12 Jan
Blog

JBL Flip 6 Review: Still Loud For Small Crowds

JBL Flip 6.

JBL Flip 6 in the test: Still loud for small crowds

RRP $ 130.00

"With the Flip 6, JBL keeps it inside and out in the family."

benefits

  • Solid build quality

  • Loud and clear sound

  • Lightweight and portable

  • Excellent water and dust protection

  • EQ offers some sound tweaks

  • Works with the JBL Portable App and PartyBoost

disadvantage

  • Stereo pairing with non-flip 6 JBL speakers not possible

  • Does not work as a speakerphone

  • Not much different from Flip 5

Bluetooth speakers are often a predictable lot where functionality and portability complement their good sound. But different speakers are designed for different situations. When it comes to the audience type, JBL is there. The Flip line fits that description exactly, and the company brings new models to market almost every year.

So don't expect any surprise from them JBL Flip 6. If you know what the Flip range of speakers is all about, you know you're getting plenty of bass and volume. Both are obvious as soon as you start the music. So what are the other perks that come from the few extras that JBL threw in?

What's in the box?

JBL Flip 6.Ted Kritsonis / Digital Trends

There isn't much to unpack on the Flip 6. JBL could downsize the packaging, or at least print a picture of the speaker's true dimensions on the page, so as not to create the impression that it is bigger than it actually is. In addition to the speaker itself, you will find a USB-C charging cable and a quick guide.

draft

JBL Flip 6.Ted Kritsonis / Digital Trends

You get the same cylindrical design and largely similar dimensions as its predecessors. JBL has reduced the height (7.0 inches), width (2.6 inches), and depth (2.8 inches) slightly to make it a bit smaller, albeit with effectively the same weight. Not that it weighs 1.21 pounds – it actually feels just as portable, so you can take it with you anywhere.

This also includes everything to do with water thanks to an official water and dust resistance rating. Unlike previous Flip versions, JBL has given this one an IP67 rating, which improves the Flip 5's IPX7 rating. It's perfect when you want to sing along in the shower, listen to a podcast in a relaxing bath, or splash around in the pool. Let's not forget the beach either, as the Flip 6 holds up well in salt water and sand, making it a great option for a wide variety of outdoor activities.

Durability extends to the rubberized bumpers that surround the passive radiators at each end. JBL has adopted the same design principle here, and the bumpers continue to play a major role in protecting the other components. Much of the rest of the Flip 6 represents an aesthetic change on the outside, like the larger JBL logo on the front and the more textured material on the body. A rubber strip on the bottom prevents the speaker from rolling while at the same time tilting part of the audio up for a more spacious sound profile.

JBL has also addressed the lack of a lanyard in previous versions by incorporating one into the Flip 6. By integrated, I mean that it is already tied up for you, and if you should ever lose it, you could realistically replace it with another.

Wisely, JBL didn't change the control layout and used the same raised buttons that, while not backlit, are easy to feel and accurate when playing / pausing music or adjusting the volume. Power, Bluetooth, battery level indicator and USB-C charging port also return to the rear.

Setup and configuration

It was easy to pair the Flip 6 via Bluetooth as it will automatically go into pairing mode. Just as easily put it back into pairing mode later by holding down the speaker's bluetooth button until it flashes. It connects to one device at a time and was not equipped with a microphone by JBL, so the Flip 6 does not have a hands-free function. This thing is about playing audio, not making phone calls, which is a blatant omission in the industry at this stage of the game.

One thing JBL changed with the Flip 6 is that it can access the JBL Portable (formerly Connect) app for iOS or Android. You can use it to update the firmware and adjust the modest number of settings. The big standout for me was the EQ, which earlier Flip speakers didn't have. It's hardly complicated, with simple bass, mids, and treble sliders, but it marks a shift towards some level of audio control on the Flip 6.

PartyBoost is back, but not without guard rails. I could use party mode to wirelessly connect to other compatible JBL speakers to play the same audio at the same time. You can also create a stereo pair if you or a friend owns another Flip 6 (both speakers must be of the same model). I tried pulling it off with a Flip 5 but got nowhere.

Sound quality

JBL Flip 6.Ted Kritsonis / Digital Trends

It's hardly surprising that the bass stands out in the overall sound signature. JBL chooses it with each subsequent iteration. In this case, it's less about boosting the bass by default as you can tweak it using the portable app's EQ. What is interesting is that the mids and highs have a greater impact on the sound signature. We're not talking about something audiophiles will love, but it's hard not to like the results for what they are.

The Flip 6 gets loud – once again a matter of course for a loudspeaker like this one. It's the response at higher volumes that impressed me. Just when I was expecting the distortion to set in and pop the highs or lows, it maintained a stable sound that I liked even more over time.

Part of it has a lot to do with context, which means I used the speaker a lot when I was moving. Whether I was showering, cooking a meal, or listening to music at work, it became a practical part of my daily routine. Whether it was different genres of music or long podcast episodes, I appreciated the Flip 6 for its performance.

If you're a fan of bass heavy genres I don't think you'll be disappointed with the output here. It's deep and rumbling, with just enough detail in the mids and highs for decent balance. Pretty much any top 40 and party hits playlist will do well with a small crowd if this thing challenges them.

JBL Flip 6.Ted Kritsonis / Digital Trends

Battery life

JBL claims the Flip 6 can last up to 12 hours per charge, but at no point did I achieve that. It depends how loud you get, but I've been in the range of around 8-10 hours which isn't bad. That's enough time for a trip to the park, the beach or the pool. Connect it with the USB-C cable and you can play the music that way, especially if you have a portable battery to help.

Our opinion

For $ 130, the Flip 6 feels like value for money. You get a speaker that is very portable yet has enough power to be loud when you need it. Its added durability makes it safer and more useful in sandy and tougher environments, which certainly can't hurt either. There are also a handful of colors to choose from: black, blue, red, gray, and teal.

Is there a better alternative?

JBL doesn't give up 5. turn aroundwhich is arguably just as good for most situations, but if you want to go that route, wait for the price to drop. Ultimate Ears charges more than $ 150 for similar size and toughness in the Boom 3except that you also get a more spacious sound as the speaker wraps around your body. To get this spatial effect with serious harshness, pay the same $ 150 to get the Outdoor technology OT-2800-B Turtle Shell 3.0that offers the same water (but not dust) resistance.

If your budget allows it and you want a whole house music ecosystem to match your bluetooth speaker, then you should consider the Sonos Roam as well. It supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as well as simple voice commands and wireless charging, and you get it all for $ 179.

How long it will take?

JBL speakers have a pretty good track record, and the Flip 6 was made to last. You need to handle it properly to ensure its longevity, such as rinsing off sand and salt. Keep it clean and it should play for years. JBL offers a one-year guarantee against damage to the speaker, but not in all cases of water damage.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if you need a speaker this size that prefers loud, clear sound and you don't want a speakerphone inside. If you already have a Flip 5, you probably don't have to take the plunge unless you really want to use the few new features that are available.

Editor's recommendations



12 Jan
Blog

Tineco Floor One S5 Review: Dual Vacuum Mop With Power Scrub

Tineco-Floor-ONE-S5 wash floor

Tineco Floor One S5

RRP $ 500.00

"Tineco Floor One S5 is a dual-purpose vacuum and mop that can remove any dirt, wet or dry."

benefits

  • Versatile: Dual vacuuming and moping means that no pre-vacuuming is required

  • All debris and liquids picked up when testing

  • Cleans itself after use

  • Pretty calm

  • Ideal for households with pets, children

disadvantage

  • iLoop sensor appears to be intermittent

  • Internal dirt filter is small and can get clogged quickly

  • Only runs for 35 minutes

We're at an interesting point for home automation. All of the futuristic robots that we have been promised for decades are finally coming to fruition, and nowhere is that more true than in robot suction technology. But sometimes you need more than one autonomous robot to fulfill your commandments. Sometimes you need to grab the tools and get done. Enter: The Tineco Floor One S5.

What is different about the Tineco Floor One S5?

Tineco-Floor-ONE-S5 in action when picking up grain on the floor.

The Tineco Floor One S5 is a completely wireless multi-purpose stand. It's a wet and dry vacuum and mop with some unique features that set it apart from other embroidery models. Underneath, Tineco S5 has a soft microfiber roller that draws in dirt and spills and scrubs them away.

This vacuum cleaner and mop does it all: it sucks up dust, dirt and wet dirt and at the same time scrubs the floor surface with its rotating roller.

The S5 comes with a free-standing charging and docking station. Fortunately, there is no app or smartphone connection – it is only switched on and cleaned.

The S5 has a telescopic handle that is quite easy to adjust and the head unit swivels to get into tight spaces.

Use of Tineco Floor One S5

The S5 needs its fresh water tank, which is filled with fresh water. The tank seems a little small, but the fact is that this device doesn't use a lot of water and it doesn't seem to need it.

The Tineco S5 cleans with just water or water plus a cleaning solution and you only need about half an ounce to improve your cleaning. When it's on, the power pulls the machine forward with its scrub rollers to clean more deeply. During my tests, a single pass scrubbed dirt, including things like muddy dog ​​paw prints.

The rotating brushes under the Tineco S5 are able to supply dried mess with rotating roundhouse kicks.

I tried the Tineco Floor One S5 in various real situations at home. I've just used it as a vacuum, and when I check a vacuum I test it on fine particles like flour, splashes like rice or oats, and larger chunks like crackers.

The vacuum breathed everything in, but it left some kind of sticky mess in the recovery tank and the internal scoop-shaped filter charges quickly. Even so, it did a really good job of keeping the mess out of the water.

Tineco Floor ONE S5 filter full.

When it came to the wiping functions, I was able to try it out on muddy paw prints, damp dirt, and even spilled liquids.

Here the Tineco S5 was really a winner; Unlike some robot mopping robots that simply wipe your floor with a damp cloth, the rotating brushes under the Tineco S5 can give rotating roundhouse kicks on dried dirt and inhale spilled milk, wine and coffee.

I tested the S5 on tile and hardwood and it did a good job on both, not leaving the floors too damp or streaky.

In the end, it was pretty impressive how well this wet and dry vacuum and mop worked.

This vacuum cleaner and mop is self cleaning

When you're done cleaning, it's time to pour out the dirty water tank – a surprising barometer of how dirty the floors are, and heavily polluted water has gone straight down the drain! A built-in sieve in the dirty water tank enables quick and easy hair removal.

When the vacuum cleaner has been emptied and the dirty water container has been rinsed, place the Floor One S5 back in its docking station. The device can automatically detect dirt and debris, so a voice may prompt you to start a cleaning cycle by pressing the self-cleaning button. Two minutes later, the entire interior should be fresh again.

This vacuum cleaner and mop also has impressive self-cleaning capabilities.

Tineco Floor One has sensors

The vacuum cleaner uses a so-called iLoop Smart Sensor, which detects where dirt deposits are on the floor. If the LED light on the screen is red, he's seeing more dirt, so you should still do a few more passes. If it's blue, it's not that bad. The Tineco S5 also automatically adjusts the water and detergent flow, giving you more solution to remove major spills. In my tests, I've found this to work intermittently. Once I took out the S5 to treat a dried-on red wine stain, but the lights didn't change at all. Even so, it does a good job of running from the ground.

I got a few lights sometimes in follow-up tests, but it seemed to depend on things like the color of the flooring and the light or shadow that speckled the floor. The bottom line of this feature is that, in my opinion, you don't really have to worry about it as you can see for yourself if there is dirt or spills on the floor and the Floor One S5 will clean itself really well on its own. But it's a nice gimmick, I suppose.

The 2.1-inch LCD screen of the Tineco Floor One S5 shows cleaning information and all warnings as well as the remaining battery level, as well as when your water tanks are empty or need to be refilled – useful information that you have at a glance.

Battery life

Floor One S5 should run for around 35 minutes on a single charge. Since it lives on its charging base, it was always ready for me to use so I can't really tell how long it will take to fully charge.

Our opinion

Overall, I am very happy with the performance of this floor cleaner. It removes dried-on dirt from my tile and wooden floors. I love the versatility of wet-dry performance here as it eliminates the need to worry about vacuuming and then mopping.

Disadvantage? It's not quite as manoeuvrable as some of the other stick vacuums and mops I've tried, and the internal dirt filter is small, making it difficult to get rid of larger, lumpy spills. Even so, it works very well and we like to use it as it cleans the floors in our twin pet home well and thoroughly.

Is there a better alternative?

There are several wet and dry vacuums and mops on the market. Roborock just released their Dyad, which is a similar concept, and Dreames H11 Max is out there too, as are some models from Bissell. For the most part, the features, price, and availability seem to be on par, so be sure to keep an eye out for a sale at this point or find your key features and a comparison shop. There are a lot of great opportunities in this area right now.

How long it will take?

The Tineco Floor One S5 feels pretty sturdy and comes with an additional roll. I expect it will be a permanent addition to my home for the foreseeable future.

Should you buy it?

I can definitely recommend the Tineco Floor One S5 for your hard floors. It's a surprisingly powerful and versatile floor cleaner that makes the job easier.

Editor's recommendations



11 Jan
Blog

Jabra Elite 4 Active Review: Workout-Ready, Wallet-Friendly

Jabra Elite 4 Active.

Jabra Elite 4 Active

RRP $ 120.00

"Budget-conscious fitness fans will have a hard time finding a better set of buds."

benefits

  • Comfortable, secure fit

  • Completely waterproof

  • Very good sound quality

  • Effective ANC

disadvantage

  • No wireless charging

  • No wear sensors

It's not difficult to find great true wireless earbuds for training that have a comfortable but very secure fit, lots of water and dust protection, and active noise cancellation (ANC). Jabras Elite 7 Active, JBLs Reflect Flow Pro and Jaybirds Vista 2 – to select just three current models – all qualify. But with prices starting at $ 150 and going up to $ 300, they're not nearly as friendly to your bank account as they are to your morning runs.

That makes Jabras Elite 4 Active look really convincing: they're completely waterproof, designed to be secure, and they even have a few handy extras like ANC, transparency mode, and customizable EQ. All for the much cheaper price of $ 120. Are these the training buds you've been waiting for? Let's find out.

The Jabra fits

Man with Jabra Elite 4 Active.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Jabra's Elite line of true wireless earbuds are some of the best-fitting, most comfortable we've tested, and the Elite 4 Active is no exception. They are almost identical in shape to the budget Elite 3 and are very similar to both the Elite 7 Pro and the Elite 7 Active, meaning they fit very well. With a choice of three sizes of silicone earbuds in the box, it shouldn't be difficult to find a combination that works for you.

The part of the earbud that sits deepest in your ear is made of smooth plastic, while the part that sits right inside your outer ear has a lightly rubberized texture. It's not as grippy as the finish Jabra used on the Elite 7 Active, but it has more texture than the Elite 3. Will they stay in place during your intense workouts? In most cases the answer is yes.

The combination of small size, ergonomic shape, structured surface and low weight makes them as safe as possible without the need to add physical aids such as ear fins, wing tips or ear hooks. But anything that changes the shape of your ear canal, such as speaking, laughing, sneezing, or just grinning because you've just beaten your personal best, can affect the fit of the Elite 4 Active and therefore requires adjustment.

Press a little harder

Jabra Elite 4 Active with included accessories.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Physical controls are still the way to go, and Jabra is still the master.

Jabra's controls are also legendary in my opinion. Because the company always uses physical buttons and never touches sensors, you get a pleasantly tactile click when you press it. And that leaves no doubt as to whether or not you got it right. The controls on the Elite 4 Active share this heritage, but require more force than other Jabra models.

I attribute this to the fact that the button is hidden behind a thin rubber membrane on the outside of the earbuds (one reason they offer such strong IP57 protection), but the surface area itself is pretty small. The result is a key that is still very precise and tactile, but requires almost twice as much force as the Elite 3 or Elite 7 Active.

That said, I'll be placing the Elite 4 Active's physical buttons over the touch controls of almost all of the other earbuds, especially when you're trying to focus on your workout. In addition, as with all physical buttons, you don't need bare skin or special gloves to operate them – another advantage, especially in cold weather.

Unlike the Elite 7 series, Jabra doesn't let you customize the controls on the Elite 4 Active, but the default settings give you everything you need including play / pause, skip tracks, answer / end calls, microphone mute, ANC / transparency, voice assistant and volume control. You can use each earbud independently, and if you're an Android user, you even have the option to replace the Google Assistant with Amazon Alexa. Android users also have the option to use Spotify Tap instead of a voice assistant to get instant access to their Spotify Premium playlists.

Power songs

Jabra Elite 4 Active.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

A set of training buds is useless if they can't give your favorite tracks the strength and presence to motivate and move you. The Elite 4 Active definitely have what it takes here. They combine Jabra's balanced sound signature with an extra helping of bass. We're not talking about rattling bass here, but it's exactly what you need to feel the rhythm of your music as you pound on the sidewalk or throw your fists on a punching bag. Whether you're taking inspiration from AC / DC, Kendrick Lamar, or BTS, the Elite 4 Active are more than capable of keeping up.

I placed the Elite 4 Active head-to-head (ear-to-ear?) With the Elite 7 Active, and both models were surprisingly close. As you'd expect, the Elite 7 Active had a bit more detail and a wider soundstage than the Elite 4 Active, but since neither model is aimed at critical listening, I think the difference isn't enough to recommend the Elite 7 Active over 4 Active – at least not from a sonic point of view. We'll go into the other differences later.

Jabra Sound + app for Android.

Jabra Elite 4 Active Test elte 00021

With clear high frequencies and satisfactory mids, I found the default tuning to work fine on whatever genre of music I've thrown on these buds, but if it's not entirely to your liking, the Jabra Sound + app lets you EQ through a range optimize presets and manual options. You can't drastically change the sound signature, but there is more than enough headroom to add (or decrease) bass and treble for different listening preferences.

It's worth noting that these buds don't support the AAC bluetooth codec that Apple prefers for all of their phones and tablets – they use SBC on those devices instead – but they do support aptX on Android devices if yours is compatible with that codec . When switching back and forth between an iPhone 11 and a Google Pixel 5, I could hear a slight improvement in the pixel, but it was barely noticeable.

A little quiet, please

Jabra Elite 4 Active.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Hear that No? That is the point.

Some Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) systems like Apple's AirPods Pro can magically eliminate external noise to the point where it simply disappears when the ANC is turned on. The Elite 4 Active's ANC system definitely reduces some of the outside frequencies getting into your ears, but it's not that noise cone effect that Apple has achieved.

But who is complaining? Especially at this price point, any ANC system that kills unwanted noise is a good thing. And that's exactly what you get. Switching from passive soundproofing to ANC provides a noticeable reduction in traffic, fans, background calls and other annoyances.

Best of all, with a click of the ANC's left earbud, you can switch to transparency mode which brings in the outside world. Or you can use the app to decide whether you want to switch between ANC on and off with this button, switch transparency on and off, or all three modes one after the other.

You can also use a slider setting in the app to decide how much of this external sound should be recorded. Transparency mode lets you hear other people and sounds well, but your own voice remains a little muffled.

Delete calls

Jabra Elite 4 Active.Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Telephoning with the Elite 4 Active, like most Jabra earbuds, is very good. Your voice comes through very clearly and the microphones seem to have no problem keeping unwanted background noise from overwhelming your conversations. I ran into a bit of wind during testing – not a lot, mind you – but it was barely registered on my recordings.

You can enable sidetone (which is like transparency mode but for phone / video calls). This will allow you to hear your own voice more clearly which will reduce fatigue on some earbud calls.

All day battery

How much battery life do you need for a set of true wireless earbuds? I'd argue that more is always better, but the seven hours of playtime per charge of the Elite 4 Active plus the additional three charges in the charging case (for a total of 28) should be enough. If you want even more time, Jabra says you get 8.5 hours without ANC and a total of 34 hours with the case.

When testing with the ANC on and the volume set to 50%, I got closer to six hours of use, but that's still pretty decent. A quick charge function gives you an additional hour of use for 10 minutes of charging.

Extras

Jabra includes a Find My Earbuds feature in the Sound + app that records the last known location when the Elite 4 Active was connected to your phone, making it easier to find lost earbuds. You can also have the earbuds play a tone so you can find out which sofa cushion they are under.

What's not included

While the Elite 4 Active has a decent number of features, here's what you'll find on a few other earbuds, including the more expensive ones Elite 7 active:

  • Wireless charging
  • Wear sensors for automatically pausing music
  • Fully customizable controls
  • Hands-free voice assistant
  • Bluetooth Multipoint (for connecting two devices at the same time)

Our opinion

The Jabra Elite 4 Active are the perfect workout earbuds for anyone who wants great sound, great fit, and great protection from the elements without spending more than $ 150.

Are there any better alternatives?

The Elite 4 Active seems to have found a nice little niche. You can pay more for the JBL Reflect Mini NC for $ 150 and get wireless charging and voice-activated assistants, but overall battery life isn't as good as that of the Jabra and the Reflect Mini NC is IP56 vs. IP57 for the Elite 4 Active.

You can also spend less and get the Anker Soundcore Spirit X2, a set of ear hook-style earbuds that have better battery life and even better water / dust protection, but have no ANC or transparency mode and there is no app-based one Adjustments for EQ.

So while there are certainly many alternatives to a set of wireless training buds, we haven't found one that combines the features of the Elite 4 Active with its affordable price.

How long will they last?

While it is never easy to predict such a thing, Jabra makes high quality products, and the Elite 4 Active looks well built and reasonably sturdy. Their IP57 rating protects them from most dust and waterfalls – even total immersion – and Jabra offers an extended two-year warranty for customers who register their earbuds through the Jabra Sound + app.

Should you buy it?

Yes. They don't fit as securely as training plugs with ear hooks or ear fins, but they do Elite 4 active are a good choice for price-conscious athletes who do not want to miss out on the essentials.

Editor's recommendations



11 Jan
Blog

Instant Pot Pro Plus Review: Pressure Cooking Gets Smart

Instant Pot Pro Plus with a baking dish in the foreground.

Instant Pot Pro Plus in the test: pressure cooking is getting smart

RRP $ 170.00

"Discovering new recipes and translating their instructions right from your phone into the Instant Pot is a fun gimmick, but not without compromise."

benefits

  • Incredible versatility

  • Major usability improvements

  • Remote control functions are fun and useful

disadvantage

  • Community recipes can be hit and missed

Despite all of its multitude of functions – making yogurt, sous vide, canning – Instant Pot struggled to connect to phones. While Instant Pot has seen some impressive peaks in popularity, how did Instant Pot really reach this huge group of people who want Wi-Fi in every single thing in their home? A 2015 recall of the original Instant Pot Smart put a damper on a device we otherwise loved. Fortunately, the phone-friendly feature is back and we're diving deep to see what else is new.

configuration

Instant Pot Pro Plus lid kept in the kitchen. Simon Sage / Digital Trends

The first thing you need to do is create an Instant Pot account in order to pair the device with your mobile device. Originally, I wanted to create my account through my PC so I could get Chrome to generate a robust password, but this process didn't carry over well to the mobile app. I ended up creating another account through the mobile app with a weaker password, which isn't ideal. Some kind of Facebook connection would make creating an account a lot easier. The pairing process was a matter of course for most smart home devices: Connect via Bluetooth, share the WiFi password, then you start to connect. The requirement for a 2.4 GHz WiFi network is also common for smart home devices.

Once the Instant Pot is fully inserted, you can activate it for (deep inhalation) pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, roasting, making yogurt, hot meals, canned food, sous vide and NutriBoost which mimics the effects of cooking without really all burn these nutrients.

App

The biggest selling point of the new Instant Pot Pro Plus is its smartphone connectivity. This allows you to search an extensive database of recipes, check the status of your cooking and control the process remotely.

The recipes really dominate the conversation when it comes to the app. The greatest convenience is to wirelessly transfer the cooking settings from your phone to the Instant Pot and start cooking right away. Discovering recipes was a breeze. You can filter by vegetarian or vegan diet, time of day, difficulty and preparation times. The search for vegetarian dinners only brought about 40 results out of the original 1,500, many of which were a mix of tofu, quinoa, butternut squash, or lentils. It was clear that I wouldn't have many kilometers in the long run.

Instant Pot App runs on a smartphone with an Instant Pot and ingredients in the background. Simon Sage / Digital Trends

I chose an eggplant parmesan because my partner can tolerate the vegetarian diet if there is enough cheese involved. With a shopping list feature, you can export the ingredients to any app you normally use for things like that. I would also have loved to tick them off in the Instant Pot app itself. The recipe was pulled from the internet and had each step broken down correctly, along with shortcuts for starting the Instant Pot and setting timers. While the app is running, a notification will appear in the system tray so you can keep an eye on the cooking progress at a glance.

This was the first time I've cooked pasta in an instant pot, and I followed the author's instructions in good faith. Unfortunately, I should have taken some time to read the community comments and reviews, which precisely reported that the recipe produced undercooked penne. There is also a five-star rating system in place, but at 3.6 stars no alarm bells went off initially. I was able to save the meal with a little extra water in the baking dish and a longer cooking time in the oven. The only collateral damage was a few burnt noodles on top and a scramble over the smoke alarm. The rest of the penne was tougher than I would have liked, but better than crispy.

There is a lot of trust in the community to provide high quality recipes.

As for the recipes, they rely heavily on the community to both provide quality advice and check if they don't work. Popular recipes will have enough community momentum for this to work, but niche recipes will get beginners like me rolling the dice pretty often. Regardless of where you search for recipes on the internet or how you send those instructions to your devices, you are likely to encounter the same uncertainties. Even if the recipe search ultimately fails and the convenience of one-touch instructions is lost, you at least have remote monitoring of everything you manually enter. In the best case scenario, you will find a handful of recipes that you love in Instant Pot's database and you will be able to use the one-touch function reliably.

What else is new?

My last Instant Pot was the Ultra 6 Quart, so the Pro Plus was a big step up in many ways. The inclusion of handles on the inner pot is a huge improvement in ease of use. Fins on the lid and some brackets along the base provide a home for a large, chunky platter that would otherwise roll around on the kitchen counter while you try to add ingredients. The front has a touch screen, which can be much easier to navigate than just a clicky wheel. An extra cover on the pressure relief helps evacuate steam, not that I've ever had many issues with spill damage. There's also a new pulse-release mode that aims to reduce splatter when depressurizing super dishes.

Instant Pot Pro Plus with a baking dish in the foreground.

Our opinion

Being able to cook so many things without lighting the stove and ultimately saving energy is a huge draw. Discovering new recipes and transferring their instructions straight from your phone to the Instant Pot is a fun gimmick, but not without its compromises.

Is there a better alternative?

On paper, the Instant Pot Pro Plus is at the top of their product range. At just $ 170, your savings will be minimal even if you can find a cheaper model from competing brands. The Instant Pot Pro Plus is currently only available with a capacity of 6 liters. So if you cook for a large household, the other 8 liter models may be more suitable. The baking option is also not available on the Pro Plus, while it is available on the Pro. All of this means you'll struggle to find a better alternative than the Instant Pot Pro Plus, aside from a few specific hangers.

How long it will take?

I used the Instant Pot Ultra for about three and a half years with no sign of it slowing down or wearing out. Ready-to-use, Instant Pots come with a one-year warranty to cover all mishaps at the beginning of their lifespan. The sealing ring on the inside is probably the first thing you'll need, but you can easily buy replacements for it. We suspect that with a little care, an Instant Pot could last five years or more.

Should you buy it?

The Instant Pot Pro Plus is easy to recommend. It continues to repeat what made the brand so successful. The benefit from the range of functions is still impressive.

Editor's recommendations



10 Jan
Blog

Upright Go S Review: This Posture Trainer Delivers

Upright Go S, test report, wear device

Upright Go S put to the test: Posture trainer keeps what it promises

RRP $ 59.95

"The Upright Go S is an intelligent posture trainer that gently reminds you to sit up straight when you start to crouch."

benefits

  • Super small

  • Glue works surprisingly well

  • Warns you firmly but gently

  • Does its job so you don't laze around

  • Easy to use discreetly

disadvantage

  • Additional adhesives cost about $ 1 each

  • Battery life is short

It's not the same as running five miles or lifting weights, but anyone who spends the majority of the day at a desk, working from home or in the office, knows that it can be physically demanding too – and not in a good way. This afternoon, the slenderness and sagging that comes from hovering over a keyboard can not only make you hunchbacked on a daily basis, but it can also cause more permanent problems. The problem is, most of us don't even realize we're leaning, so how could we possibly stop it? The answer is Upright Go S.

Upright Go S, reviewWhat is Upright Go S?

Simply put, the Upright Go S is an ergonomic device known as a posture trainer, made from a small thumb-sized plastic bean that either sticks to your back (with body-friendly adhesive) or hangs over your back (with an optional lanyard). With sensors that sense its position and orientation, it emits gentle vibrations as you begin to lean; an attentive nudge that you carry. A companion app provides feedback on your progress.

Upright Go S is the smallest and smartest posture trainer on the market.

Warnings and options

Upright Go app progress.

With the Upright Go S, you must first calibrate the device so that it knows what is straight and bent for you. You can set your posture or lying area from level 1 (relaxed) to level 6 (strict). You can set a posture notification delay of five seconds, 15, 30, or up to a minute. The delay is actually smart because if you bend down to get something about the 5 second delay option, for example, you will get a buzzing warning. The best delay in my testing experience was 15 seconds; long enough that every bar or armrest didn't get a nudge, but short enough that I didn't feel comfortable in a stooped position.

You can adjust the vibration options between gentle, medium, and strong.

What it's like to use Upright Go S.

Like many of you who have read this, I thought my posture was okay and assumed this was going to be an easy day for wearing the Go S. It turned out that my posture wasn't as rigid as I would have liked, and on my first day I only scored 50% on the straight vs. slouch scale. Additionally, I definitely felt like I did some light ab workout using my core to touch down. After a few hours I called Uncle and put it away for the day.

My next round of Upright Go S was better because I knew what to expect; I was able to sit properly in my chair without so much effort to stay straight and increase my score.

Attaching the pod to my back with glue was easy (although my husband told me it was a little crooked) and the glue was strong to hold and didn't hurt at all to remove. It was pretty easy to forget I was wearing the Go S … unless I slipped together.

In short, the Upright Go S is comfortable to wear and seemed to do exactly what it promises: Let me know when I'm slouching.

Upright Go S, test report, wear deviceView statistics

On the Statistics tab of the Upright app, you can view your progress on a day-to-day basis. On my first day of use, I ended up with a score of only 50%. This meant that I slouched and received memories half the time I wore the capsule, while essentially staying upright the other half of the time. Upright wants you to wear the device for at least 60 minutes a day and you will get small virtual high fives if you can. I was better prepared for my next outing and I'm not afraid to say I got a perfect score.

The statistics are easy to read and understand, and give a clear indication of how well you are doing as you strive for the improvements that you strive for.

You can also compare your posture to the healthy area averages and see your progress over time.

Battery life and charging

According to the company, the Upright Go S should last around 20 hours or 2.5 days. It has to go into some sort of sleep mode when put to bed in its case and I can't remember whether I actually turned it off or not since I used it on the first day and then put it aside for several days and it was still working on day 5.

The battery life is visible in the app. When it's time to recharge, just plug in the USB-C cable and you should be full again in about three hours, which was my testing.

Adhesive application

At first I wasn't so sure about using adhesives. I figured that after my supply ran out, I would find it difficult to want to pay more. It turns out the company makes reordering pretty easy, as you can order new ones in the app for about a dollar a pop. They're definitely reusable, although unsurprisingly the glue is the stickiest when you first use them and less when you wear them later.

Upright says you should get around 10 uses per pad depending on your skin type, sweat, and how often you tape it on and off, so I found that pretty reasonable. In my testing, I'd say I got my 10 uses, and by keeping it clean and tucking the Go S in its case, I was actually able to add multiple uses to it.

The other option is the extra lanyard or necklace as the company calls it. It's made of silicone and magnetic, costs $ 19.95, and has a USB port that you can attach the Go S to. After that, you just let it hang on your back. It's a cool option if you don't want to mess with glue.

Our opinion

Upright Go S impressed me surprisingly. At first I really thought this was a stupid gimmick, but after wearing it for a week I can say that it definitely changed not only my actual posture but also how aware I am of how I sit or stand. The device is compact and, unlike many of these belts and holsters, you can easily carry it without anyone else being the cleverer. The Go S is billed as the budget version, but to me it didn't feel like I missed any features (although I'm curious what the Go 2 model would add to an already solid package). .

Is there a better alternative?

Other options when browsing for posture training equipment are suspenders and halters, belts, or vests. In terms of another smart, connected posture correction device that is easy to hide, Upright Go appears to be dominating the market.

How long it will take?

The Go S is made of plastic and has a rechargeable battery. Although it feels stable enough in my hand and on my back, I would be interested to know what happens if it falls and how long the battery life is. But as far as I can tell it looks solidly built.

Should you buy it?

Yes. In general, it seems almost too good to be true for a product to meet all of the criteria, but in this case Upright Go S isn't a dream. It's the real deal. I can definitely recommend the Upright Go S. It works absolutely as advertised and keeps me upright and upright.

Editor's recommendations



06 Jan
Blog

Roborock Dyad Review: Powerful Wet-Dry Vac at a Budget Price

Roborock dyad

Roborock Dyad in the test: An inexpensive wet-dry vacuum cleaner for everyone who hates dirt

RRP $ 449.00

"The Roborock Dyad has tackled the big task of tidying up after two dogs, two cats, and a handful of kids."

benefits

  • Edge-to-edge cleaning

  • 180 degree swivel head

  • Sufficient battery to clean the whole house

  • Space-saving all-in-one design

  • Payable

disadvantage

  • Charging time of four hours

  • On the heavy side

  • Limited self-cleaning

  • May not fit under counters

With two dogs, two cats and a handful of children, I have the ideal environment to try out a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. Every day brings a seemingly endless stream of dirt, dust and hair into my kitchen and living room. When Roborock introduced the new Dyad wet and dry vacuum cleaner, I couldn't wait to see how this cordless stick mop handles everyday dirt and more.

Space-saving all-in-one design

Roborock Dyad wet and dry vacuum cleaner

My typical arsenal of cleaning tools includes a dustpan, broom, small stick vacuum, Swiffer mop for easy cleaning, and steam mop for heavy cleaning. All of these items take up a lot of space in my closet and leave little room for anything else. It was with great pleasure that I cleared the closet and replaced all my brooms and mops with the only Roborock Dyad. It is an all-in-one in function and weight. At 11 pounds, the Roborock Dyad is heavy to carry. Fortunately, the rollers help move the device around when you are actively vacuuming.

The Roborock Dyad replaced a handful of cleaning tools, which saved me space, time and money.

The dyad saved space in my closet, saving me time and money. Instead of using multiple tools and tons of cleaning supplies, I was able to sweep and mop with one device. I didn't have to worry about finding the dustpan. I didn't have to buy expensive refills for the Swiffer or pads for my steam cleaner. All I needed was some water and I was ready to go. The Dyad is equipped with an LCD that monitors battery life as well as clean and dirty water levels.

Excellent for daily cleaning

Roborock Dyad LCD

The dyad did a reasonable job cleaning my dirty kitchen floors. It picked up all of the pet hair and dirt on my floor as long as I was vacuuming every day. The front and rear rollers can rotate in opposite directions and help pick up even the toughest of dust and dirt. If I waited a few days, the animal hair would build up and I had to lightly sweep before continuing with the dyad. Likewise, it did a good job on everyday stains but struggled with deep stains like those found under and around the refrigerator or stove. The rollers provide some scrubbing to help with light stains, but those stubborn, ground-in stains require a lot of elbow grease that the dyad just can't apply. Battery life was as expected. It routinely took up to 25 minutes so I could vacuum multiple rooms.

Reaches almost all corners and edges

The Roborock Dyad is definitely not a standard vacuum cleaner with the head square and securely aligned with the body of the vacuum cleaner. Instead, the Dyad has a head that can be swiveled 180 degrees, which gives the device an initially unsettling, easy-going feeling. With the dyad, the head can articulate itself freely in a semicircle. You press the vacuum cleaner and the head moves according to the contour of the room.

Roborock dyad height

It also has an edge-to-edge roller that allows the vacuum cleaner to get deep into the nooks and crannies of your room. The dyad is tapered to fit under counters, but only on one side. One side is low enough to fit under the counter, but the other side is too bulky. I could easily clean edge to edge between counters, but I had to be extra vacuum cleaning if I wanted to reach all the way under.

The rollers were great at picking up dirt, but the rimless design meant I couldn't vacuum under all of my counters.

Practical, but not self-cleaning

I love how the Roborock Dyad handles dirt. The dyad sucks all the dirt and water off the floor and directs it into a dirty canister. No need to wash a cloth or buy a Swiffer refill. When you're done wet and dry vacuuming, simply empty that single container and you're ready for the next round of cleaning.

The self-cleaning function cleans the rollers so that you can wipe immediately.

After docking, the Dyad has a self-cleaning function that automatically rinses the rollers over the fresh water tank. It only takes a few minutes to wash the rollers and collect the dirty water in the dirt bin. In contrast to the LG CordZero, which empties the dirty water into the base, the Dyad does not empty itself. You have to drain the dirty water before you can start cleaning again.

Our opinion

The Roborock Dyad is an affordable wet and dry vacuum cleaner for anyone looking for a two-in-one floor cleaner without spending a fortune. It thoroughly cleans your floors and stores all debris in a single, easy-to-empty tank.

Is there a better alternative?

The Roborock Dyad is great value for money. It cleans your floor and doesn't cost an arm or a leg. It's not cheap, but at under $ 500, it is achievable for most people. However, not everyone will like the feature set and stick form factor. If you don't mind spending a little more, you can upgrade to the LG CordZero which does a great job at cleaning your floors and has a full self-cleaning mode that even drains the dirty water for you. Those who prefer the autonomy of a floor-based robotic vacuum cleaner should consider the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro +, which itself vacuums and mops quietly.

How long it will take?

The Roborock Dyad has a solid construction that can withstand everyday household use. Roborock's limited warranty covers all problems caused by defects in material and workmanship when used under normal conditions for one year from the date of purchase. Just make sure you use the wet and dry vacuum a lot for the first year to try it out.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. For $ 449, the Roborock Dyad is a powerful, affordable wet and dry vacuum that picks up dirt, dust, and grime. Just measure out your kitchen cabinets to make sure the Dyad will fit underneath.

Editor's recommendations



05 Jan
Blog

HP Omen 45L Review: Gaming PC Designers, Take Notes

HP Omen 45L sits on a table.

Review HP Omen 45L: A master class in prefabricated gaming PCs

RRP $ 2,300.00

"The HP Omen 45L is the result when a manufacturer keeps its promise."

benefits

  • Excellent CPU cooling solution

  • Toolless design

  • Can be upgraded with commercially available parts

  • Great gaming performance

  • Doesn't get too loud

  • Additional hard drive bays

disadvantage

  • Limited number of USB ports

  • No DDR5 option

  • Bloatware is a bit annoying

The HP Omen 30L tops our list of the best gaming desktops. It's not tied up or barely hangs in one place – it's the best option if you're looking for a pre-built gaming desktop. Announced at CES 2022, the Omen 45L aims to make the best even better. And it works across the board.

No gaming desktop is perfect, especially the pre-built ones, but the Omen 45L improves on its predecessor in almost every way. It has a unique cooling design that actually pays off in thermals; the tool-free case is even easier to enter; and performance, though occasionally limited by memory speed, is worthy of the hardware inside.

The HP Omen 30L is no longer the best gaming desktop out there. HP has outdone itself, and even considering the minor issues with the Omen 45L, it's the gaming PC you should buy if you don't want to, or more likely can, not build a gaming rig right now.

draft

HP Omen 45L sits on a table.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The HP Omen 45L doesn't look like a normal gaming PC. It's taller than a standard mid-tower thanks to the cryo-chamber on the top, but the PC doesn't feel much larger after setting it up. It's only 18 inches long and 21.75 inches high, which is just a few inches taller than a mid-tower PC case.

Compared to last year's Omen 30L, the cryochamber is the biggest change in the Omen 45L. It looks silly at first, but I've come to appreciate the small gap thanks to its thermal performance. The upper chamber contains the 240 mm all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler, which is only connected to the main machine by a thin conduit through which the pipes run.

AIO tubes on the HP Omen 45L.

Cooler on top of the HP Omen 45L.

This fixes the biggest problem with the Omen 30L. It's an idea similar to the fanless, breathing PC we saw from DIY Perks earlier this year. Regardless of the orientation of the AIO, it always draws in cold air and releases hot air from the other components.

That made a huge difference in my tests. During a 30-minute AIDA64 stress test, the CPU immediately climbed to 89 degrees Celsius and the fans sped up to top speed. To my great surprise, the fans calmed down after about a minute and the CPU snuggled to a pleasant 65 degrees Celsius. In between there were no ramps up and down either – the Omen 45L withstood this temperature for the rest of the test without even a whisper of additional fan noise.

HP sells the Omen 45L case alone, and honestly, I could get one.

It's a massive improvement over the Omen 30L, where we've seen the Core i9-10900K hit temperatures close to 97 degrees Celsius and a fan noise that was "terrifyingly loud". The Omen 45L was almost silent when gaming, and when the fans were running they didn't get too distracting. HP actually sells the Omen 45L case on its own, and frankly, I could get one.

Aside from thermal and noise improvements, the Omen 45L retains the same design language as the Omen 30L. It's still a sleek black case with a bright omen diamond on top. The main difference is the inclusion of three 120mm ARGB fans that glow through the tinted tempered glass on the front.

The design is similar, but HP made a lot of changes to the case. The front inlets are now fully open to let in more air, and the dust filters (one in front and one under the power supply) are now removable. HP has also improved the tool-less entry, which I'll go into more in the next section.

Side panel of the HP Omen 45L.

Dust filter on the HP Omen 45L.

This is the kind of iterative improvement I love to see. HP hasn't given up on what made the Omen 30L look great. Instead, the company built on that design by making smart warmth and quality of life changes that are paying off. We always hear about improved thermal designs on new gaming desktops. But HP actually kept that promise in a big way.

Specifications and internals

Built-in components in the HP Omen 45L.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The Omen 45L comes with the best hardware you can buy anywhere. The heart of my test system was the Core i9-12900K paired with an RTX 3090 and 64 GB DDR4-3733 memory. HP doesn't offer this as a set configuration, although for around $ 5,000 you can make an exact match with HP's customization options.

HP also has much cheaper options. With a Ryzen 7 5800X, RTX 3070, and 16 GB of memory, you'll pay around $ 2,300. However, you have the freedom to build the PC you want. HP offers the Omen 45L either with an Intel or AMD chip or with an Nvidia or AMD graphics card. AMD cards are limited to the Radeon RX 6700 XT, otherwise HP has the latest flagship hardware on offer.

Central processor Intel Core i9-12900K
GPU Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090
Motherboard HP 8917 Micro-ATX Z690
case HP Omen 45L ATX case
reminder 64GB HyperX DDR4-3733
warehouse 2x 2TB WD_Black PCIe Gen4
Power supply Cooler Master 800W 80 Plus Gold
USB ports 4x USB 3.2, 4x USB 2.0, 2x USB-C
Networking 1x Gigabit Ethernet

As with the Omen 30L, there is nothing proprietary in the Omen 45L. The graphics card and motherboard are manufactured by HP, but you can always swap them out or move them to a different computer. That's a big plus over machines like the Alienware Aurora, which uses its own motherboard design.

According to HP, the Omen 45L should feel like a DIY PC, and it does.

More than the standardized components, I appreciate how HP used its branded suite to bring branded components into the Omen 45L. You get HyperX memory, not no-name modules that could have been obtained from anywhere, and you get a Cooler Master power supply and cooler, not components supplied by obscure companies that specifically deal with manufacturers. According to HP, the Omen 45L should feel like a DIY PC, and it does.

However, there are some problems. HP opted for a micro ATX motherboard instead of a full-size ATX motherboard. The case supports an ATX board, but you cannot buy one from HP. This is a machine that can come with the best hardware out there and it deserves a full ATX board like the Asus ROG GA35 does.

It also only comes with DDR4 memory. Even if you choose a 12th generation Alder Lake CPU, you can't add DDR5 unless you buy a separate motherboard and memory yourself. DDR5 is obscenely expensive right now, so I understand why HP chose to stick with DDR4. That does have an impact on performance, however, which I'll cover in my benchmarks below.

Expandability

HP Omen 45L with the front panel removed.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Like the Omen 30L, the Omen 45L has a tool-free design. Except for the screws for your motherboard and cooler, you don't need anything to get into the case and move parts. Under the cryochamber there are two buttons for the side walls and two buttons to the front to snap off the front panel.

Even without instruction, I was in the Omen 45L within seconds. The design is not only tool-free, but also intuitive. Thanks to the clear labeling, the question of which button to press never arises, and the tool-free mechanisms are of high enough quality that you don't feel as though you are breaking anything. Pre-built or not, this is how you should design a PC case.

HP cleaned up the cables above the Omen 30L. There's still a bit of a mess behind the back panel, but the cables are hidden and it's clear that some effort has been made to clean up the cable runs. HP even includes some additional SATA power and data cables that dangle at the bottom of the device if you want to use the two 3.5-inch and two 2.5-inch drive cages on the rear.

Cable management in the HP Omen 45L.

Hard drive bays in the HP Omen 45L.

The Omen 45L is a treat. Not only does it allow upgrades unlike its Alienware counterparts, it invites them. I am into my Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic, but after using the Omen 45L, I am seriously considering getting the case alone. It is so good.

Connectivity

Connections on the front of the HP Omen 45L.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The weakest aspect of the Omen 45L is connectivity. The Micro-ATX motherboard is limited to the same number of ports as the Omen 30L, which is even more noticeable with this larger design. You should still have plenty of ports for everything, but you'll need to break out a USB hub if you have a lot of dongles or USB accessories.

Above the Omen 30L, the new model adds two additional USB ports on the front. The problem is that the new ports are locked on USB 2.0. I'll never argue with more USB ports in front of a PC, but that doesn't feel like much. Where are the USB-C ports on the front? At least HP could have added two more USB 3.2 ports on the front.

Connections on the back of the HP Omen 45L.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The same goes for the back. Just like the Omen 30L, you have two USB 3.2 ports (5 Gbit / s and 10 Gbit / s), two USB 2.0 ports and two USB-C ports (5 Gbit / s and 10 Gbit / s). I like the inclusion of two USB-C ports, but I really wish one was on the front. The single upgrade in connectivity doesn't matter, and it feels like HP could have done a lot more here.

Gaming performance

The HP Omen 45L is a gaming monster, and luckily the unfortunate state of DDR5 doesn't have a massive impact on gaming performance. The model I tested was equipped with a Core i9-12900K, 64 GB DDR4-3733 memory and an RTX 3090. Although I ran benchmarks from 1080p to 4K, the following results apply to 4K at the highest graphics preset.

HP Omen 45L Origin Neuron (Ryzen 9 5950X, RTX 3080 Ti) Custom PC (Core i9-12900K, RTX 3090, DDR5)
Forza Horizon 4 159 fps 146 fps 160 fps
Red Dead Redemption 2 76 fps 72 fps 79 fps
Battlefield V 121 fps N / A N / A
3DMark time spy 18,523 17,937 19,511
Fourteen days 82 fps 89 fps N / A
Control without RT 59 fps 55 fps N / A
Control RT 37 fps 35 fps N / A
Civilization VI (shooting time in seconds, lower is better) 7.44 N / A 7.3

The RTX 3090 may be over the top for gaming, but it still tears games apart. Compared to the Origin Neuron with an RTX 3080 Ti, I've seen improvements in Forza Horizon 4, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Control. Fortnite was the only eccentric, with my results with the Omen 45L being about 8% lower than with the Origin Neuron.

Outside of the graphics card, the Core i9-12900K shows its power in the Omen 45L. My custom built PC has identical specifications. The only difference is that it uses DDR5 memory instead of DDR4. You can see this in 3DMark Time Spy, with the Omen 45L sitting about 5% lower than my custom rig.

Graphics card in the HP Omen 45L.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The differences are otherwise minor. The few frames difference in Forza Horizon 4 and Red Dead Redemption 2 isn't big enough to matter. For gaming at least, the Omen 45L offers performance comparable to building the same PC yourself – and that's really what you'd expect from a pre-built gaming desktop.

DDR4 makes a difference, but in many games it doesn't matter. I tested an identical custom PC with DDR4 in 3DMark Time Spy and came out with a very similar score to the Omen 45L, which shows that this benchmark values ​​memory speed. Many games don't, as Forza Horizon 4 and Red Dead Redemption 2 have demonstrated.

Storage speed makes a much bigger difference in productivity apps where the Omen 45L falls behind.

Productivity performance

Water block in HP Omen 45L.Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

The Omen 45L is hampered by DDR4. It has the fastest processor and graphics card on the market, and the results should reflect that. But they don't. The slower memory keeps the Omen 45L from reaching its full potential, putting it on par with hardware that on paper should be less powerful.

HP Omen 45L Origin Neuron (Ryzen 9 5950X, RTX 3080 Ti) Custom PC (Core i9-12900K, RTX 3090, DDR5)
Cinebench R23 multicore 23,068 25.166 27,344
Cinebench R23 single core 1,893 1,587 1,989
Geekbench 5 multicore 15,685 15,872 18,282
Geekbench 5 single core 1.910 1,682 1,962
PugetBench for Premiere Pro 1,025 1,088 1,283
Mixer (average in seconds, lower is better) 51 53 N / A
Handbrake (seconds, lower is better) 51 50 47
PCMark 10 9,034 N / A 9.092

Cinebench shows the clearest difference. Although the Omen 45L still lets the single-core performance of the Core i9-12900K shine through, the multi-core performance is around 16% behind what is possible with DDR5. The same goes for PugetBench for Premiere Pro, where the Omen 45L lagged my custom PC by about 20%.

The Origin Neuron further illustrates this point. In Geekbench 5, for example, the Omen 45L caught up with the Origin Neuron in the multi-core test, but should do about 15% better. The single-core performance is still evident, but DDR4 is clearly a bottleneck for the Omen 45L.

However, it is not a bottleneck for applications. My results in Handbrake, Blender and PCMark 10 show only minor differences between the three devices. DDR5 makes a big difference with Alder Lake, but that difference is not the same for all apps.

HP doesn't offer the Omen 45L with DDR5, but there is a good reason for that. DDR5 is expensive and in high demand, which would either delay the Omen 45L or drive up the price.

It makes sense, but HP's logistical machinations don't matter with $ 5,000 at stake. Machines like the Origin Neuron are available with DDR5, even if it's a premium version. This is HP's top performing desktop, and a few hundred dollars for DDR5 is insignificant given the price that HP sets.

software

HP Omen Gaming Hub on Windows.

The Omen 45L comes with the HP Omen Gaming Hub, which is much more rugged than I expected. As with other HP devices, however, annoying bloatware was preinstalled, which interrupted my benchmarking with ads several times during the test.

It comes pre-installed with ExpressVPN, Dropbox, and McAfee. I've only seen ads for ExpressVPN and Dropbox once, but McAfee came up too many times to count. These are apps you might want to use, but I still don't appreciate a $ 5,000 gaming PC that comes preloaded with ads.

The Omen Gaming Hub takes care of that. Starting with the basics, the app lets you monitor your PC's usage, active processes, temperatures, and basically every other important element of your PC. It also includes integration with Intel XTU for overclocking as well as lighting control and a network monitor.

I appreciate having so many features in one place with Gaming Hub.

Aside from the basics, the Gaming Hub doubles as a hub for your games. You can view and launch your installed titles, track game time, save screenshots, and even earn rewards for playing selected titles (including free games). If you're in the mood for MOBAs, Mobalytics also lets you view stats about your gameplay.

The Omen Gaming Hub isn't strictly necessary and in some places it's a bit rough around the edges. But I still appreciate having so much functionality in one place. These types of apps are usually nothing more than ad-strewn support hubs. The Omen Gaming Hub is still a support hub and still has ads, but that's easy to miss with what else it offers.

Our opinion

The Omen 45L takes an already great design and improves on it. This could just have been a bigger Omen desktop with room for more fans, but it isn't. HP brought noticeable improvements in thermal and cable management and built on the fantastic tool-free design of the Omen 30L.

There are some issues – I would have liked more connectivity, and DDR4 can cripple the CPU in some applications. Still, at these points it's hard to pinpoint just how much else the Omen 45L has to offer. It's a great performer overall, and the tool-free design makes upgrades easy across the board.

Are there alternatives?

Yes. The Origin Neuron and Asus GA35 are the most direct competitors, but both don't have the unique cooling design that HP offers. At least the case is unique to HP.

How long it will take?

According to HP, the Omen 45L should feel like a DIY PC. The PC uses standard parts so you can upgrade it for as long as you want. HP even sells the case on its own, so you have unlimited uses as long as you upgrade the parts inside.

As configured, you can assume that the device will last around five years in demanding games and productivity apps. However, if you do a CPU or GPU swap, you can increase this lifespan exponentially.

Should you buy it?

Yes. In the crowded gaming desktop market, the HP Omen 45L stands out as one of the best desktops with its tool-free design, great cooling solution, and commitment to upgradeability. Aside from DDR4 and a slight lack of ports, it's the perfect gaming desktop.

Editor's recommendations



04 Jan
Blog

Garmin Venu 2 Plus Review: Premium in All the Right Ways

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is an excellent smartwatch.

Garmin Venu 2 Plus in the test: Premium in the right way

RRP $ 449.99

“The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is a premium smartwatch in every way, also in terms of price. But if you consider rock-solid connectivity, a lot of data and control by voice assistants, it deserves its price. "

benefits

  • Solid connectivity

  • Telephone calls and assistant

  • Battery life

  • Strong GPS

  • Lots of data

disadvantage

  • High price

  • Unintuitive user interface

  • Some services are missing

I think it is very important that we get this review right by saying that I am not the target audience for the Garmin Venu 2 Plus. I'm on the wrong side of 300 pounds and the wrong side of 40, although the former is more likely to disqualify me. My idea of ​​a great workout is to park down the block to go to the donut shop. When Garmin contacted me and asked if I would like to check out their latest smartwatch, of course I took the chance. Well I didn't jump because fat men don't jump, but you get the idea.

I've been using the Garmin Venu 2 Plus for two weeks and while I'm not the ideal Garmin wearer, I can see where this watch is the ideal smartwatch for me. For most of my trial period, I wore the Garmin smartwatch that was paired with a Pixel 6, and also wore an Apple Watch SE that was paired with an iPhone 13 Pro for comparison purposes.

Here are my thoughts.

Design and comfort

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is an excellent smartwatch.Adam Doud / Digital Trends

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus has a bright and crisp 1.3-inch AMOLED screen that is bright and easy to read in all situations. It's comfortable to wear, even though it's a little thicker. The three buttons on the side are easy to press and provide correct feedback when pressed. Each button has its own function, from starting an activity to entering menus, but new to the Venu series are the microphone and speaker.

The Venu 2 Plus is the first Venu smartwatch that makes and receives calls and controls your phone's assistant.

The Venu 2 Plus is the first Venu smartwatch that makes and receives calls and controls your phone's assistant. This is actually the feature I was looking forward to the most as I use the Google Assistant a lot throughout the day. Also, especially since I picked up the Apple Watch SE, I've gotten used to leaving my phone on my desk when I'm moving around the house and answering calls on my watch.

Using the wizard is similar to most other smartwatches, except that they can be woken up with a command word. The Venu 2 Plus requires you to press and hold the center button for a few seconds to connect. It's a little slower than I'd like (about three seconds), but it's not terrible in any way. Verbal responses play through the watch, just as you would expect when accessing the Google Assistant through a watch or headphones. Overall, it's a seamless experience.

Software and connectivity

What I liked most about the watch is the absolutely solid connectivity. As mentioned earlier, I wore both the Apple Watch SE and Garmin Venu 2 Plus at the same time, and both watches rang simultaneously for notifications each time. I expect this type of connectivity from the Apple Watch. After all, Apple is Apple. But with so many smartwatches and fitness trackers, frequent disconnections can be problematic. It even happens when you wear a Samsung smartwatch with a Samsung phone. But the Garmin stayed connected all the time, even when my phone was a house away.

However, the software of the Venu 2 Plus takes some getting used to. Most smartwatches use gestures in each individual direction for different things. The Garmin mostly sticks up and down, with only occasional swiping movements. The buttons all have different functions and rely on a press or a long press for different functions. I understand that there is only a limited amount of programming possible for three buttons, but even at the end of my two-week trial period I was still not used to all of the functions.

Notifications are extensive and detailed. The only gripe I could make is that the notification icons are limited. Weather, Google Photos, and Vivint Home Security notifications are all shown with the message icon. In fact, the icons that work and don't work are very different. It can get a little confusing trying to find specific messages. Also, some options for responding to messages are not straightforward. For example, when you reply to an e-mail, the phone opens the reply window. Replying to a text message is limited to a few preprogrammed replies.

The Garmin App Store has a decent number of apps and watch faces that mingle with other app stores, including Samsung and Google Play, that far outshines most fitness trackers like Fitbit and Xiaomi. Supported music services include Spotify and Deezer, but it lacks YouTube Music. Unfortunately, that's the service I'm subscribing to. Of course, the app functionality pales in comparison to the Apple Watch, but that would assume that both devices want to serve the same customer, which they aren't.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Before we dive into the fitness tracking aspects of this watch, let's pause to talk about philosophies. Apple certainly puts a lot of emphasis on health tracking and data. However, Garmin did not set out to develop a smartwatch. It should first create a health tracker that happens to work with your smartphone. This can be seen in areas like the Garmin Connect app, which is designed to give you as much data as possible. The Garmin Venu 2 Plus also tracks your heartbeat multiple times per second instead of once per second or even every few minutes.

Sleep data in particular is great information, and unlike the Apple Watch, tracking sleep doesn't cut your battery life by half or more.

I don't have the professional equipment to reliably record some training data (e.g. chest strap, BMI scale, O2 sensors, etc.), but the data I got from the Garmin Smartwatch is valuable. Sleep data in particular is great information, and unlike the Apple Watch, tracking sleep doesn't cut your battery life by half or more. For those who really collect data, the watch can also process inputs for tracking water usage or women's health. These have to be entered manually, of course, but it's nice to have all of this information in one dashboard.

Exercising, which to me means walking around the block, gives you even more data, including a map of your route, speed, average heart rate, climbs, pace, and more. The Apple Watch gives you similar data, both in bed and on the go. Apple even adds other protections like AFib detection and fall detection, both of which are important from a day-to-day safety perspective. Garmin has a feature that detects high-G events (read: falls) while a measured activity is in progress, which notifies emergency contacts if you trip and fall while running. That's nice, but only during measured activities, not all the time.

Performance and battery

Simply put, the battery life is amazing. Garmin advertises with around nine days of battery life, with a full AMOLED display and heart tracking that measures several times per second. The battery is drained when you add GPS and music streaming, but for everyday use this watch just keeps going.

When testing alongside the Apple Watch SE, the difference in battery life was sobering. I had to replenish the SE almost every day. In contrast, I only charged the Garmin watch twice during my two-week trial period. Even before I set up the Apple Watch SE for sleep tracking, it was maxed out for two days before the charger was needed.

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is an excellent smartwatch.Adam Doud / Digital Trends

When I talked to Garmin about my upcoming Disney trip, they asked me to start a hiking activity with full GPS at the beginning of a day in the park and to check the available data at the end of the day. The battery can handle constant GPS contact and aggressive health measurements for an entire day. While this review was being written prior to this vacation, I'll be testing this out.

When I first started using the Apple Watch, I was amazed at how Apple was able to create apps that were so fully featured compared to the rest of the industry. The Garmin Venu 2 Plus offers an equally enlightening experience when it comes to battery life. Even if you turn on the GPS and keep playing music, you still get eight hours. Nothing else I've tested before comes close.

Price and availability

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus will hit the market on January 4, 2022 and can be purchased from Garmin for a fairly high price of $ 450. Garmin is quick to point out that all health monitoring is done without a subscription, which is fine, but Garmin has a legacy of high-priced hardware and the Venu 2 Plus definitely continues that.

Our opinion

Overall, the biggest thing about the Garmin Venu 2 Plus is the price that makes me pause, but that too comes from a man who doesn't work. Still, the battery life is fantastic, the connectivity is hard to beat, and the additional ability to take calls and use a voice assistant really rounds off the package for me. There are cheaper alternatives, and just as the Apple Watch SE taught me that apps are important, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus taught me that battery life is also very important.

From a software standpoint, the Garmin has a steep learning curve, but once you get it, it's easy to use and surprisingly robust. Receiving notifications as soon as they touch and respond to your phone is often not as smooth on devices that are supposed to be a smartwatch first and then a fitness tracker. Garmin really offers a complete package here with very few compromises.

There is no doubt that this is a premium device after a niche clientele. Garmin is number one in the fitness world, even above the Apple Watch, and it's not hard to see why. Not only are you a device dedicated to monitoring your health, with a range of accessories to help you do so, but you also get a fully functional smartwatch that has those basics too. That makes the Venu 2 Plus a compelling product if you have the budget for it.

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus is an excellent smartwatch.Adam Doud / Digital Trends

Is there a better alternative?

If you fall into that category of customers Garmin is looking for, no. This is it, with the possible exception of other Garmin offerings. If you're a general smartwatch user, the answer becomes less clear. If you're using an iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 7 is better in many ways, with the notable exception of battery life. In the world of Android, the water is getting murky. The Samsung Watch 4 with Google and Samsung's new version of WearOS is very appealing. Regarding less expensive options, boy, hello, there are options. But none of them will keep up.

How long it will take?

Garmin products are known for their build quality, and I can confirm that with this smartwatch too. The watch has a Gorilla Glass 3 dial and can be worn for swimming up to 5 ATMs or about 50 meters. Garmin products also typically come with a one-year warranty.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Venu 2 Plus is a fine smartwatch and shouldn't even be a smartwatch. PR talk aside, this is a really nice wearable that gives you a ton of health data and features in a single, admittedly expensive, package. If you are into sports (which some may refer to as something other than "fitness") this watch is a breeze. If you want a smartwatch that will last more than a weekend, you have it. If you're not sure that your next smartphone has the same operating system as your current one, this watch works both ways. Your bank account might not be a huge fan, but you can love a lot here.

Editor's recommendations



04 Jan
Blog

Garmin Vivomove Sport Review: Hidden Screen, Obvious Talents

Garmin Vivomove Sport real hands.

Garmin Vivomove Sport in the test: the fashionable smartwatch with a hidden display

RRP $ 179.00

"The fashionable Garmin Vivomove may have a hidden screen, but once you put it on, the watch's extensive technology and health tracking talents are evident."

benefits

  • Looks like a fashion watch

  • Screen completely hides when not in use

  • Gesture control is reliable

  • Comprehensive health and activity tracking

disadvantage

  • OLED screen has a low resolution

  • Battery life just average

Garmin's new Vivomove Sport for 2022 is literally a hybrid smartwatch as it has physical pointers that move around the watch face and a screen that stays completely hidden until needed. It's the opposite of the Fitbit Versa 3, which is its biggest competitor and will appeal to anyone who finds the Fitbit's boring design off-putting. The good news is that it's not just the design that I like about the Vivomove Sport, as I found out.

draft

The Garmin Vivomove Sport is very good at disguising its hybrid smartwatch status as the small OLED screen is completely hidden until needed. When I say whole, I mean it too. I challenge you to look at the photos with the screen off and tell me there is one at all. I really like this approach, especially as more and more hybrid smartwatches are increasingly integrating active e-ink screens, where the design is away from the "watch" and much closer to the "smartwatch".

Garmin Vivomove Sport screen.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Not like this here, and it looks great for that. The dial is simple, with Garmin branding stamped on it, six hour markers, and some redundant chronograph-style markings on the bezel. The surface has a subtle vinyl record finish that is barely noticeable if you don't look closely while the baton hands are silver. There is no second hand, no buttons on the case and no crown.

Garmin Vivomove Sport watch face close-up.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The case is made of fiber reinforced polymer (which Garmin has used on other models, including the Fenix ​​range) and has glass over the dial with a very slight curve around the edges. It feels smooth and warm, but it can get greasy. It's attached to a simple rubber strap, which on my test device is black, but you can also get the Vivomove Sport in Ivory, Cocoa or Cool Mint. The Vivomove Sport is very light and comfortable to wear at just 34 grams. I wore it 24 hours a day for five days with no irritation or overnight problems or even the need to adjust the strap because it got too hot or sweaty.

Garmin Vivomove Sport Screen.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I like the design. It's very understated, but the simplicity means it goes with anything, especially black, and the 40mm case size is modest and fits most wrists. You won't make a statement with the Vivomove Sport, but because of the hidden screen you won't advertise wearing a smartwatch either. It just looks like a pretty ordinary fashion watch. This is exactly what a good hybrid smartwatch should be and ideal for anyone who doesn't like the sportiness of a fitness band or the geekiness of a full touchscreen but understands the need for a screen to increase its utility but doesn't want to see it all the time.

Screen and menu

Garmin's decision to hide the screen works from a design perspective, but what if it's on? It activates when you raise your wrist or double-tap the glass to view the time, battery status, and date information. You also tap the glass skillfully to operate the menu system, so Garmin can do without buttons on the case and it is an accurate and reliable system. Swipe the screen to view steps, heart rate, health data, and more. The pointers automatically rotate out of the way when you look at these screens.

Garmin Vivomove Sport step count.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Garmin Vivomove Sport Body Battery data.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Garmin Vivomove Sports Heart Rate.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Long press the screen to open the exercise menu, where you can quickly activate a walking, running, cycling, weight training, yoga, meditation or swimming session. Dig deeper and you'll find more detailed health functions like VO2 Max, blood oxygen and fitness age, as well as some settings for the watch. The on-screen options may seem small, but they're actually easy to find and press with your finger due to the accuracy of the watch's touch-sensitive glass.

Unfortunately, the OLED screen is bright, but not very high-resolution with only 72 x 154 pixels. The information displayed is noticeably blurry, almost like it's a little blurry or the glass is smeared, and it looks out of place next to the physical pointers and markers on the dial. It doesn't affect functionality or readability, but it's distracting and looks cheap.

Software and app

I used the watch with the Garmin Connect app connected to a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 before it was released, and it's compatible with iOS too. I didn't have any connection issues and syncing was flawless. It lacks some features like the Google Assistant or the Siri integration you'll find on competing models like the Fitbit Versa 3.

Garmin Vivomove Sport screen.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Garmin Vivomove sports cleats.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Garmin Vivomove Sport side profile.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Garmin Vivomove Sport.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Notifications are delivered reliably, but the screen is small. So don't expect anything other than basic information. Tap the incoming notification and you'll get more details, but it's of little use as a message spans multiple screens. The notifications work exactly the way you want them from a hybrid smartwatch: as a prompt to make a decision whether to pick up the phone or not.

By default, the vibrating alert isn't very strong, but exploring the settings menu can make it longer for the buzz, although battery life suffers. This is not the only customization option as many aspects of the watch can be changed from within the app, from the watch face to the exercise options displayed to gesture control options to the orientation of the hands.

The Garmin Connect app is colorful to look at and quick to use. It's packed with information and data, but I found it to be often tightly presented and awkward to find. A slide-in menu offers even more options, and navigating through it can be confusing and time-consuming. It's definitely for the data junkie, and I've rarely found anything that gives me advice on what to do with the data or how to make improvements. Instead, Garmin urges you to be motivated to participate in Community Challenges, either pre-generated or created with friends.

The Vivomove Sport may not be an expensive Garmin sports smartwatch, but with Connect it's definitely still comprehensive enough to be used by both casual coaches and serious athletes. There are features like adding details about your shoes and bike, saving routes you have run regularly and then navigating with Garmin's PacePro pacing system, as well as the ability to create custom workouts for the watch. All of your statistics, from sleep to stress to heart rate, are visible on individual screens with historical data for up to a year.

It's as complex as you want it to be, and if you only want to record a workout or two a week it's as ready to do so as it is all more strenuous.

Health tracking

I've followed workouts with the Vivomove Sport and the Apple Watch Series 7 together, and the Garmin returned significantly higher values ​​than the Apple Watch. The average heart rate during Vivomove Sport was about 10 beats per minute higher, which probably had an effect on calorie burning, which was usually 50 or 60 kcal higher as well. When comparing Garmin's sleep tracking with the Oura ring, neither of the two agreed on the timing of the sleep phases, but were almost identical for heart and respiratory rates.

Garmin Vivomove Sport training mode.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Garmin Vivomove Sport training mode.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Garmin Vivomove Sport GPS mode.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Neither of these are medical devices so results will always vary, but in my experience, the Apple Watch tends to match most other wearables in terms of activity tracking and heart rate. I am using the Garmin Vivomove Sport before its official announcement and with a special version of the Garmin Connect app, so adjustments to the watch's firmware and algorithms can be made after its release.

What else? There is menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking, a way to manually log fluid intake, GPS tracking with your phone, various security features including emergency location sharing, and some mindfulness style relaxation features. Garmin's Body Battery is an unusual addition that might come in handy, but it's not implemented very well. It assesses your energy levels to understand if it is a good time to exercise or to make an effort in general. I didn't find it helpful in everyday life, mainly because you have to look for your battery level in the app. The Oura Ring has a similar Readiness Score, but it appears first thing in the morning on the app's home screen, making it more helpful for planning your day.

The Vivomove Sport covers my basic health needs very well, with a lot of leeway even for the more enthusiastic athlete

The touch-sensitive glass and the quick and easy activation of exercise tracking are welcome, as the process can often be a frustrating combination of keystrokes on hybrid smartwatches. Not so here, and by swiping the small screen, you can also see live heart rate and calorie consumption data. The Vivomove Sport covers my basic health monitoring needs very well and also offers plenty of leeway for the more enthusiastic exerciser, but the accuracy can benefit from some tweaks.

battery

Connected to an Android smartphone and with notifications as well as all-day heart rate monitoring, a few recorded training sessions and overnight sleep, the Garmin Vivomove Sport's battery lasted five days before it needed to be charged. You charge the battery with a proprietary cable included in the scope of delivery.

Charge the Garmin Vivomove Sport.Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I didn't turn on blood oxygen monitoring for sleep, which would likely further reduce usage time, but with these settings it is in line with Garmin's expectations for battery life. It's longer than a full-fledged smartwatch like the Apple Watch, but less than very energy-efficient smartwatches like the Huawei Watch GT 3. Five days of use is good, but given the Vivomove Sport's small screen, I would have liked to have had it longer.

Price and availability

The Vivomove Sport is priced at $ 179 and is available now from Garmin's online shop.

Our opinion

The subtle design that goes with everything and the real hands make the Garmin Vivomove Sport an excellent hybrid smartwatch for everyday use.

The precise gesture controls and the bright OLED screen make it quick and easy to use, it works with Android and iOS and the Garmin Connect app is full of data. On the less positive side, the five-day battery life is decent but not overwhelming, and the OLED screen's low resolution is distracting, but the area that is most worrying is the tracking accuracy. Discrepancies between the Vivomove Sport and other smartwatches indicate that there may be too many reports and an update is needed to optimize performance.

I've worn the Garmin Vivomove Sport for 10 frustration-free days at the time of writing. I only had to charge it once, it tracked my activity and sleep, reliably delivered notifications, looked great on my wrist and didn't get uncomfortable. Definitely recommended for the reasonable price of $ 179.

Is there a better alternative?

Garmin's Vivomove Sport's biggest competitor is the Fitbit Versa 3, valued at $ 230. Throughout my time, I've been reminded how convenient and easy the Versa 3 is to use, traits it shares with the Garmin watch. However, I prefer the design and the real hands of the Vivomove Sport by far, and it's significantly cheaper, but I think the Versa 3 is even more comfortable to wear 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you want a hybrid smartwatch with real pointers on the dial, the best alternative is the $ 195 Skagens Jorn HR, which has an e-ink screen behind the pointers. It shows as much information as the Garmin Vivomove Sport, but is not as easy to use and has no touchscreen. However, it is more customizable, and the design and materials used make it more desirable.

For a hybrid watch with a digital screen, we recommend the Casio G-Shock GBD-200 for $ 149 or its surf-oriented brother, the $ 180 GBX-100NS. Both come with basic fitness tracking and notifications, as well as all of the durability you'd expect from the brand. If you're still considering a full smartwatch, here are the best models right now.

How long it will take?

The Vivomove Sport has a water resistance of 50 meters and is suitable for swimming, while the plastic housing should prove to be durable. Garmin is a well-established company so there shouldn't be a problem with the Connect app continuing to work for years to come.

The Vivomove Sport allows you to grow if your exercise routines or needs or interests change too, making it a safe buy even if you are just starting out with tracking and are unsure of what the future will bring. It's not a high fashion piece so it should look fresh in a couple of years, and the 20mm strap is on quick release pins so it can be easily replaced if it breaks. You get the Vivomove Sport for three or more years.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's a great alternative to a Fitbit, with a more watch-like design and a reasonable price.

Editor's recommendations



01 Jan
Blog

Acer Swift 3 16 Review: Old School Package, But Decent Value

An Acer Swift 3 16 laptop sits on a desk, angled to the right.

Acer Swift 3 16

RRP $ 1,000.00

"The Acer Swift 3 16 is a bit old school, but it is good value for money."

benefits

  • Excellent productivity performance

  • Solid battery life

  • Above-average premium display

  • Thin and light

  • Attractive price

disadvantage

  • The display has an old school 16: 9 aspect ratio

  • Touchpad buttons are difficult to press

  • Build quality is a little below average

Acer's Swift 3 line has produced some excellent laptops, with the 14-inch AMD Swift 3 topping our list of the best budget laptops. The company has expanded the product line over the years to offer 13.3-inch, 13.5-inch, 14-inch, and 15.6-inch models that are a solid combination of thin and light design and offer attractive prices. Now Acer has added a 16-inch model, the largest display yet, and hopes to offer the same value as the rest of the line.

I have a $ 1,000 configuration with a 35-watt Core i7-11370H 11th CPU. And indeed, the final spec, aspect ratio, is what immediately disappoints about the laptop. Most manufacturers are moving to larger 16:10 or 3: 2 displays, and 16: 9 seems like an anachronism. Overall, it's a nice laptop with good performance and battery life, but the display keeps it from getting any better.

draft

The first thing you'll notice about the Swift 3 16 is how wide it appears, especially if you've used other 16-inch laptops with larger 16:10 displays. A year or two ago the design would have been fine, but now the laptop seems to take up too much horizontal space on a desktop.

It's not that deep, of course, but taller displays that are deeper also allow more keyboard deck space for things like larger touchpads. Acer made good use of the space, and more on that below, but the form factor just feels a bit strange compared to other modern large-screen devices.

It's not bad for a $ 1,000 laptop loaded with the components from the Swift 3 16, but it could be better.

Compared to another 16-inch laptop with a 16:10 display, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4, the Swift 3 16 is 14.48 "versus 14.13" wider, but 9.1 "versus 9 .99 inches less deep. It's also thinner at 0.63 inches versus 0.7 inches and lighter at 3.75 pounds versus 3.99 pounds. The Swift 3 16 has display bezels similar to the Lenovo, which means they're relatively small on the top and sides, but with a more prominent chin.

The MSI Summit E16 Flip has similar top and side bezels, but an even bigger chin on the bottom, and it's slightly lower than both laptops while being about the same width as the Lenovo. It's thinner at 0.67 inches and slightly heavier at 4.4 pounds. The Swift 3 16 is nice and thin and light for a laptop with such a large display, only the width stands out too much.

An Acer Swift 3 16 laptop sits on a desk, showing its back, tilted to the right.

In terms of build quality, the Swift 3 16 is made of aluminum, but suffers from some sagging in the lid and significant sagging in the keyboard deck and lower chassis. It's not bad for a $ 1,000 laptop loaded with the components from the Swift 3 16, but it could be better. The Samsung Galaxy Book Odyssey is another new laptop that is made of aluminum and suffers from a lack of rigidity. You have to look at something like the Dell XPS 15 or the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4 to get a machine with a solid feel.

Aesthetically, the Swift 3 16 comes in a Steel Gray shade that looks like a light black, and blends in with the minimalist movement with simple lines and angles and zero bling. Even the edges are not beveled and apart from the Acer logo on the lid, there is no chrome to be found. The Samsung Galaxy Book Odyssey is similarly minimalist with a dark color scheme and chrome logo on the lid, and only a few additional moldings make it stand out. The Swift 3 16 is an attractive notebook, only very conservatively designed. My only real complaint about its appearance is that the bezels are plastic, which makes it look a little cheaper than it would otherwise.

On the left side of the Acer Swift 3 16 there is a proprietary charging port, a USB-C 3.2 port with Thunderbolt 4 support, a full-size HDMI 2.0 port, and a USB-A 3.2 port.

On the right side of the Acer Swift 3 16 there is another USB-A 3.2 port and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Connectivity is solid. There's a proprietary charging port, a USB-C 3.2 port with Thunderbolt 4 support, a full-size HDMI 2.0 port, and a USB-A 3.2 port on the left. It would have been better to add a second USB-C port and use that for charging rather than the proprietary power port, an anachronism that requires carrying an extra piece with you when so many USB-C chargers are typically available.

On the right side you will find another USB-A 3.2 port and a 3.5 mm audio jack. That's a good combination of current and legacy connections, with the only glaring omission being the lack of an SD card reader. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 provide wireless tasks.

power

The Acer Swift 3 16 points directly at the camera.

The Swift 3 16 can be configured with either an 11th generation Intel Core i5-11300H or a Core i7-11370H, both 35-watt, 4-core / 8-thread CPUs. They lie between the U-series processors, which are geared towards thin and light laptops, and the faster 45-watt 8-core / 16-thread CPUs of the H-series. My test device used the Core i7-11370H along with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB PCIe solid state drive (SSD) and it lived up to expectations. The Core i5 configuration with 8GB of RAM is only $ 870, almost a budget price.

It should be noted that the lack of discrete graphics and the small number of cores and threads make this more of a simple work laptop than a developer's workstation despite the display size.

Acer got very good performance out of the CPU.

Despite the inferior components for a laptop of this size, Acer has managed to get a decent performance out of this system.

In Geekbench 5, the Swift 3 16 was the third fastest in our comparison group and came fourth in Cinebench R23. In many cases, the Swift 3 16 punched above its weight class over these other machines.

For a more realistic test, I ran our Handbrake test, which encodes a 420MB video as H.265. It is impressive that the Swift 3 16 could keep up with the Samsung Galaxy Book Odyssey with a 6-core / 12-thread Core i7-11600H, but lagged behind the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4 and the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 .

In the PCMark 10 Complete test, the Swift 3 16 finally took fourth place behind the same devices.

These are solid results and indicate that the Swift 3 16 is a fast performer for productive users. Again, it won't be suitable for demanding creative uses, but for everyone else, but it does show that in some cases the difference between a 35-watt chip and a 45-watt chip is not as great as we often assume .

Geekbench (single / multiple) Handbrake
(Seconds)		 Cinebench R23 (single / multiple) PCMark 10 3DMark time spy
Acer Swift 3 16 (Core i7-11370H) 1.613 / 6.119 151 1,568 / 5,806 5.491 1.911
Samsung Galaxy Book Odyssey (Core i7-11600H) 1,478 / 5,366 151 1.601 / 8.571 5,989 N / A
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (Core i7-11370H) 1,578 / 5,957 202 1,514 / 5,544 5,149 1,888
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (Ryzen7 5700U) 1,184 / 6,281 120 1,287 / 8,013 5.411 1,247
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 (Core i7-1165G7) 1,327 / 5,201 N / A 1,469 / 4,945 5,147 1,776
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio (Core i7-11370H) 1,321 / 5,131 179 1,304 / 5,450 5,091 4,266
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4 (Core i7-11800H) 1,520 / 7,353 106 1,519 / 10,497 6.251 6,691

However, the Swift 3 16 is tied to Intel's built-in Iris Xe graphics, and there's no getting around that. It is not intended as a gaming laptop or video editing tool. That makes it unusual for larger laptops, which usually come with separate graphics and can run light games.

The Swift 3 16 scores well in the 3DMark Time Spy test for an Intel Iris Xe machine and beats the other machines with integrated graphics. Still, it couldn't keep up with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti from Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio or the RTX 3060 from the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4. I ran Fortnite and saw 24 frames per second (fps) at 1080p and epic graphics, a few fps faster than most of the other Iris Xe laptops we tested, but nothing special.

display

The display of the Acer Swift 3 16.

As already mentioned, the Acer Swift 3 16 has a 16.1-inch Full HD IPS display with a 16: 9 aspect ratio. That makes it very wide, which is great for putting two windows side by side but not great for showing vertical information where a taller display would have been desirable. Even so, this was a pleasant display while working on this test in terms of brightness, colors, and most importantly, contrast. Subjectively, I found it to be at least as good as most of the premium displays I've tested.

According to my colorimeter, the display is a bit above average for a premium panel that is not aimed at creative people. Colors were slightly wider than average at 77% AdobeRGB and 100% sRGB, and they were very accurate with a Delta E of 1.11 (1.0 or less is considered excellent). The brightness was good at 334 nits, above our threshold of 300 nits, and the contrast was excellent at 1,530: 1 for an IPS display. In comparison, the display of the Samsung Galaxy Book Odyssey – a 15.6-inch panel on a laptop that was partially aimed at creative people – was only 48% AdobeRGB and 65% sRGB, accuracy at 2.37, brightness (which was better) at. much worse 350 nits and a contrast of only 800: 1.

I would have liked a much higher resolution and a larger aspect ratio for the display of the Swift 3 16, but the overall quality is beyond dispute.

The MSI Summit E16 Flip's 16-inch 16:10 IPS had wider colors than the Swift 3 16 at 89% AdobeRGB and 100% sRGB, and they were just as accurate at 1.12 and the brightness was higher at 482 nits. However, the contrast is 1,140: 1, which is good for an IPS display, but does not show as deep blacks as the Swift 3 16.

I would have liked a much higher resolution and a larger aspect ratio for the display of the Swift 3 16, but the overall quality is beyond dispute. This is a good display for productivity users, and again it is great for setting two windows side by side. The colors aren't wide enough for creative professionals, but that's not the goal of this laptop.

Two downward facing speakers provide audio, and the Swift 3 16 joins several laptops I recently tested that emit surprisingly low volume. At least these laptops had clear sound while the Swift 3 16 is kind of distorted. Mids and highs are muddy and there is little to no bass. Sound quality isn't a forte, and you'll need headphones for almost anything.

Keyboard and touchpad

Acer Swift 3 16 keyboard and trackpad.Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Because of the very wide display, there is plenty of horizontal space for a keyboard, and Acer makes use of most, but not all, of all. The key spacing is excellent, the keycaps are large, and there is a rather small number pad that could have been bigger with a bit of space on each side of the keyboard. The key switches offer plenty of wiggle room, with only a slightly abrupt punch-through movement that affects the overall precision of the keyboard. It's a few steps behind the best like those in the HP Specter line and Dell's XPS laptops.

The touchpad is large and takes up most of the available space on the palm rest. Its surface is comfortable to swipe and, as a Microsoft Precision touchpad, it copes well with the multitouch gestures of Windows 11. The only problem is the buttons take a lot of force to press until I gave up on them and just tapped the touchpad instead. If you prefer to use physical buttons, these won't make you happy. Unfortunately, the display cannot be touched, which I always miss.

A fingerprint reader in the upper right corner of the palm rest provides Windows 10 Hello support for passwordless logging. It worked quickly and reliably after a few attempts to register a finger. There's a button to turn off the microphone, but no way to turn off or block the webcam for privacy reasons.

Battery life

Close-up of the Acer Swift 3 16's webcam.

The Swift 3 16 only has 58 watt hours of battery inside, which is not much for a laptop with a 35 watt CPU and a 16.1 inch display, even in Full HD. I wasn't expecting the best battery life.

However, I was pleasantly surprised. The Swift 3 16 lasted 8.75 hours in our web browser test, which ran through a number of popular and complex websites. We like to see 10 hours on this test, but almost nine hours is good enough. The Samsung Galaxy Book Odyssey lasted 10.5 hours, while the Samsung Galaxy Book shut down after 8.3 hours.

However, it depends on the battery capacity, which is why the Dell XPS 15 lasted more than nine hours with 86 watt hours and a power-hungry OLED display. In our video test replaying a local 1080p movie trailer, the Swift 3 16 lasted for 13 hours, a much stronger score that was still behind the 14.3 hours of the Galaxy Book Odyssey but well ahead of the 11 hours of the Galaxy Book . The XPS 15 OLED lasted 11 hours in this test as well.

I also ran the PCMark Applications battery test which is the best indicator of productivity battery life and the Swift 3 16 lasted 9.5 hours. This is also a decent score and promises all-day battery life. The Galaxy Book Odyssey was stronger with 11.8 hours, while the Galaxy Book also did better with almost 11 hours. The XPS 15 OLED fell behind by just eight hours. In the PCMark Gaming battery test, which shows how hard a laptop runs on battery power, the Swift 3 16 lasted an average of 1.75 hours.

Overall, the Swift 3 16 has a decent battery life that can leave you with an hour or two for a full working day. This is a somewhat surprising result in view of the small battery, but somehow Acer managed to tease out an above-average longevity.

Our opinion

You really can't knock to get a big 16-inch laptop with great productivity performance and good battery life for $ 1,000. That is the Acer Swift 3 16 in a nutshell. My biggest complaints about the laptop are its sub-par build quality and its 16: 9 display, which makes it feel too wide.

The keyboard is sufficient and the touchpad is large, but Acer has to loosen the keys a bit. If you're looking for a large format machine for productivity with a little creative work, the Swift 3 16 is a strong candidate.

Are there alternatives?

The Surface Laptop 4 15 offers a thinner and lighter body, albeit with a slightly smaller display, and offers similar performance with its own discrete GPU. However, it is much more expensive.

You could also consider the HP Envy 15. It costs roughly the same money and offers superior performance, albeit with less battery life. The display can also be superior if you go for the OLED option (which, of course, costs more).

How long it will take?

The Acer Swift 3 16 shows some bends and bends in the lid, keyboard deck, and lower case, but it still feels like it should offer several years of productive use. Its components are modern and should keep Windows 11 running. As always, the one-year warranty is a disappointment.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Although the display is 16: 9, the Acer Swift 3 16 offers more than enough power for productive multitasking, and the large screen can comfortably accommodate two windows side by side.

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