31 Mar
Blog

iiRcade Review: A Top-Notch Home Arcade With a Caveat

iiRcade

iiRcade Bartop arcade game

"The iiRcade is a high quality home arcade with a bright future, but it will take a few more games to justify the price."

  • Versatile setup

  • High quality

  • Excellent controls

  • Ingenious digital shop

  • Expensive

  • Game library needs more

You've probably never heard of iiRcade, but the home arcade machine company came up with a really interesting concept. Instead of offering nostalgia-focused reproductions of classic cabinets, a modern approach is chosen. The machine is integrated into a digital storefront where players can buy games à la carte and download them to their machine immediately. It's an arcade machine with an app store.

It's a smart business model, and fans of home arcade machines seemed to agree. The company launched a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised more than $ 600,000. Now that it's been on the market for a few months, we have a clearer picture of how the service works and whether or not it is realizing its full potential.

We found iiRcade to deliver a premium home arcade experience with great build quality. The high price and currently limited selection of games may understandably make gamers skeptical, but it is a strong foundation that creates a bright future.

High price, high quality

Let's get the biggest roadblock out of the way first: the iiRcade isn't cheap. A tabletop version of the machine costs $ 600, and adding a suitable cabinet stand gives buyers an additional $ 150. That will probably sound gross when compared to a machine from Arcade1Up, which is half the cost.

iiRcade

That is certainly a hurdle, but it should be noted that here you get what you pay for. The processing quality is first class. Some cheaper home cabinets feel more like novel toys, but iiRcade is designed for the long haul, which is important given its unique business model.

Both the stand and table components are easy to assemble. After slitting together sturdy pieces of wood for about three hours, I was ready to go without further tinkering. All in all, it's a pretty slim closet too. It has a sleek design that makes it less bulky than retro cabinets that try to fully replicate original machines.

The iiRcade is designed for the long term, which is important given its unique business model.

For those who don't have room for a full 61-inch setup, the standalone tabletop version is a perfect alternative. The nice thing is that the stand and table top can be easily combined or separated. You're not tied to one thing or the other, so there is some flexibility in the way you play. The tabletop mode is still big enough that you can't take it to someone's home to show it off. However, it makes it easier to find a place in your house.

A well built machine

The components themselves are where this machine really does its thing. On the visual side, the entire machine is powered by a 1.8 GHz hexa-core CPU. That's enough juice to run modern indie games with relative ease. There are some notable frame drops when you jump into top-tier games like Dead Cells, but the fact that the machine can do them in the first place is impressive.

If the idea is to create the only arcade cabinet you'll ever need, iiRcade puts its money where it has its mouth when it comes to tech.

It has a 19-inch (1280 x 1024) screen that feels like the right size for the job. While split-screen multiplayer games can feel a bit cramped, it's especially good for two-player games like Double Dragon of Windjammers, where players share a view. It provides a clear, sharp image with no retro blur.

On the audio front of the case are two 100 watt stereo speakers that get surprisingly loud. Even turning it halfway felt like overkill.

iiRcade

The main question with any cabinet is of course the control panel. This shows the superior quality of iiRcade. The eight-way joystick rotates smoothly for precise actions. In addition to the standard buttons like pause and player select, there are six main buttons, all of which are pressed with a satisfactory click. There is also a full set of two player controls, which makes it particularly suitable for 2D fighting games.

There are so many little details beyond these big points. It's bluetooth enabled, has Wi-Fi support, and has a headphone jack, and much more. If the idea is to create the only arcade cabinet you'll ever need, iiRcade puts its money where it has its mouth when it comes to tech.

A growing game library

The high quality is nice, but games will make or break an arcade cabinet. Here the machine is currently something of a mixed bag. The business model promises that more games will be added to the system over time. Hence, players have to take iiRcade at its word, and hope that it will earn some worthwhile titles.

The iiRcade is still growing a lot and a little patience is required.

The future looks bright, but it's still difficult to get the full picture. There are 11 games preinstalled on the system, none of which are particularly exciting. I ended up spending most of my time with Maniac Square, a simple match-3 puzzler, but the rest of the freebies are a bit tame. If you want to get the most out of the machine, you have to buy some additional titles in the shop.

Hit Indie Roguelite Dead Cells is the obvious cream of the crop right now. Playing a modern retro game of this quality on an arcade machine is almost surreal. There are a few other highlights in the shop too, like Oddmar and Riptide GP: Renegade, although they are certainly more in the hidden gem store.

The prices for individual games can also be a little daunting. While the prices for more modern games seem reasonable, older games feel a bit expensive. Is someone really going to pay $ 10 for Hoops 96?

The truth is iiRcade is still growing a lot and a little patience is required. This type of service is new to a home arcade system, and it feels like the company is still figuring it out. However, there are good reasons to be optimistic. Dead Cells is a huge addition that shows that iiRcade is targeting the right games. If it can add to that momentum and incorporate modern retro games from publishers like Devolver Digital, this machine could really fill a niche.

We don't know exactly how profitable an investment in the machine will ultimately be. But for those just looking for a closet that isn't limited to a few games, iiRcade already offers more options than anything other than hacking a machine with a Raspberry Pi. There is simply not much competition for this business model, so iiRcade can rule undisputedly for the time being.

Our opinion

The iiRcade is a sophisticated home arcade system that feels future-proof alongside other machines. The high build quality takes it well above the point of novelty and makes it a sturdy investment for hardcore enthusiasts. The game library is still growing, so it's hard to tell if it's still fully worth the high price tag. Even with this major caveat, there is nothing like it on the market, so you really get what you pay for here.

Is there a better alternative?

If you want to play a specific game, Arcade1Up has cheaper boxes with a more targeted selection of games. However, iiRcade's choice is much larger than that of an average machine.

How long it will take?

In theory, quite a while. It is a robust machine with excellent controls. With long term plans to add more games, this is a machine that could last for years.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but with some restrictions. It's an expensive machine that is just beginning to build its game selection. It's a no-brainer for the enthusiast, but the casual gamer may want to keep an eye on what games are being added in the next few months before fully committing.

Editor's recommendations




30 Mar
Blog

Dell XPS 8940 SE Desktop Review: The Do-It-All Home PC

dell xps 8940 se desktop review 2

"Dell's midrange GPU still delivers over 80% of the performance of the flagship GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, saving customers a ton of money."

  • Chic aesthetics

  • Good balance between performance and price

  • 4K games in a compact design

  • Easy way to get an RTX 3070 despite a GPU shortage

  • No Ryzen configurations

  • Limited expandability

If you need a work-from-home desktop, you've probably considered the Dell XPS desktop at some point. It's neither for hardcore gamers nor as boring as a normal office tower. Don't forget, however, that this is XPS, a premium brand that is highly regarded in the laptop space. So the question is whether the XPS desktop strikes the same balance between excellent design and impressive performance.

To find out, I looked at the latest iteration, the XPS 8940 SE desktop, which is the white version of the standard black model. Prices start at $ 649, but my updated configuration rose to $ 2,136 because of the Intel Core i7-10700K, Nvidia RTX 3070, and 32GB of RAM.

Aside from problems with GPU supply, Dell offers numerous upgrade options to get a system that does as much as you need it to be. This makes the XPS Desktop a versatile champion for homes, dorms, and even games and moderated creative endeavors when it has top notch chores. the-line specifications.

design

The XPS 8940 is available either in a subtle night sky black or in the chic mineral white color of our Special Edition configuration. It's a new look for the line and definitely an improvement overall. It's a simplified and modernized design as long as you know what you're getting into. Compared to the Alienware Aurora gaming desktop from Dell, the XPS foregoes the pronounced curves and strong contours of its premium sibling in favor of a traditional and decidedly box-shaped design.

Although the sharp lines and angular design of the XPS desktop create boring images of a corporate desktop, it looks less conservative than it appears in the mineral white color. The top half of the front is surrounded by a slightly curved, smooth plastic plate that houses the optional optical drive – a rarity even for desktops these days – as well as a power switch and vertically oriented ports, one of which is a USB-C port for a little future security.

Immediately below the curved plate is a flat and slightly recessed perforated grill in the lower half of the front panel of the XPS Desktop. This lower panel adds not only a bit of texture to an otherwise muted design, but also a bit of visual interest. The special edition white shade enhances the overall aesthetics of the desktop. The perforated plate can resemble a car panel and give the desktop a modern and contemporary look in a minimalist structure. However, you can also feel equally comfortable in a summer house, as the lattice can also be seen as a modern reinterpretation of sugar cane or rattan furniture in this setting. I wish the plastic plate on the front was a bit higher quality as it feels hollow and light to the touch.

The sides of the XPS Desktop consist of color-coordinated metal plates, which are connected at the top with an off-center seam. The left cover can be easily removed with a couple of thumbscrews on the back, making upgrades and repairs relatively easy. The solid metal sides – instead of a clear tempered glass side window – help ensure that the XPS Desktop's design is conservative enough to be used in a more professional office setting, as there is no attention-grabbing RGB lighting coming from inside the tower.

And without the distraction of clear panels, Dell was able to focus its engineering efforts on function rather than form. Cable management is still tidy despite the lack of a window design, but the layout of the interior is rather sparse without many details or RGB lighting. The nice thing about it is that Dell did an excellent job with cooling and airflow. While the XPS isn't as whisper-quiet as a fanless laptop – like Apple's MacBook Air – the fan noise is very quiet and not distracting. The Dell desktop has a single fan in the case and two fans to cool the GPU. The CPU, meanwhile, uses a twin-tower style air cooler. It's not the prettiest thing in the world, but it does the job.

Ports and Connectivity

I really appreciated that the ports are split between the front and back, which is both easy to access and easy to manage cables.

On the front, you'll find a full-size memory card reader, headset jack, and four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, including three Type-A ports and a single Type-C port. It's nice that Dell has a Type-C port on the front that can be used to quickly connect or charge modern smartphones. The optical drive can also write to Blu-ray discs.

On the back you will find four more USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, all of type A, as well as two additional USB 2.0 ports. There is a Gigabit Ethernet socket as well as sockets for headphones, microphone and audio output.

The motherboard has its own HDMI and DisplayPort. However, since the desktop comes with its own GeForce RTX 3070 GPU, you should use either the line HDMI or three DisplayPort video outputs to connect an external display.

Expandability

Dell's use of proprietary components can make this rig less attractive to enthusiasts. The tower's compact size of 19 liters also means that Dell used a dedicated motherboard, so upgrades (aside from RAM and storage) could become more difficult as the system ages.

However, if you're a data hunter, the good news is there are two empty 2.5-inch drive bays to add more storage space. Installing more space should be fairly easy, even for a novice PC.

Dell Special Edition XPS Desktop RTXChuong Nguyen / Digital Trends

Despite its small size, Dell was able to put a full-length GPU under pressure in our test unit. The graphics card occupies both the PCIe x16 slot and the expansion slot for graphics cards with double width. However, upgrading to an RTX 3070 can be pointless. The desktop can also accommodate additional PCIe x1 and PCIe x4 cards.

There are some limitations with this desktop. The first is that while the 500 watt power supply is sufficient for this class of graphics, upgrading the power supply for more powerful graphics is a challenge. Do-it-yourselfers are limited by the space available for the power supply at the bottom of the case. The bigger problem, however, is using a proprietary Dell 6-pin connector to power the motherboard. This means that if you want more powerful graphics, you'll have to resort to an external power supply and plug cables into the inside of the case as a clumsy workaround.

The cables inside are neatly arranged – wires generally snake across the top, down the front, and flow down to where the power supply is located. Cables are bundled with a few zip ties, but you won't find the sleek cable management systems found in premium boutique buildings. It's not a complete mess which is good.

performance

Our Special Edition XPS Desktop, priced at $ 2,136 configured, came with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10700K processor, though Dell didn't overclock the CPU straight away, paired it with a mid-range Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU and 32 GB memory. Given that the XPS lineup is rounded off with an RTX 3070, customers looking for something higher – like an RTX 3080 or RTX 3090 – will have to switch to the higher end Alienware Aurora Desktop in the Dell lineup.

Although Dell recently introduced a minor performance update to its XPS desktop by offering 11th Gen Intel Core configurations, AMD gamers will have to look elsewhere as well. In particular, Dell doesn't include builds with Ryzen processors, although some limited configurations come with Radeon graphics. Wish there were more different builds, but the performance I got with the 10th Gen K-Series processor on our Special Edition test unit is more than for most gaming, creativity, and productivity tasks suitable, and even gamers will be satisfied with the agility of this desktop with a few upgrades.

The XPS scored a little more than 7,300 points in our PCMark 10 test, which is what you can expect from the Intel Core i7-10700K. The performance of the XPS desktop is expected to be lower than that of a system with a Core i9-10900K configuration, but better than a rig equipped with AMD's Ryzen 9 3950X, such as the Ryien-powered Aurora R10 AMD Edition from Alienware.

The Core i7 is more than capable of handling most of the tasks I asked it to do, and Dell's K-series variant offers strong performance at a cheaper price. Similar to PCMark 10, the Core i7-10700K achieved a single-core score of 1,355 points and a multi-core score of 9,034 points. These values ​​mean that the i7 lags behind the Core i9-10900K and i9-10900KF processors, but only to a negligible extent.

In the synthetic Geekbench 5 benchmark, the XPS desktop score shows that the 10th generation Intel processor can maintain its multi-core performance compared to the new M1 processor from Apple on the Mac mini desktop. The single-core value of the Mac Mini of 1,707 points is above the XPS desktop, but the Apple desktop was almost 1,700 points behind Dell's offer in the multi-core test.

The XPS Desktop achieved competitive single and multi-core results in the Cinebench R23 test compared to other Intel processors, scoring 1,311 and 13,586 points, respectively. As with the Geekbench 5 scores, this means that the M1-powered Mac Mini performed better on the single-core Cinebench R23 score, but Intel is maintaining its multi-core performance for now with a margin of 42% over that M1 processor.

For everyday tasks, the system can handle multiple browsers with multiple tabs open, Microsoft Office applications, and creative software such as Adobe Creative Suite without noticeable delays or delays. Some more demanding games started a little faster on the better Core i9 processors. However, this is only noticeable if you can compare both systems side by side.

The XPS Desktop comes with two drives. This strategy allows Dell to provide the largest amount of storage at a lower cost and free up space for additional drives. Inside, in addition to a 3.5-inch 2TB hard drive, is a primary 512GB NVMe solid-state drive that plugs into the only M.2 slot on the motherboard. With the solid-state drive, the speeds were very fast. You want to keep your apps and games that you need most on the 512GB drive and reserve the more spacious 2TB for less frequently used digital files.

The performance of the Core i7-10700K in our Blender test shows that it lags behind the more powerful Intel Core i9-10900K and the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X and Ryzen 9 5900X CPUs in the BMW benchmark. In fact, the rendering performance of the Core i7-10700K is similar to that of the AMD Ryzen 7 3800X and Ryzen 7 3800XT.

In the classroom benchmark, the performance of the Core i7-10700K is very similar to that of the Core i9-9900K, although the rendering time was a bit longer than the AMD Ryzen 7 2800 X and XT series. Upgrading to a 10th generation Intel Core i9 would help reduce rendering time even further.

Graphics performance

Despite a build that only comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 GPU, the XPS desktop isn't a problem. The RTX 3070 can handle most of the 4K games you throw at it. Most players will choose this card well as it can handle modern titles with ease. Dell equipped our test device with a 500 watt power supply that is powerful enough for this GPU configuration. Hobbyists who want to upgrade to more powerful graphics, however, are limited by the power of the power supply.

In our 3D Mark benchmark, the Fire Strike score of the XPS Desktop of 61,213 points and the Time Spy score of 12,489 points are ahead of the previous generation RTX 2080 and within striking distance of the premium GeForce RTX 2080 Ti. This is in view of the The middle position of the RTX 3070 in Nvidia's RTX 3000 series is quite an achievement. For comparison: The RTX 2080 scored just over 11,500 points in the Time Spy test, while the RTX 2080 Ti scored in the mid-13,000s.

The RTX 3070's performance in creative tasks is similar to its graphics performance. In our PugetBench Premiere Pro benchmark, the XPS Desktop value of 689 is again behind the performance of the RTX 2080 Ti and ahead of the RTX 2080. Compared to the almost 800 mark of the 3070, the performance is around 85% more expensive siblings. This card should be able to easily complete photo and video editing tasks for most home users.

This card should be able to handle photo and video editing tasks with ease.

Given the lower price in the Nvidia product range compared to the premium RTX 3080, it's hard to complain about Dell's decision to buy the RTX 3070, as this card can still achieve frame rates of more than 100 frames per second (fps) 4K. The RTX 3070's strong performance is reason enough for avid gamers to upgrade to the latest GeForce generation if they come from an older GPU.

In fast-paced games such as Epics Fortnite, the RTX 3070 ran at 120 fps in ultra game settings, although a reduction to high game settings increases the frame rate to a whopping 187 fps, which is a jump of 55%. In 4K, the frame rate drops to just 63 fps in Ultra and 110 fps in High settings.

This compares to the RTX 3080's 78 fps performance in Ultra at 4K and the RTX 2080 Ti's performance of around 55 fps. Here, the RTX 3070's performance is roughly 81% of the RTX 3080's, and this year's midrange card outperformed the previous generation's 2080 Ti by 8 fps.

In more graphics-intensive titles like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, the RTX 3070 had a little more problems due to the limited hardware capabilities of the GPU and the fact that this card only contains 8GB of GDDR6 RAM compared to 10GB of GDDR6X memory on the flagship RTX 3080. This one Game was played at 74 fps in 1440p and only 48 fps in 4K with the RTX 3070, with the quality of the game set to Ultra. On a system with RTX 3080, the game never dropped below 60 fps in the Ultra settings at 4K. Players who play titles with more sophisticated graphics rendering should keep the resolution of 2K 1440p or UWQHD.

The RTX 3070 manages to handle Battlefield V, a demanding title, relatively easily and to achieve over 80 fps in Ultra settings at 4K. The performance jumps to 140 fps when you zoom out to a resolution of 1440p. With Battlefield V, Nvidia's latest midrange range outperforms the flagship of the previous generation, as the RTX 2080 Ti was only able to express 76 fps in 4K, while this year's RTX 3080 ran at 97 fps.

In Civilization VI in the Ultra settings, the game clocked consistently more than 100 fps in 4K. If you're a gamer who plays less demanding titles, even the graphics capabilities of the RTX 3070 may be over the top.

Our opinion

The Dell XPS 8940 Desktop offers a good balance of performance, performance and price in a stylish and compact tower. In a sea of ​​boring, office-oriented PC towers, the XPS has just enough design finesse to make it stand out. It's an excellent work PC and, with the right configuration, a powerful slot machine. If you want a desktop that you don't have much to do with, the XPS 8940 is the best option you can buy.

Are there alternatives?

While the XPS Desktop isn't billed as a gaming rig, it's versatile enough to compete with other creative workstations as well as gaming-forward PCs. Competitors include the powerful Lenovo IdeaCentre 5i, which, like the Dell, is available for an affordable $ 499. Unlike the XPS, however, the IdeaCentre isn't as good for gaming as it doesn't offer an option for a discrete GPU. As a result, the Lenovo desktop is better suited for office work, web browsing, and light gaming. Creatives in need of more graphics power should probably turn to the company's Legion desktop line of products.

The HP Omen 25L is another big competitor to the XPS desktop. The Omen 25L offers a more compact footprint than the larger Omen 30L, a gaming-forward window design, RGB backlighting, and more configuration options. The smaller omen only comes with an RTX 2000 GPU. So if you need more modern 3000 series graphics, you'll need to upgrade to the Omen 30L. At $ 1,999, the similarly configured HP system with a slightly better Core i9 processor in a larger size is slightly cheaper than our test device.

How long it will take?

Given the power and performance of the XPS desktop, this rig will provide years of work productivity and gaming fun. The ability to update key components such as the motherboard and GPU is more limited due to Dell's use of proprietary components. So be sure to select the build you want at the time of purchase. WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) applies to the ability to upgrade this system.

Dell offers a standard one-year warranty with its Premium Support and Premium Support Plus packages with the option to upgrade to packages with longer coverage, add accidental damage, and perform at-home repairs. Extended coverage starts at $ 179 for two years of service, although a four-year plan with accidental damage coverage and automated virus removal costs $ 679.

While premium coverage may seem like a decadent addition to a desktop that's less prone to damage than a laptop, those working from home amid the global health pandemic may want to turn to Dell's technicians for some IT support.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's not for the die-hard PC enthusiast, but it's a fantastic desktop tower for the average buyer.

Editor's recommendations




12 Mar
Blog

Roborock H6 Adapt Review: Clean Air Meets Clean Home

Customize roborock h6 rating

Roborock H6 cordless vacuum cleaner

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

  • Light, with strong suction

  • Quiet, except in the highest suction mode

  • Five-stage air filtration to improve air quality

  • Numerous accessories make cleaning easier everywhere

  • Shorter battery life in high-performance mode

  • It takes four hours to fully charge

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

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

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

Small, light and powerful

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

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

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

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

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

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

Powerful suction meets air purification

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

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

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

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

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

An LED display provides all the information you need

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

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

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

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

Simple dirt disposal

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

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

Our opinion

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

How long it will take?

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

Is there a better alternative?

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

Should you buy it?

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

Editor's recommendations




26 Feb
Blog

Tonal Home Gym Review: Small Size, Big Rewards

Tonal Home Gym Rating 1

"The pain of paying the high price for the Tonal Smart Weight Trainer is quickly forgotten when you first flex your growing muscles."

  • Compact size

  • Multi-user support

  • Personalized, effective workouts

  • Detailed instructions from trainers

  • The user interface allows you to move at your own pace

  • Expensive

  • Requires professional installation

  • Limited cardio, pilates, and yoga workouts

When you think of a weight machine, think of a bulky jig with heavy weights, massive arms, and a jumble of pulleys and cables – something like those Bowflex home gyms. Tonal is turning that idea on its head with a wall-mounted prime mover that is the size of an average full-length mirror. Does the Tonal live up to the hype and does it offer physical training? Or does it crash and burn? I tested it at my home gym and let my family go on the machine to find out.

Professional installation is required

The installation is the crux of the matter for the tonal. It is a wall unit and needs to be installed professionally. The company does not support self-installation.

The installation requirements are strict – you need two bolts that are approximately 16 to 24 inches apart and they must be oriented with the 2 inch side facing out. I had it installed in a room that was being renovated by the previous homeowner and was concerned that the studs he was installing were not the standard spacing from one another.

The installation took about 60 to 90 minutes, with the majority of that time spent finding the bolts. The bracket attaches to the wall with eight screws and the Tonal attaches to the bracket. You can remove Tonal from its holder for warranty repairs or replacements. The installation is safe and I don't feel like the device is going to tear off the wall. If you move to a new location, Tonal will send another team for a fee to install the device in your new location.

The main feature of Tonal is its compact size and slim design. The device has an easy-to-pull cable system and easy-to-replace accessories. The device comes with two smart handles. You can purchase a $ 495 accessory pack that includes a two-handed exercise rope, bench, and bar. These accessories are needed for many exercises, which makes them a must have.

You will need space about seven feet wide, seven feet long, and seven feet high to stretch out your arms and perform the exercises. When you're done, fold your arms flat and the device only sticks out a few inches. Its compact and modern appearance is eye-catching and fits into any room.

No time wasted adjusting the weights

The Tonal adapts to your training goals and offers you a workout that perfectly suits your strengths and weaknesses. Your first workout is a rating that measures your strength and assigns you a strength rating. Tonal then automatically adjusts the weights of each subsequent exercise based on your score. You can manually change these weights if you want, but I hardly had to adjust them as the machine did a great job of predicting my strength.

This predictive weight not only helps you train at the optimal level, but it's also incredibly convenient. You don't have to remember what weight you used for each exercise. You also don't have to keep track of when you need to increase the weight as Tonal will do it for you, too. I found the training and weight selection focused and effective. I could feel the burning sensation during the exercise and I was usually in pain the next day.

Mostly on-demand workouts

Tonal has a growing library of workouts to choose from. You can choose a multi-day training program that gives you a new workout every day. You can also choose an individual training session if you have created your own training plan. With Tonal you can even choose one exercise at a time, e.g. B. a bicep curl, for those who want a quick, focused workout.

I could feel the burning sensation during the exercise and I was usually in pain the next day.

Almost all workouts are recorded and directed by a single trainer in a small studio gym that has only the tonal and no other distractions. The service offers group lessons that allow you to train with other Tonal owners. There are no live classes like Mirror or Tempo, both of which run multiple live classes per day. Tonal also supports multiple users, offering a personalized experience for each person.

A focus on strength building

Tonal is a strength trainer and focuses on building strength. It includes yoga, pilates, and cardio workouts offered by competitors like Mirror or Tempo, but these exercises are not the focus of attention. Tonal is ideal for upper body training. You can make different versions of each – rows, flies and curls. The lower body workout is also effective, but not as diverse as the upper body and core workouts. Most lower body workouts are squats or lunges with quad busting. However, you cannot attach the cable system to your ankle to perform side leg raises or adductor exercises, for example.

I particularly enjoyed the detailed visual instructions from the trainers. You can see how you raise your arms and how the instructor does the exercise before you begin. The camera often showed the movement from different angles so you can figure out exactly how to move. Once you have exercised, you can proceed at your own pace and the trainer will not continue until you signal that you are done. Tonal also has sensors that allow you to sense your shape during an exercise. If you get an exercise wrong, Tonal will tell you what you are doing wrong.

Tonal surprised me at how effective it is in weight training. I didn't expect the training to be so challenging and comprehensive. After 20 training sessions with the Tonal over a few weeks, I noticed improvements. My body felt tighter and the muscles in my arms and legs were more visible. The progress was more than skin-deep. I found it easier to lift household items.

Our opinion

Most of the people who see the Tonal weight machine on my wall want to give it a try. All of them got away impressed. Despite its small size, the Tonal delivered a muscle-grueling workout for my upper body, core, and legs. The main disadvantage is the price.

Clay isn't cheap. The trainer costs almost $ 3,000 plus $ 500 for the smart accessories, which include a smart bar, rope, bench, roller, and exercise mat. You'll also have to pay $ 250 for shipping and professional installation. Finally, there is a monthly membership fee of $ 49 per month with a commitment of at least 12 months. The subscription is not included in the purchase and there is no free trial.

How long it will take?

The Tonal has a solid construction – the device is very securely mounted, the arms are sturdy and all accessories are sturdy. Our only concern is the articulated arms that mix metal and plastic in the hinges. Can you deal with repetitive stress when the weight I'm lifting increases?

I spoke to Tonal and they assured me that there were no problems with the hinges and they gave me a three year warranty if there was any problem. Tonal has a limited warranty that covers parts and labor for one year and parts for three years. The accessories are covered for one year.

Is there a better alternative?

With its relatively compact size and large display, Tonal belongs to a category of its own. The closest competitor is the NordicTrack Fusion CST, which is equipped with a 10-inch display, electromagnetic resistance and interactive iFit training. The machine is cheaper, but significantly larger and heavier than the Tonal. The Bowflex Revolution is a comparatively inexpensive, resistance-based home gym that lacks the virtual training of the Tonal. Another similar affiliated home gym is the Tempo Studio, which uses traditional dumbbells and a barbell for its exercises.

Should you buy it?

Yes, especially if you're looking for a strength trainer that fits in a small space.

Editor's recommendations




26 Feb
Blog

The 10 Best CrossFit Workouts that you can do at Home

If you are a health and fitness enthusiast, you have probably heard of the word "crossfit" before. And if you were awesome the first time you read it, don't worry, that's each person's reaction to begin with. Really, it's quite an intimidating workout.

But it is also good for your health. These workouts (usually called WODs or Workout of the Day) are essential if you are looking to build strength, strengthen your muscles, or lose some weight.

However, going to the box (as the Crossfit gyms are called) is not strictly necessary for Crossfit training. Yes, it's hard to swallow, but you can break up as much sweat in your home as you would in the box, even without equipment, by following this list of Crossfit home workouts.

Check out this article for several different Crossfit workouts that you can do at home.

Number 1: MURPH

This is the most famous of all crossfit workouts. This is named after U.S. Marine Lieutenant Michael Murphy (he was killed in Afghanistan). All crossfitters do this exercise every Memorial Day weekend.

For the time (write down the time it took you to do this workout)

Run 1 mile

100 pull-ups (or if you don't have a pull-up bar, do the same number of chair pulls)

200 pushups

300 squats

Run 1 mile

Number 2: ANNIE

For the time

50, 40, 30, 20, 10 double substrates
50, 40, 30, 20, 10 situps

In this workout, you need to do 50 reps of both double sub and sit ups. Then continue with 40 repetitions of both exercises, then 30, 20, and finally finish with ten repetitions of both.

Number 3: ANGIE

For the time

100 pull-ups
100 pushups
100 sit ups
100 squats

Angie is a full body workout that challenges your whole body and muscle strength tests your endurance.

Number 4: DEALER CHOICE

For the time

4 minutes wall sits
300 squats
250 lunges
200 sit ups
100 squats

You can cancel this training as you wish. The only condition is that you finish everything on the list. If you are unable to squat with the gun (it's not easy), do the regular squat or whatever variation of squat you like.

Number 5: CROSSFIT OPEN WORKOUT 12.1

As many repetitions as possible

Burpees for 7 minutes

This is the best CrossFit workout when you're short on time but want to teach at least some exercise in your day. With this exercise, you can train your entire body in just 7 minutes.

Number 6: DEATH BY BURPEES

Until you are exhausted

1st minute: 1 burpee

2nd minute: 2 burpees
3rd minute: 3 burpees
And so on

This exercise is a killer (I'm serious!) You can't exceed 20 minutes. Initially, this exercise feels simple and offers at least 10 seconds of rest every minute. However, by the time you hit the 10 minute mark, you will be out of breath and time. Achieving 13 or 14 minutes is a difficult task in itself.

Number 7: CINDY

Do as many rounds as possible (AMRAP) in 20 minutes:

5 pull-ups (if you don't have access to a pull-up bar, you can do five pull-ups instead)
Ten pushups
15 squats

This workout is very effective in working your upper and lower body at the same time.

Number 8: JT

For the time

21, 15, 9 handstand pushups
21, 15, 9 triceps dips
21, 15, 9 pushups

Do the 21 repetitions of all exercises, followed by the 15 repetitions and nine repetitions. This exercise targets your hand muscles.

Number 9: ACTIVE REST DAY

Do AMRAP in 18 minutes.

Five inch worms
Ten breast openers
30-second couch stretch each side

This workout is for the day when you are short of energy or when you want your body to rest. This exercise stretches your body and allows you to store energy.

Number 10: 3- PART PRESS BLAST

Run AMRAP in 10 minutes.

200 meter run
Ten pushups

Let rest for 2 minutes

Perform AMRAP in 8 minutes.

200 meter run

15 squats
Let rest for 2 minutes

Do AMRAP in 6 minutes.

200 meter run
Ten military presses

This workout is designed so that you can work your cardio while focusing on your abs and legs. Additionally, this workout will do you three cardio times, which in itself is enough to drain your energy and exercise your legs.

04 Feb
Blog

Kill sedentarism before it kills you – a guide for people working from home

Sedentary life is a major public health issue. Sitting looks more dangerous than smoking, HIV, and extreme sports like skydiving because it kills more people than any of these threats. Doctors state that people have developed a dangerous habit of killing themselves. The scientific community has called this condition sedentary sickness, implying that people develop health problems as a result of their sedentary life.

The Sedentary Research Network published a paper defining sedentary behavior in 2017, calling it an activity of leaning back, sitting, or lying down in a position that implies a minimum amount of energy. Research shows that a worrying percentage of only 21% of adults meet physical activity guidelines, and only 5% of them are physically active for more than 30 minutes a day.

Most people do not know the risks associated with sitting too long. Even if it sounds dramatic, inactivity can lead to a higher risk of chronic medical problems and even death. The World Health Organization states that sedentarism is the fourth most common risk factor for global mortality, responsible for 12% of high blood pressure and diabetes, 22% of colon cancer, 22% of heart disease and 6% of global deaths.

Why is sedentarism so dangerous to your health?

The research found that a sedentary lifestyle is associated with many health risks. Numerous studies have confirmed that inactive people are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, or early death.

Sitting for more than 30 minutes will reduce your metabolism and affect your body's ability to synthesize fat, regulate blood pressure, and control blood sugar levels. Studies show that a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of early death.

It puts a strain on your sanity

Inactivity has a negative impact on your mental wellbeing. Sedentarianism is a problematic condition as it affects both the mind and body. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, you are at higher risk of a mental health problem. One review found a link between inactivity and an increased risk of depression.

How can you fight sedentarism before it affects your health?

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and combat this daunting condition. As you'd expect, the first step is to shake off the laziness. However, since it can be difficult to change your routine at times, here are some recommendations that can help you make the exertions necessary to live a healthy life.
Develop active hobbies
Finding joy in the activities you are doing keeps you active and motivates you to remove sedentarism from your schedule.

Become a runner

You've never considered yourself a runner, but it's never too late to develop a new habit. The thought of running in the park can intimidate you because you have the misunderstanding of running a marathon or keeping up with the other runners. But remember, everyone was once a beginner who walked more than ran. Start by running slowly for 5 or 10 minutes, and day by day you will see your fitness level improve and you will run faster and for longer distances.
There are also different ways to run. You can run outdoors in the local park or on a trail near town. Or you can walk around town, but in that case you will need to create a route to avoid crowded areas. And if you're still not sure about getting outdoors, buy a treadmill and install it in the comfort of your living room. When you buy a treadmill, you can also purchase other fitness equipment to improve your home workout.

Assuming you don't have the money to do this, you can get home equity loans in Canada that are designed for freelancers who need finances to support their work from home. In your case, purchasing fitness equipment is a necessity as it will improve your health and performance.

Plant a garden

When you have a garden, you are busy. If you don't take our word for it, just ask your grandparents how much physical exertion is involved in this type of activity. Gardening is mentally and spiritually stimulating, and if you enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun, this may be a pleasant way to keep active. Gardening is a moderate intensity physical activity that if done regularly can improve your health.
Start a garden in your yard when you have space. And if you don't, there are many ways to get your hands dirty. Ask your parents or grandparents if they need help maintaining their patio. You can also volunteer with a local organization to plant new trees in the community garden. Schools and nature centers are always looking for volunteers willing to help them maintain outdoor spaces.

Get up

As a freelancer, your job requires you to stand in front of the laptop for hours and work hard to meet your deadlines. But even if you're practically glued to your computer, remember to get up and take a few steps across the room every 20 minutes. You may need a reminder first. You should therefore set up an alarm on your smartphone. It will help you break away from your project, stand up to stretch your limbs, and help your body stay active.
Getting up doesn't necessarily mean interrupting the workflow. You can check email, check your progress, or check the printed files while you stretch.

Change your workstation

It helps if you also swap out your workstation for one that allows you to turn your desk into a standing one, so you can work standing up when you have back pain. Standing workstations offer a better ergonomic fit as they reduce back pain and improve your posture. Another way to reduce the pressure the chair puts on your back is to use a fitness ball seat as it encourages physical activity and touches your core.

Final thoughts

Progress will make your life easier, but it will also support a sedentary lifestyle as you don't have to work too hard. But it would be helpful if you made a conscious effort to take action against sedentarism as it can be fatal to your health.

18 Jan
Blog

Nuvyyo Tablo Dual HDMI OTA DVR review: Staying home

Tablo Dual HDMI DVR above

"A simple, straightforward OTA DVR solution."

  • HDMI for TV connection

  • New remote control

  • Easy adjustment

  • Simple interface

  • Local streaming to televisions and boxes

  • No remote access

  • No streaming to mobile apps and browsers

  • No internal memory

For Nuvyyo, the tablo devices have always been an alternative to expensive cable packages, and the concept has always been an easy sale. Take advantage of free wireless TV channels and either watch them live or record them to watch later. Just stream it to compatible devices and you'll get loads of content that doesn't have a fat monthly bill.

The new Tablo Dual HDMI OTA-DVR sticks to the plan, but differs in execution, mostly due to the limitation of where you can actually place it. In contrast to other tablo devices, this box must be connected to a television. Anyone can appreciate a straightforward approach, but is it right for your cable television freedom?

Out of the box

There isn't much to see when you unpack the Tablo Dual HDMI OTA DVR. What stands out is the new remote control – a first for Nuvyyo. There is also the set-top box as well as a power supply unit, an HDMI cable, an Ethernet cable and a quick start guide.

Ted Kritsonis

Set up

The size and weight of the Tablo Dual HDMI are similar to other Nuvyyo products, but there are two major functional differences that we will discuss later. There is an IR receiver on the front and an HDMI port on the back. For those familiar with Nuvyyo products, the setup of the Tablo Dual HDMI isn't all that different. After you've made all the connections on the back, all you need to do is go to the appropriate HDMI input on your TV and follow the instructions instead of accessing an app on a mobile device.

You will still need to connect the Dual HDMI to your home internet connection via Ethernet or Wi-Fi in order for the latest firmware to be downloaded and installed.

Once that's done just search for channels and let the main screen populate with the shows that you want to be broadcast on the TV Guide shows. Since the device itself has no built-in memory, it needs an external drive to store all recorded shows. Any drive will work except Tablo will format it to work with the box, which will completely erase everything on the box. Just do not use USB sticks as they are not officially supported.

These details aren't new, except that we noticed a few other nuances that are pretty important when considering a possible setup. For starters, the direct HDMI connection means that your TV is already near the optimal location for the antenna to feed in channels. We already had an antenna attached to the TV so it was easy to remove and connect to the dual HDMI.

That made us notice something else. Assuming the antenna has a signal booster that is powered by USB, you may encounter an issue with insufficient backlash. For example, the USB port of the Dual HDMI is only used for external storage and is not a power source. So we had to use it on the TV ourselves. The cable for our Mohu antenna feeds into the coaxial and USB extensions, but each needs to be connected to separate devices – coaxial to the tablo unit, USB to the TV. For a wall-mounted television, this was a cumbersome setup due to the short cable length. We tried using a USB extension cable to make up the difference only to lose the booster performance.

Ted Kritsonis

There's one more potential problem: if you already have a Chromecast, Roku, or Fire Stick that takes up the TV's USB port for power, you'll need a hub to share it and accommodate the antenna booster. If your antenna doesn't have a booster or isn't plugged into a power outlet, you're good. In this case, you may need to bypass this type of connectivity congestion.

Support and features

Despite the connectivity differences, Nuvyyo's support is very intact apart from one major gap. The apps for Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, Chromecast and Nvidia Shield are still available. The user interface and layout have changed over time, but we've found that the navigation is pretty much the same.

The main difference at first was running through the TV's interface with a dedicated remote control. It's not particularly fancy but does the job of playing / pausing recorded shows, muting or adjusting the volume, and even switching channels up and down. For anyone who is used to watching TV with a clicker, this is pretty familiar.

There is no remote access.

Given that this is a new opportunity for Nuvyyo, there are casualties along the way, such as the inability to stream on Nuvyyo's mobile or web apps. While it works with the TV and streaming device apps mentioned earlier, we sorely missed the ability to stream to mobile devices. There is also no remote access. You can't stream anything you've recorded when you're not home. This is because this is considered to be a "Tablo DVR with TV Connection" which is not compatible with Tablo Connect, the remote access feature.

Ted Kritsonis

All of this results in streaming to the home, which Nuvyyo says is the intent of the dual HDMI. The direct TV connection, however, limited the openness of the platform.

This leads us to the subscriptions involved here. Nuvyyo offers 30-day trials of its TV Guide and Tablo Premium services and treats them separately once you need to start paying for them. The TV Guide portion starts at $ 5 per month, $ 50 per year, or $ 150 per life, and offers you graphics, metadata, show filtering, a more varied menu, and 14 day guide data. It lets you view movies, shows, and sports that are arranged separately for smoother searching. Without it, everything is a mess and you can only see 24 hours of master data.

Premium refers to the Automatic Commercial Skip feature for recorded shows. As the title suggests, the Tablo Dual HDMI cuts out all the ads during a recorded broadcast and offers you an ad-free viewing experience that is comparable to any other paid streaming app. For that you will see an additional $ 2 per month or $ 20 per year.

performance

The devil is in the details, as we pointed out, but when it comes to actually watching and recording shows on the Dual HDMI, we have little to complain about. With two ATSC tuners we can watch one show while recording another, watch two shows on two devices, or record two at the same time. This has been an important feature on tablo devices for years, and there are quad tuner models that can do this with four programs at the same time.

Of the two subscriptions, the TV guide is more effective. Seeing guidance dates for two weeks makes a big difference so you can get early recordings for shows or movies. The cover also gives the layout a typical appearance of a streaming media platform, which makes navigation easier. Nuvyyo almost makes you submit to how sterile the software looks when the pieces of information are reduced to a dime without a subscription. That way, you can still watch and record shows. It's just a lot less fun.

Skipping commercials is great too, but at least you'll have recourse if you're patient enough. For example, suppose you chose not to subscribe to this feature and a recorded show includes all of the ads: you can use the remote control to manually fast-forward ads if you tend to. Cumulatively, the ads will pile up on your hard drive (keep in mind that for an hour-long drama or reality show there is around 12-16 minutes of that), but we'll assume you won't want to spend the extra money if you can can handle noise.

The video quality is good, but limited to 1080p. You also get passthrough for 5.1 surround sound, but Dolby Atmos is not included. Even so, the encoding was seamless and we had no problems watching TV on a TV with a Sonos Surround setup.

The irony of this device is that it adds a lot of familiarity to previous tablo owners, even if the mobile and remote streaming features we claim don't make the others stand out. Forget about relaxing in bed with a tablet to catch up on a show. Outside of the home, this device is essentially inaccessible, so we realized early on that it is aimed at users who are more comfortable parking on the couch at home (not that this has been an issue lately) and their shows within these devices consume walls.

Warranty information

Nuvyyo offers a one-year manufacturer's warranty for the repair or replacement of the Tablo Dual HDMI OTA DVR. Buy it directly from the Nuvyyo website and you have 30 days to return it after purchase, although you will have to pay the shipping costs. Buy it through a retailer and return policy takes precedence.

Our opinion

At $ 150, the Tablo Dual HDMI is comparable to the other Nuvyyo devices, but it's not the upfront price that matters, it's the additional features that determine what the experience will be like. It is very clear who this device is made for and what type of setup is required. The company eventually fixed a lack of direct-to-TV connectivity, but pulled back some other flagship features to make it happen.

Is there a better alternative?

For streaming absolutely. With the Tablo Dual 128 GB you can put it wherever the signal is optimal and it includes a good internal memory to begin with. It's also the same price or sometimes cheaper than the Dual HDMI. If you have four tuners and want to provide storage, the Tablo Quad 1TB over-the-air device costs $ 240 and doesn't even connect directly to the TV. Both give you mobile streaming and remote access.

There are other excellent OTA receivers worth a look, starting with the TiVo Edge for antenna for direct TV connections with a remote control or the SiliconDust HDHomeRun Connect 4K for preparing ATSC 3.0 OTA broadcasts. The latter is more technically set up and may not work for you if you want to keep things simple.

How long it will take?

As long as networks continue to send wireless channels, nothing will stop the Tablo Dual HDMI from doing its job. Since there is no internal storage, you may need to replace or overwrite your attached drive. However, this is only basic maintenance. Nuvyyo is built on solid foundations and has solid support so you can solve problems at least relatively quickly.

In the future the box will no longer support ATSC 3.0. So if at any point you are looking for 4K shows, they will no longer be available once they are generally available. You can find more information about the rollout in our ATSC 3.0 explainer.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but only if you don't mind mobile streaming and remote access not being available. If you don't want to stream to anything other than your TV and you want a DVR that is easy to use, the Tablo Dual HDMI is for you. If it's more important, remotely or otherwise, consider one of the other Tablo models instead.

Editor's recommendations




08 Jan
Blog

Keurig Drinkworks Review: Your Favorite Bartender at Home

Drinkworks Home Bar Keurig Black Friday Deal from Press Shots 3 of 5

Drinkworks Home Bar by Keurig

"The drinks aren't particularly expensive, but they aren't that good either."

  • Makes drinks fast

  • Pods are recyclable

  • The mini CO2 canister is a nice touch

  • Long time to cool the water

  • Makes a buzz when switched on

Every now and then a product comes onto the market that makes us curious. Case in point: The Drinkworks Home Bar, which uses pre-mixed drinks in Keurig-style bowls for making classic cocktails. Fascinating, no? It's the kind of fancy machine you might see at a party that gets the host to mix it up instead of standing at the bar preparing drinks for guests. Just who is having a party these days? Not us. Still, could this be the answer for those of us looking to supplement our beer and wine consumption while locked down with cocktails at home?

Full bar service design

Keurig's black Drinkworks Home Bar looks stylish enough and has a black body, a shiny silver pod dispenser with a start button surrounded by a blue or red light (depending on what is happening). It's the type of appliance that would fit nicely on a Carrara marble countertop that's just above the wine cooler in a chic new kitchen.

At 13 inches tall, 3.5 inches wide and 13.5 inches deep, and weighing in at a whopping 27.9 pounds, the Drinkworks machine looks more like a Porsche Cayenne than a 911, so expect it to be takes up quite a bit of space on your counter. Remember, it shouldn't be placed too close to a stove or oven. If you don't have a lot of counter space, you may have to make room by sacrificing another device (heaven forbids, not your coffee maker). You cannot use Keurig coffee pods in this machine. So just forget about the two-for-one idea that may be brewing up in your head.

The bar in stock

Once you've found a home for the Drinkworks, it's pretty easy to set up. There are three parts: the machine, the water tank and the drip tray. In the box you will also find two mini CO2 cartridges (they are really pretty cute), two water filters, cleaning tabs and a set of cardboard coasters with the name of a classic cocktail, a description and a little story.

In total, it took us about an hour to assemble the machine and get it running. Setting up is more time consuming than difficult. For example, you need to run a water tank through the machine, immerse the filter in water and rinse it (change every two months) and insert the CO2 cartridge. You know, standard stuff. Make sure the CO2 cartridge is firmly in place. Otherwise, you will hear a hissing sound. There isn't a ton of CO2 so you don't want to waste it on a bad installation.

Preparing cocktails hardly took any time – some call it a neat party trick.

Of course, like so many devices these days, there is a Drinkworks app. The app syncs with the device via Bluetooth, but there's not much you can do with it at this point. With the app you can register the device, watch videos, read tips, send recommendation codes and of course order more pods.

Once you have everything the way you want it, it's time to make a cocktail … right? Before using the machine, you must fill the tank with ice water and then wait 18 minutes for it to be ready for use. Don't worry, the countdown clock on the LED panel will keep you informed of the progress. When the device is switched on, it emits a low humming sound of 53 dB (similar to the sound of an electric fan).

Is there a bartender in the house?

At this point in time, there are 27 beverage offers and a Stella Artois cider pod (I personally would like a bottle of this bowl, not a pod). Most cocktails only contain one to three ingredients and are admittedly quite easy to make at home. Think: Belarusian, Moscow Mule, Gin & Tonic, Vodka Soda with Lime. There are also some that are a little more complex, contain more ingredients, and are time-consuming to make: Cosmopolitan, Mojito, Long Island Iced Tea, and a Margarita.

The pods come separately, and you can recycle used ones through the company's mail-back program. We received our canister of pods as a delivery, and since there is really alcohol in the pod, you must be of legal age to sign for it. Once you have the pods and the machine is set up, you can start making drinks. Simply pour into the pod, place a glass under the stout, follow the instructions on the display and watch a cocktail pour into the glass. It really is that simple. The drinks came out pretty quickly and we were able to make six cocktails on a full tank.

As with a Keurig coffee maker, getting the pod into use isn't always easy. Admittedly, it took us a few tries to see how the sleeves must be inserted so that the machine can dispense its liquid into a glass. There was some confusion after reading the instructions on how to align the pod. Once we figured it out, cocktails barely took time to make. Some might even say it's a neat party trick.

Taste test

Our test model contained three cocktails: Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned and Margarita. There are four pods in each container. Of the three drinks, we preferred the margarita because it tasted best like something a bartender would make. The Moscow mule was too cute and the Old Fashioned had a strong orange flavor. Typically this orange flavor is more subtle or only comes in the form of a side dish.

If you haven't tried a drink from the Top Shelf collection, you may not know the brand of alcohol in the pod. If I have an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, I definitely want to know what kind of whiskey I'm drinking.

Our opinion

We spent hours thinking about why you'd want a Keurig-powered cocktail maker and pony for up to $ 300 for it. Here's what we came up with: For those with disposable income, the machine is a novelty that would be fun at parties. Some people who like cocktails but may not have the confidence or know-how to make them at home might find the machine useful.

The pods aren't particularly expensive at $ 17 for four pods (a little over $ 4 per drink), but ordering a few different mixes can get expensive very quickly. It's not the best cocktails we've had so the price is ok but we wouldn't call it a deal. In general, the cocktails aren't all that exciting for those who really know how their drinks taste, but others will appreciate the convenience they offer when making a drink. If you have to wait that long for the machine to prepare a drink from a hard stop to the end, the whole experience becomes a breeze. On the other hand, a drink can be dispensed quickly in about a minute if it is kept switched on and the water tank is full.

Is there a better alternative?

As this is a first of its kind, there is no other machine that we would call a better alternative. For those with a more refined taste, it's better to stock up on your own drinks and make some of the simpler drinks the old-fashioned way … or, as you know, go to a bar.

How long it will take?

There is no information about how long the machine should last. The pods have a best drink date which is around nine months. The Keurig Drinkworks Home Bar comes with a one-year guarantee.

Should you buy it?

At $ 299, the short answer is no. Unless money is not an issue. At $ 16 for four pods, the drinks aren't particularly expensive, but they don't taste the best either. It is certainly expensive for a small countertop device that can create a distress if you need to drink frequently.

The convenience of making drinks at the touch of a button is sure to appeal to some people – even more to those who want a quick quick treat at home. The beverage portfolio continues to grow and includes more complicated cocktails, wines, and even beer.

Editor's recommendations




07 Jan
Blog

A Guide to Buy Exercise Equipment for Home

Experts believe that exercise is good for your physical and mental health. With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging, it is not advisable to get involved in any training. Better to stay at home and do the sports that you need right for Exercise equipment for the home. With a mind-boggling selection of devices, you can be very confused about what is best for you.

Most people prefer to go to the gym because they believe that fitness equipment costs a lot of money. The truth is you can build a home gym on a frugal budget. And it won't take up too much space either.

Here is a guide to buying fitness equipment for the home:

Foldable treadmill

A treadmill is an essential part of your home gym. Although it's a bit pricey, you may be able to find one under $ 300. Try using a foldable treadmill with enough running surface (approximately 50 "by 16") and cushioned deck technology to protect your joints from impact damage.

Folding_Treadmill_Gym_Equipment

The speed of the treadmill can be anywhere from 0.5 to 10 miles per hour, although most of these machines come with two to three manual incline settings. Most devices also have an LCD that shows the speed, time, distance and calorie consumption of a session.

Today's treadmills have sensors built into the handlebars to monitor your heart rate. Did you know that 20 minutes of walking every day is a great physical activity that has numerous health benefits?

Folding exercise bike

Next on your list of priorities for your exercise bike is a collapsible (space-saving) exercise bike. Many people prefer an exercise bike because it is light and easy to store, which is inexpensive, and helps burn more calories. Exercise bikes are the best way to get your daily constitution up by cardio. Depending on your purchasing power, you can opt for simple cyclists or expensive, multi-function machines.

Folding_Exercise_Bike_GYM_EQUIPMENT

A standard exercise bike can support a weight of up to 300 pounds and is suitable for people between 5 feet 3 and 6 feet 1. With many adjustments to the level of difficulty, an exercise bike can be adapted to individual needs. These motorcycles have an LCD with a display of the distance covered, the calorie consumption, the time and the speed. Hand sensors embedded in the handlebars monitor your heart rate.

Rowing machine

Rowing machines offer the best cardio and muscle building. However, cardiac patients need to consult a doctor before rowing as it is a strenuous exercise. It is suitable for normal people who want brisk cardio workouts every day.

Rowing_Machine_Gym_Equipment

Additionally, exercising on a rowing machine can help build muscle over time. These devices are great for full body training and work on arms, legs and back. In addition, rowing has less of an impact than walking or running on a treadmill. therefore it is easy on the legs and ankles.

A standard rowing machine has a 350 pound load capacity and many resistance levels (depending on the model). The seats are padded and the handles are designed to be non-slip to ensure a firm hold. The LCD shows the time, number of lines and calories burned.

In summary

During this COVID pandemic that has driven most of us indoors, setting up a home gym is one of the best ideas. The equipment does not take up too much space and is suitable for workouts at any time of the day. Most devices require little maintenance other than regular dusting.

02 Jan
Blog

Kangaroo Home Security Review: Affordable and Powerful

Kangaroo security sensor alarm cameras ces 2019 motion door

"The Kangaroo Home Security System is easy to install, but its photo doorbell camera leaves a lot to be desired."

  • Affordable prices

  • easy installation

  • Telephone notifications from Kangaroo

  • Doesn't compete well with competing products

Home security is more important than ever now, especially with people spending so much time in their homes. A home security system should provide adequate coverage, be easy to install, and be affordable. The budget-friendly system from Kangaroo meets all of these requirements and offers professional surveillance around the clock. It is also one of the easiest to install systems on the market thanks to its peel-and-stick mounting system.

Friendly prices and plans

Kangaroo's five-piece starter kit is $ 80 and includes two motion / entry sensors, a keyboard, two Roo tags (keychain accessory that can be used to disable the system), a promotional sign, and five window stickers.

It's not bad value and individual components can be purchased at no great additional cost. For example, the doorbell camera with chimes costs only $ 20, while additional motion sensors are only $ 15 each. The water and climate sensor costs $ 30. The most expensive single component is the Siren + Keypad, which alone costs $ 70.

These prices are competitive and often cheaper than other security systems on the market. Kangaroo also offers three plan options.

Kangaroo completed

The first is Kangaroo Complete, which is $ 8.25 per month or $ 99 per year. This is the most comprehensive option and the best choice for someone who wants a serious security system. Many of the best Kangaroo features are behind the overall plan, including smart assistant integration, the ability to qualify for homeowner insurance discounts, and more.

Kangaroo Complete includes professional monitoring, notifications and 30 days of cloud storage. If you are looking for a real security system that has it all, Kangaroo Complete is the only real option.

Kangaroo Porch Protection Plan

Another option is the porch protection plan. At $ 23.88 per year, the name is self-explanatory: it focuses on protecting against package theft. It offers 365-day cloud storage for doorbell cameras, as well as package theft coverage of $ 300.

Kangaroo Basic

The Kangaroo Basic plan is the free option for Kangaroo users. It provides notifications within the app when activity is detected, enables the system to be activated and deactivated with just one tap, and offers up to 24 hours of cloud storage for all cameras. It lacks the more powerful features of Kangaroo Complete, but it would work for the security of an off-site storage shed or property that you don't need full coverage for.

Kangaroo's peel-and-stick system makes it easy to install on almost any surface.

Functionality through accessories

Kangaroo impresses not only with its affordability, but also with the level of customization it offers. Each sensor can be customized to suit your needs. You can notify individual sensors in a certain way. For example, if you only want a call when your bedroom sensor is off, you can turn off the voice notification setting. Below is an overview of Kangaroo's offers:

Kangaroo motion sensor

The motion sensors are incredibly sensitive. You record activity from a distance of 15 feet with a field of view of 120 degrees. The good news is that built-in pet rejection will automatically ignore anything up to 2 feet, 4 inches tall – though doing so carries the risk of break-in by precocious toddlers.

Kangaroo water + climate sensor

The water + climate sensor is a particularly useful addition. It monitors temperature and humidity and can detect leaks with just 1mm of water. It doesn't need to be mounted to anything either – just stand it up and lay it on the floor. I use it to monitor for leaks under the sink and around the washing machine. I didn't have any water leaks (and couldn't trigger the system by dripping water on it), but it warned me when the air conditioning failed and the temperatures started to rise.

Like the motion sensor, the water and climate sensor will warn you when a threat is detected or when the temperature is outside of user-defined limits.

Kangaroo doorbell camera

The doorbell camera + chimes is a good compromise for a smart doorbell, but not the best device I've ever used. It is not a video doorbell, but photos of activity outside your door. It doesn't pick up movement well – if someone walks across their field of vision, you'll be lucky enough to get a shot from the back of their foot.

The built-in button is directly connected to the carillon and rings when someone rings the doorbell. There are also several modes to better improve the picture quality, including sunlight mode when the camera is exposed to direct sunlight or night vision when there is no light on the porch.

The battery is designed to last a year of normal use and AA batteries are included. This is especially useful for apartment residents as the doorbell camera does not need to be hard-wired. If you live in a crowded area or an apartment complex, the batteries will drain much faster. Expect three to six months if the camera is triggered frequently.

Though better than nothing, the photos taken by the doorbell cannot be compared to real videos.

The data protection camera is a surveillance camera for indoor use that can be wall-mounted or placed on a shelf. It has digital zoom functions and two-way audio. You can also customize the privacy modes and there is no doubt when the camera is in private mode. An opaque field is displayed above the lens itself. A green LED lights up during recording.

Kangaroo siren + keyboard

After all, the siren + keypad is the heart of the system. While no hub is needed for most of the system, the siren + keypad is connected to other sensors and triggers an acoustic signal when the doorbell is pressed. If a motion sensor detects movement while the system is armed, the Siren + Keypad will give off a rather intimidating alarm before triggering the 85 decibel siren – definitely loud enough for neighbors to hear if they live nearby. The siren penetrates walls quite well.

The built-in microphone is even more impressive. The Siren + Keypad waits for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and notifies you when a hazard is detected. The microphone can only pick up sounds in the range of 3,000 to 4,000 Hz, which means that human speech is not recognized.

installation

The most surprising part of the whole setup was the installation. All sensors, from the motion / entrance sensors to the doorbell camera, use a peel-and-stick system that makes installation and assembly a breeze.

The setup is done via the Kangaroo app. Just tap the Settings icon, then tap Add New Device. The on-screen instructions are easy to follow (and include pictures from each device). Once the accessory has been added to the system, simply clip it to the wall or door and press for 30 seconds.

The setup process is just as easy for the privacy camera or siren + keyboard. However, these are not peel-and-stick accessories. The camera must be mounted with screws, while the siren + keypad has no mounting system.

The glue used is strong. Even after months, the doorbell camera kept a good connection when removed (and actually peeled some paint off the door).

Our opinion

The Kangaroo Home Security System is one of the easiest models to set up that I have ever used. Installation is simple and it is a breeze to explain how to activate and deactivate the system to people unfamiliar with the system (e.g. apartment maintenance teams).

Most of its powerful features are behind the $ 100 per year subscription. Even the integration of Smart Assistant in Amazon Alexa and Google Home is limited. If you invest in the premium subscription, Kangaroo is definitely worth it.

After all, most other security systems often cost more than $ 8.25 per month for all of the features Kangaroo offers. The system as a whole is tremendously useful, and the only real weakness is in the doorbell camera. While photos are good, the actual video would be significantly better.

How long it will take?

Kangaroo offers a one-year guarantee against defects in the system under normal use. The components are well built and should last for several years, although the doorbell camera can fail faster if exposed directly to the elements, simply due to increased wear and tear.

Is there a better alternative?

Kangaroo is a good choice, but it might not be the best. Both Ring and Simplisafe are alternatives with similar prices, but potentially more features. Ring's surveillance plan is also $ 100 a year, though the accessories are more expensive than Kangaroo's.

Simplisafe offers far more accessories to choose from, including glass break sensors, a panic button, smoke alarms and much more. The downside is that it is far more expensive than kangaroo.

While Kangaroo is a budget-friendly option, it lacks the features that more expensive brands offer.

At just $ 8.25 per month, Kangaroo's professional monitoring is a bargain.

Should you buy it?

For the price, Kangaroo Home Security is definitely a worthwhile investment. It's affordable in ways other security systems don't, but it lacks easy integration with a larger smart home system.

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