extend battery life, but it's very simple. There are only two training options – indoors and outdoors – and you get time, distance and heart rate data on the screen. The Gen 5E does not have a built-in GPS, so it is not suitable for serious athletes anyway. However, Google Fit is also on board if you want more targeted tracking.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The wellness app records daily activity, sleep and heart rate and then displays the data on a screen without putting too much strain on the battery. It's annoying that you can't add wellness as a tile, forcing you into the app itself. As with fitness tracking, simple data rather than detailed information is provided here. I don't think this is a bad thing. Not everyone wants to follow a 100 mile bike ride and will appreciate an incredibly simple one-tap activity tracking feature and a display of the three most important stats.

Fitness tracking is easy, but not everyone is a serious athlete.

It's a bit fragmented though. For example, wellness is an app with a screen, while fitness tracking is a tile. Then Google Fit is also a tile, while all of the different Google Fit apps (goals, workout, heart rate and breath) are listed separately as apps and come pre-installed with Fossil Cardiogram, Nike Run Club and Spotify. It's a little messy and can lead to confusion about which app to use and where to find it. Fossil's activity tracking is synced with your Google Fit profile. So there is an incentive to use it and hopefully save battery at the same time.

The Fossil Gen 5E is fluid and fast and, apart from one aspect, has worked brilliantly. One aspect is notifications. On Wear OS, it becomes a kind of joke advertisement for notifications as the frequency with which they arrive is often ridiculous. Some days the Gen 5E warned me of so few notifications that it was reasonable to say that it wasn't a function of the watch at all. It's incredibly inconsistent, not a new problem, and not aided by the Gen 5E's overly subtle vibrating alerts that are easy to miss.

Battery and performance

The Fossil Gen 5E has the old Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor and not the newer Snapdragon Wear 4100 of the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3. It is coupled with 1 GB of RAM. Is it a disaster? Fortunately, and perhaps surprisingly, this is not the case. It responds quickly to touch, there is almost no slowdown during normal operation, and even energy-intensive apps like Maps and Google Play are manageable. It's not what you'd call bubbly, however, and the Snapdragon Wear 4100 improves performance and battery life significantly. Even if it is usable, there is a far better option, and that's annoying.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The old processor is a problem, and part of the blame for the Gen 5E feeling out of date. I appreciate the ability to take calls on the watch, which works surprisingly well with its speaker, and NFC for Google Pay. There's no shortage of features, it's just that we've seen it all many times. At this point, I really need something new from a Wear OS smartwatch, and the Gen 5E isn't delivering.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Battery life depends entirely on your usage. The 24 hour usage reported by Fossil is approximately correct. If you turn it off overnight and don't follow any activity, it will take two working days. With a full charge in the morning, average usage, and a 30-minute workout with Fossil's own app, it'll take a single day. It's not good, but it does match most Wear OS watches apart from the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 and Suunto 7.

Price and availability

The Fossil Gen 5E smartwatch has an MSRP of $ 249 or £ 199, but it can be bought for less at a variety of retailers. At the time of writing, the Fossil Gen 5E is available in multiple points of sale for $ 169 and is great value for money at that price. However, inventory can be difficult to find.

Our opinion

The Fossil Gen 5E looks great on my wrist, is for the most part quick and easy to use, and cheaper and more versatile in size and design than the regular Gen 5 smartwatch. It's no use, however, as it isn't well-equipped to be a serious fitness tracker and the hardware is old, which hurts its desirability and longevity. The main feature is the solid quality of the money as it is well below $ 200 thanks to discounts.

The Fossil Gen 5E is a good smartwatch – aside from the Wear OS notification issues – but it's rather common, and there are inevitably more smartwatches with the new Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor on the horizon, and it's worth waiting for instead of messing with this one to be satisfied.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. The Apple Watch Series 6 is the best smartwatch for iPhone owners. If you have an iPhone, buy one of these instead. If you have an Android phone, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is our recommendation.

However, both are more expensive than the Fossil Gen 5E. Instead, check out the Apple Watch SE or the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3. Both offer the Fossil Gen 5E superior functionality and battery life.

How long it will take?

The stainless steel case should be durable and the watch has a water resistance of 30 meters. So you have to be pretty careless to destroy it. Otherwise, its longevity will depend on software support and battery degradation. In any case, you will be fine for at least two years. At this point, however, the Snapdragon Wear 3100 will be very old.

Should you buy it?

No, you can do better without spending a lot more.

Editor's recommendations




01 Jan
Blog

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd Gen) Review: Alexa All the Time

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)

"The Amazon Echo Frames are a great start to let Alexa take you anywhere."

  • Contemporary design is attractive

  • Open-ear audio technology

  • Ideal for calls

  • Long battery life

  • Cheap construction

  • A bit expensive

Let's be honest: Alexa is everywhere. There's no denying that Amazon's virtual assistant has pervaded every facet of the tech field. You can find Alexa in shower heads, electrical outlets, and even in a twerking teddy bear. For the most part, the company has looked at more practical applications in the wearables space.

The Amazon Echo Frames, first announced in 2020, were some new wearables that were introduced to give people access to Alexa at all times. While it has remained nothing more than a "Day One Edition" since its announcement and limited release, a cautious successor was announced only last month. Now we have the Amazon Echo Frames (2nd Generation), which offer improvements like better audio and longer battery life – while trying to be discreet with their design. The question that still remains is whether or not it is a practical device.

Contemporary look, sloppy construction

I don't wear glasses so using the Echo Frames takes a little getting used to. What ensures is that, from the front, the frames look very much like ordinary glasses – you wouldn't even realize they are smart glasses the first time you look at them. In fact, the design tucks all of the technical hardware into the frame – if you look at it from the front. That all changes the moment you look at it from the sides.

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)John Velasco / Digital Trends

The all-plastic frame is thickest there. It can certainly be a bit of a distraction, but overall, the contemporary look of the design makes it an eyepiece that won't attract too much attention. The goggles use materials like TR90 (thermoplastic material), carbon fiber, and titanium in their construction, which makes them lightweight, but the whole package feels sloppy. Amazon did a commendable job designing it, but everything about the construction screams weakly!

You wouldn't even realize it was a pair of smart glasses when you first looked at it.

The lenses that came with my device are made of polycarbonate, a material commonly used in glasses. In my experience with polycarbonate lenses in sunglasses, they are more prone to scratches and less resilient than glass. It is probably why it is recommended to use the microfiber cloth and hard case whenever possible. Before receiving the echo frames, I thought it would be possible to replace the lenses with ones that filter blue light. This is not currently the case, however, but you can swap them out for prescription lenses.

Alexa all the time

The centerpiece is Alexa – the virtual assistant lives in the Amazon Echo Frames at all times, as long as you have a Bluetooth connection to your mobile device. This is necessary because there is no WiFi. I connected it to my iPhone XS and didn't have any issues.

Initiating Alexa is just like any other Alexa device you may already own. All you have to do is say “Alexa”. In all fairness, the experience is no different from accessing them through a smartphone, smart speaker, or any of the other Alexa devices on the market. I appreciate the convenience of being able to control my smart lights at home and receiving notifications from my ring indoor camera when it detects movement.

I was particularly intrigued by the built-in speakers on the Echo Frames. This second generation version improves open-ear audio technology, according to Amazon. The volume is enough to hear music, podcasts, or e-books, but I can tell you others can hear them too. And that's one point I notice about the Echo Frames. Sure, I had no problem making calls and listening to songs while washing dishes, all hands-free, but part of me would prefer to keep these experiences private.

If you're like me and have a ton of apps on your smartphone that bombard you with notifications all the time, you're going to like the VIP filter. You can use the Alexa mobile app to prioritize which messages and app notifications you want to hear. It's useful for the Echo Frames to beep for each notification, followed by Alexa's announcement. However, the choice is yours to hear more of this notification by swiping the capacitive touch-sensitive area that's built into the right part of the frame.

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)John Velasco / Digital Trends

The only thing missing now is the option of choosing Samuel L. Jackon as voice assistant. It's not an option at the moment, but I hope that will change soon.

Surprising all-day battery

One of the problems I have with almost every device is that they just can't hold their charge long enough to last a day. Fortunately, this is not a problem with the Amazon Echo Frames, as they can easily run in a single day with lots of gasoline in the tank. In my experience, after a day of use that started on a full charge, there was 30% capacity left. Given that it replaced a pair of headphones and gave Alexa commands all day, it's impressive how long it took. Amazon's claim to 14 hours of juice for media playback at 80% volume is impressive, and my real-world experience has been a satisfactory confirmation.

It's impressive that it took so long.

The frames come with a proprietary charging cable with pin connectors that are magnetically connected to the connector on the Echo Frames. If you use this implementation, the Echo Frames will be IPX4 waterproof. So you can withstand light splashes if you get caught in the rain but don't want to plunge into the pool.

would like more

In the short time I've been using the Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation), I've realized how useful it can be to have a voice assistant available at all times. But I long for much more. Is this different from an Alexa smart speaker when you are at home, or maybe your smartphone? Not really.

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)John Velasco / Digital Trends

There is also a part of me who is wondering how this could be an even more attractive solution. Take open audio technology, for example. It's great that I can hear notifications and music while wearing the Echo Frames, but I would appreciate something with more privacy – maybe in the sense of using bone conduction technology so that the audio is isolated for my own hearing.

Our opinion

The $ 250 price tag seems like an expensive investment, but you need to keep in mind that they're attached glasses that offer better hands-free calling and eliminate the need to carry or use multiple devices. Think about it for a moment – it combines the functions of a smart speaker, virtual assistant and wireless headphones in one. This kind of convergence is difficult to achieve.

How long it will take?

I'm being honest and I'm saying that you want to be extra careful as the design doesn't give me confidence that the frames would withstand an accident or fall. However, Amazon offers a 2-year personal accident insurance plan for $ 40. Defects are covered with the standard 1-year guarantee.

Is there a better alternative?

At the moment no. There are few smart glasses on the market, most of which position themselves more as augmented reality glasses than anything else. Plus, they're generally much more expensive.

Should you buy it?

Yes, especially if you're the type who craves constant interaction with Alexa.

Editor's recommendations




30 Oct
Blog

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3: The Same, Only Faster

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 extreme Gen 3 review

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3: The same, just faster

"The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 is particularly fast because of its components and strikes against laptops with faster processors."

  • Gorgeous OLED display with the best HDR

  • Great keyboard and touchpad

  • Solid build quality

  • Excellent performance

  • Disappointing battery life

  • Expensive

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2 made my list of favorite laptops that I checked for digital trends – and for good reason. It was fast, well built, and featured an outstanding OLED display. Now Lenovo has released the third generation model of the laptop and increased the performance to 11.

Lenovo equips this new model with 45-watt CPUs of the 10th generation from Intel to replace the 9th generation options of the previous version. My ThinkPad x1 Extreme Gen 3 tester wasn't quite as well equipped as my Gen 2 model – it has a Core i7-10850H with vPro this time around compared to a Core i9-9880H – but it still had 32GB of RAM and so on beautiful OLED display.

Note that the Core i9-10885H is still an option and the GPU has been upgraded from an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q to a GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q. The price? A whopping $ 2,404, though this starts at a retail price of $ 4,007. That's a lot of money. Does Lenovo's Gen 3 design still deserve my recommendation?

design

My test device still has a carbon fiber lid, which is part of the optional 4K display. Not only does this add structural integrity, but it also looks more noticeable. The bottom of the case is made of aluminum, with the usual soft-coated ThinkPad plastic for the keyboard deck, making it extremely comfortable to use.

In other words, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 is outwardly identical to the Gen 2. There is nothing wrong with that. No need to mess around with a good thing as the ThinkPad X1 Extreme has the same ThinkPad aesthetic as always. It's all black with just a few red accents, including the iconic blinking LED above the “i” in ThinkPad on the lid, the TrackPoint nubbin, and the edges of the TrackPoint buttons.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

ThinkPad fans will be very satisfied. It's not as modern as the new Dell XPS 15, however, as the ThinkPad has fairly large bezels. The XPS 15 has tiny bezels that disappear around the 16:10 aspect ratio. The HP Specter x360 15 is at the other end of the aesthetic spectrum. Its gem-cut design calls for attention, while the ThinkPad likes to sit quietly in the shade.

The build quality of the laptop is consistently first class, with a lid that doesn't warp under pressure, very little keyboard flex and a lower case that doesn't bend or twist. It exudes strength and endurance and inspires confidence that it can withstand a blow. My only complaint is that the hinge is stiff and requires two hands to break it open. However, there is no premium laptop that feels more durable than the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 is 0.72 inches thin, almost identical to the 0.71 inch of the XPS 15 and slightly thinner than the 0.79 inch of the Specter x360 15. The ThinkPad weighs 4.0 with the touch display Pounds (3.75 pounds with a non-touch display) compared to the Dell's 4.5 pounds and the HP's 4.23 pounds.

Connectivity remains a strength: a proprietary power port (135 watts), two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3, and a full-size HDMI 2.0 port on the left. On the right side you'll find two USB-A 3.2 ports and a full-size SD card reader (a welcome touch for creative professionals). The wireless connection is provided via Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.

I will also find that the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 is upgradeable. The back cover is relatively easy to remove. You can swap out the RAM and use a second SSD slot.

performance

I can't directly compare Gen 3 to Gen 2 due to the differences between the CPU and GPU, but the Dell XPS 15 and HP Specter x360 15 are good comparison devices. The XPS 15 we tested ran with a Core i7-10875H, an 8-core CPU compared to the 6-core Core i7-10850H in the ThinkPad X1 Extreme. The Specter x360 15 is equipped with a 6-core Core i7-10750H, which is clocked a little lower than the CPU of the ThinkPad.

The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 ran as expected or better. In Geekbench 5, for example, 1,299 points were achieved in the single-core test and 6,372 points in the multi-core test. The XPS 15 scored 1,314 and 7,549 points, while the Specter x360 15 scored 1,237 and 5013 points, respectively.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

In our handbrake test, which encodes a 420 MB video in H.265, the ThinkPad took a little more than two minutes. That was surprisingly close to the XPS 15, which ended up only nine seconds faster despite two more cores and four more threads. The Specter x360 15 was finished in just over 2.5 minutes, making the ThinkPad significantly faster than the difference in clock speed suggests.

In Cinebench 20, the ThinkPad achieved 486 points in the single-core test and 2,888 points in the multi-core test. The XPS 15 was much faster with 488 and 3582 respectively, while the Specter x360 15 held its own against the ThinkPad with 469 and 2523. In this test, Dell's additional cores seem key.

It's worth noting that AMD's Ryzen 4000 chips also compete well with Intel's 45-watt CPUs. For example, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 with the Ryzen 7 4800U took just two seconds longer to complete the handbrake test than the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3, and it scored 482 and 3,255 in Cinebench 20 – it beat the ThinkPad and competed with that XPS 15.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Finally, I ran the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 through our Premiere Pro review, which rendered a two-minute 4K video. It took four minutes and 52 seconds to complete. The XPS 15 finished in five minutes and the Specter x360 15 took more than seven minutes to complete the test. The ThinkPad excelled here and beat the XPS 15 despite the slower CPU and GPU (the XPS 15 uses the non-Max-Q version of the GTX 1650 Ti). My working theory is that Lenovo outperformed Dell in developing a thermal design that can sustain the combined CPU and GPU performance over a long period of time.

In short, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 is a fast laptop that can meet the demands of the most demanding creative. If your needs lead to more mundane productivity tasks, this is excessive – but is it ever a bad thing to have too much power? I do not believe that.

Play

The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 can also handle games and competes strongly with the XPS 15 and Specter x360 15. In the 3DMark Time Spy test, the ThinkPad scored 3572 points, compared to the XPS 15 with 3860 and the Specter x360 15 with 2963 Points.

The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 achieved Civilization VI with an average of 124 frames per second (FPS) with 1080p and medium graphics and 68 FPS with ultra graphics. The XPS 15 managed 114 FPS and 64 FPS, respectively, while the Specter x360 15 ran at 89 FPS and 60 FPS. Again, the ThinkPad outperformed its weight class, beating a laptop with a faster CPU and GPU in a game that relies on both to get the best performance. The same applies to 4K, where the ThinkPad averaged 66 FPS with medium graphics and 36 FPS with ultra graphics, compared to the XPS 15 with 51 FPS and 30 FPS and the Specter x360 15 with 55 FPS and 30 FPS.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

In Fortnite, the ThinkPad averaged 83 FPS with 1080p and medium graphics and 60 FPS with epic graphics. The XPS 15 achieved 74 FPS and 60 FPS, respectively, and the Specter x360 15 achieved 67 FPS and 47 FPS. Each of these laptops fell below 30 FPS at 4K, so I don't need to report the results at that resolution. Fortnite stays best at 1080p on laptops with discrete GPUs in the mid-range.

Next up is Assassin's Creed Odyssey, where the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 reached 52 FPS at 1080p and medium graphics and 30 FPS at ultra-high graphics. The XPS 15 achieved 47 FPS and 26 FPS, respectively, while the Specter x360 15 achieved 40 FPS and 25 FPS. Again, none of the machines exceeded 30 FPS at 4K. It's noteworthy to see that the X1 Extreme Gen 3 averages 30 FPS at ultra high in this game as Odyssey is extremely demanding.

In Battlefield V, the XPS 15 took the lead at 60 FPS at 1080p and medium graphics and 50 FPS at ultra graphics, while the ThinkPad was at 56 FPS and 44 FPS, respectively, and the Specter x360 15 managed 55 GPS and 44 FPS. Once again, 4K was south of at least 30 FPS that we consider playable.

Overall, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 offers very good performance for a laptop in this category. The fact that it outperformed the XPS 15 in all but one game is impressive. While 4K gaming is not recommended, you'll be happy to use modern 1080p titles with the right graphics settings. Those looking for better gaming performance must consider a gaming laptop.

display

I love OLED displays. They are bright, colorful and without contrast. The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3's OLED is no different, although it isn't the best OLED display we've tested.

The display of this ThinkPad is not as bright as some OLED panels and reaches 369 nits compared to the 426 nits of the HP Specter x360 15. Both laptops have anti-reflective glass, so that the HP looks a bit brighter. Additionally, the contrast on the Specter was 426,180: 1 compared to 369,390: 1 on the ThinkPad – a meaningless difference in real world usage, but a significant numerical difference nonetheless.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Dell's XPS 15 doesn't use OLED and instead opts for a more traditional IPS display. The brightness was 442 nits, and the contrast ratio reached 1480: 1 (which is excellent for an IPS display). The contrast gap isn't as noticeable in real life as the numbers suggest. Still, the OLED panel in the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 is superior to the Dell XPS 15 when you are viewing movies or high quality photos in a dark room.

Note that according to the specs, Lenovo increases the brightness when running high dynamic range (HDR) content. I noticed this in my tests.

The color gamut is another area in which the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 fell short. It covered 100% of sRGB and 96% of AdobeRGB. This is comparable to the Specter at 100% and 98% and the XPS 15 at 100% of both color bars. It's not a huge difference, but for a creative professional looking for the best AdobeRGB support, these few percentage points might matter.

However, the ThinkPad's color turned out to be accurate with a DeltaE of 0.91 (lower is better in this benchmark). The XPS 15 was 0.65 and the Specter x360 15 was 1.21. All three displays work fine, but the XPS 15's excellent accuracy makes it instantly ready for color-critical work.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

None of this should detract from the ThinkPad's display. It's great in practice. Movies and pictures have a high-contrast, vivid look that slopes off the screen, and the darkest scenes in HDR are clear thanks to the panel's support for Dolby Vision. As with the Gen 2 model, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 is one of the best devices you can find for watching Netflix in HDR, and it's way better than the other laptops I didn't enable for Dolby Vision.

If OLED isn't your thing, Lenovo has three alternative display options. There are two full HD options with 300 or 500 nits and a 4K IPS panel with 600 nits to choose from. We generally assume they all perform well for their respective prices, but OLED is our favorite.

Audio was a strong point as two downward facing speakers pumped out lots of volume without distortion. The mids and highs were clear and there was even a hint of bass. You can watch Netflix and YouTube videos fine alone or with a few friends, but good headphones are recommended for music as usual.

Keyboard and touchpad

ThinkPad fans are picky about their keyboards, but the X1 Extreme Gen 3 should satisfy. It has nicely shaped keycaps that are just the right size with excellent clearance. Personally, I find the mechanism a bit stiff, but it gives a lot of feedback and a very precise ground effect. If, like me, you like a lighter touch, the HP Specter keyboard might be more your style. However, if you want more feedback while you type, the ThinkPad's keyboard is for you. Oh, and it's leak proof if that matters to you.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The usual TrackPoint node is in the middle of the keyboard and works as expected. However, it forces a pair of buttons, which takes away some space from the touchpad. Speaking of which, the touchpad is a glass-covered Microsoft Precision touchpad that's great for swiping and using Windows 10's multi-touch gestures.

The display on this model is touch sensitive and precise and responsive. Fortunately, it has an anti-wipe coating that resists fingerprints. In this respect, this corresponds to the display of the HP Specter x360 15.

Windows 10 Hello support is provided by a fast and responsive fingerprint reader and an infrared camera with facial recognition support. There is a privacy lock that deactivates the latter. As a result, you may want to configure both methods to log on without a password.

Battery life

Here you pay the price for all this performance and the power-hungry OLED display. Simply put, the battery life of this ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 configuration isn't a forte.

In our demanding Basemark Web benchmark test, the ThinkPad managed about 3.5 hours, which is not terrible for a 45 watt CPU. The XPS 15 lasted 16 minutes less, while the Specter x360 15 didn't even last three hours.

In our web browser test, which is the best indicator of overall productivity longevity, the ThinkPad just exceeded 5.5 hours, which is 80 minutes less than the XPS 15 and 32 minutes less than the Specter x360 15. And in our video test, which is repeated over a Full HD Avengers trailer, the ThinkPad was 6.5 hours, 50 minutes less than the XPS 15, and 11 minutes longer than the Specter x360 15.

These aren't great results, but they are expected. If you want longer battery life, go for one of the Full HD display options. Otherwise you should be prepared to carry the Power Brick around.

Our opinion

Lenovo kept the best of the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2 and made it faster. That makes the Gen 3 model an incremental, yet meaningful, upgrade that simply improves on what was already an excellent 15-inch laptop.

Granted, it's most appealing to ThinkPad fans, and there's nothing wrong with that. If you are looking for a laptop that is as powerful as any other in its class, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 is a great choice.

Are there alternatives?

The Dell XPS 15 is the ThinkPad's most obvious competitor. They are both powerful, thin, and light, and well-built 15-inch machines that appeal to the same type of users. The XPS 15 gives you a 16:10 display and a more modern look and feel, but the ThinkPad has the better performance.

If you're a 2-in-1 gamer, the Specter x360 15 is an excellent choice. It's not that fast, but it has a sleeker look, a slightly better OLED display (unless you're watching Netflix in HDR), and the flexibility of a 2-in-1 device. The Specter is also several hundred dollars cheaper, though it isn't as powerfully configurable as the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3.

Finally, you might consider the HP Envy 15, a 15-inch laptop that offers lots of power for little money. It can't quite compete with the ThinkPad, but it has a great OLED display of its own and costs hundreds of dollars less.

How long it will take?

The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 is extremely durable, well configured and will provide many years of productive service. We'd like more than a year of warranty at these prices, but Lenovo offers a variety of warranty upgrade options.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Not only is the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 the most powerful ThinkPad you can buy, it's also one of the most powerful 15-inch consumer laptops out there.

Editor's recommendations




23 Oct
Blog

Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) Review: Setting the Benchmark

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) on the table

Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) Review: Growing Up To Set The Standard

"It's still compact, but the new Echo Dot (4th Generation) offers a decent punch for $ 50."

  • Charming new design

  • Excellent audio quality for its size

  • Alexa Guard protection

  • Affordable cost

  • LED clock should be standard

The fourth generation of the Echo Dot does without the puck-shaped design of its predecessors and wants to make a statement with its revised design. You could say it's a game of chance, because the spherical shape of the new design is very different from anything else. The bigger problem, however, is where this latest model competes against the multitude of other smart speakers that are seeking attention.

Big surprises come in small packages

While Amazon is the entry-level model, it has never neglected the audio punch of the Echo Dot – and that is evident in the fourth-generation Echo Dot. For its size, it's actually pretty impressive how good it sounds. Sure, it's in no way intended to compete with the premium audio experiences of something like the Echo Studio, but given its size, I'm convinced it's the best sounding speaker in the $ 50 price range.

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Beneath the 100% recycled post-consumer mesh that wraps the entire speaker is a 1.6-inch front speaker that delivers crisp highs that are offset by rich-sounding bass. If you are the casual music listener, you will appreciate how the Echo Dot (4th Generation) can fill smaller rooms with its audio very well. You can certainly improve the output by pairing it with other speakers for that room-filling sound. However, it can still stand on its own.

I am convinced that it is the best sounding speaker in the $ 50 price range.

It handles higher volumes well without ever sounding screeching or high-pitched. There's also a little wiggle room when it comes to tweaking the tone, as controls for adjusting bass, mids, and treble are available through the Alexa app. Don't let its small size fool you – the Echo Dot can let some larger speakers rival for its performance.

One design for everyone

Just like its bigger sibling, the Echo (4th generation), the Echo Dot (4th generation) has a spherical shape. The height has increased over the third generation Echo Dot, while the physical buttons for volume, mute, and action continue to lead the way.

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

I was skeptical of this decision, especially when the puck-shaped design has become an icon. Change can be a good thing, however – and that's the case with the new Echo Dot (4th generation). Whether on my desk or on a kitchen shelf – the design fits almost any style and decor.

Amazon also announced the variants of the speaker during its September 2020 event:

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) with clock

If you need a bedside companion, this is it Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) with clock is the logical choice. It shows the time – along with the outside temperature, timers and alarms. I honestly wish the LED clock was a standard feature on the Echo Dot rather than an entirely separate model.

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) with clock LED lightJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Apart from the clock functions, nothing differs from the standard model. However, there is a $ 10 premium on this version, which equates to a $ 60 premium. It's worth buying because I can't tell you how convenient it is to find the time without turning to my smartphone.

Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) Kids Edition

More and more people are relying on smart speakers when working from home, but those who have kids will want to consider the fun and sweetness Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) Kids Edition.

Echo Dot Kids Edition IntroducedAmazon

There are currently two design options available – a panda or a tiger. The Kids Edition has the same features as the standard Echo Dot, but Amazon has a range of kid-friendly content, including a year of Amazon Kids +. Children can ask Alexa to tell them stories, call approved friends, and use some educational skills. Just like the watch, the Kids Edition costs $ 60.

Alexa to the rescue

Alexa, the digital assistant, is growing and developing. Although Alexa is better at providing relevant answers and answers to questions / commands, I find the Google Assistant still does a better job. That said, there are a lot more Alexa-compatible devices to control and control – from everyday things like smart LED lightbulbs to some obscure devices like garage openers.

It's little things like Alexa Guard that create more incentive value.

Thanks to the various Alexa skills that you can acquire, the functionality of Alexa continues to grow. I love that you can change Alexa's voice to Samuel L. Jackson, especially when it comes to the explicit and funny comment.

There is one area that caught my attention more than anything – security features that Alexa can use to watch over my home. With Alexa Guard, the Echo Dot (4th generation) listens for certain noises such as broken glass or a smoke detector. The Google Assistant does a similar thing, but you need to subscribe to the Nest Aware service. It's a free service for Alexa Guard, so I appreciate it rolling out at no additional cost. Would you like a more comprehensive service? Launching soon for $ 5 per month, Amazon Guard Plus has an emergency line that you can call for help by asking Alexa.

Most people expect smart speakers to do the typical things like play music and control other smart home devices, but it's little things like Alexa Guard that make the Echo Dot (4th Generation) more excited at home.

Our opinion

The Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) makes some bold changes, but it offers a punchy package that makes it the smart speaker that can be beat in the $ 50 price range. The spherical design is a refreshing change that doesn't stop it from being a capable speaker for music. The only criticism I have is that the LED clock should be standard on all models rather than having a dedicated model.

How long it will take?

Since it is unlikely to be moved from place to place, there is little or no concern that something unfortunate will happen to the Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation). Construction is solid, but if something goes wrong internally, it comes with a 1-year limited warranty that covers deficiencies. If you need more, Amazon offers paid accident protection.

Is there a better alternative?

You won't find anything better that combines the exceptional audio performance of the Echo Dot, extensive features, and evolving capabilities of Alexa at around $ 50. If you're craving for better audio performance, the Amazon Echo Studio remains the best Alexa speaker – while the Amazon Echo (4th Generation) bridges the void as an all-round performer at $ 100.

The Google Nest Mini is the natural choice if your budget is around $ 50 and you rely heavily on Google's services.

Should you buy it?

Even if you have the previous version, the Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) is a great buy whether you're just starting out or planning an addition.

Editor's recommendations




23 Oct
Blog

Amazon Echo (4th Gen) Review: New Look, Outstanding Results

Amazon Echo 4th Generation Rating 9 out of 14

Amazon Echo (4th generation) review: New look, same excellent results

"A charming new design paired with Alexa's intelligence makes the Echo (4th generation) an outstanding competitor."

  • Charming new spherical design

  • Blinding LED light ring

  • Serves as an Amazon Sidewalk Bridge

  • Great sounding tone

  • Bass trunks at the highest volume

It's hard to imagine that the original Amazon Echo smart speaker was released in 2014 and has become one of the most popular smart speakers around. For many people, it was their introduction to the future of the home – where voice control for hiring a digital assistant to complete tasks was of paramount importance. Now we have the newest member in the established line with the fourth generation Amazon Echo.

While I was relying on a variant of last year's third generation model, Amazon (like many others) surprised me with the introduction of a suitable successor. What is interesting, however, is the radical change in design, which deviates from the traditional cylindrical shape of the pre-speakers. With the new contest offerings already announced, namely Google Nest Audio and Apple HomePod mini, the Amazon Echo (4th generation) clearly has a battle ahead of it to become the standout winner this season.

Charming spherical design

When Amazon presented the Echo (4th generation) during its virtual press event in September 2020, I was skeptical of the new design. It was a radical change from what we've seen so far, so I wasn't particularly impressed. But as soon as I unpacked it, put it on my desk and turned it on, I was thrilled. Seriously beaten, mostly because I didn't expect it to look this good just sitting there.

When we think of speakers, a rectangular shape comes to mind. Therefore, it is a daring step by Amazon to change this (and break from tradition). The spherical shape is not over-inflated as I originally thought. On the contrary, it measures 5.7 inches at the base and 5.2 inches in height. With this two-tone look made from 100% post-consumer recycled fabric that covers most of the speaker, it's a comfortable and charming design that will accentuate any decor.

As usual, there are physical buttons on top of the speaker for volume control, action and microphone mute. Who knows if it's intentional, but the LED light ring around the base of the echo (4th generation) was a brilliant move. Not only does it glow in a pervasive color when I get Alexa, but it fades and pulses in different colors to emphasize Alexa's listening and reactions. The dynamic effect of the LED light ring is even more pronounced when it is placed on reflective surfaces.

A refreshing change that will last a long time.

Amazon put the design on the line and it pays off as a refreshing change that has long been in development. The only complaint I have is that I wish Amazon could just put in an LED display similar to the Echo Dot with a clock, just because it would be nice to be able to tell the time quickly at a glance – instead of asking Alexa .

Adaptive audio for every room

One of the main reasons people buy smart speakers is listening to music, whether leisurely or during a big party. The Amazon Echo (4th generation) does not disappoint in this area. In fact, the Echo line has been known to deliver solid audio by and large. Though, after the Echo Studio last year, Amazon clearly etched a distinctive line that is more of a mid-range offering in terms of audio performance. It's still incredibly capable of calming audiophiles, especially when it uses the same room-resizing technology as the Echo Studio by capturing the acoustics of the room to improve its performance.

Equipped with a 3-inch neodymium woofer and two 0.8-inch tweeters, the audio in the high range is clear and clear thanks to Dolby processing – with a rich bass that compliments it. You can adjust some settings through the Alexa app, e.g. B. Bass, mids, and treble, but I find that they can still sound tense at higher volumes. The lows seem to be affected the most, which puts a little strain on the bass.

The Echo (4th gen) seems just a tiny bit behind the overall performance of the Nest Audio on its own, but it's worth noting that you can pair it with other Echo devices (including smart displays) to enjoy music playback for sync the entire house.

Same old Alexa smart

The Echo wouldn't be what it is today without Alexa, the intelligent assistant that powers the company's many smart home devices. I'll be honest, I don't use Alexa as much as I should as my favorite smart assistant is the Google Assistant. That's because I rely so much on Google's services. That is the logical choice.

After getting to know Alexa again over the past few months with the Amazon Echo Show (2nd generation) and then with the Echo (4th generation), I have a new appreciation for how useful it is as an assistant. First and foremost, it can be seamlessly integrated into Amazon's numerous services. For example, I recently made a purchase on Amazon for these Listerine Pocketmist Sprays. On the day of delivery, I noticed that the LED ring of light on the echo was glowing amber. I didn't know what it meant, however, so I asked Alexa. She told me my order had just delivered before I had a chance to check the notification on my phone.

This is just one of the many examples that show how deeply Alexa is intertwined with Amazon's services. When it comes to controlling the smart home, it can do the same job as the Google Assistant. This, of course, is one of the biggest advantages Alexa has over Google Assistant – as there are far more Alexa-compatible devices than Google Assistant or Siri. While I believe that, in my experience, the Google Assistant is better at responding to questions and requests based on contextual cues, I can't tell you how amused I am to hear Samuel L. Jackson's voice echoing. He's by far the most amusing celebrity voice.

To be honest, Alexa's ability doesn't change with the Echo (4th generation). If you own an older Echo, you won't find anything new here in terms of their capabilities. Downloading more skills will of course expand their functionality, but it's no different from other Alexa-enabled smart speakers and displays.

Help move the sidewalk to more places

It might seem an afterthought to most people, but the Echo (4th generation) is notable for Amazon Sidewalk. This is an addition to the fact that it is also a smart home hub that supports Bluetooth LE and ZigBee. If you have door and window sensors that use these standards, you can set up some of them right from the echo and send commands to them.

The Echo (4th generation) still has a heavy blow to itself and offers wonderful all-round performance.

More importantly, however, it can be used as a sidewalk bridge that helps compatible devices connect. This new low-energy signal has a greater impact on the communication between devices as Amazon Sidewalk becomes more common. Given that bandwidth is a constant problem at home as more and more devices are connected to the Wi-Fi network, Amazon Sidewalk aims to alleviate this congestion and connectivity battle.

What does it all mean? Quite simply, it effectively provides more coverage for compatible devices. The upcoming tile tracker is a perfect example of the reach of Amazon Sidewalk. You can usually find one in close proximity via Bluetooth LE, which is usually no more than several hundred meters away. If you happen to leave it with a friend who happens to have an Echo (4th generation), the tile tracker can still be found when you travel home. This is because the Echo acts as a sidewalk bridge and compatible devices can communicate with it.

This is all new and interesting, but this addition will make Internet of Things devices much easier to communicate with. Even so, the Echo (4th generation) remains a fantastic home hub to control and access all existing smart home devices.

Our opinion

Amazon's gamble to create a new version with its latest Echo smart speaker pays off primarily because the refreshing design is charming, offers an extraordinary audio experience and all the smarts that accompany Alexa. Google's Nest Audio may have the edge when it comes to audio performance, but the Echo (4th generation) still takes a strong punch in its own right and offers great all-round performance. It's priced at $ 100, so it's an important consideration as your next smart speaker. This is especially true if you are heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem.

How long it will take?

Amazon prides itself on the construction of the Echo, which is 50% recycled post-consumer plastics, 100% recycled post-consumer fabrics, and 100% recycled die-cast aluminum. It feels solid and isn't overly heavy either, especially when compared to Google Nest Audio.

There is little concern that something will break, mainly because it will remain stationary. However, a 1 year limited warranty is provided to cover any defects. However, Amazon also offers accident protection against costs.

Is there a better alternative?

Music lovers will prefer Nest Audio's performance for better audio quality. On the other hand, the Amazon Echo Studio is the speaker who decides if you are an audiophile but you pay a heavy cost to pick it up.

It also begs the question of whether smart speakers are a valuable choice when smart displays go into the equation. For the cost of $ 100, the Amazon Echo (4th generation) is hard to miss as it offers a well-rounded package. On the other hand, it lacks some of the added conveniences that smart displays offer. The Amazon Echo Show 8 is a compelling option at a price that more or less depends on whether it's for sale.

Should you buy it?

You bet! Whether you want to upgrade a pre-speaker or expand your existing collection, the Amazon Echo (4th generation) is great value for money – and it looks oh so good with its new spherical design!

Editor's recommendations




25 Sep
Blog

Apple iPad 2020 (10.2-inch, 8th Gen) Review: Great for $329

Apple iPad 8th generation 2020 rating space gray 11

"When you need a tablet at a reasonable price, the iPad should be your first choice."

  • Exceptional software with long support

  • Great battery life

  • Colorful and clear display

  • Connects to a robust Apple ecosystem

  • 32 GB of basic memory is not enough

  • Single tinny speaker

  • Still flash, not USB-C

In the technology world, “iPad” is just as general a word as “Kleenex”. As Apple's iPad product range was expanded to include the Air and Pro models, a basic iPad was retained to anchor the group. It's just the iPad. No year, no generation, no name. It's for people who go online or go to a store and say, "I want to buy an iPad today." You can have one for just $ 329.

This is Apple's 2020 iPad – the 8th generation for those who count. It's the perfect tablet for people who just want a computing device.

Hardware, display and design

Apple introduced a brand new design with the iPad Pro line and brought this design along with a beautiful new color palette to the new iPad Air. It hasn't yet achieved the economies of scale that are supposed to be included in Apple's cheap iPad – this looks and feels the same as the last few iPads. What is there to say that hasn't been repeated in years? Apple has perfected this design.

The aluminum plate has a perfectly flat back, pleasantly curved sides and a small bevel that fits perfectly on the front glass. There is no such thing as thriving. It's simply a portal to iPadOS 14. It's an appliance no different from your toaster or Keurig.

The 10.2-inch display is a step down from the iPad Air, but not in its 2160 x 1620 resolution, which produces the same density as the Air. However, you will find that this is not a laminated display. There is a visible gap between the screen and the glass cover that is different from the iPad Air, iPad Pro and any modern smartphone.

Despite this shortcoming, the screen's colors and clarity are superb, and you will only see the gap at certain viewing angles. The maximum brightness is stated as 500 nits, which is sufficient – although I have always set the brightness to 100% outdoors. The lack of lamination can cause problems outdoors, which are more reflective in daylight than most tablets.

If you don't spend a lot of time outdoors, you'll love this display.

I don't really have anything against the old-school iPad's circular Touch ID sensor for functionality, but it feels dated compared to other alternatives like a built-in fingerprint sensor or the sensor built into the side of the iPad Air on the power button. I bet this will be the last iPad with the Touch ID button.

And I hope when the switch is made the screen bezels will shrink too because they look weird. Bezels are useful for holding the tablet without touching the screen, but they don't have to be that big.

The iPad sits comfortably at 1.08 pounds and the weight is well distributed. However, you will be reminded of the age of this design again as it is heavier than the iPad Air and iPad Pro, both of which offer dramatically more features and larger displays. Regardless, it's easy to hold up the tablet with one hand in portrait mode or with two hands while watching a long video.

However, when it comes to audio, video falls short. There is only one speaker on one side, which can be easily covered by your hand and is quite thin. The back is also slippery. If you'd like to help them for an expanded display or input, you'll need Apple's tri-fold Smart Cover – that will bring you back a cool $ 50.

Software, features and battery life

iOS 14 is the biggest change to iPhone software in years, but the same can't be said for iPadOS 14. The iPad benefits the most from moving to iOS 14, as notifications and warnings don't cover the entire screen and there's a new Spotlight -Search interface. That being said, it's effectively iPadOS 13.

Perhaps the biggest new feature is Scribble, which lets you use Apple Pencil to recognize handwriting to text through the user interface. This of course requires a $ 99 accessory and is a whole different discussion.

Unfortunately, iOS 14's app library isn't here, so you can no longer manually manage the pages of apps and folders, which now seems archaic. You also have nowhere to move widgets anywhere on the home screen, which I consider a massive oversight. However, you can pin the widget area to the left third of the main home screen in landscape orientation.

Multitasking remains complicated – there's a lot of power here, but it's hard to spot and seemingly impossible to master. There's an awkward dance of gestures to bring up apps, use the split screen, and trigger floating windows with no hints of detectability – all you have to do is try things out.

iPadOS 14 seems simple, but it hides a steep learning curve for multitasking.

Apple probably knows that the typical basic iPad customer will multitask far less than those who buy an Air or Pro. However, don't let that stop you from making the most of it.

With the A12 Bionic processor and plenty of screen, there is a lot you can do when you dig into the depths of gesture controls for multitasking. And the iPad never skips a beat – with two or three apps at the same time, even with other apps in the background, it never misses a step. The iPad is clearly packed with specs to handle the high features and capabilities of an upcoming iPadOS 17, not 14.

The only place not ready for the future is storage. The base of 32 GB is simply not enough. After a few days, I had already used 23 GB – but luckily I ordered a 128 GB model. I suggest everyone do the same. It's just a shame Apple is hollowing you out for another $ 100 or 30% more to get it.

As expected, the battery life is fantastic. The 32 watt hour cell offers a long service life. Apple advertises its usual "10 hours of surfing the Internet or watching videos", which of course is by no means representative of the use of iPads. I used it a few hours a day for a full work week, keeping up with a mix of any kind of light load from social media apps, email, and messaging, and YouTube and podcasts – and I didn't have to charge anything Once. The iPad is especially good at sitting idle for hours (or days) without using a noticeable amount of power. If you're not actively using it, the iPad won't go blank.

Unfortunately, along with the relics of design and the Touch ID sensor, the iPad continues to use Lightning for charging. Let's hope this is the last iPad to use the old port and that it will connect to every other iPad (and MacBook as well as Android phone) on USB-C. It's just so much better. At least the charger in the box is now USB-C on the wall side.

The iPad has a rear camera, but it might as well not. The 8 megapixel sensor is useful for taking photos of receipts or sending an explanatory message to a friend, but that's about it. The 1.2 megapixel front camera handles video calling tasks in the app of your choice (up to 720p). The quality is roughly equivalent to that of a laptop, but lags behind a modern telephone. The ease with which you can make a FaceTime call with loved ones is more important in many ways than the quality of the camera itself.

Our opinion

The 8th generation iPad isn't exciting, but it's an exceptional tablet for $ 329. Easy to learn and use, iPadOS 14 can be extremely powerful for multitasking and light productivity work if you spend time learning. The battery life is exceptional and the display is great for the money. The hardware looks and feels old, but it's incredibly effective – and most importantly, it's built to last a long time, both physically and in terms of internal specs.

To say that the iPad costs $ 329 is a misnomer, however. For that money, you only get 32GB of storage, which is not enough. You have to spend $ 429 to get 128GB. Ouch. Basically, you need a smart cover that every iPad needs. That's $ 50 more. So it's really a total package of $ 479.

But even at $ 429, it's impossible to find a better tablet experience. Yes, if you need a keyboard to turn an iPad into a work device, consider buying a Chromebook instead of a keyboard accessory for $ 159. If you are on a budget as a tablet, nothing better than the iPad can be done.

Are there any better alternatives?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 is cheaper and of a similar size. But iPadOS is completely superior to Android on tablets, and the app selection is so far ahead that it deserves no comparison. The Tab A 10.1 is only a better choice if you are on a very tight budget and don't need the tablet other than just to surf and watch media.

If you need your iPad for work or school, there is a good argument why you shouldn't buy an iPad. Once you get the higher storage option and the Apple keyboard, you are well within the realm of buying a laptop. A Lenovo Chromebook Duet or an Asus Chromebook Flip are better choices, but then you have to miss out on the iPad app ecosystem.

How long it will take?

Apple has an exceptional track record of updating the software on its tablets. For example, iPadOS 14 will be available from 2017 through the 5th generation iPad. You are expected to receive at least three annual software updates for this iPad, and it is clear that there is enough internal hardware to run it.

The Lightning charging port and Touch ID sensor with a physical home button are areas that feel old faster. However, these are only a minimal part of the experience compared to being able to keep using the latest software and apps for years to come.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you don't have the budget for an iPad Air and just need a basic tablet as a secondary device for casual use, there is no better choice than the iPad. Just be aware of the potential budget scare when looking to buy the 128GB model and a smart cover for it.

Editor's recommendations




27 Aug
Blog

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 Review: The Legacy Continues

Lenovo Ideapad Slim 7 review Thinkpad X1 Yoga Gen5 01

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5

"The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 continues the old ThinkPad legacy without missing out on modern features."

  • Excellent workmanship

  • Tactile keyboard

  • Additional security functions

  • The pen is included

  • Convenient port selection

  • Thick bezels and outdated design

  • Too expensive

  • Uses Comet Lake processors

ThinkPads don't change. The decades-old design is part of its enduring legacy, and its looks have become iconic over the years.

The ThinkPad X1 Yoga, however, has always been a deviation from the norm. With an aluminum case, touchscreen, and included stylus, it's not your father's ThinkPad – that's the saying.

Now in its fifth generation, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga has been updated with the latest internals, and sky-high prices remain. My test unit was $ 2,303, and even the base model is a whopping $ 1,439. Does the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 live up to the venerable ThinkPad legacy? Let's find out.

design

The aluminum case is the standout feature of this laptop, which is strange to say. Since the days of the early MacBook Air, the silver color scheme has been brought to death. Of course, not every silver laptop is created equal, and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 gets it right. It's a discreet dark gray – dare I say "Space Gray" in tone.

The aluminum material makes it even more robust than your average ThinkPad. This builds on the brand's pedigree for great build quality, and it's even more important for a convertible laptop with a 360-degree hinge. The X1 Yoga should be used as a laptop, but it should also be rotated in "media" mode or even turned upside down in "tent" mode. It's a device that you should touch, and that's what durability is important for. The aluminum also helps in reducing fingerprints for which the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is known.

Whether it's the distinctive keyboard or the TrackPoint node, you won't confuse this with a MacBook.

The hinge is constructed tightly – maybe even a little too tight. Like most laptops, it cannot be opened with one finger and requires a two-handed grip to pull it apart. However, the aluminum adds to the weight of the device. It comes in at just under three pounds, which is over half a pound heavier than the X1 Carbon.

Outside of the aluminum, the X1 Yoga is a ThinkPad through and through. Whether it's the distinctive keyboard or the TrackPoint node, you won't confuse this with a MacBook or anything else.

Thick bezels are also part of this specialty. On all sides, they're not as slim as I would expect from a laptop released in 2020, even when compared to some other 14-inch laptops from Lenovo. The lower chin is a particularly notable culprit. Other 2-in-1 laptops like the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 or the HP Specter x360 can maximize screen space better.

Ports

ThinkPads have always offered a wide variety of ports, and the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 is no exception. On the left side there are two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a USB-A port, HDMI and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Lenovo's proprietary mechanical docking connection is connected to one of the Thunderbolt 3 ports and can be helpful when setting up a new home office. However, the dock itself is sold separately.

On the right side you will find another USB-A port, the power switch, a Kensington lock and the pen slot. The included pen, the ThinkPad Pen Pro, is a great addition. Many manufacturers such as HP and Dell charge a surcharge for a pen and do not offer a housing for the device. Unfortunately, the ThinkPad Pen Pro cannot be pulled out when the laptop is flat on the table. Other pen slots, such as those used by Samsung, have a spring mechanism that allows them to pop out.

The pen itself is light and simple, precise enough to take notes and scroll through web pages. For a pen that's better for illustrating, consider using either an Apple Pencil or a Surface Pen.

The ports on the right have been moved towards you to make room for a sizeable exhaust vent. The location of the vent also means that if you're right-handed and want to use an external mouse, a wave of hot air will be pushed towards you. Plus, the single USB-A port is in an awkward spot where cables can dangle.

Although the device has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, both of which can be charged, I would have preferred if Lenovo split them up. Charging from both sides of the laptop can definitely come in handy.

Keyboard and touchpad

ThinkPads are known for their keyboards. I understand why – that extra travel in the keys is a rare feature these days. After a few days of typing, I began to appreciate the luxury of this long trip. The slight concavity of the keys is comfortable, and the additional force exerted on the key presses ensures tactile precision.

But I have to admit, I have problems with the layout of this keyboard. In line with ThinkPad tradition, the X1 Yoga still swaps the fn and ctrl keys on the left. The different layout bothers me every time I type on a ThinkPad computer and it never stops being frustrating. It took me several days to type Ctrl + T and Ctrl + Z incorrectly to unlearn the layout.

But there is more. ThinkPads use the standard half-size arrow keys that are just below the rest of the keys. That alone can cause me to trip a bit, but placing PgUp and PgDn keys right next to them is additionally problematic. As a touch typist, I can't tell you the number of times I accidentally jumped to the page because of small errors.

Touch typists have to unlearn some keyboard commands.

My final layout complaint is about the keyboard backlight. While the ThinkPad X1 Yoga has a backlight, you will have to rely on the Fn + Space keyboard command to turn it on. Neither of these layout problems is new to ThinkPad users, but they are an issue for those who came from other laptops or keyboards.

As always, the touchpad hardware buttons are located above the touchpad for easy access while using the TrackPoint. The red nub in the middle of the keyboard is an icon and a unique feature. However, if you want to rely mainly on the touchpad, the buttons take up valuable space where a larger touchpad surface could have been. My fingers often ran against it while wiping with two fingers or gesturing with three fingers. The glass touchpad itself feels precise and smooth, and the click is quieter than other laptops.

The fingerprint scanner is unfortunately to the right of the touchpad. I would prefer something built into the keyboard itself, but the reader that comes with it is good. Above the screen, you also get an IR camera for Windows Hello face recognition and a 720p webcam.

Display and speaker

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 has a 14-inch 4K display. However, you can also go for a 1080p model that will save you a few hundred dollars. However, the 4K display is brighter, sharper and more colorful. The maximum is just under 500 nits, which is bright enough to overcome glare even in brightly lit rooms. Although the X1 Yoga Gen 5 is not like the ThinkPad X1 Extreme OLED, in contrast it does well at 1,020: 1.

The colors are a bit mixed up though. For a 4K display, I expect the broadest possible color range and precise color accuracy. The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 is a bit behind some of the leading companies in this area, such as the Dell XPS 13 or the HP Specter x360. While 86% of Adobe RGB is better than the average laptop, the color accuracy isn't quite up to par. Professional photo editing or graphic design are not the type of work the X1 Yoga Gen 5 is good for.

The 1080p screen is a better choice for most potential buyers as it translates into longer battery life.

The speakers face down and are located under the edges of the case. Unsurprisingly, the audio quality is a bit squishy. The speakers don't have the quiet highs of many laptops, but they won't impress you either.

performance

Despite the desire of the X1 Yoga to be more attractive, all ThinkPads are business computers at heart. The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 pays tribute to that legacy with the latest 10th generation vPro Core i7 processors. These are business-specific chips from Intel that provide additional security and manageability features that your IT department will appreciate.

The decision for vPro over a normal processor of the 10th generation has one disadvantage: pure speed and graphics performance. The Intel Core i7-10610U vPro is a quad-core processor, but it belongs to the older 14nm Comet Lake variant. The newer Ice Lake processors, like those of the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 or the HP Specter x360, are said to be faster. This was true for Cinebench R20, where the XPS 13 was 10% faster than the X1 Yoga Gen 5 in both single-core and multi-core tests.

The business class processor results in a slight performance penalty.

The X1 Yoga Gen 5 wasn't the fastest in real world performance either, such as when it came to video encoding in Handbrake. Laptops like the XPS 13 and the 13-inch MacBook Pro blow it out of the water thanks to their improved multi-core performance. The new generation of AMD laptops extends this lead even further. Unfortunately, choosing a business processor with additional security features still results in a slight performance penalty.

I'm not saying the X1 Yoga is a slow computer for everyday tasks. Creating multiple 4K monitors, extensive multitasking, and even light content is no problem.

Graphics are the only performance area where the difference is most evident. Comet Lake processors use Intel's terrible built-in UHD graphics, while laptops like the XPS 13 2-in-1 or the Specter x360 have the option for Intel's improved Iris Plus graphics. Neither of these will turn your laptop into a hardcore slot machine, but Iris Plus is at least enough to get past lighter games on low settings.

Battery life

All 4K laptops have battery life issues. More pixels mean more power to power them, and the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 is no different. It took me about five hours in my daily use which consists of lots of multitasking and browsing tabs but not lots of heavy applications. That's not bad, but you can't safely stay away from an electrical outlet for an entire day at work.

In our lightest test, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga lasted 7 hours and 49 minutes while looping a local 1080p video file. The HP Specter x360 lasted almost two hours longer in the same test, despite a 4K OLED panel. The ThinkPad X1 Yoga matched the battery performance of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon.

Our heaviest test is the Basemark web benchmark, which simulates the battery life in a heavy application. The ThinkPad X1 Yoga ran out of juice after just two hours, which is not uncommon for a 4K laptop.

Our opinion

The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 is a modern business laptop, but it still has a commercial heart. This is no excuse for some of his cumbersome design choices, especially the beefy bezels. The ThinkPad X1 brand still has its advantages, especially when it comes to the keyboard, TrackPoint, and world-famous build quality. The included pen is also a unique feature that is unique to the Samsung Galaxy Book Flex.

Is there a better alternative?

There are two ThinkPad X1 alternatives to Yoga: the X1 Carbon and the X1 Extreme. The X1 Carbon is lighter and the X1 Extreme is bigger and far more powerful. Neither the aluminum housing nor the 2-in-1 functions.

Both the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 and the HP Specter x360 13 are better 2-in-1 laptops for the average person, with better performance and a more modern design. Both are cheaper than the X1 Yoga, but neither are business-class laptops.

If the business pedigree is a must, both the HP Elite Dragonfly and Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1 are worthy rivals of the X1 Yoga.

How long it will take?

The ThinkPad brand is known for durability and the X1 Yoga Gen 5 is no different. It should take up to five years, although the standard warranty is only one year.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The X1 Yoga won't win conversions in its fifth generation, but it's a good choice if you're upgrading from an older ThinkPad.

Editor's recommendations




09 Aug
Blog

Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) Review: Light on Upgrades

Bell video doorbell 2nd generation 2020 rating 2 and post person

Ring video doorbell 2nd gen.

"The cheapest ring is not a revelation, but its price is."

  • Inexpensive

  • Great app experience

  • Privacy Zone censors certain areas

  • easy installation

  • No replaceable battery

  • Glitchy video and audio

Several video doorbells have gone through since the original was released in 2013. There were Elite, Pro, Ring Video Doorbell 2, Ring Video Doorbell 3, and Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus. After all that, the company returned to the original with the Ring video doorbell 2nd gen. ($ 100).

How does it differ from all of its cousins? It's $ 100 price tag. It's by far the cheapest bells launched this year – Bells 3 and 3 Plus for Ring Video cost $ 200 and $ 230, respectively. That's a big difference. Is it worthy of the premium brand Ring? I tried the 2nd generation to see how it stood out from the competition and the other ring doorbells.

Ring Video Doorbell Gen 2 and Post Personring

installation

Like the other Ring Video Doorbells, Generation 2 is very easy to install. The instructions in the app will guide you through everything step by step. The kit even includes a level, screwdriver, and drill bit in case you need a drill bit. All you have to do is attach the mounting plate to the wall or door frame with a couple of screws, click the doorbell onto the plate, and then secure everything with two more screws. The wireless installation takes about 30 minutes in total. If you're replacing another wired doorbell, the installation won't take much longer because it connects to the cables you already have. However, if you want it to be wired but don't currently have a wired doorbell, you will need to get a professional to do the installation.

Still not an easy way to top up

Ring Video Doorbell Gen 2 BackAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

The very first thing I noticed is how difficult it is to charge this new model. The other new video doorbells in the Ring range have a detachable faceplate that allows you to remove the battery to recharge. The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd generation) does not have a removable battery. The entire doorbell must be completely removed from the mounting plate as the charging port is on the back of the doorbell. This is the same method as the first generation Ring Video Doorbell. That means you have to loosen two security screws to be able to recharge the doorbell. What a pain! While the doorbell is charging, instead of a doorbell, you have an ugly mounting plate next to your door.

Other than having to unplug the doorbell from the front panel and load it in, the battery isn't that bad. Like the other ring doorbells, it should only need to be charged every few months. Overall, it consumes around 1% of its battery life every day.

Video

The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) has a 1080p HD camera, just like the Ring Doorbell 2, the Ring Doorbell 3 and the Ring Doorbell 3 Plus. It's leaps and bounds better than the 1st generation with a 720p HD camera, however. What's even more surprising is that this 2nd generation model has higher color saturation and better contrast, possibly a little too much contrast, despite the same video specifications as the 3 Plus.

The curvature of the fish shell around the edges of the video seems a little less obvious.

Also, the curvature of the fish shell seems a little less obvious around the edges of the video. As I've said in other doorbell reviews, curvature distortion is an issue that should have been resolved by now. Among other things, the Arlo Video doorbell figured out how to create a doorbell without distorting the edges. Why is Ring sleeping on this upgrade?

Ring Video Doorbell Gen 2 VideoAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

The 2nd generation has night vision just like their brand friends. It's similar to other night vision doorbells, but far from amazing. The contrast is good and faces are pretty recognizable. When it is really dark outside, the camera switches to black and white footage. As long as the lights on your porch are on, they will still be recorded in color.

The video is corrupted if the person moves in front of the camera. It corrects itself in a few seconds, but is still annoying. You would think that this is due to the fact that it only has 2.0GHz Wi-Fi connectivity. Not so. The other ringtones also have this problem even when using a 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi connection.

The field of view (how much area the camera can "see") is somewhat narrower than with other doorbell doors. The Ring Video doorbell (2nd generation) has a field of view of 155 degrees, while the 3 Plus is a little wider 160 degrees. Frankly, this didn't seem to make much of a difference when comparing footage side by side. The original model has a 180 degree field of view so I'm a little confused. You would expect Gen 2 to be an upgrade, not a downgrade.

Ring Video Doorbell Gen 2 VideoAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

While you can watch live videos for free, you will need a subscription to save your videos. The ring protection plan allows you to review and share videos and photos for up to 60 days. It costs just $ 3 per month per device or $ 10 per month for your entire household. So it's not particularly expensive. It's similar to other plans like Nest Aware for Google's Nest Hello, but other companies like August offer free video storage for their doorbells.

Audio

Ring video doorbell 2nd generation on the doorAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

Two-way audio is a feature found throughout the Ring line of video doorbells. You can talk to anyone at your door without opening it or even being home. The noise-canceling technology really helps to attenuate ambient noise so you can hear the person speaking clearly. The sound is also very loud. The only problem is with the microphone and speaker turning on and off so the sound is a bit choppy on either side of the conversation.

properties

The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) has most of the same functionality as any other Ring Doorbell, mainly because they all use the same app. One thing that isn't there is the pre-roll option, which allows the camera to record a four-second preview video in front of a motion alarm, which is exclusive to the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus. It's helpful when you need more footage, such as identifying someone on a video, but it's not a huge loss.

Many Ring competitors use artificial intelligence to detect and warn you when a package is on your porch. However, Ring does not offer it for a single model. Maybe I'm just overestimating what a great feature this is. I think it's pretty helpful, but Ring maybe not. It's artificial intelligence that can tell the difference between people, animals, or cars so that motion notifications are more accurate.

Ring Video Doorbell Gen 2 with 3 PlusRing Video Doorbell Gen 2 next to the 3 Plus Alina Bradford / Digital Trends

To save battery power and reduce constant notifications, there are several ways you can customize the camera's motion detection. The motion detection area can be adjusted so that it only detects movement on your porch or as far as the sidewalk. You can also adjust the sensitivity of the motion detection. If you don't want any notifications at all, you can turn off motion alarms for 30 minutes to four hours.

There is a privacy zone option that literally blocks part of the yard in the video.

If you have a part of your yard that you don't want the camera to see, there is a privacy zone that literally blocks that part of the yard in the video via a black box. Think of it as your own censorship bar. This can be helpful if you don't want the camera to record your children's play or pool areas if you are concerned that the footage is being hacked.

I say this a lot in my reviews but I will say it again. I love the Ring app. It's not buggy and easy to use. Even better, you'll get live crime and security alerts reported by your neighbors or local law enforcement, as well as weekly security reports. This is the only doorbell app that has it all. In fact, the app is one of Ring's biggest selling points.

Ring App

Our opinion

It really seems like Ring is just producing video doorbells without much innovation. The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) is almost indistinguishable from the other new video doorbells except that it does not have a removable battery or 5.0 GHz WiFi connectivity option and has a slightly narrower field of view. The special thing is the price. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is $ 200, while this 2nd generation model is $ 100. That's a great incentive.

Is there a better alternative?

If you want a ring video doorbell, this is your best bet for the price. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus has an additional pre-roll option and a replaceable battery. However, it's not worth paying an extra $ 135. A better option might be the Ring Video Doorbell 3, which brings the cost down to $ 200 and has the same features and specifications as the 3 Plus except for the pre-roll feature.

For better video quality, I would recommend the Arlo Video Doorbell or another option on our list of the best video doorbells. That said, Ring has the best app out there, and if you have other Ring products I definitely recommend the Gen 2.

How long it will take?

Since this doorbell is a solid piece with no removable faceplate, it may seem more durable than other ring doorbells. It comes with a one year limited warranty. If it is stolen, Ring will replace it for free.

Should you buy it

Yes. It's actually a decent doorbell for the price. You also get the great Ring app.

Editor's recommendations




27 May
Blog

Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) Review: New Look, Same Great Protection

Ring alarm (2nd generation) keyboard on the wall

Ring Alarm Security 5-piece kit

"The ring alarm offers excellent home surveillance with a surprisingly low monthly fee."

  • Affordable professional surveillance service

  • Quick setup

  • Backwards compatible with 1st generation hardware

  • Solid range of accessories

  • Needs better camera integration

The new ring alarm (second generation) starts at $ 200 for the five-part kit. However, there are several other kits and bundles to choose from. You can also add accessories later at any time if necessary.

Ring intends to make home security simple, easy and safe. Unlike traditional security systems that require professional installation, it is a do-it-yourself solution where you set everything up. However, Ring Alarm continues to offer 24-hour home surveillance to give homeowners another pair of eyes when they're not there.

What's new?

Basically nothing changes in the basic requirement of the new ring alarm. It is the same home improvement security system that consists of a base station, contact sensors, a motion detector, a keyboard and a range extender. They attach the contact sensors to doors, windows or other entry points throughout the house that then communicate with the base station and send warnings as soon as they are triggered.

Door alarm (2nd generation) Door sensor on the doorJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

What is special about the new hardware is that Ring has reduced the size of each component by around 30%. For example, the keyboard is 38% smaller than its previous counterpart in the first generation system.

Despite the reduction, the sensors are not significantly smaller than those used in other systems such as SimpliSafe or Xfinitys Home Security. Ring is catching up instead of leading with a much smaller design.

Another important change concerns the batteries used by the sensors. The first generation version requires a 3 V lithium battery that is not as readily available as the new version CR2032 coin cell batteries. It's a boring detail, but you'll appreciate the change when it comes to replacing a battery.

Mix and match compatibility

If you happen to own the first generation ring alarm, you can mix and match the hardware to work with the new system, and vice versa. I'm glad to see that owners don't have to drop the old hardware when planning an upgrade. Interoperability is always a welcome relief as it helps maintain the value of the system over time.

It is always a welcome relief when there is interoperability.

Setting up is a breeze with the on-screen instructions in the Ring app. The base station can be connected directly to a router or wirelessly via WLAN. Placement at home is crucial, however, as the gateway communicates with the various sensors. There is also a range limitation for the sensors. For smaller places like my home, range is not a problem as everything is within 50 feet of the base station. Fortunately, the basic model of the ring alarm, the five-part kit, comes with a range extender that attaches an additional 250 feet.

After reclassifying the sensors, the entire setup process was completed in less than 30 minutes. If you need additional sensors, Ring offers a range of accessories to choose from – such as flood sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide sensors and more.

A lot of control, but could be smarter

In the Ring mobile app, you can access and change all settings of the Ring Alarm home security system. You can quickly activate and deactivate the system in the dashboard of the app by pressing the corresponding buttons. In a critical situation, I like how I can use the exclamation point button on the dashboard to quickly request help and trigger the alarm. The same controls are on the keyboard for quick access.

When I resort to some of the app's detailed controls, I find it useful that I can set the mode for each sensor. For example, I turned off the window sensors when they were in home mode, which prevents them from notifying me when I open or close them. At the same time, I switched off motion detection with my Ring Indoor Cam to prevent even more redundant notifications from being sent to me.

Conversely, when the system is activated in away mode, all sensors are monitored and set to trigger the alarm when triggered. Speaking of which, the base station sends out a deafening 104 dB siren that is more than loud to deter an intruder and hear my neighbors.

Although there are enough controls to customize the security system to my liking, it could be more intelligent. One complaint I have is that the alarm does not go off when my ring indoor camera detects motion in away mode, so it just sends the typical push notification instead.

Also, there doesn't seem to be an option to force the camera to turn on and shoot footage when one of the sensors is triggered – something that would be useful if my front door opened, regardless of where the camera is at home.

Finally, it would be helpful if Ring Alarm could see whether I was at home or not. In fact, there have been several cases where I forgot to activate it before leaving. Therefore, it would be nice if the app suggested to put it into vacation mode.

Affordable 24/7 home surveillance

The most attractive aspect of the ring alarm (second generation) is the affordable cost associated with its professional 24-hour home surveillance service. You must subscribe to Ring Protect Plus, which is $ 10 a month or $ 100 a year, but has the benefit of a real-time emergency response.

When an alarm is triggered, not only will you receive a notification on your smartphone, but a representative from Ring's professional surveillance service will call to check. From there, you can simply speak the verbal password to ignore the alarm or have emergency services sent to your home.

Base station for ring alarm (2nd generation) on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

The monthly cost of $ 10 for Ring Protect Plus also covers video history for all cameras connected to your Ring account for up to 60 days. In the event that the power supply fails at home, the base station has a 24-hour backup battery and a cellular service to continue the service. If you are heavily invested in the ring ecosystem, the cost is a bargain as this also includes professional monitoring.

Our opinion

With the ring alarm (2nd generation) you are protected in protecting your house – without having to cost an arm and a leg for a professional surveillance service. The five-part base kit costs $ 200 and the surveillance service costs $ 10 a month (or $ 100 a year). This makes it extremely competitive with other services that have both a higher initial investment and a higher monthly fee.

Is there a better alternative?

SimpliSafe is another do-it-yourself security service that needs to be considered due to its robust range of accessories. In addition to the usual sensors, SimpliSafe also offers a Smart Lock, special smoke and CO detectors, a key fob and a glass break sensor. SimpliSafe accessories are cheaper ($ 15 for an input sensor versus $ 20 for ring). To top it off, further settings and data protection regulations must be adjusted with SimpliSafe.

How long it will take?

Because the base station remains stationary and is in your home, it is unlikely to be damaged or need to be replaced. However, the sensors need to be replaced and the alarm keypad needs to be recharged occasionally unless you want to connect it to the power source.

Ring offers an extended warranty on all devices connected to your Ring Protect Plus subscription, so malfunctions due to defective parts or workmanship are covered until you stop service.

Should you buy it

Yes, especially if you are already invested in the ring ecosystem and want an affordable professional home surveillance service. If you already own the first generation model, there is little incentive to upgrade as the basic features and service remain the same.

Editor's recommendations




16 May
Blog

Amazon Echo Show Review | New (2nd Gen) 2018 Model

Amazon Echo Show 2 review

Echo Show (2nd generation)

"With a bigger screen and a stronger sound, the new Amazon Echo Show is better in every way."

  • Impressive sound quality

  • Crystal clear display

  • Larger screen than the previous model

  • Built-in smart home hub

  • Expensive

  • No Z-Wave integration

We felt that the Amazon Echo Show was up for an update. Given the competition from Google Assistant over the beautiful Smart Display from Lenovo and the Link View from JBL, both of which offer better sound and display quality, Amazon had to catch up.

The company delivered the Amazon Echo Show (2nd generation), an Alexa speaker with a screen, when it was released in October 2018 for $ 229. We had some time with the new device and Amazon definitely delivered.

Alexa, show me film times

Like the previous Echo show, the new show looks a bit like a supported tablet. But the new show has a bigger, crystal-clear 10-inch display (the old one was seven inches tall). It serves as a smart hub, meaning it can use the ZigBee protocol to connect to smart home devices.

Another difference between old and new devices is the shape. The older version was similar to an old school blocky TV, while the new one is more streamlined and has a sandstone or charcoal back. It's ideal for a kitchen environment where you can ask Alexa to show you tutorials on how to make lasagna, for example.

Amazon increased the sound quality with two two-inch premium drivers, a passive bass heater and Dolby processing. In addition, you can adjust the treble and bass from anywhere in the room with just your voice. You can also use the show to set up Alexa's multi-room audio feature.

You can adjust the treble and bass from all over the room with just your voice.

The show offers better integration with ring security products (owned by Amazon), especially the video doorbells. When your doorbell rings, you can see who’s on the front door on the Show screen. With a Hulu subscription, you can also watch live TV on your device and make Skype calls soon.

In addition, the show does everything a normal echo speaker can do, e.g. B. Add items to your shopping list, set the timer or enter the square root of 52,000 (answer: 228.03508502). For those of you who can sneak into your home from devices with a screen, there is a way to turn off both the camera and speaker for privacy reasons.

Alexa, play Cardi B.

We had the opportunity to work on the new show and were impressed by the improved sound quality. We mean significantly improved. We placed the new Echo Show next to the old one to do sound tests side by side and were thrilled. It is clear that Amazon has moved the sound from the "good enough" category to the "good enough to play during a party" category.

We asked Alexa to play Cardi B's I Like It, which has a decent amount of bass. While our old Echo Show sounds a bit muffled with songs with fat bass, the new show has mastered the task well and offers an adult, clear, bold, space-filling version of the song. We had a similar experience when we asked Alexa to go one step further with The Beatles & # 39; Let it Be. The instrumentals and lyrics mixed well. And if you want more power, you can optionally pair the show with the new Echo Sub and other Echo speakers to double the sound.

We let both devices play uptown funk and found that the new show projected a bold, fuller sound across the room, creating a multi-dimensional version of the song that wasn't there before.

Amazon Echo Show 2 reviewRich Shibley / Digital Trends

The improvements are also great for the display. We watched a few minutes of an episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and again the improvement in clarity of the display was strong. Sharp, clear images appeared on the screen, and the device can definitely be used as a television if you wish. While it doesn't quite match the clarity of Lenovo's smart display with Google Assistant, it was a huge improvement over the previous Echo Show.

Obviously, it would be a little difficult to gather around the device like a television, since it is supported at an angle. However, if you want to follow the game while cooking dinner, you will get a detailed overview of current events.

Alexa, turn on the lamp below

We were able to get the show up and running in our smart home without any problems. After connecting, we were asked for our Amazon Prime account information and our WiFi password and we were ready to go. We should note that we have already installed the Alexa app on our phone and connected the device to an existing network of Echo devices. If this is your first echo, you need to do other tasks in the front end, e.g. For example, setting up your preferred language, connecting music streaming services to your account, and adding smart home devices that you want your Echo to control. The Alexa app and show screen will walk you through the steps for a painless setup.

We connected the show to our Nest camera and watched footage of it in no time. The larger screen and clearer display of the new show made a big difference: we could see whether our son's eyes were open or closed in bed – something we couldn't do before. We also connected our Noon and Philips Hue lights and smart plugs and were able to easily switch any device on and off with just the sound of our voice.

Otherwise, the Alexa voice assistant is the same that you'll find in any Alexa device – it can solve math problems for you, tell you what your favorite superhero is, set multiple timers, make calls, and more. The advantage of a screen comes into play when you need to view video, play movies or cook videos, make video calls, or even use your voice to answer the ring of your ringtone. We test this new feature when we get a ringtone doorbell installed.

A couple of things: While we’re excited about integrating Zigbee, we’d like Amazon to add Z-Wave functionality to make the show compatible with a wider range of smart home devices. Many hubs, like Samsung's SmartThings Wi-Fi, offer both. If you want to use one of the more than 2,400 devices that use Z-Wave, you may have to invest in one.

The fabric back is definitely an improvement.

We also hoped for a price cut. While Amazon has invested in major upgrades for this 2.0 model, $ 230 is still a bit expensive, especially considering that the 8-inch Lenovo smart display costs $ 200 (although we should note that the 10-inch version of Lenovo actually costs more than the show at $ 250).

Overall, however, we were impressed with the improvements Amazon made to the Echo overhaul.

Warranty information

The Echo Show comes with a one-year warranty and service. You can purchase an extended one, two, or three year warranty separately.

Try these new features

Thanks to frequent updates that expand their toolkit, Alexa is getting smarter. While there are some basic features you should definitely know, there are new tricks available every month. You can try the following with the Amazon Echo Dot with watch.

Find out more about COVID-19

The pandemic has changed many things for us. Alexa is here to help you with updates and what to do if you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19. Just say, "Alexa, what do I do if I think I have COVID-19?" She will ask you a number of questions, including your itinerary, to give you the correct CDC guide.

Get the latest weather alerts

Storms and other bad weather can occur immediately, which is useful for the latest warnings. The Echo Dot with clock can keep you up to date by saying, "Alexa, tell me if there's a storm alert."

Election updates

There will be a lot of news when the presidential elections are in full swing. So it is a good idea to know what is going on in politics. You can use the Echo Dot with clock to get the latest voting information, debate reviews, and more. All you have to do is say, "Alexa, what is my election update" or "Alexa, what happened in the last debate?"

Our opinion

Overall, the new Echo Show is better than the old one in every way. With powerful sound, a crystal-clear 10-inch display, an additional Smart Hub and an optimized, softer appearance, we are impressed that Amazon has taken so many steps to significantly improve the product.

Is there a better alternative?

Smart displays are still very competitive, and Google Assistant devices are the most competitive. The Google Nest Hub Max ($ 200) is an ultimate smart display that adds a key element that you won't find on our devices. It also serves as a surveillance camera. The Lenovo Smart Display 7 with Google Assistant is a device with a compact design and an affordable price ($ 100).

If you don't need the screen on Echo devices, you can get an intelligent speaker with built-in Alexa voice assistant with an Echo ($ 70) or Echo Dot ($ 30). However, you will miss the functionality of the ZigBee Smart Hub, and without the screen it would be more difficult to get a tutorial on how to bake cookies.

How long it will take?

Amazon Echo devices and Alexa are both here to stay. Alexa is getting better with firmware updates and additional skills. The Echo Show hardware feels robust enough to last for at least a few years, and support for the device should continue for a long time.

Should you buy it

If you're looking for an Alexa-based smart speaker with a screen, you should buy it. If you're not married to Alexa, check out the Google Nest Hub Max. In any case, you will get a great device.

Editor's recommendations




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