20 Oct
Blog

Beats Flex Review: Bigger Bass, Bigger Battery, Tiny Price

Beats Flex

Beats Flex Review: More Bass, More Battery, Half the Price

"12 hours of battery life, great sound, and a mind-boggling price make it hard to beat."

  • Good price

  • Cozy

  • Very good sound quality

  • Very good call quality

  • Easy pairing with Apple products

  • Fast charging is slower than BeatsX

  • Using controls can be a little tricky

  • The USB-C charging cable does not fit normal USB ports

  • No official IPX rating

Previously, the cheapest BeatsX headphones for $ 100 were the BeatsX for $ 100. With their balanced sound, easy pairing with iPhones, and great call quality, they were a great choice for Beats fans who wanted something smaller and cheaper than the brand's classic foldable wireless headphones.

But the BeatsX was released in 2017 and the wireless headphone market has changed a ton since then. True wireless earbuds have become very affordable, and the connectivity issues that once plagued these devices have largely been eliminated. As a result, the BeatsX looked unnecessarily expensive due to its bulkier design behind the neck.

Answer from Apple: The $ 50 Beats Flex. They have all the features like the BeatsX that the Flex replaces, but at a dramatically lower price point that keeps them going when people are thinking of a new set of earbuds.

Did Apple have to cut too many corners to bring the Beats Flex to their remarkably low price, or are these the beats to beat?

Let's find out.

What's in the box?

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The BeatsX was already one of the most responsible headphones I've come across, and the Flex goes even further. The plain black cardboard box isn't much bigger than a deck of cards, there is practically no plastic inside or outside, and everything is easy to recycle. This is how all of our technology should arrive.

Inside the box you'll find the Beats Flex, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, three sizes of silicone earbuds (in addition to the factory-installed ones) and some paper documentation, including the de rigueur Beats sticker.

design

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00006-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00007-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00008-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Beats Flex "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/beats-flex-00005-640x640.jpg "srcset =" https: / /www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

The Beats Flex is available in four colors: Beats Black, Flame Blue, Smoke Gray and Yuzu Yellow.

They use the same hybrid cable design as the BeatsX, which combines a flat, tangle-free wire and a thicker, rubberized neck section that springs back into its U-shape no matter how hard you twist and turn it. The flex is a bit thinner, but just as robust.

You never have to worry about losing an earbud. There's no such thing as a bulky charging case to stash in your pocket or purse.

At both ends of the U there are elongated plastic housings that house the battery, electronics (including the W1 Bluetooth chip developed by Apple) as well as the USB-C charging port and power / pairing button. Apple has concentrated most of its redesign (cost reduction?) Efforts in these plastic cases. Instead of placing the microphone and controls in an inline pod on the cable of the left earbud, they are now in the left housing.

The earbuds themselves are the same size as the BeatsX, although Apple claims there is a new proprietary layer driver inside.

They can really take a full day before needing to be plugged in.

It may seem a bit strange that the Beats brand is still making behind-the-neck wireless headphones while a new set of true wireless earbuds hit the shelves every day, but there is still a market for this style. You never have to worry about losing an earbud, there is no bulky charging case to tuck in your pocket or purse. When you want to have a conversation, just pull the buds out of your ears and let them dangle. For people who routinely have to switch back and forth between listening to music and listening to the world around them, it's a much more convenient design.

Battery life

With just eight hours of battery life, the BeatsX has been ruined not only by other wired wireless earbuds but also by some of the new true wireless earbuds. For example, JLab's Epic Air ANC can live for eight hours with the ANC on and 12 hours with the ANC off. And that's before you consider the extra juice in their charging case.

The Beats Flex may not have a charging case, but with 12 hours of continuous use, they can really last a full day before needing to be plugged in.

The strange thing about the Flex is that overall battery life is better than its predecessor, but fast charging is worse. You now need 10 minutes to get a 1.5 hour boost, while the BeatsX can give you two hours of extension after a five minute charge.

Maybe this is somehow related to the switch from the Apple Lightning connector on the BeatsX to the USB-C connector on the Flex.

Switching to USB-C makes a lot of sense when chasing the Android community like Apple seems to be doing with the Flex, but choosing how to do it is confusing.

The included USB-C to USB-C charging cable is an immediate problem for anyone who doesn't own another USB-C device. There's just no way to plug the cable into anything other than a USB-C charging port, and Apple didn't include a USB-C charger in the box. If you have a current MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, this is not a problem. Both computers have connectors that can be used for this purpose. However, if you're still rocking an older computer, or literally an iPhone, there's a good chance you can't top up (or buy) the Flex without an Amazon order Apple's USB-C charger for $ 20).

Convenience, control and connections

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The sound of an earphone depends a lot on how it seals against your ear canal. With four sizes of silicone tips to choose from, most people should be able to get a secure and comfortable fit with the Beats Flex. The standard set of tips is the medium size, and these turned out to be very convenient for me.

The behind-the-neck design is also very comfortable. You barely notice its presence and the rubberized texture prevents it from sliding around while you move.

As long as you properly grip the earbuds, their flat cables will stay away from your face. Twist them and the opposite will happen.

The placement of the controls in the plastic housing (compared to the inline controls on the BeatsX) makes it a bit more difficult to use. The volume rocker is easy to operate with precisely defined clicks. The multi-function button used to control play / pause, skip forward / backward, answer / end of calls and access Siri (or Google Assistant) has only a small travel and practically no click.

This can make it difficult to know if you pressed it exactly. Since it's attached to the inside of the case, you have to squeeze it with your index finger – unless you're reaching across your neck with your right hand – something that was harder for me to do accurately than my thumb. You will get used to this arrangement quickly enough and you never risk accidentally pulling out the left earbud when using them.

Beats Flex Audio SharingAs with all Apple wireless headphones that use the company's W1 or H1 wireless chips, pairing the Flex with an iOS device is a breeze. Just turn them on and wait for your iPhone to show you the one-tap pairing animation. If you own more than one Apple device, switching the Flex from one to the other is also a breeze.

It's almost as seamless on Android devices, too, as long as you download the free Beats app first.

The Flex doesn't have a wear sensor that allows you to automatically pause your music when you pull out an earbud. However, it has the next best thing: a sensor that pauses and plays when the earbuds magnetically snap in and out. It doesn't help if you just remove a single bud, but it's more convenient than stopping manually.

The Beats Flex are also compatible with Apple's audio sharing function, which allows two headphones or earphones equipped with W1 or H1 to listen to content from an iOS device at the same time.

It turned out to be a great way to compare the sound quality of Beats Flex and BeatsX (more on that in a minute).

The BeatsX missed out on being a Class 1 Bluetooth device, but the Flex has this feature too, which means a much greater wireless range – up to 300 feet.

Sound quality

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

Given that the Beats Flex costs half the price of the BeatsX, I was prepared for a drop in sound quality, but that's not the case: they sound great.

For the price, these things rock.

Not only are they very closely comparable to the BeatsX, with an even stronger bass-forward sound signature, but also very close to the AirPods Pro, which is five times more expensive.

They don't quite match the AirPods Pro in terms of the width and depth of their soundstage – the flex keeps things a little closer to your head – but for the price, too, these things rock. To get a really noticeable improvement in audio quality, you need to spend between $ 200 and $ 300.

I still wish Apple offered at least some basic EQ adjustments for bass and treble. The flex is so tuned that the vocals are not quite as pronounced as I would like them to be. I think some small EQ tweaks could fix this, but that's just not an option.

Some people may prefer the way the flex has been tuned thanks to an even more pronounced lower register than the BeatsX, which is particularly good for rap, hip-hop, and a variety of club and EDM sub-genres.

Call quality

Beats FlexSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

One of the things I loved about BeatsX was the call quality. Crystal clear and ideal for separating voices from background noise. You were the next best thing to actually holding your phone to your face.

The secret was where the microphone was placed. Positioned on the left earbud wire, it was ideal for voice recording. The Beats Flex are almost as good, but the position of the microphone on the flex neckband results in a slightly poorer quality.

Your voice is still very clear under most circumstances, but background noise is not filtered as well. They don't drown you out like real wireless earbuds do, but they're more noticeable than the BeatsX.

The only thing that would make calling on the Flex better (other than moving the microphone) is a listen-through mode so you can better hear your own voice.

Our opinion

If you prefer the back of the headphone design, the Beats Flex has everything you could want, at an amazing price.

Is there a better alternative?

If you need a longer battery life, Sony makes several models with a battery life of 15 to 20 hours, such as: B. the bulkier model C400 and the WI-C310.

However, if you are an iPhone user, the Flex is still a better choice because of its great integration with the Apple ecosystem.

How long will they last?

The Beats Flex are well built with durable materials and connections. They come with an Apple one-year warranty that can be extended with an optional AppleCare purchase.

And although I don't have an IP rating for dust or water protection, a source at Beats tells me that the Flex are actually quite capable of handling a sweaty workout. The USB-C charging port is waterproof and the controls are all sealed against moisture.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. For the price, the Beats Flex are a killer value that Apple owners in particular should definitely consider when looking for a great alternative to buying a set of true wireless earbuds.

Editor's recommendations




15 Oct
Blog

Lenovo Smart Clock Essential Review: Tech meets nostalgia

Lenovo Smart Clock Essential Rating 2 out of 9

Lenovo Smart Clock Essential

"The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential will wake you up, but it's a snoozer that knows what else is out there."

  • Compact design

  • Shows the time clearly

  • Affordable price

  • USB port for charging devices

  • No way to set an alarm through the Google Home app

  • A firm tip is required to snooze

  • Not good for music playback

More than any other company besides Google itself, Lenovo has designed Smart Assistant devices with the Google Assistant. From smart displays to hybrid tablets, Lenovo has one of the more robust portfolios. While this isn't the first time the company has delved into the world of alarm clocks, the latest addition is the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential, giving consumers even more choices about what to impress these prime properties about their beds. The sticker price of $ 50 seems like a home run, but it needs to stand out from others to make a better buy than the competition.

Bring back alarm clock

Today's smart home devices can be overwhelming at times, especially as Google's smart home ecosystem continues to evolve. What is evident here is Lenovo's intention to simplify the design of its smart alarm clock. Unlike its earlier efforts, this one doesn't have a touchscreen, but rather the LED design of traditional alarm clocks. With that in mind, the Smart Clock Essential has a bit of nostalgia.

The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential takes up roughly the same space as the Google Nest Mini and is a suitable addition to any bedside table. Thanks to the large LEDs on the front, I can quickly see the time – and without straining my eyes if I suddenly wake up in the middle of the night. It's also great that the temperature and weather conditions are shown through icons. Around the top lip of the device are physical controls for volume and pause / play, as well as a button for manually setting alarms. If you're like me and have a charger nearby for your smartphone, you'll appreciate the fact that there is a full-size USB stick just for that purpose.

One could argue that its design is nothing more than a shrunken version of its sibling, the Smart Alarm Clock, but the Essential's use of LEDs instead of a touchscreen display makes it less distracting. It's simple, looks clean, and saves space.

All Google Assistant smarts

Interaction with Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is done through voice actions and commands through the Google Assistant. In this regard, it works like any other smart speaker or display. Compared to the Google Nest Mini, the Essential is definitely a better option when you consider the visual element it provides for showing the time, day of the week, temperature, and weather conditions. It's just more convenient than asking the Google Assistant for all of these details, for example.

The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is a suitable addition to any bedside table.

There are two ways to set an alarm: you can tell the Google Assistant to set an alarm, or you can set an alarm manually in Essential. At a time when voice actions are faster, this method may seem archaic, but those who grew up with a real alarm clock will appreciate that bit of nostalgia. On a more modern note, I find it convenient that I can just respond with "stop" to turn off the alarm when it goes off.

But what if you need a little extra time to wake up? Then you can just say, "Hey Google, sleep for six minutes." You can also turn off an alarm by pressing any of the physical buttons other than the alarm button. You can also tap the top of the Essential to turn it off.

I really would have liked more controls in the Google Home app, such as the ability to set alarms. On the one hand, I understand that voice commands have become the preferred method for setting alarms, but it wouldn't hurt to give users the option to set one through the Google Home app.

Some minor quirks

Don't expect the sound quality to blow your mind, which is to be expected given the size. It is what you hear about the Google Nest Mini. For responses from the Google Assistant, the 3-watt speaker is enough to recognize it, but it lacks the robust tones and punch of other audio-centric smart speakers – like Google Nest Audio or Google Home.

I found some minor quirks with the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential that hopefully will be fixed with future software updates. For some reason, it can't compete with other Google Assistant speakers or displays in the same room. Whenever I ask him to turn the night light on or off, my Google Nest Hub responds with an error. However, if I mute the Nest Hub and say the command again, it works like a charm. Also, the snooze function doesn't work when I tap the top of the device.

Our opinion

The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is a tough call. It's a touch of nostalgia, but it doesn't bring anything new to the (night) table.

How long it will take?

Since it will remain stationary, it is unlikely to break. It's sturdy and well built so I'm confident it will withstand a fall. There is a 1 year limited warranty that covers defects.

Is there a better alternative?

There are some products in Lenovo's own portfolio that are better alternatives. The logical suggestion is the $ 80 Lenovo Smart Alarm Clock, which has a touchscreen display that offers some “light” smart display features, such as: E.g. access to smart home controls (e.g. turning on lights) and live feeds from surveillance cameras. The Lenovo Smart Display 7 offers the best solution as it is a full featured smart display with a camera that costs $ 100.

Should you buy it?

Yes, mainly for cost reasons, when you don't need the added functionality of the other alternatives above.

Editor's recommendations




15 Oct
Blog

The Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise Review

Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise Review p1012395

Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise

"The Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise is for businesses who need precise, careful management of their laptops and are willing to pay for them."

  • Robust design

  • Excellent performance from Chrome OS

  • Good keyboard and touchpad

  • Superior 4K display

  • Extremely expensive

  • Many functions are only of interest to large companies

  • 4K shortens the battery life

The Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise is not your typical Chromebook. For my test device, it costs $ 1,900. It contains an Intel Core i5-10310U processor, 16 GB of RAM, a 256 GB PCIe solid-state drive and a 14-inch 4K display (3840 x 2160).

This is a hugely expensive Chromebook, and I have to wonder what justifies the high price. The answer? With this laptop, Dell is targeting large businesses that need to manage their laptops – including their Chromebooks – with a level of control that the average consumer would never even consider.

Is the Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise offering right value for its enterprise customers?

design

Dell advertises the longevity of the Latitude 7410 Chromebook. It touts a wide variety of military certifications as one of its selling points. The laptop mostly lives up to its bill. The lid is robust, without bending, the underside of the aluminum housing withstands pressure and there is only the slightest keyboard flex.

My test device with a 4K display and additional battery (more on that later) was 0.66 inches thick and, at 0.67 inches, a bit thinner than the Acer Chromebook 13 (another powerful Chromebook). The Dell weighs 3.36 pounds for the aluminum version, which is a bit much for a 14-inch laptop, but then the Acer Chromebook 13 is almost exactly 3.5 pounds. You have to look at something like the 13.3-inch (0.5-inch and 2.3-pound) Google Pixelbook Go if you want a thin, light Chromebook.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

It's a nondescript laptop with a dark silver or gray case – and a complete lack of gloss. The display bezels are not huge on the sides, but rather bulky at the top and bottom. It won't attract any attention in a boardroom or coffee shop.

The connectivity of a Chromebook is strong. On the left, you'll find two USB-C ports that support power and display, plus a full-size HDMI port and microSD card reader. On the right side you will find two USB-A 3.2 ports, a Kensington lock slot and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 provide wireless connectivity as well as an optional Intel XMM 7360 Global LTE advance chip (which was not included in my test device). You won't find many Chromebooks with this level of connectivity. This is a check box for Dell.

performance

My test device was equipped with the Intel Core i5-10310U Comet Lake CPU with quad-core of the 10th generation, a very fast processor for Chrome OS. The only common benchmark we can run from our suite (due to operating system compatibility issues) is Geekbench 5. There, the Latitude 7410 Chromebook scored 1,025 in the single-core test and 2,712 points in the multi-core test with the Android app . We recently tested the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 for $ 410 with a Core i3-10110U that scored 975 and 1,659, respectively. So the Core i5 definitely speeds things up.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

In practice, there was little I could do to slow down the Latitude 7410 Chromebook. With 16GB of RAM and a fast PCIe SSD for the overkill processor, I could easily open as many tabs as I wanted. The same was true for opening a handful of Android apps in the background. If you need a Chromebook that won't slow you down, the Latitude 7410 Chromebook will do the job.

I've played a few games like Asphalt 9, and the Chromebook has kept up with those too. There's no touch screen, so a lot of games aren't much fun. But for those who can get by with keyboard controls, you'll enjoy the experience.

display

Perhaps the most consumer-friendly feature of the Latitude 7410 Chromebook is the optional 4K IPS display, which Dell says will be the first with blue light protection to ship on a Chromebook. The display makes everything razor-sharp, aided by how easy Chrome OS makes it to scale the display to the apparent resolution you want. They can create screen elements just the right size for you while still maintaining incredible clarity which I really like.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

I couldn't put the display to my colorimeter – again, since our usual testing software doesn't run on ChromeOS – but my eyes told me it was bright, with natural colors and lots of contrast. It was a pleasure to work on and the videos and pictures looked great.

The 4K display is also equipped with a large 68 watt hour battery (versus 52 watt hour) to take into account the additional power consumption. However, it is also possible to configure the Full HD model with this larger battery. I would withhold this display from any Chromebook out there, including the excellent displays on the Acer Chromebook 13 and the Google Pixelbook Go.

The audio was average, with enough volume to watch YouTube for itself and, if necessary, surprise Netflix. The mids and highs weren't the clearest I've ever heard and there wasn't any bass, but the sound system is good enough for typical use. Include headphones or external speakers if you want to enjoy your music or really immerse yourself in an action movie.

Keyboard and touchpad

The keyboard of the Latitude 7410 Chromebook is the typical island style with a lot of travel and a relatively stiff key feel. There is a very pronounced ground action that will let you know that you pressed a button. If you don't prefer a lighter touch, this keyboard will suit you.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

I found the keycaps a little small and the gap felt tight. I like the HP Specter line of keyboards better, and of course the new Magic keyboard on the MacBook is the best there is. However, most touch typists can run at full speed with the Latitude 7401 Chromebooks. The keyboard has the usual five levels of brightness from Chrome OS, which is always a nice bonus.

The touchpad is average in size, but it's covered with plastic, not glass. Still, it's convenient to swipe and use multitouch gestures with Chrome OS. I didn't have any problems with it during my tests. The display is non-contact so you only have to use the touchpad to stay in control.

Battery life

My Latitude 7410 Chromebook tester contains 68 watt hours of battery. That should be enough for a Chromebook, but think of the power-hungry 4K display.

In our demanding Basemark web benchmark test, the Latitude 7410 Chromebook lasted about 3.75 hours, which is an average score given the respectable Intel processor in this laptop. The Acer Chromebook 13, for example, lasted about 20 minutes less.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Our web browsing test, which scrolls through a series of busy web pages and best reflects typical productivity, lasted nearly nine hours on the Latitude 7410 Chromebook. Compared to Chromebooks with low-power CPUs and Full HD displays, this would be a poor score, but reasonable for a computer with a fast processor and a 4K screen. The Acer Chromebook 13 uses a QHD + (2256 x 1504) 3: 2 display and it took about 10 minutes less.

In our video rundown test, which ran through a Full HD Avengers trailer, the Latitude 7410 Chromebook got a little off the rails. It only lasted a little under five and a half hours, which isn't particularly impressive even with the 4K screen. The Acer Chromebook 13 lasted almost four hours longer.

When Dell says that the Latitude 7410 Chromebook is the 10th generation's longest-lasting Chromebook, then of course it's not about my test configuration. If you want to guarantee all day battery life, you should opt for the Full HD display but keep the larger optional battery.

Corporate functions

The Latitude 7410 Chromebook justifies its high price point with features that are aimed directly at large companies that need to fully manage their laptops.

The first of these features is Chrome Enterprise, a confusingly named reference to a Chrome OS version that adds a variety of business-oriented controls and plug-ins that improve security and remote administration. These include a managed Google Play Store that allows companies to specify which apps are installed, manage the Chrome browser and installed extensions, Microsoft Active Directory integration, single sign-on and much more. There is also around the clock business support that goes beyond what the typical consumer will experience.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

There is an annual fee of $ 50 for these features, which is not included in the price of the laptop. Every company that chooses the Latitude 7410 Chromebook needs to factor that cost into their equations.

Another feature that is unusual for a Chromebook and offers added value is the optional LTE card already mentioned, which enables an always connected Internet. This was not included in our verification unit so you pay even more for the privilege.

Finally, the laptop has a sliding privacy screen that covers the webcam for added security. This is usually not the case in Chromebooks, although I imagine it won't be long before it becomes a standard feature in the Windows 10 world.

Of course, none of these features (except perhaps the privacy lock) are of interest to consumers. In this review, I asked myself if a very expensive Chromebook has its place, and it does – in large companies.

Our opinion

You really need the business features of the Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook Enterprise to justify the purchase price. It's a well-built, if somewhat bland-looking Chromebook with more than enough performance to meet the needs of Chrome OS. It offers things like a privacy lock and optional LTE that make it a more private and easy-to-use laptop. An additional $ 50 per year must be considered to unlock Chrome Enterprise features. However, if you are in your budget for $ 1,900, you shouldn't have a problem getting approval for the extra charge.

However, this is nothing close to a consumer Chromebook. If you are not a corporate employee making a calculated investment decision, you should steer clearly.

Are there alternatives?

If you want a fast Chromebook, the Acer Chromebook 13 is a great choice, though it still uses 8th generation CPUs. It's also less than half the price and doesn't include any corporate features. Hence, it is more of a consumer option.

The Google Pixelbook Go is another great Chromebook option that is far cheaper but is also just for consumer use. Corporate buyers will want to look elsewhere.

If you need an enterprise laptop, then you can consider the HP Pro c645 Chromebook Enterprise. It's not out yet, but it looks like it will bring businesses the same Chrome Enterprise benefits and a similarly robust design. If you can't wait, the Acer Chromebook Enterprise Flip 13 offers the same business management in a 2-in-1 format for $ 1,300, though you'll get stuck with an 8th Gen Core i7 CPU. The 2,256 x 1,504 3: 2 display would be a nice feature, however.

How long it will take?

The Dell Latitude 7410 Chromebook will keep Chrome OS running for years and is durable enough. A three-year on-site / in-home warranty is included in the Chromebook price, which goes far beyond the previous one-year mail-in warranty.

Should you buy it?

If you are a consumer, no. The price is insane and you can get a Chromebook that just as quickly has the features you need for a fraction of the price. If you're a large company that needs a rugged laptop with great connectivity and Chrome Enterprise on board, this might fit into your budget.

Editor's recommendations




15 Oct
Blog

OnePlus 8T Review: One of the Best Phones You Shouldn’t Buy

oneplus 8t review back

“The OnePlus 8T is a great smartphone – great software, fast, and a decent camera. With the exception of $ 749, the competition is too tough to recommend. "

  • Super fast loading

  • One day after 15 minutes of charging

  • Clean, fast and up-to-date software

  • Attractive photos from the camera

  • No wireless charging

  • No IP water resistance

The inconspicuous OnePlus 8 has been replaced by the OnePlus 8T. Wait, you don't remember OnePlus 8? This is not surprising as the phone was a safe and sensible choice that had absolutely no standout features and made it completely memorable. The OnePlus 8T will make you forget about it too, but this time you will forget about charging as the great new feature removes the worry of having a fully charged phone every morning.

Do you think that's the whole story? This is not the case as the smartphone world surrounding the OnePlus 8 has changed a lot since April, making the life of the 8T considerably more difficult than ever.

design

The OnePlus 8T is all about change. Instead of the unusual central camera module on the back of the OnePlus 8, this time it's an offset module that makes the phone look more like the Galaxy S20. I really like the look of the OnePlus 8T and am impressed with the total lack of fingerprints on the body, which makes it look clean and new.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Like the OnePlus 8, the 8T also has a flat screen on the front with a slight curvature at the edges. The aluminum housing is very well designed and has a pronounced curvature that leads from the flat screen into the cool, matt Gorilla Glass rear. This cleanly prevents the phone from getting tired for long periods of time, as does the relatively low weight of 188 grams and the 8.4 mm thick case. It doesn't dig into the palm of your hand or have any sharp edges.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

OnePlus doesn't make too much effort with the design of the 8T. It's clean and simple, sophisticated and attractive. While I appreciate visually unusual designs like the Oppo Reno4 Pro and Vivo X50 Pro, they are a little too eager. The cool, unpretentious look of the OnePlus 8T will appeal to more people and stay fresh longer. The phone is available in two colors: the Lunar Silver shown here and a pretty Aquamarine Green.

Screen and audio

On the OnePlus 8T, you get a 6.55-inch fluid AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, and an aspect ratio of 20: 9. It's hard to want anything else. Watch videos at 60 frames per second on YouTube and it's gorgeous, so smooth and easy on your eyes and with some stunning colors. The psychedelic colors in Iz * One & # 39; s Beware music video are hyper-realistic, and on the other hand, blacks, grays, and midtones look great too, as shown in the Audi RS7 video from Woyshnis Media.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There are two stereo speakers with one big volume but not a lot of bass or finesse. It's better to keep the volume at a reasonable level to avoid too much harshness. Listen to WJSN Chocome's bouncing, high-pitched hmph! and it sounds much better at half volume than at three quarters of the volume. The phone also supports Dolby Atmos.

Oddly enough, even though the screen apparently has a maximum brightness of 1,100 nits, I never felt the phone's screen was that bright. It's not dark at this level, but it was rare for the auto brightness to be less than about 80% and during the day I still had the max to watch videos.

battery

The OnePlus 8T introduces Warp Charge 65T, a proprietary super-fast charging technology that means you no longer have to worry about charging your phone overnight. How? If you charge the battery to around 60% in just 15 minutes. OnePlus says this is enough juice for everyday use, right? Yes, although it depends on your definition of the time of day.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

First, the fast charge time is accurate. It only took 15 minutes for the battery on my OnePlus 8T to go from 3% to 60%. This means that if you frequently forget to charge your phone, or if you prefer to minimize the remaining time connecting and charging the phone, you can easily integrate the OnePlus 8T into your lifestyle. It takes about 40 minutes to fully charge the battery from an empty state.

While charging is quick, it is also quick to discharge. With a 60% charge, it ran from noon to 11:30 p.m. This was done with about 20 minutes of video, 15 minutes of Asphalt 9 Legends, about 45 minutes of WhatsApp video call, and then general usage. If you classify the power of a day as around 12 hours, you should get this from the OnePlus 8T, provided you handle it carefully. Energy-intensive tasks consume a lot of energy, video and games. An hour of video generally reduces battery life by 12% to 15%, which quickly affects the life of the phone if you start the day on just 60%.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Warp Charge 65T uses a special charging block and a USB Type-C cable to charge the dual-cell battery with 4,500 mAh in the phone. So you need to have it on hand. Cleverly, it charges each of the cells with 30 W, which minimizes wear and tear and keeps the heat at a reasonable level. The OnePlus 8T only gets a little warm during fast charging. The phone does not support wireless charging.

OnePlus' fast charging technology isn't the first of its kind. We've seen it on several Oppo phones and even on the budget Realme 7 Pro, but the OnePlus 8T is the first widely available phone in the US to have this kind of fast charging technology . That makes it special, and absolutely no one said that about the OnePlus 8.

camera

At first glance, the OnePlus 8T's camera is rather mundane. A well-known 48-megapixel IMX586 camera tops the list, followed by a 16-megapixel ultrawide and a 5-megapixel macro camera. It's the fourth lens that's different enough to make me sit up and take notice – it's a special monochrome lens that can be used on its own.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The OnePlus 8T's standalone monochrome camera is mainly used to enhance color photos and also takes true black and white photos without filters to achieve the desired effect. This was something I loved about Huawei's cameras until it was removed, which pissed me off enough to write an obituary on it. Unfortunately, it's not a replacement for Huawei's monochrome camera mode as it is only 2 MP, but I like the atmospheric shots it takes.

Otherwise, the OnePlus 8T continues the improvements we saw with the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro cameras. The main and wide angle cameras take pretty, colorful, and bright photos with good dynamic range, both outside and inside. The variety of cameras makes it versatile and I had fun taking photos especially since I was confident the results would look good.

There's no optical zoom option, although the app has a 2x mode. However, the results are noisy and show no details on closer inspection. Nightscape mode now works in videos as well and continues to be a subtle but effective night mode. It integrates with a video bokeh mode to blur the background when recording videos. This is not so good and doesn't fool anyone into thinking it's a real bokeh effect. The portrait effect in still images from the selfie camera and the rear camera is much better.

Software and more

The OnePlus 8T uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor and has 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM. This is the same as the OnePlus 8. It also has 5G connectivity. However, since 5G is not available in my region, this feature could not be tested. Calls made with the OnePlus 8T sound clear, and the speaker works well for hands-free calls too.

OnePlus is one of the first manufacturers to bring out a smartphone with software based on Android 11. There are some great features too. Pressing the power button activates a shortcut screen of controls for your smart home. There's also Google Pay and a screenshot button, as well as Google's new screen recorder feature. OnePlus has improved its dark mode and developed OxygenOS 11 for one-handed use.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

This creates more space at the top of the screen and options that move further down the screen so they're easier to find. The most obvious thing to do is to browse the top level of the Settings menu and OnePlus' own weather app. But it's not everywhere, including the OnePlus file manager app, some of the deeper settings screens, or all of the basic Android apps like the Apps Drawer.

OnePlus 8T's Insight is always displayed. Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

OxygenOS is finally seeing the introduction of an always-on screen. It seems strange that one of the best manufacturer versions of Android didn't have this simple feature, but here we are and, amazingly, it's not quite finished yet. The function that will do it differently, called canvas, will still be included in a software update. This will put an outline of your wallpaper on the lock screen for a comfortably seamless look when you lock and unlock it. You will also see a Snapchat Bitmoji that will always appear on the screen. The update will be available in November.

It is currently very similar to most of the other screens. It displays the time, battery percentage, and notification icons. Besides digital wellbeing, there is another option called Insight that can help you determine how many times you've unlocked the phone and how long you've spent on it. It's an option that is confusingly hidden under the clock style rather than the environment display setting, and it's also confusing to look at. That being said, I'm really excited to see an option in OxygenOS that always appears.

I played Asphalt 9 Legends and Hill Climb Racer with no problems. There's an improved game mode that's visually less intrusive (it pops in from a top corner of the screen and takes up almost no space), with a handy split-screen option for quickly replying to messages. Using the OnePlus 8T with OxygenOS on a daily basis has been glitch free, with bulletproof reliability and a decent speed change. It is also worth pointing out the pleasant haptic feedback.

Price and availability

The OnePlus 8T will be available from October 23rd. Pre-orders will start on October 14th in OnePlus' own online shop. Amazon will also sell the OnePlus 8T from October 23rd. The phone is priced at $ 749 for the 12GB / 256GB model, and the 8GB / 128GB model doesn't appear to be on sale in the US. For reference, the 12GB / 256GB OnePlus 8 model costs $ 800.

In the UK, the Lunar Silver OnePlus 8T will be the 8GB / 128GB phone and will cost £ 549. The 12GB / 256GB model will be available in Aquamarine Green for £ 649.

If you are looking for a OnePlus 8T Pro then don't. The OnePlus 8 Pro remains the company's best smartphone for now, and the OnePlus 8T will only replace the OnePlus 8 released in April.

Our opinion

The super-fast loading of Warp Charge 65T gives the OnePlus 8T the standout feature that the OnePlus 8 lacked, making it a better buying decision than its predecessor. In the time since this phone was sold, however, the mid-range smartphone market has shifted significantly. At $ 749, the OnePlus 8T is too expensive, and now it's a lot harder to justify paying the higher price for a top processor when cheaper phones with a high-mid processor are just as suitable for everyday use.

Is there a better alternative?

If you live in the US, yes. The smartphone world has changed significantly since April, when the OnePlus 8 was not unchallenged, but at the top of the pile. Now we have the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE and the Google Pixel 5, both of which are $ 50 cheaper than the OnePlus 8T and arguably more compelling purchases.

There are also a few outliers to consider, including the LG Velvet, Motorola Edge, and Nokia 8.3. All of them are good smartphones that may not charge very quickly but still have other enticing features that range from design to stunning screens. If you're looking to save some cash, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is $ 499 and comes with great software and software. We also expect a good camera.

Then we come to OnePlus. In the UK, the OnePlus Nord is cheaper and really just as good, and the more expensive OnePlus 8 Pro has additional desirable features – water resistance and wireless charging – that make it a better deal in the long run. However, at £ 549, the OnePlus 8T 8GB / 128GB is cheaper than the 12GB / 256GB version and a worthy alternative to the phones mentioned above. It doesn't look like the cheaper phone will be sold in the US, which is unfortunate.

How long it will take?

The OnePlus 8T does not have an IP rating for water resistance, but should be splash-proof for use in the rain. It's not a sturdy phone as it is made of glass, but you get a transparent silicone case in the box. The latest version of Android is now installed, and OnePlus will be delivering critical updates over the next two years and security updates over the next three years. This, along with some care, should mean that the phone will keep you happy for two years.

Should you buy one?

No, not because it's a bad phone – it's not, it's very good. However, you can pay less for equally powerful smartphones from other well-known manufacturers.

Editor's recommendations




14 Oct
Blog

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit Review: Fun For Some Ages

Mario Kart Live Home Circuit Review

Mario Kart Live: home track

"A full grid of annoyances is forcing Home Circuit from a sweet drift to a disappointing spin."

  • The kart is well done

  • It's a pleasure to set up (the first time)

  • The effects are visually fun

  • No shortage of content

  • AR tracking is mediocre

  • Limited course options

  • The gameplay lacks depth

The place for Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is wonderful. Perhaps the most popular racing franchise in the entire gaming space, Mario Kart brings it to your living room with a real, physical kart that can move under tables and around chairs. This kart has a camera that provides an AR racing experience through a wireless connection to your Nintendo Switch. Suddenly every room in your house is a race track.

Unfortunately, Home Circuit doesn't work as well as the promotional videos suggest, but it does provide a fun and engaging experience at times that is content for even the die-hard fans of the show. However, like many Nintendo peripherals, it will likely start collecting dust in memory soon after a handful of playthroughs.

Home Circuit is great for a while

Opening the Home Circuit Box was pure, nostalgic joy. The toy kart impressed me with its workmanship and compactness. It's a toy, yes, but one that justifies its $ 100 price tag, especially when you start driving with it.

Mario Kart toy car

After you've downloaded the software from the eShop and used an on-screen QR code to pair the kart with your Switch, you're good to go. Driving feels incredibly responsive and the tight turns required to navigate small distances are surprisingly possible even at higher speeds.

The game finally offers a use for leftover Labo cardboard as you have to set up four colored gates around your room to form control points on a track. According to Nintendo, the track size can extend to 15 by 15 feet. After trying to push the size and design to the limit for the week I had the game, I can confirm that you don't want to build any bigger circuits than that. They may look impressive, but they definitely affect the gameplay.

Once the gates have been placed, you can design the track between them as you wish and use the kart to lay out the layout. I have a pretty narrow but long apartment, so I split myself into two rooms and let the kart go under the couch and table for many stretches. The kart ran fine when you drove from the hardwood floor to the carpet under my table, although you need to make sure there are no creases or wrinkles on a similar surface. My carpet became an unintended obstruction if it was curled up too tightly.

Depending on the size of your room, you may need to adjust some directions and spacing of the gates, although you should be able to create a trail even in a very small space. Jumping and piloting the toy kart in the first few races was like any other modern Mario Kart game. Using items and using items against you is snappy and gratifying.

The longer you play, the worse it gets

It is undoubtedly awesome to have a miniature Mario flying around your house, but you may not notice it because your attention needs to be on the game. The spectators can watch the kart at work. I'm sure families will happily get together to see the kart (at least once or twice). However, I quickly discovered that the kart was becoming invisible to the player.

Elemental Effects and Gate Modifiers add enhancements to the gameplay that attempt to reproduce the thrill of other Mario Kart titles, but the races are short and the consequences are not varied. Mario could be frozen by blocks of ice, stuck in puddles of lava, or snapped up by a piranha plant, but in all cases the result is the same: the kart stops. I kept stalling, and it didn't matter how it actually happened.

There are more sophisticated effects such as: B. blowing around in a sandstorm or pulling in different directions through a chain chomp. However, since there is no penalty for leaving the track limits, they don't really hinder your progress. I've learned to ignore them.

It's good that the game doesn't penalize the racer for cornering or leaving the track limits, as the augmented reality circuit keeps shifting and adjusting while driving. The course you set up at the start of the race looks different than the one you take. The game's AR tracking isn't terrible, but it could certainly be better, and it's weird to see the tracks shift slightly as you play.

I drove the kart into bigger rooms, hoping that more light for the camera and more space for the vehicle would alleviate my problems, but it didn't help much. Neither my friend's spacious roof nor a colleague's large performance room provided the experience I was looking for. The races still ended too quickly even on the biggest tracks. The only benefit of shorter runs is that you are never too far ahead of the pack to take it easy, so the races will stay tense until the end.

I wondered if I could use some pieces of cardboard to ramps up to my coffee table and create circuits with height differences, but I ran into two problems. The first was that when changing elevation, AR tracking didn't work well because it could only be played on a flat plane, so the track shifted even more than usual during the game. Also, the kart itself doesn't have the power to do anything other than a very slight incline. I tried gradually building ramps to counter this issue but this quickly became a requirement.

Despite all of its problems, I still played a lot with the kart and hit the entire course of the cups at speeds of 50 and 100 cc. I am now making my way through 150cc, although sometimes depending on the course this can be too fast to navigate my space.

Our opinion

There's a solid Mario Kart game at its core here, and I hope the environment and gate effects for the correct ninth episode carry over to the main series, as I think these additions could add something to the franchise.

Even so, Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit has too many small annoyances that can only be mitigated by a perfectly sized, perfectly lit room – like in Nintendo's promotional materials. This may still be a hit with kids, or anyone less interested in Home Circuit as a game than a toy, but anyone hoping for depth or repeating the game will be disappointed.

Is there a better alternative?

For those who don't have space and don't have a strong craving for the novelty of the toy kart, it's best to stick with Mario Kart 8: Deluxe until the next installment.

How long it will take?

Once you've run through the Grand Prix a few times, there's little incentive to keep playing.

Should you buy it?

If you have kids and a switch this will be a hit with them on this vacation. If you're hoping for a real AR game that will keep you entertained for hours, you've got your wallet in your pocket.

Editor's recommendations




14 Oct
Blog

Panasonic Lumix S1H Review: Still the Video Champ

panasonic lumix s1h review dm 1

"It looks like a still camera, but the S1H is a camouflaged cinema camera – and a very good one."

  • 4K and 6K full screen video

  • 5.9K RAW output

  • Exceptional workmanship

  • Unlimited intake

  • Image stabilization in the body

  • Continuous AF often slow, imprecise

  • 4K / 60 is cropped

  • Big, heavy

One year in its life, the Panasonic Lumix S1H is no longer alone when it comes to professional mirrorless video cameras. Recently, the 8K shots Canon EOS R5 and 4K / 120p Sony A7S III stole headlines, but the world of pro video isn't all about high resolutions and frame rates. The Lumix S1H remains unique in its role as a true workhorse video camera.

In some ways, the S1H is even more noticeable today thanks to the presence of younger competitors from Sony and Canon. The comparatively modest performance – 6K / 24p or 4K / 30p in full screen format, 4K / 60p in full screen mode – is a signal of Panasonic’s focus on reliability. Sure, there are things the S1H can't, but for the filmmaker who just needs detailed, clean 24p footage, this camera is the obvious choice. Both in physical design and in software functionality, it is designed to meet the requirements of real production.

In fact, I'd argue that the S1H is less of a mirrorless hybrid camera than it is a small movie camera, despite having the form factor of the former. As such, it's definitely not for everyone – but the $ 4,000 price tag probably made that clear.

Designed for real life, not a datasheet

The S1H is based on the same platform as Panasonic's other S1 cameras such as the Lumix S1 and S1R and has a bulky, albeit ergonomic, design. Physically, it differs from the S1 in a key area with an additional fan between the back and the LCD screen. This fan is what makes the S1H so special. Where other mirrorless cameras can quickly overheat when recording high-resolution videos or videos with a high frame rate, the S1H can continue to tick indefinitely.

Also unique is the LCD screen, which rests in a double hinge mechanism with which it can be tilted directly up and down or folded to the side. The added flexibility makes it easy to maneuver around microphone and HDMI cables or anything else connected to the camera. The top LCD is also larger and shows more information than its counterpart on the S1 and S1R.

All of this makes the S1H even bigger and heavier than its cousin, the Lumix S1. At 2.56 pounds, it's not exactly in the same league as the 1.35 pound Sony A7S III. The S1H is a camera that you can best operate on a sturdy tripod. Again, it is better to think of a miniature cinema camera than a mirrorless hybrid camera. Yes, you can take great photos with it – but you probably won't want to.

Otherwise, the S1H carries over pretty much all of the design features of the S1, including weather protection, abundant physical controls, and the beautiful 5.7 million dot electronic viewfinder. There is an additional difference: if the S1 and S1R have an SD card slot and an XQD / CFexpress slot, the S1H uses two SD cards. High-speed V90 SD cards are perfectly fine for 6K videos too. However, this means that if you transfer footage to a computer, you are missing out on the insanely fast transfer speeds of CFexpress.

A mixture of resolutions and frame rates

Panasonic has provided the Lumix S1H with a plethora of resolution and frame rate options, many of which are sub-standard and all come with unique limitations. It's a bit of a mess, but I'll do my best to explain how it's used.

Let's start with 6K. The highest resolution that the S1H can offer with its 24 megapixel sensor, 6K, is recorded at 5952 x 3968 pixels, an aspect ratio of 3: 2 that uses the entire sensor area, a recording mode known as "open gate" becomes. That means you'll have to crop the footage in the post to achieve the standard 16: 9 aspect ratio. However, you have some space to customize the frame. If you're outputting to 4K, you can also crop flexibly.

Despite these freedoms, 6K is not the automatic choice. It is limited to 24 frames per second (24p) and uses the h.265 codec with 10-bit 4: 2: 2 colors and a data rate of 200 megabits per second (Mbit / s).

Next up is 5.9 KB (5888 x 3312). This corresponds to 6 KB with an aspect ratio of 16: 9. This uses the same codec as 6K, but the slightly lower resolution allows frame rates of up to 30 fps. If you're shooting a 24p project, you may want the added flexibility of the 3: 2 6K footage. However, on 30p projects, 5.9K is your limit.

Then there is 5.4K (5376 x 3584), another 3: 2 option. In contrast to 6K, this records a cropped area of ​​the sensor and enables frame rates of up to 30p.

Two flavors of full-width 4K are available: Standard Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) and DCI (4096 x 2160). Both can be recorded at 24 or 30 fps with 10-bit 4: 2: 2 colors at 400 Mbit / s. You can also capture cropped 4K images at up to 60 frames per second from an APS-C or Super 35 area of ​​the sensor. This reaches a maximum speed of 200 Mbit / s. There are also 4: 3-4K anamorphic modes (3328 x 2496) that can be reduced to cinematic aspect ratios when using anamorphic lenses. All of this makes 4K the sweet spot resolution for the S1H.

But Panasonic didn't stop there. Almost a year after its announcement, the S1H received a firmware update that added 5.9KB RAW video output over HDMI (and yes, the S1H has a full-size HDMI port). Using an Atomos Ninja V or other compatible recorder, the footage is saved in Apple ProRes RAW format. RAW video is not for the faint of heart, but this feature has made the S1H even more valuable to professional customers.

Interestingly, the same 5.9K RAW output is also used for the newer and much cheaper Lumix S5.

Recording experience and video quality

I recorded a mix of 4K / 24 full screen and 4K / 60 full screen and was really impressed with the results of both. The S1H offers the “real” Panasonic V-Log profile, not the GH5 series V-Log-l, which means that it should match a Panasonic VariCam cinema camera. The company claims to have 14 levels of dynamic range, which is just fantastic for internal non-RAW shooting. From skin tones to vivid details, I like the colors that come out of the S1H. Note: I couldn't get an Atomos recorder in time for this test, so I haven't tested the RAW output yet – although I'm not sure my 8 year old computer is even suitable for this task.

In fact, I don't think many people will need 6K mode. For most of us, it's an exaggeration. But I'm glad Panasonic picked it up. For one, some customers will love the 6K open-gate capture's crop and refresh capability. Also, by outputting 5.9 KB instead of 4 KB for RAW, Panasonic can avoid the line-skipping problems with the Nikon Z 6, another 24-megapixel camera with RAW output that has a Resolution is limited to 4 KB. When only 8 megapixels are needed and 4K is output from a 24MP sensor, many pixels are simply ignored, resulting in a softer image than 4K actually can.

Internally, the S1H uses the same codec as the GH5, but its larger sensor and use of the full V-Log profile allow you to get more out of it. Assuming you started with a reasonably decent exposure and white balance, you have no problem evaluating the footage to get the look you want.

I said the S1H is best used on a sturdy tripod, but I shot most of it with the handheld. Thanks to the stabilization in the body, the handheld material is fluid and natural, but the weight of the camera – especially with the large Lumix S 24-70mm f / 2.8 lens provided by Lensrentals for this test – certainly will excite Limit the use of handhelds as much as possible.

The large top LCD and the placement of the controls make for a great user experience. Buttons can be easily reprogrammed by holding them down and selecting a new option from the menu that appears. The user interface is one of the smarter designs of any camera and makes navigating the S1H's many settings and submenus a breeze.

If there's a possible red flag, it's auto focus. Panasonic's unique focusing system, Depth from Defocus, simply cannot compete with the phase detection systems from Sony and Canon. An upcoming firmware update will bring the improvements to the Lumix S5, which is certainly to be welcomed, but I've still found this camera to lag behind the competition.

To be clear, I don't think the kind of fast, accurate, eye-tracking autofocus needed by one-person YouTube crews in the world of professional video and cinema that Panasonic is targeting with the S1H aims really is a must. There is something to be aware of, however, as it will limit the situations in which the S1H can be effective.

Our opinion

The Lumix S1H is a camera that only Panasonic would make. Like the Micro Four Thirds Lumix GH5S, the S1H has a narrowly defined target customer in the video professional and yet takes over the entire photo functionality of a high-end hybrid camera. That makes it a little strange, and some filmmakers will no doubt be wondering why they shouldn't just invest in a movie camera – but where can you find a full frame 5.9K RAW camera with image stabilization for $ 4,000? You will not. Even after factoring in the cost of an external recorder, starting at around $ 600, the S1H is a steal for what you get.

There's a reason Panasonic hasn't cut the price of the S1H after a year in the market, even if the Sony A7S III is below that at $ 3,500. No other hybrid camera has placed such emphasis on reliability and practicality or mixed them with such a variety of standard and anamorphic frame sizes. I wish 4K / 60 could be shot without cropping, and Panasonic's autofocus leaves room for improvement, but that's not a problem in most of the production environments this camera is intended for.

If I were to start a YouTube channel, I'd reach for the A7S III – but if I were to produce a film, there wouldn't be a camera I'd rather have on set than the Lumix S1H.

Is there a better alternative?

Some developers may prefer the Sony A7S III if they need a higher frame rate 4K image or more reliable auto focus. The most fascinating alternative, however, comes from Panasonic's own warehouse. The Lumix S5 will get a RAW 5.9K output later this year, which should offer the same video quality as the S1H for those who don't mind using an external recorder. You'll have to settle for the pathetic micro-HDMI port, but at only $ 2,000, that's not bad business.

How long it will take?

The S1H is a professional machine that meets the needs of these customers. While 8K cameras are on the go – and no, you don't need one yet – 4K and 6K will continue to offer more than enough resolution for the foreseeable future. There's no reason the S1H won't be viable for many years to come.

Should you buy it?

Yes. Buy the Panasonic Lumix S1H when you need a video camera that offers not only excellent image quality, but also professional reliability and flexibility.

Editor's recommendations




13 Oct
Blog

Surface Laptop Go Review: Surface Meets Chromebook

Microsoft Surface Laptop go review featured image

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go

"Surface Laptop Go is an affordable way to stay productive and enjoy world-class Surface design without breaking the bank."

  • Thin and light

  • Comfortable keyboard and trackpad

  • Good choice of ports

  • Good performance

  • No backlit keyboard

  • The display's pixel density is low

  • No Surface Pen support

Nowadays there is a surface device for everything. You can create and play one, travel with one, or just enjoy daily productivity in a tablet form factor. However, what most Surface devices have in common is that there is often a steep price to buying a device. Microsoft has started fixing this with the Surface Go first. Now there's a device for people who want a traditional clamshell laptop too.

The Surface Laptop Go is a gorgeous 12.4-inch laptop from Microsoft that starts at $ 550 and rivals the best Chromebooks and even some of the best budget Windows laptops.

Conceptually, the newest entry to the Surface family takes all of the lessons Microsoft learned from the larger Surface Laptop 3 into a smaller, cheaper package. It's also specially designed for those looking for a Surface device with a balance between performance and premium design.

Does that mean Microsoft has to make too many cuts? Or does the Surface Laptop Go have everything you need to be your new productivity laptop?

Surface meets Chromebook

The new $ 550 Surface Laptop Go may look like a smaller version of the 13-inch Surface laptop, but once I took it out of the box, it felt very different.

The top lid and keyboard of the Surface Laptop Go glow brightly with a familiar aluminum finish, but the rest of the laptop doesn't. The lower part of the Surface Laptop Go is made of a polycarbonate composite resin made from fiberglass and 30% post-consumer recycled content.

Although Microsoft says this is a durable material that won't scratch, the Surface Laptop Go feels more like an HP Chromebook 14 or a Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 made of plastic here.

Arif Bacchus / Digital Trends

Still, Microsoft paid attention to the most important parts of the Surface Laptop Go. This includes both the keyboard deck and the screen. There is no bend when typing, and when I tried to bend the screen it didn't bend either. Each of them is made of aluminum.

I think Microsoft was smart at keeping the top half out of aluminum. Surface fans would have been annoyed if Microsoft released an all-plastic Surface laptop.

Microsoft had to make changes to the Surface Laptop Go design to match the price. One of them is the choice of case material.

The partially plastic construction has an advantage. The Surface Laptop Go is a featherweight at 2.45 pounds and just 0.62 inches thick. I can hold the laptop over my desk between two fingers and let it dangle almost like a sheet of paper. I can also open the lid with one hand. Its weight is under the 2.84 pounds of the standard Surface 3 laptop and close to the 2.3 pounds of the Pixelbook Go.

Arif Bacchus / Digital Trends

The Surface Laptop Go has what some other premium laptops these days lack in a USB-A port. Just like the larger 13-inch sibling, the main ports are on the left side of the device. In addition to USB-A, there is a USB-C port, which is not Thunderbolt compatible for security reasons. There is also a headphone jack.

Elsewhere on the right is the proprietary Surface Connect. It is only for charging and does not contain any data. According to Microsoft, you can charge the device to 80% in just an hour using the included charger, but the device is also charged via USB-C. A great thing to boot up with power banks on the go.

Those who care about speed should be pleased that the Surface Laptop Go has the latest in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. The mix includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, giving this affordable laptop the latest in wireless technology.

Type in a storm, but don't type in a storm

Arif Bacchus / Digital Trends

The Surface Laptop Go has a full-size keyboard similar to the Surface Laptop 3. We already found it comfortable when we reviewed the original and our minds haven't changed. This is thanks to the keycaps with soft touch and the 1.3 mm key travel. Simply put, the typing is accurate – as long as you're in the light.

The Surface Laptop Go has no keyboard backlight. That's not too unusual for the $ 550 price tag. Similar budget Windows laptops like the Acer Spire 5 don't have backlights, but a $ 650 Chromebook like the Pixelbook Go does.

Still, I wish Microsoft hadn't turned off the lights. This is a very useful feature for students who have to deal with nightly study sessions.

If you can see it, the keyboard should hold your typing correctly. I hit 73 words per minute in Bing's writing test. That's the same thing I get when I type on my go-to device, which is a 15-inch Surface Laptop 3.

Microsoft also has a fingerprint reader on the power button. However, you can only find it on select models. It is not included in the base model but is offered on our midrange devices and top tier models. I would recommend it as it makes logging in to the laptop very quick. Windows Hello facial recognition login is not supported.

Unlike the Surface Laptop 3, the trackpad is not made of glass. It's Mylar, supports Microsoft's five-finger multitouch gestures, and is a nice size of 115mm x 76.66mm. Usually laptop manufacturers shrink the touchpad when they shrink the screen size, but Microsoft knows better. The laptop Go's trackpad is buttery soft and has a nice slippery surface. Scrolling through web pages was pretty fun.

The input is accurate and the trackpad is fluid.

I would also like to mention the speakers and microphones. Just like the Surface Laptop 3, the Laptop Go has Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Audio. There are even two far-field microphones that sit on top of the screens.

The speakers are still in the device on the keyboard deck, but they are very loud. I enjoyed jamming to Clean Bandi & # 39; s Rather Be. Even when the volume was set to 70%, the lyrics were clear and a distinct bass was heard in the introductory sequence with the violins.

With the microphones and 720p webcam, my colleagues were happy with my voice and video quality when I used the Surface Laptop Go during a team video call. This is especially important in our current environment where we spend more time sticking to our displays in web conferencing.

Not enough pixels

Arif Bacchus / Digital Trends

Speaking of displays, if you're looking for a budget laptop these days, you will likely see all kinds of display options. The most common is a 1080p or 1920 x 1080 resolution, but that's not what you'll find on the Surface Laptop Go.

While the 13-inch Surface Laptop 3 has an impressive display with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 (201 PPI), the Surface Laptop Go is the opposite. Instead, Microsoft opts for a 12.4-inch display with a resolution of 1536 x 1024 (148 PPI). This control panel has 10-point multi-touch support, but no Surface Pen support. It even has Microsoft's 3: 2 aspect ratio.

But don't let that fool you. You can find the 1080p panel on a competing $ 550 or $ 650 laptop like the Pixelbook Go, as well as an Asus Vivobook 15, but not the Laptop Go. Even Microsoft's Surface Go 2 has a higher definition 1080p display and is also quite cheap if you don't consider the keyboard cover.

While the 3: 2 aspect ratio offers more vertical space for scrolling and a touchscreen is appreciated for this low price, the bottom of the Surface Laptop Go is flanked by ugly frames. Microsoft downsized the side bezels on the Surface Laptop Go to 7mm (and bent the screen edges for the first time), but this isn't exactly an XPS 13.

While the 13-inch Surface laptop has a pixel-punching display, the Surface Laptop Go is exactly the opposite.

However, this is not all a loss to Microsoft. Microsoft intends to use this laptop for productivity and I was able to do so despite the low resolution panel. I stacked two Edge windows side by side and enjoyed my usual workflow like on my 15-inch Surface Laptop 3, but with limited screen space. This is the advantage of the unusual aspect ratio of 3: 2.

Arif Bacchus / Digital Trends

The panel itself is just as good as the Surface Laptop 3. According to our colorimeter, it achieves a brightness of around 383 nits and an average color error of only 2.3. This roughly corresponds to the laptop 3 (372 nits, 2.4 color errors). However, we can't directly compare this to a Chromebook because our colorimeter doesn't work on ChromeOS. However, Microsoft does not visually sacrifice display or image quality.

The pixels may not be there, but the display quality is. I've seen episodes of Netflix's Designated Survivor and scenes with the exterior and rose garden of the White House were alive and well as expected in real life. And when I looked at the cosmos of National Geographic, I was sunk pretty deep into space thanks to the impressive contrast levels of the display.

Ice Lake is good for the price, just not for playing

Arif Bacchus / Digital Trends

Like the Surface Laptop 3, Ice Lake is back on the Surface Laptop Go this year. While they're not the latest Tiger Lake chips from Intel, they do make a performance difference.

Our device was configured with the Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, 8 GB RAM and a 256 GB NVMe SSD. This is the midrange model, but the cheaper $ 550 version has the same processor but 4GB of RAM and slower eMMC storage. This slower storage can prove to be a more serious disadvantage if you choose the entry-level model.

You probably won't experience the faster read and write speeds of the SSD on our device. We achieved a read speed of 590 and a write speed of 674. It is about standard for a surface. The Surface Laptop 2 saw similar speeds on the 950 and 617.

Regardless of which model you choose, there is only one processor choice, namely the Intel Core i5-1035G1. It is a quad-core processor running at 1.00 GHz. This processor is great for multitasking and general productivity. It can be found on a similar budget or business laptop like the Acer Swift 3 or the Dell Inspiron 14.5000.

There is no doubt that this chipset is great for both internet surfing and everyday tasks. You can tell by the single-core and multi-core Geekbench 4 scores of 1,176 and 3,459. These results are below most laptops, but are certainly more than adequate for everyday use.

I didn't have any issues with multiple Microsoft Edge tabs. Over 10 tabs didn't slow down the Surface Laptop Go. Multiple instances of YouTube weren't opened either. Given most budget Chromebooks as the Pixelbook Go comes with outdated dual-core Core i3 or Core m3 processors, this is very much appreciated. It almost feels like a ThinkPad-class performance. Even the entry-level version of Apple's MacBook Air has a slower dual-core processor, and that's over $ 1,000.

The Surface Laptop Go is a further development of the Surface Go 2 with slower Intel Pentium Gold or Core m3 processors. This time around, Microsoft got the right performance for its budget PC, although it would have been nice if Microsoft had tried AMD's Ryzen 5 chips. This was previously the case in the larger 15-inch versions of the Surface Laptop 3. These new processors are found in laptops like the Asus Vivobook 15.

Note, however, that the Surface Laptop Go is not suitable for gaming as it has Intel HD graphics and not the newer Iris Plus that you might find on a premium laptop.

Only 1,508 points were achieved in the 3DMark Fire Strike test. That is far behind the 3,947 of the Asus Zenbook Flip S, which has the new Iris Xe graphics from Intel. Fortnite was basically not playable on the Laptop Go, with frames around 15 at low settings. You have to stick to simple 2D games and very old 3D titles.

Battery life that lasts all day

Battery life is crucial as you don't want to be plugged into an electrical outlet all day. Microsoft claims that their Surface Laptop Go has what it takes, as it can last up to 13 hours on a single charge – but is that true?

The answer is yes. While this manufacturer's information is usually doubtful, the Surface Laptop Go gets great battery life. With a screen around 60% brightness, the Surface Laptop Go lasted around 585 minutes in our iMacro web browser test in Microsoft Edge, which runs a continuous loop of web pages.

That is better than the Dell Inspiron 14 (282 minutes) and the Acer Aspire 5 (258 minutes). It even outperforms the MacBook Air (576 minutes). The 783 minutes set by the Pixelbook Go are still a long way off.

When we streamed a loop of video, the Laptop Go pulled out and lasted well over 11 hours and 3 minutes. That's almost the same level as the Pixelbook Go's 13 hours.

All in all, don't worry. The battery in the Surface Laptop Go is indeed designed to last.

Our opinion

Starting at $ 550, the Surface Laptop Go is a great Surface version of the Chromebook. However, there are many price cuts on a Surface device, including screen resolution and the lack of a keyboard backlight. Under the hood, the Surface Laptop Go with its 10th generation Intel Core i5 quad-core processor offers a lot of value and performance. This type of processor is rarely found in a budget laptop, even when paired with entry-level models with only 4GB of RAM and slower eMMC storage. There is a difference that you will feel as you try to get your job done.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, there are many alternatives. If you are a student on a budget, consider buying the Pixelbook Go. If Windows is a must, there is the bulkier and more powerful Asus Vivobook 15, Acer Swift 3 or even the Dell Inspiron 14.5000. If a budget Surface is a must, the Surface Go 2 might also be a better choice because of its higher resolution display and support for Surface Pen.

How long it will take?

The Surface Laptop Go lasts a while. The internals meet specifications and the design and build quality are robust. You get a 60-day right of return via the Microsoft Store, a one-year hardware guarantee and 90 days of technical support.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Surface Laptop Go makes sacrifices to get a low price, but its 3: 2 aspect ratio, solid processor, and good battery life make it stand out from the crowd.

Editor's recommendations




10 Oct
Blog

1More True Wireless ANC Review: A Work In Progress

1More True Wireless ANC

"Their extremely cool design and great sound quality don't justify their price."

  • Smooth design

  • Excellent sound quality

  • Wireless charging

  • Average ANC

  • No custom controls or EQ

  • No water or dust resistance

  • So-so battery life

1More has a reputation for building affordable, high quality wired and true wireless earbuds that have features and sound quality that match products that cost much more. We like 1More products so much that they are regularly featured on our best-of lists.

When the company introduced its first true wireless active noise cancellation (ANC) earbuds – the $ 180 true wireless ANC, valued at $ 180 – we really wanted to try them out.

If history is a guide, these buds should turn out to be the AirPods Pro alternative we've been waiting for.

Has 1More delivered the goods? Let's look at them.

What's in the box?

1More True Wireless ANCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

1More apparently expects you to keep the True Wireless ANC box for as long as you own it. That's the only explanation we can think of for the massive, thick-walled, coated cardboard container that the buds come in. Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful, with a magnetically closing hinged lid (something we see all too often) and colorful printing on every surface.

However, this jewelry box design and the heavy use of plastics and foam on the inside make it nearly impossible to recycle the packaging. I would like 1More to use less material.

This treasure chest contains the charging case, the earphones, a USB-C charging cable, a storage bag and a generous supply of earplugs and "O-hooks" (1More's name for the ear fins).

design

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1More True Wireless ANC "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn3.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/1more-true-wireless-anc-00005-640x640.jpg " srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

1More True Wireless ANC "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/1more-true-wireless-anc-00004-640x640.jpg " srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

1More True Wireless ANC "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/1more-true-wireless-anc-00010-640x640.jpg " srcset = "https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Like the 1More Stylish they are very similar to, the True Wireless ANC isn't the smallest earbud you can find, but they do balance their slightly bulbous bulk with a cool, carbon fiber-like pattern beneath a clear shiny surface.

The charging case appears to contain a stealthy James Bond weapon, not wireless buds.

In combination with bright red hits in the microphone recesses and the earplugs, this looks like a Formula 1 racing car.

This high-end atmosphere is repeated in the wireless charging case with an ultra-smooth, satined aluminum cover. It looks like it is harboring a stealthy James Bond weapon, not wireless buds. Like a luxury coupe, the seams line up perfectly and the lid opens and closes with a satisfying click.

It's bigger than the AirPods Pro ($ 249) or the Jabra Elite 75t ($ 180), but thanks to its flowing, curved corners, it's still relatively convenient to tuck it in your pocket.

The earbuds can be easily pulled out of the charging corners and just as easily exchanged, regardless of the size of the O-hook you have installed.

Convenience, control and connections

1More True Wireless ANCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

When it comes to getting the best sound out of a set of true wireless earbuds, a secure fit is key. That's why it's fantastic to see how 1More packages the True Wireless ANC with so many earbuds (seven sizes and two styles) and O-hooks (three sizes and one hookless option).

Unfortunately, after trying every single combination of earbuds and o-hooks, I couldn't get the buds to stay firmly in my ear canal. This came as a surprise, not only because of the many options I had to play with, but also because that rarely happens to me. Out of 30+ models I've tried in the past 24 months, I've only had two that just didn't fit no matter what I did.

Twisting them was easy enough – and very convenient – but not long after that they would work their way up. They use an oval-shaped earbud, which may be part of the problem, but the AirPods Pro and I also find them perfectly safe.

I suspect the real reason is that my ear canals are set quite deep relative to the outer parts of my ear. The tower of the True Wireless ANC (the part where the earbud attaches) is short, and the asymmetrical shape of the body means you can only rotate it until it is blocked by your ear.

As with any thing related to fit, your experience will likely be different from mine. However, if you've been having trouble finding a good fit for other earbuds, this is something you should consider.

The controls on the True Wireless ANC are a mix of pushbuttons that sit on top (or back, depending on how you sit them in your ears) and touch controls. The touch control is only used to manage the ANC mode. A double tap on the earbud takes you from ANC to ANC level 1, to ANC level 2, to ambient mode (passthrough) and then back to ANC.

This combination of touch and physical controls gives you everything you need including volume up / down, play / pause, call answer / end, track forward / backward skip and access to voice assistants. However, you cannot customize which key presses they trigger. This would be especially helpful with ANC: I'd like to quickly get in and out of ambient mode instead of flipping through all four modes.

Once you memorize the patterns, the controls are responsive and easy to use.

The wear sensors that allow you to automatically pause and play music when the buds are removed or inserted work very well, but there is no way to turn the feature off. In the 1More Music app, you can choose between "Auto-pause" or "Auto-pause and play".

Once connected, the True Wireless ANC maintained a very strong and stable radio signal, although that signal could only extend about 30 feet before it stalled. Unlike some other wireless earbuds, the True Wireless ANC tries to connect as soon as you open the charging case. I found that if I pulled them out before both earbuds indicated they were paired (the LED changes from blue to red), my phone will not always be paired again.

Battery life

I'm a little disappointed with the battery life of the True Wireless ANC. They are designed for an operating time of six hours with the ANC switched off and only five hours with the ANC switched on. Granted, that's still better than what Apple is promising for its AirPods Pro (4.5 hours with the ANC on, five hours with the ANC off), but when you look at the total playtime with the charging case included, the 1More top is at 22 hours versus 24 for the AirPods Pro.

On the one hand, that's enough juice to last you a full day without a charger, and the True Wireless ANC's quick 15-minute charge for two hours of play time definitely helps.

On the flip side, we see many inexpensive true wireless earbuds like the JLab Epic Air ANC that can work between eight and 12 hours before going back to their charging case and have total times of up to 48 hours.

Sound quality

1More True Wireless ANCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

The 1More True Wireless ANC is the first true wireless earbud to be THX certified. This means that THX rated the earbuds against some of its tech standards for things like left-right stereo sync and distortion. However, THX certification is not a guarantee of any particular sound quality. Think of this as sort of insurance: this means that THX has independently tested the transmission and determined that it had a base level of performance.

They have an incredibly balanced sound signature that doesn't favor highs or lows.

In the real world, there is no way of knowing what the True Wireless ANC would have sounded like before THX got involved, so I'm not going to attribute any part of the sound to THX that I heard.

THX or no, the 1More True Wireless ANC sounds excellent.

They have an incredibly balanced sound signature that doesn't favor highs or lows. Instead, you get clear and detailed performance across all frequencies. This clarity and precision exceeds what many products with comparable price can do, like the Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro, the Jabra Elite 75t and even the AirPods Pro from Apple.

On tracks like Fleetwood Mac's Little Lies, this precision lets background vocals inhabit the ethereal space a little above and a little outside the main soundstage – things that reliably give goose bumps.

My only complaint is the lack of an adjustable EQ. As nicely balanced as they are, I'd prefer to play a bit more bass to warm up the sound a bit, but there's no way to do that. If you're a bass player, you're probably better off with the Jabras.

However, for much better sound quality than the True Wireless ANC, take a look at the $ 200 Sennheiser CX 400BT or the $ 230 Sony WF-1000XM3.

Noise cancellation

1More True Wireless ANCSimon Cohen / Digital Trends

If there's one thing I've learned from reviewing real wireless earbuds with ANC, there is a huge spectrum of quality. Some earbuds that offer this feature, like the JLab Epic Air ANC, do almost no significant improvement, while others, like the Apple AirPods Pro, create an incredible cone that has to be heard to be silenced.

The ANC function produces an audible hiss when no music is playing.

I was hoping the 1More True Wireless ANC would be closer to the AirPods Pro end of the spectrum, but they're actually in the middle.

With two stages of ANC, they can cut down some external sounds quite a bit, with a noticeable sweet spot in the lower frequencies, but it's nowhere near as consistent as the Sony WF-1000XM3 or AirPods Pro. What is unfortunate, however, is that the ANC feature produces an audible hiss when no music is playing. This prevents the True Wireless ANC from being a good tool to simply drown out the hustle and bustle of an office or coffee shop.

Another area of ​​tradeoff is the environmental or pass-through mode of the ANC. The goal of an ambient mode is for you to hear the outside world to speak to someone or to become more aware of your surroundings. Equally important, however, is the ability to hear your own voice clearly so that you don't accidentally raise it too loud. Plus, phone calls sound a lot more natural. Ambient mode definitely lets in outside noise, but your voice remains noticeably muffled.

Call quality

Call quality is a bright spot for the True Wireless ANC. Callers said my voice remained clear even if there was a lot of background noise to deal with like passing traffic. Every now and then my voice got louder, but I couldn't tell what was causing it.

Even so, the lack of an ambient mode that could effectively make me hear proved annoying.

Our opinion

I really wanted to love the 1More True Wireless ANC and its sleek design and sound quality are sure to set high standards. However, the average battery life, lack of custom EQ or button functions, and the disappointing ANC prevent those buds from breaking free from a very crowded backpack.

Is there a better alternative?

While they don't have wireless charging, Jabra's Elite 75t costs the same, has bigger bass-forward sound, great comfort and fit, generous battery life, and soon even ANC. When you add in the insane amount of customization the Jabra Sound + allows, and its IP55 dust and water rating, most people will happily trade a bit of sound clarity and precision for the Jabra's many strengths.

How long will they last?

1More includes a one-year warranty on the True Wireless ANC. The earbuds and charging case look very nice and I assume they will be used for many years. Without an official IP rating for water resistance, however, you need to be extra careful not to expose them to water or sweat.

Should you buy it?

No. As good as the sound quality is, 1More is asking for a lot of money for a feature set that just isn't as good as other companies'.

Editor's recommendations




10 Oct
Blog

HP Spectre x360 15 2020 Review: Less Size, More Power

HP Specter x360 15 2020 review p1012378

"The Specter x360 15 offers a lot of performance and a nice display in a smaller case."

  • Tiny for a 15-inch 2-in-1

  • Spectacular appearance

  • Excellent keyboard

  • Solid productivity performance

  • Excellent OLED display

  • Modest performance in creative apps

  • Bad battery life

The 2020 HP Specter x360 15 is a 360-degree convertible 2-in-1 that is considerably smaller than its predecessor, but still offers the option for reasonably powerful components and a beautiful OLED display.

I have the high-end model with a sixth generation Intel Core i7-10750H CPU with six cores, 16 GB RAM, a 1 TB solid-state drive (SSD), an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max Q and a 4K OLED tested display. This configuration is priced at $ 1,850 at HP.com and is intended for creatives who want the power of a 15-inch laptop with the flexibility of a 2-in-1. Let's dive in.

design

HP put the Specter x360 13 under a scalpel in 2019 to shed the fat and get a really small 2-in-1 ratio with a screen-to-body ratio of 90% thanks to tiny bezels. Earlier this year, HP did the same with the 2019 Specter x360 15, resulting in a much less unwieldy 15-inch 2-in-1. It also has a screen-to-body ratio of 90% and is significantly smaller than its predecessor. It looks a lot more modern and retains the gem aesthetic that makes the Specter line one of the best looking and most distinctive you will find.

I will find that the size difference is not as noticeable as it is on the 13-inch model. While this laptop feels tiny when in use, the 15-inch Specter x360 only feels smaller. HP says they built a 15-inch 2-in-1 into the chassis of a 14-inch model, but that seems a bit difficult to me – especially since 14-inch laptops are falling off too. I like the size of the Specter x360 15, but it still feels like I'm using a bigger laptop.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Part of it has to do with thickness. It's 0.79 inches thick, more than the 0.75 inches of the 2019 model, and it doesn't match the 0.71 inches of the Dell XPS 15, which feels a bit thinner. The HP, however, weighs 4.24 pounds, which is less than the XPS 15's 4.5 pounds and much less than last year's 4.81 pounds. Of course, any laptop over four pounds will come across as a large laptop. I emphasize this point to make sure no one thinks they are getting a thin and light 2-in-1 device that is convenient to use as a tablet – unless it rests on a surface.

One thing that hasn't changed is the build quality of the Specter x360 15. It's made from machined aluminum, as before, and HP makes sure that it exudes quality. The Specter x360 15 has no bend, bend, or twist in the lid, keyboard deck, or case. It's as solid as a laptop. The hinge is a bit stiff, which means you open it with two hands, but it stays in place in whatever mode you choose – clamshell, tent, medium, or tablet.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Connectivity also remains a strength. The Specter x360 15 has a competent mix of old and modern connections, so dongles are reduced to a minimum. On the left is a full-size HDMI 2.0 port and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the right side are two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3, a USB-A 3.1 port, and a microSD card reader (though a full-size reader would have been preferable for the creative types). As with previous designs, one of the Thunderbolt 3 ports is in a corner notch on the case so you can connect it without a cable in the way. It remains a nice gesture. The wireless connection is via Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.

performance

The Specter x360 15 is another laptop targeting creatives. Still, it doesn't emphasize creative power as much as some other 15-inch laptops. The Dell XPS 15 and HP Envy 15 offer faster CPUs (and GPUs in the case of the Envy 15), more RAM, and more storage. In essence, the Specter x360 15 is a fast 2-in-1 device, but it's not in the same class as today's fastest 15-inch clamshell laptops.

I'd like to directly compare the Specter x360 15 to the XPS 15, but we tested the Dell with a Core i7-10875H, which means it benefits from two additional cores and four additional threads. The XPS 15 had the same Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti, although the HP uses the Max-Q version. The Envy 15 is a more direct comparison in terms of its CPU, which is identical to the Specter, but our review unit was equipped with an Nvidia RTX 2060 Max-Q.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Looking at Geekbench 5, the Specter x360 15 scored 1,237 in single-core tests and 5,013 points in multi-core tests. That's well behind the Envy 15's 1,274 and 5,542 points, and in fact, most of the laptops we tested with the same CPU are faster than this HP.

The same applies to our handbrake test, in which a 420 MB video is converted to H.265. Here the Specter x360 15 took a little over 2.5 minutes. The Envy 15 finished the test 21 seconds faster and 40 seconds less in performance mode with the HP Command Center utility. Note that this utility had virtually no effect on the Specter x360 15's performance as I saw in the previous version. The Specter x360 15 didn't perform badly here, but it doesn't quite match the standard of other laptops with similar equipment.

The Specter x360 15 achieved 469 points in the single-core test and 2523 points in the multi-core test in Cinebench 20. Here, the Specter was almost the same as the Envy 15, which scored 436 and 2593 (487 and 2830 in performance mode). That was a surprising result and could have something to do with the extensive work HP has done to improve the thermal design of the Specter x360 15.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Finally, I also ran our Premiere Pro test, which rendered a two-minute 4K video. In this test, which uses the GPU to speed up the process, the Dell XPS 15 took five minutes to complete compared to the Specter x360 15's nearly 7.5 minutes – those extra cores are important. The Envy 15 was done in under four minutes in performance mode and showed the performance of the RTX 2060.

Overall, the Specter x360 15 is a fast productivity laptop that can do creative work on the side. It is not as fast as its 15-inch competitors for demanding creative tasks like editing photos and videos. However, it's still a capable machine if you're not looking for the absolute best performance for creative applications.

Play

Of course, with a GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q on board, you'll be tempted to play with the Specter x360 15. I've gone through our series of gaming tests, and in general, it's a step or two behind other laptops with the same GPU.

For example, the Specter x360 15 achieved 2,963 points in the 3DMark Time Spy test. Compared to the Dell XPS 15 at 3860 (although the Dell may have the standard GPU, this is not always clear). The Microsoft Surface Book 3 13 achieved 3,214 points in the test with the GTX 1650 Max-Q from Nvidia.

When playing real world games, the Specter x360 15 managed 89 frames per second (FPS) in Civilization VI at 1080p and medium graphics, compared to the XPS 15 at 114 FPS and the Surface Book 3 13 at 68 FPS. The Specter kept 60 fps in Ultra graphics compared to the XPS 15 at 64 and the Surface Book 3 at 41. In 4K, the Specter x360 15 reached a high 55 fps in medium graphics and 30 fps in Ultra, with the XPS 15 at 51 fps and the Surface Book 3 reached 30 fps.

Ultimately, the Specter x360 can play 15 modern titles with 1080p and medium to high graphic details at reasonable frame rates.

In Assassin's Creed Odyssey, the Specter x360 reached 15 playable 40 fps at 1080p and high graphics, but dropped to 25 fps at ultra high. The XPS 15 was at 47 fps and 26 fps. None of the laptops in this title are fast enough for 4K.

When switching to Fortnite, the Specter x360 15 ran at 67 fps with 1080p and high graphics and 47 fps with the epic graphics preset. This is comparable to the XPS 15 with 74 fps and 60 fps and the Surface Book 3 with 55 fps and 43 fps. Here, too, the laptops fell significantly at 4K.

In Battlefield V, the Specter x360 15 finally managed 55 fps in 1080p and medium graphics and 44 fps in Ultra. The XPS 15 hit 60 fps and 50 fps, and the Surface Book 3 hit 41 fps and 32 fps. As before, 4K was out of reach.

Ultimately, the Specter x360 can play 15 modern titles at 1080p and medium to high graphic detail at reasonable frame rates, which is not bad for a 2-in-1 device. Overall performance on the Dell XPS 15 is poor, but the Specter x360 15 generally outperforms the Surface Book 3 in real world games.

display

HP offers the Specter x360 15 with three display options, all 4K. The entry-level model is the same 340 nit display that they have been providing on the 2-in-1 device for a few cycles. The middle option is a new 400 nit panel with low power consumption (2 watts). The premium option is a 400 nit OLED display. I checked the latter, and like all of the OLED displays we tested, it was largely excellent.

First, according to my colorimeter, it was very bright at 426 nits and exceeded HP's specifications. That's not as bright as the Dell XPS 15's excellent IPS display, which shipped at 442 nits. However, HP uses anti-reflective glass, so the Specter x360 15 makes optimal use of its brightness. Next, as always with OLED, the contrast of 426.180: 1 compared to the XPS 15 (excellent for an LCD screen) 1480: 1 was unfamiliar. The difference isn't as dramatic as it seems on paper, but the OLED display offers significantly better black tones and punchy contrast.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The color gamut of the Specter x360 15 was very wide with 98% of AdobeRGB and 100% of sRGB and was close to 100% of both color gamuts of the XPS 15. However, the HP fell slightly behind in color accuracy and achieved DeltaE 1.21 (the human eye can see in the Generally not perceive an error below DeltaE 1.0), while the XPS 15 achieved a value of 0.65. Both laptops are great for creatives who crave broad and accurate colors, but the Dell is a bit better.

In real use, the OLED display is a dream. Colors pop, but they're not unnatural. Black text on a white background is crystal clear, and movies are a great experience. However, I will find that it does not support Netflix HDR as well as the Dolby Vision enabled Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2, which also has an OLED display. This laptop is the king of Netflix HDR.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Audio was incredibly loud and undistorted at full volume. The mids and highs were excellent and there was even a hint of bass. The Specter x360 15 benefits from its two upward and two downward facing speakers as well as the Bang & Olufsen tuning. You don't have to use headphones or external speakers to binge Netflix, although, as with all but the MacBooks' superior speakers, you'll want to plug something in for the best music performance.

Keyboard and touchpad

If you've read any of my other reviews, it should come as no surprise that the Specter x360 has one of my favorite keyboards. I love the spring travel, the size and the distance between the keycaps and the light mechanism, which still ensures a precise floor effect. It's the same keyboard on all Specter models, and HP has apparently started adding it to the Envy lineup too. The only keyboard that I like better is Apple's new Magic keyboard on the latest MacBooks.

The touchpad isn't that great, mostly because of its small size. Dell managed to fit a bigger touchpad onto the latest XPS 15, and I'd love to see HP do the same. Dell benefited from the extra keyboard deck space thanks to its 3: 2 aspect ratio, but I still think HP could manage to fit into a larger version. The Specter x360's touchpad works well, however, as after so many years of using Synaptic drivers, it's a Microsoft Precision touchpad and supports Windows 10 multitouch gestures with aplomb.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

The touch display is precise as always. Windows 10 laptop manufacturers have this one slap. The 2020 Specter x360 15 also benefits from a welcome anti-fingerprint coating. I've found it stays cleaner than most other touch displays. The display supports HP's active pens, which provide 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt assistance. However, on this model, this is an option and I haven't received one to test.

Finally, Windows 10 Hello is provided by both an infrared camera for facial recognition and a fingerprint scanner. I prefer the latter, but both worked quickly and accurately during my tests. Further security is provided by a physical switch that electronically removes the webcam from the system, making it invisible to hackers, and a special keyboard key to turn off the microphone.

Battery life

One stat that has suffered from the downsizing of the Specter x360 15 is the battery capacity, which has dropped from 82 watt hours to 73 watt hours. Throw in some powerful components and a very power hungry OLED display, and battery life expectations should be tempered from the get-go.

First, the Specter X360 15 lasted little more than two and a half hours in our demanding Basemark web benchmark test, which was 42 minutes less than the XPS 15, and one of the worse results we've seen from a productivity laptop. If you plan to do CPU-intensive or GPU-intensive work with this 2-in-1, you should carry your power supply with you.

Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

In our web browser test, the Specter x360 15 shut down after just six hours. That's an hour less than the XPS 15 and again a bad score for a productivity laptop. This test gives an idea of ​​how long the laptop will run for less demanding tasks, and it is unlikely to last a day even just browsing the web and running Office apps.

After all, the Specter x360 15 lasted just under six and a half hours in our video test, which grinds a Full HD Avengers trailer until the battery is empty. The XPS 15 lasted an hour longer, and that score is again lower than what we're used to from productivity machines.

If you want the form factor of the Specter x360 15 with better battery life, go for the version with a quad-core Intel Core i7-10510U 10th generation CPU and a 4K display with low power consumption. Each of these tests get you hours longer, but of course you give up on the power and great OLED. As it is, our test device is not a good choice for street fighters.

Our opinion

The HP Specter x360 15 is smaller and more powerful. It's the most powerful 2-in-1 you can buy, and while it can't quite compete with the fastest 15-inch laptops for creative professionals, it can meet the needs of everyone but the most demanding of users. HP has succeeded in developing a 2-in-1 system that is characterized by productivity tasks and also offers some creative possibilities.

The laptop is well built, beautiful, and has one of the best displays you can buy today. It's also cheaper than some other laptops like the Dell XPS 15, so the HP is a good choice.

Are there alternatives?

The Dell XPS 15 is the most straightforward alternative to the Specter x360 15 as there has been no other 15-inch 2-in-1 that matches HP's pace for speed recently. The Dell can be configured as a much faster laptop and has its own great display. It is an excellent choice for the more discerning creative type. It's also more expensive, costing over $ 2,000 for similar specs, and only going up in price from there.

Another option is HP's own Envy 15, which is cheaper than the Specter but much more powerful. In fact, it's difficult to choose the XPS 15 over the Envy 15. So if a clamshell suits your needs and you're a creative power user, the Envy 15 is a great choice.

How long it will take?

The Specter x360 15 is durable and has relatively modern components. It should be productive for years. However, we would like the guarantee to be longer than a year.

Should you buy it?

Yes. If you want a powerful laptop with the flexibility of a 2-in-1 device, the Specter x360 15 is your best bet.

Editor's recommendations




10 Oct
Blog

Level Touch Review: Tap-to-Go Convenience

Level touch the lock

Level touch review: convenience to take with you

"The best looking smart lock is enhanced by touch access and NFC key cards."

  • Minimalistic design

  • easy installation

  • Comfortable touch of touch

  • Programmable NFC key cards used as a backup

  • Expensive costs

  • Touch Unlock only works when you leave your home border

Without a doubt, Level has redefined our perception of what a smart lock should look like. Instead of a clunky keyboard that was visible to all, Level wanted something far more graceful – and one that didn't distract or detract from the existing look of a door. The Bolt Lock level was an engineering marvel, but now the company intends to take the next step.

The Level Touch is the continuation of the company's approach of integrating seamlessly into the smart home. With the same discreet design as before, combined with the power of the touch, it's supposed to be a complete all-in-one system that makes accessing your Smart Lock even more convenient.

A contemporary design that blends in

Similar to its previous Smart Lock, the Level Touch is not far away with its ingenious design that stows all components. So the end result is a smart lock that looks horribly like an ordinary lock. It is available in four finishes: satin nickel, satin chrome, polished brass and matt black, so it goes with almost any door finish.

Level Touch the outer button housingJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Installation is still child's play and takes no more than 10 minutes. In contrast to the bolt, when you touch you have to replace your original lock with a new one. This is important because the bolt was set up as a system that could turn any lock into a smart one. However, this is not the same situation here as with the Level Touch. So you will have to use a new set of physical buttons after setting it up. I really prefer the other implementation, but I understand that this is supposed to be an all-in-one out of the box solution.

Even more ways to unlock

As the name suggests, the Level Touch can be operated with touch power – in addition to the usual method of using the Level app on a smartphone or via GPS proximity. Now you can set it up so that you can lock and unlock it by touching the outer key housing. Initially this was a tricky experience as the unlocking mechanism could not be initiated. Luckily it was short lived and after a few changes to the settings it started to work like a charm. You can rest assured that no one can simply touch and unlock the lock. That's because you still need your smartphone in close proximity for this to work.

In addition to being touched, Level introduces these NFC key cards, which serve as another way to access the lock – a useful option if you want to give access to a caregiver, family member, or other person. It comes with two NFC key cards that can be programmed via the app. It definitely reminds me of a hotel key as it works the same way by placing it flush with the keyhole and slightly above it. My only minor complaint is that it takes more than five seconds for the card to be recognized instead of being instantaneous.

You can set the app to automatically lock itself after a preset interval. This is useful when you're just rushing out the door to get somewhere. There is also the option to automatically unlock. This comes in handy when you are busy with food. This function is of course based on GPS and is only activated when you cross and enter your home limit for the first time. In my situation, the app shows the home border in such a way that it covers almost a block. So I would call it a radius of 150 feet. This is a bit alarming considering that this is still a considerable distance that could give someone plenty of time to get into your home before you get there. In reality, however, the Level Touch will automatically unlock when I'm about 3 meters from the lock. So there is nothing to be concerned about.

The only mistake

While I enjoy simply tapping the lock to operate the mechanism, there is one particular situation where it won't work – and it's an issue that I hope will fix. Unfortunately, the touch unlock feature won't start until you step outside the house and rent it again. So if you forget something at home after you have touched it, you won't be able to use Touch Unlock right away.

A smart lock that looks terrible like an ordinary lock

This is due to the fact that everything is monitored by GPS coordinates. You'll need to venture out of the zone and re-enter the area before it detects you've left and re-enables touch unlock. I was outside the door when I forgot something inside so I can't touch the lock to unlock it. Instead, I had to open the app and unlock it there.

Fortunately, there are several other methods to unlock it. As I mentioned earlier, you can always have an NFC key card on hand, but you can access the Level app and HomeKit controls by asking Siri to open the door or, as a last resort, the physical keys. While there is an Android app for using Level Touch, Apple users get more controls thanks to HomeKit support, so they can be linked to other automations via the Home app for iOS. However, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant are not yet supported.

Level Touch with the NFC key cardJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Battery power comes in the form of a single CR2 battery that fits snugly into the screw. It is designed to provide more than a year of battery life with normal use, but that will of course vary.

Our opinion

The Level Touch costs $ 329, which is an increase of $ 100 over the Level Bolt. It's not cheap, but the high cost is the price to be paid for all of the technical challenges of such a minimalist-looking smart lock – as well as introducing some new lock / unlock methods.

How long it will take?

All components are carefully made from metal and have a robust build quality. I am therefore confident that they will hold up very well. In the event that a malfunction occurs due to a defect, there is a two-year guarantee that covers defects in material and workmanship.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes and no. There are few who can compete with the minimalist design, as many of them are bulky and imposing figures on doors. The Smart Lock from SimpliSafe corresponds exactly to Level's philosophy of not being a disruptive element on a door.

In terms of functions, the Lockly Vision continues to be the Swiss Army Knife for smart locks with a keyboard, fingerprint sensor and integrated video camera that effectively turns it into a doorbell camera too. If you're looking for something that doesn't cost a huge amount and is easy to install, consider the Wyze Lock and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.

Should you buy it?

If you really want to keep the look of your door so that it stays that natural, the Level Touch is the logical choice. Not only does it look like a traditional lock, but I also appreciate the new ways to unlock it.

Editor's recommendations




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