18 Mar
Blog

Doom Eternal Review: Killing Demons Has Never Been Better

Google Stadia DOOM Eternal

Doom Eternal Review: Gold Medal Gore

"Doom Eternal is a ridiculous, bloody, pulsating masterpiece."

  • Insanely smooth fight

  • Creative skills

  • Varied and beautiful surroundings

  • New traditions do not disturb

  • Brutal but fair difficulty

  • Platform sections are a hit or miss

  • A little too long

Playing Doom Eternal is like skating on the world's most violent ice rink, racing from enemy to enemy and gutting them with the grace of a gold medalist, while chunky guitars roar in the background.

Doom Eternal is a sequel that knows exactly what worked with Do Software & # 39; s Doom from 2016. After proving that he was still the master of first person shooters, the developer drove a victory lap with his latest entry and ridiculously expanded to find out what it was. The first game didn't quite nail.

The Doom Slayer is here to tear, and once players master its vast arsenal of weapons and skills, they can slaughter demons in one of the most entertaining ways I've ever seen. Doom Eternal is like good fast food – it's simple, unpretentious, and better than the competition that tried to reinvent the wheel.

Tear and tear until it's done

Doom Eternal, set a few years after the events of Doom, is in an even worse situation than when a portal linked Hell and Mars. The earth is completely overrun by demons, and a connection to hell releases a constant stream of monsters that kill almost everything on their way. Only the Doom Slayer – whom the game occasionally calls "Doom Guy" – has a chance to save the world. As a god among men, he is more than capable of inflicting pain on hundreds of demons in just a few minutes, and this time he needs every bit of his skill.

It is tasty, greasy, unpretentious and better than the competition.

The 2016 release of Doom contained its own science fiction meets mythology story, but often, sometimes literally, turned the bird around in further explanations to return to the plot. It was certainly in the spirit of the original game, but Id Software offers more background in Eternal.

You'll learn about the Sentinel creatures responsible for much of the game's events, as well as the powerful hell priests that the Doom Slayer must destroy before he can save Earth. You will also learn more about the Slayer itself and the connection between the game areas, both through direct storytelling and through collectable data logs.

This would have greatly improved the pace of the game in 2016, but after almost every mission in Doom Eternal, the hunter returns to his Fort of Destiny to upgrade or explore them. It is the perfect opportunity to learn about traditions.

Of course, this is still a doom game, and when it's time to take a super shotgun and blow off demons' heads. Doom Eternal is more than happy to engage in some of the smoothest and most complex fights a first person shooter has ever offered.

After starting with some basic weapons like a shotgun and a heavy cannon, players quickly get a large number of tools. A rocket launcher, a plasma rifle, and a chain gun work best against different demons (of which there are more than twice as many types as Doom), and the chainsaw allows the hunter to get additional ammunition from weaker enemies on the fly.

Even the Glory Kills finishing move system has been redesigned for the Doom Blade packaged in the Slayer's armor, which allows players to replenish their health while gutting the brood of hell.

The perfect combination

However, the biggest game changers in Doom Eternal are not weapons or melee weapons. The Flame Belch and Ice Bomb abilities drastically change the combat loop by giving players a way to get more health and armor without having to find items already on the ground. These items are still available, but knowing when and who to attack to get them through kills is much more satisfying.

The flame burp is essentially a short-range flame thrower, and almost every enemy is set ablaze when struck. They also drop a small amount of armor, which increases if they are killed while still on fire, and multiple enemies can be hit with a single "burp".

Doom Eternal does everything in its power to kill you.

The ice bomb serves a similar purpose: an upgrade gives players more health if they kill an enemy frozen by their explosion. By using the two moves simultaneously, the hunter can quickly destroy massive groups of enemies. If he does not do this consistently, he has little health and armor. If players want to survive in Doom Eternal, they must master all of its tools.

This is especially true not only because Doom Eternal's resources are otherwise limited, but also because its enemies can be brutally difficult. The cannon fodder is preserved particularly early, but Doom Eternal does everything in its power to kill you.

Recurring enemies fire missile barriers from the air while the pinky blanks attack at lightning speed. The arachnotron spider-like enemies can take a surprising amount of damage while their towers illuminate the hunter. And the armored Cyber ​​Mancubus is even more resilient than Doom's giant Mancubus enemies.

By far the most challenging standard enemy is the Marauder, who is equal to the hunter and carries a shield that only falls off for a few seconds when he wields his ax. Whenever he appears, he deserves your undivided attention, which can be very difficult when there are several other enemies nearby. After killing him a few times, it's easier to learn his patterns, but he's no less threatening.

The Archvile joins him, a demon who can produce an infinite number of other demons until he is eliminated. When he spawns, every other target becomes secondary and his quick death is essential. Fortunately, just like the Marauder, it is not overused, and the crashing heavy metal boom during every battle keeps even repeated attempts intoxicating.

Diversity is the spice of death

Doom has been mainly divided into two different environments: a research facility and hell itself. Doom Eternal has much more range, with hellishly infected earth, a space defense station, hell itself, and even alien worlds that are all filled with demons to the point of rupture. The prospects that Id Software offers are great, which makes it difficult for the hunter not to spend a few moments gazing at the view before returning to his regularly scheduled slaughter.

These areas are often filled with platform issues that require air diversion and careful timing to overcome large gaps. You can use clever skills that are usually reserved for combat, but Doom Eternal relies a little too much on jumping puzzles in the final hours of the game. Dialing back, even slightly, would have helped the game not feel too long about a mission.

Whenever the hunter does not jump on platforms or improve his skills in the Fortress of Destiny, he almost always kills demons. There is very little opportunity to breathe, and that would be a problem for almost every other shooter. But this is Doom Eternal, and the thrilled feeling that players get when they jump between enemies for a few minutes and cut them from link to link makes the extended battles a joy.

An almost permanent smile appeared on my face during the fight, even in certain areas that gave us problems because Id Software never threw enemies at the hunter just to make things difficult. It's all in the service of fun and a massive force journey that embodies the spirit of the Doom series.

An almost permanent smile appeared on my face during the fight.

Our opinion

Doom Eternal is a larger and even better version of its predecessor that recognizes exactly why fans loved this game so much and gives them even more reasons to love the sequel. Only the single player content is currently live, but when Battlemode is nearly as addictive and powerful as its campaign, Id Software has made one of the best first-person shooters of the generation.

If technology were up to the task in 1993, it would be the game that John Romero and John Carmack would have made from the start.

Is there a better alternative?

Doom Eternal is better than the already excellent game of 2016, and its turn to old-school shooter gameplay is unique among modern shooters.

How long it will take?

It will take between 15 and 20 hours for the campaign to complete on the standard "Hurt Me Plenty" difficulty level.

Should you buy it

Yes, unless you're not a fan of Gore. There is a lot of it.

Editor's recommendations




17 Mar
Blog

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid First Drive Review

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid first ride review: fashionably late

"A solid hybrid powertrain makes Honda’s popular CR-V crossover even better."

  • Nice to drive

  • Punchy acceleration

  • Spacious interior

  • Regenerative brake paddle shifters

  • Competitors get better mileage

  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not standard

The Honda CR-V, introduced in 1997, was one of the first crossover commercial vehicles. This made Honda a trendsetter in the 1990s. However, the automaker has fallen back on another important trend: hybrid drives. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is now in its second generation, and Ford has brought the Escape Hybrid back for the 2020 model year, while the Honda option has only just arrived.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid 2020 tries to make up for lost time. It adapts the two-engine hybrid system previously used in the Accord Hybrid and Insight and marks the first use of this system with all-wheel drive, which is standard in all equipment variants.

The base LX model starts at $ 28,870 – a $ 2,320 premium over a gasoline CR-V. Our test car was a touring model with a range of $ 37,070 or $ 1,225 over a CR-V touring gasoline engine.

Design and interior

You need a keen eye to see the difference between a CR-V hybrid and a gasoline model. Changes in the exterior design are limited to the blue emblem, a model-specific rear bumper that hides the exhaust, and LED fog lights in higher trim levels.

Automakers generally take one of two approaches to the exterior design of their crossovers, and the CR-V falls somewhere in the middle. While crossovers are essentially jacked-up cars, the temptation is to make them look sturdy and truck-like, as Toyota did with the RAV4. In contrast, the latest Ford Escape looks more like a car, almost like a Ford Focus when viewed through a Funhouse mirror. The CR-V is based on both playbooks. The upright profile and the imposing front section are truck-like, the slim headlights and the curved surfaces are more like a car. The result won't turn your head, but it looks good and should age well.

2020 Hona CR-V HybridStephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

The interior of the CR-V Hybrid is inexpensive compared to its competitors. The Honda has more rear legroom than the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Ford offers more front legroom, and the it and Honda are virtually tied to headroom.

The Honda also offers more cargo space than the Toyota with built-in rear seats and the Ford with the rear seats folded down (Toyota doesn't give an amount when the rear seats are folded down). The Escape Hybrid has a sliding seat in the second row, which gives it a space advantage over the CR-V if the rear seats are available (but at the expense of leg room in the second row). The CR-V Hybrid also has less cargo space than a petrol CR-V because the battery sits under the cargo floor. The Honda has a low loading floor height, which makes getting in and out easier.

Technology, infotainment and driver assistance

A 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available, but not in the LX basic configuration. The touring phone charges the phone, but the charging pad is too small for some phones.

A digital instrument cluster contains hybrid-specific displays, e.g. B. A power meter that indicates whether the car uses a gasoline engine or an electric motor. The graphics for the instrument cluster are of high quality and easy to read, which cannot be said of the cheap looking graphics on the main touchscreen of the CR-V.

2020 Honda CR-V HybridStephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

The CR-V Hybrid comes standard with the Honda Sensing line of driver aids, which include autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, downhill departure, lane departure warning, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a comparable selection of standard driver aids. The Ford Escape Hybrid has a standard lane departure warning system and autonomous emergency braking. However, adaptive cruise control is optionally available.

Ford and Toyota have no equivalent of the downhill Honda, which automatically steers the car back onto the road when a wheel crosses an outer lane marking. However, the RAV4 Hybrid has standard traffic sign recognition, and the Escape Hybrid has post-collision braking to prevent a car from rolling against other objects after a collision.

Experience behind the wheel

The drive train of the CR-V Hybrid consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that works with Honda's two-engine hybrid system. One electric motor drives the wheels, while the other acts as a generator and gains energy from regenerative braking and from the petrol engine. The gas engine only drives the wheels directly if the system considers this to be the most efficient.

The total system performance is 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. This is more than a conventional CR-V or a Ford Escape Hybrid. The RAV4 Hybrid has 219 hp; Toyota does not specify a torque number.

Since the petrol engine is not coupled to the wheels most of the time, the Honda system has a special feature. The engine speed does not always correspond to your acceleration or driving speed. Honda improved this with the CR-V Hybrid, and we found that the engine didn't seem to cry as much at low speeds as the Honda Insight. The transition between petrol and electrical energy feels even more linear with the Escape Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid.

The CR-V Hybrid is simply beautiful to drive.

Apart from that, the CR-V Hybrid felt great. It's not fast, but the electric motor offers a helpful torque boost when starting stops. The ride is quieter than the competing CUVs from Ford and Toyota, and the interior is quiet. The shift paddles that control regenerative braking were helpful. We could slow the car down without touching the brake pedal, much like shifting down in a manual transmission car.

Like the standard CR-V, the hybrid uses a mechanical all-wheel drive system with a drive shaft that connects the front engine to the rear axle. Ford did the same with the Escape Hybrid, but the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid uses a second electric motor for the rear wheels, with no physical connection to the front wheels. Mechanical all-wheel drive is cheaper, Honda told Digital Trends, and it is unlikely that most drivers will notice the difference under normal conditions. But what about abnormal conditions?

2020 Honda CR-V HybridStephen Edelstein / Digital Trends

Honda and Toyota boast that their hybrid crossovers can be used off-road and claim that their respective all-wheel drive systems are key. At the start of the CR-V Hybrid, Honda let us drive around a sand pit in both the CR-V and the RAV4 Hybrid. Sure enough, the CR-V did better. The RAV4 Hybrid tumbled awkwardly on the track when its electronics clicked and buzzed in protest. The CR-V Hybrid also has more ground clearance and better approach and departure angles than the RAV4 Hybrid, making it less likely to hit obstacles.

However, we had no opportunity to test the CR-V Hybrid on a more traditional off-road trail, as we did when the RAV4 started. Of course, neither of them can keep up with the skills of real off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler and the Toyota 4Runner. Crossovers like CR-V and RAV4 are not designed for serious off-roading. But if you are ever on the run from Tusken Raiders, the CR-V Hybrid has your back.

Fuel consumption and security

The real reason to buy a hybrid is mileage, and in this area the CR-V lags behind its rivals. The Honda is rated 38 mpg combined (35 mpg city, 40 mpg highway), while the RAV4 Hybrid is rated 40 mpg combined (41 mpg city, 38 mpg highway). While the CR-V surpasses the 37 mpg freeway drive rating of the four-wheel drive Escape Hybrid, the Ford is also available with front-wheel drive, which together it can achieve 41 mpg.

We managed to improve Honda Environmental Protection Agency ratings and hit 51 mpg in a short loop. However, the numbers fell quickly with less stingy driving.

The CR-V Hybrid lags behind its competitors in terms of mileage.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the CR-V Hybrid a five-star overall rating. The hybrid model is delivered as standard with the headlights required to achieve a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Honda offers a three-year basic warranty of 36,000 miles and a five-year warranty of 60,000 miles for the drivetrain. This is the same coverage as for Ford and Toyota. Honda has a solid reliability record. While the hybrid powertrain is new, the CR-V itself has proven to be absolutely solid.

How DT would configure this car

Honda made this easy by making many key features standard. All equipment variants are equipped as standard with all-wheel drive and the Honda Sensing range of driver aids. The only thing missing is Apple CarPlay / Android auto compatibility, which requires an upgrade from the basic LX trim level to the EX. Another upgrade doesn't offer much of an advantage. The EX-L adds leather seats, and the Touring is equipped with a mobile phone charger, a hands-free tailgate and a heated steering wheel. However, this is a luxury and not a necessity.

Our opinion

Not surprisingly, the Honda CR-V Hybrid 2020 is a well-executed example of this breed. The standard CR-V was already one of the best small crossovers, and Honda's hybrid system has proven itself in the Accord Hybrid and Insight. However, the CR-V Hybrid is not only good in isolation, it can also hold its own against its two competitors.

Honda couldn't beat the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid in terms of fuel consumption, but the CR-V Hybrid makes up for it in other areas, and the efficiency gap is small. The Honda is nicer to drive than its competitors, has more usable cargo space and offers many standard driver aids.

Should you get one?

Yes. Sometimes it's good to be fashionably late.

Editor's recommendations




16 Mar
Blog

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review: The Ideal Island Trip

Animals crossing new horizons save boundaries around bonfires

Animal crossing: new horizons

"Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the escape we need right now."

  • Visually fascinating

  • Many adjustments

  • Tons of gameplay

  • Great social functions

  • The real time clock gives a reason to come back

  • The gameplay can repeat itself

  • A lack of challenge will not appeal to everyone

Animal crossing: new horizons could be the perfect game for that moment in history.

The slightly combative, always cute life simulator is back with its first game in almost eight years and, while sticking to what is likeable about the series, it also has the kind of upgrades for which Tom Nook would require a significant sum of bells.

Not everyone sees the appeal of a game that involves repaying a mortgage and running errands. Sometimes Animal Crossing: New Horizons extends the definition of what a game is. Still, it has managed to conquer the hearts of millions when massive fan hype since Nintendo announced its release in 2019. Fans have also grabbed a model of the New Horizons switch that is sold out worldwide.

This is the island vacation we all need right now.

Not the same old zodiac

New Horizons is clearly part of the franchise, but does not repeat the formula of past games. It's part Animal Crossing, part Cities: Skylines, and part The Sims. For the first time, players can customize all the details of an island, including the location of bridges and ramps. Thanks to Amiibo compatibility, you can easily bring villagers' favorites to your new island. If you prefer people to people, it is also easy to play online with friends by visiting each other's islands.

Change animal crossing

Despite its wide range of uses, the game also pays attention to details, with lots of little tidbits that are fun to notice. The villagers can sit and read on the grass, walk around with a sandwich, or work hard at work in their own four walls. Building interiors now have more aesthetic details, making the environment feel more realistic than in the past.

An island that I can call myself

Often in games, players just have to accept what they don't like. Unpleasant parts of a card or annoying NPCs are only part of the experience. Not in New Horizons.

Yes, there are initial storage access restrictions. This is frustrating when planning where to put your home, other villagers, and important buildings like the museum. However, this can be changed later, and you don't have to wait long before making any significant changes.

New Horizons Adds terrain editing as opposed to previous Animal Crossing games. The last entry New pageAppoint the players responsible for the city as mayors. This meant they could make small, pre-set changes to the gameplay and decorate the area with “public building projects,” but none of that came close to the scope of New Horizons.

Animal crossing: new horizons

Every new Animal Crossing game contains new clothing, accessories and furniture, but also some New Horizons turns the knob to 11. Clothing and furniture now have whole pallets, some of which can be bought or crafted to customize the look of everything you own. With ladder shelves and macrame wall hangings, the items also look more modern.

The interior is significantly revised. Side game from Animal Crossing, Happy home designer, was not a hit, but showed new ways to style houses. New Horizons builds on this and allows players to lay floors in multiple directions, move multiple items at once, and bring up a design user interface instead of physically walking a villager around the room by perfectly pushing and pulling objects. You can even place furniture and fences outside, near houses, and on the beach.

It's part Animal Crossing, part Cities: Skylines, and part The Sims.

The game's go-to shop, The Able Sisters, contains more items than ever. The store offers seasonal items and a daily rotation, but the locker room offers even more options and allows players to mix and match parts. Here you will find maxi skirts and tunics inspired by boho.

It's a lot, but that's the point. The original Animal Crossing hit from 2001 and New Leaf is now eight years old. Life simulation games have increased over the years. The Sims 4 have worked intensively on expansion packages that offer options for almost every situation. Stardew Valley has mistaken things for farming gameplay, and niche games like My Time in Portia offer big worlds. Animal Crossing needed to be expanded, and that's exactly what New Horizons did.

Next generation graphics

New Horizons is visually breathtaking. The textures of fossils, carpets, animal skins and the bark on trees make the virtual island appear more haunting than any animal crossing game. Fish and insects in the Critterpedia, which catalogs all caught fish and insects, are presented with exquisite details. New Horizons captures the setting in a completely new light.

Animal crossing: new horizons

In addition to better character models and textures, the animations get more attention to detail than ever before. An island breeze often sways from the leaves on trees. Ribbons and ponytails on the villagers' hair bounce with movement.

When viewing objects in a museum, talking to other villagers, or taking photos, the camera focuses on a specific area, giving a flattering bokeh effect. It's a nice touch that makes the game look modern.

Take it easy. Too simple?

Island life means leaning back and relaxing, but it can be a little too relaxing. I have unearthed more fossils than in previous games, and changes and styles of appearance were easy to unlock. After a few upgrades, the bags have 40 slots. Collecting material is essential New Horizons, But it's still a major upgrade.

The Miles system means that there are two ways to make money. A rotation of items from clothing, furniture and recipes can be bought with miles. The miles themselves are also easy to obtain. Everything it takes to play the game. Catching fish, talking to villagers, looking for insects, everything counts. Life simulation games aren't known for challenges, but New Horizons offers absolutely no friction.

On the other hand, Animal Crossing has never been a challenge in the past. Relaxing, trouble-free gameplay is the focus of the series. Just make sure you know the time has come. This is not a game you are winning. There are no credits, no final battle. It's just life, day after day, in a fun world full of talking animals.

Our opinion

New Horizons is full of joy. It's fun, with less cross-generational appeal. The lonely island theme had given some fears that the latest entry would diverge from the traditional model, but these fears should be quickly addressed. However, it enables new experiences and prevents the series from feeling stale almost 20 years after its debut.

Is there a better alternative?

There is no better alternative New Horizons, or any animal crossing game as there are no alternatives. Stardew Valley or The Sims are getting closer, but Animal Crossing is not. Stardew Valley focuses more on agriculture, and the Sims' emphasis on realism means that the kitschy, cute anthropomorphic neighbors are a no-go. Animal Crossing is a separate genre.

How long it will take?

How long should it take? New horizons & # 39; Real-time progress means that this company is tedious, at least if you are not ready to cheat. Over the days, your island will develop slowly. There is no instant gratification, as you will have to wait at least a day in the game to take advantage of a new building.

Even if you are bored with your current run, there is a lot of value for replayability. Many fans have created themed cities in previous entries or found new priorities when restarting.

New Horizons, As with its predecessors, you can choose your own endgame. This can mean building your perfect house, living as a city planner, carefully designing your island, or making a dream come true by collecting all of the catalog items or filling out the museum.

Should you buy it

Yes. While Animal Crossing games undoubtedly argue about how “fun” they are, you should definitely pick up on this game if you're on the fence at all. The unique style of play, updated and expanded features, and the ability to appeal to fans of various elements have a reason why the franchise is so popular.

Especially when countries with the corona virus, officially called COVID-19, cope with social distancing and staying at home, this is the kind of game that is perfect for those who want to leave without leaving home.

Editor's recommendations




16 Mar
Blog

2020 Polestar 1 Plug-In Hybrid Luxury Coupe Review

2020 Polestar 1

2020 Polestar 1 review: All aboard the Scandinavian Express

"Polestar's first car, the Plug-in Hybrid 1, fills a gap between efficiency and performance."

  • Beautiful design

  • Seriously powerful

  • Real torque vectoring

  • User-friendly technology

  • Tiny trunk

  • It feels very volvo-like inside

Heritage is a double-edged sword in the automotive industry.

It sells cars and there are whole brands that are boldly built on it, but it's also a burden in the age of electrification. How would enthusiasts respond if Porsche released a 911 powered by a flat twin generator and four electric motors? Not good.

This is where Polestar comes in. It was founded in 2017 and has no legacy as an independent brand. Therefore, it is not bound by rules other than the rules it sets. The 1, its aptly named first car, does not deviate far from the style elements that define GT coupes, but it does without a large-displacement engine for plug-in hybrid drive. Does it move the segment forward or does it fall too short? I flew to Gothenburg, Sweden, to familiarize myself with one of the 1,500 units that Polestar is planning.

Design and interior

If you look at photos of Polestar 1 and wonder what kind of Volvo you're looking at, you're not alone – at least four people asked me about it during my time. You also have plans. This shapely two-door began as the Concept Coupé, which the Swedish company presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2013 to get a preview of its next design language. Executives beamed as they celebrated the beautiful design study as the legacy of the P1800, but no one expected it to see the light at the end of a production line. It should have lived in the company's museum.

I thought I was flying under the radar in Polestar 1. I was wrong. It turned heads everywhere.

His fate changed fundamentally when Volvo and the parent company Geely Polestar moved from a tuner and racing car manufacturer to an independent luxury brand in 2017. Creating a business case for a two-door version of the S90 suddenly became much easier, according to Volvo. The design icon turned into an upscale Grand Tourer with supercar-like power and a suitable price. Carbon fiber is used extensively to balance the weight of the hybrid system as much as possible.

What we saw in Frankfurt seven years ago is somewhat unexpectedly almost exactly what Polestar builds. Here's a cheat sheet if you want to spot the differences: Stylists have redesigned the lower part of the front bumper, pulled the Volvo emblem off the grille, and nip-and-tucked the rear end. The elegant proportions and the attractive, reserved lines are retained. It's all done in a very subtle and ultimately very Swedish way. The designers haven't attached a rear wing the size of a bench in the National Mall, nor an air scoop in the form of an oversized Cool Ranch Dorito.

With this in mind, I thought I was flying under the radar at 1. I was wrong. It turned heads everywhere. I sipped a double espresso as I watched a man jog, circled back, and spent at least 3 minutes examining him from every angle. Those who are on the pulse of the auto industry know immediately that they are looking for something special. Polestar will only produce 1,500 examples of the 1 in Chengdu, China, so there is little chance of spotting one in the wild.

2020 Polestar 1Ronan Glon

Inside, parts like the three-spoke steering wheel, the digital instrument cluster, the touchscreen of the infotainment system and the ventilation slots that surround it will look familiar to you if you were in a Volvo of the latest generation. Stylists added, among other things, yellow seat belts and an Orrefors crystal gear selector that looks and feels like a Volvo behind the driver's seat, though, and that could be a fork at this price.

The cargo hold deserves a special mention; The Polestar 1 is the only car I have ever driven with a trunk that is as useless as it is fascinating. And believe me, it registers an extremely strong signal on both radars. The total capacity is 4.4 cubic feet, which is slightly less than that of a Lamborghini Aventador S. with a mid-engine.

2020 Polestar 1Ronan Glon

This is because part of the drivetrain battery is housed in the transmission tunnel, which the drive shaft normally drives into, and the rest is directly behind the rear seats. I couldn't fit a carry-on suitcase, my briefcase, and much else.

The disadvantage is that you can marvel at the orange high-voltage cabling through a transparent, scratch-resistant panel. Each port is labeled so you know what is what – it's a cool way to showcase technology. It almost feels like you're going through a life-size circuit diagram that's heavenly for auto technician nerds.

Technology and infotainment

Thanks to carbon fiber, the doors are lighter than expected. Once inside, the driver sits behind a high-resolution 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that includes a speedometer, a power indicator, a fuel gauge, and a fourth dial to provide information about what the hybrid system is doing and what is not. For example, it signals exactly when the drive train switches from electric to petrol-powered. Navigation instructions are also displayed in the instrument cluster. You can also find them on the standard head-up display and on the touchscreen on the center stack. There is also Android Auto, so you have no excuse to get lost here.

2020 Polestar 1Ronan Glon

Speaking of the touchscreen: it's a 9.3-inch device that – you guessed it – is shared with members of the Volvo range. I have praised the intuitiveness of this system in previous reviews, and this is no different here. It contains a huge amount of information, but is easy and straightforward to use. The various menus are clearly marked, the graphics are sharp and the response time is quick.

Polestar inherited Volvo's manic, decades-long obsession with passenger safety.

There are better systems on the market like the MBUX software from Mercedes-Benz, but that from Polestar remains excellent every day. Remember that it is also at the end of its life cycle, so it has stood the test of time well. The company has already developed its next infotainment system with contributions from Google. It is Android-based, smartphone-like, is displayed on an 11.0-inch screen and is expected to appear in the not too distant future.

Polestar also inherited Volvo's manic, decades-long obsession with passenger safety. The long list of electronic driving aids includes front and rear collision mitigation (which the car can steer out of an accident with an oncoming vehicle), a 360-degree camera, and enough airbags to build an inflatable replica of the majestic Edinburgh Castle.

Performance and ride

Volvo and China's parent company, Geely, founded Polestar to manufacture electric vehicles like the 2, but the 1 is the notable exception to the rule. It is powered by a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid drive, which consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with turbocharger and compressor, two electric motors and an integrated starter generator (ISG).

The hybrid system's total output is 600 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.

The engine and ISG are hidden under the long bonnet, the electric motors are each assigned to one of the rear wheels, and there is no mechanical connection between the axles, so the system delivers all-wheel drive via the road. The electricity is stored in a large (for a plug-in hybrid) 34-kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery.

The hybrid system's total output is 600 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. How it gets on the sidewalk depends on the selected driving mode. If you choose the Pure profile, the engine is turned off and the 1 is turned into a rear-wheel drive electric car for about 60 miles. In this configuration, it is quiet, agile and fluid to drive. I used this mode when I was traveling through downtown Gothenburg. Selecting AWD, Hybrid or Power modes on the touchscreen silently wakes the engine from sleep to achieve full powertrain performance.

2020 Polestar 1Ronan Glon

After leaving town, I got to know the 600 horses under my right foot and found that they do not all live in the same stable. When you press the accelerator pedal, the first thing you feel is the immediate torque that is delivered by the electric motors in the rear. The four-cylinder compressor winds up quickly and the turbocharger's thrust comes last.

Six hundred is an impressive number when we talk about the performance of an engine or hybrid system, but in this case it doesn't mean brutal, lightning-fast acceleration. It's linear, which goes well with the character of this car. It's a good-natured coupe with a distinct Scandinavian flavor, not a racing rat that spends its nights in the pits.

2020 Polestar 1Ronan Glon

The petrol-electric configuration on the road also has an extremely interesting (and somewhat unexpected) effect on the handling that I discovered on the winding, tree-lined roads that separate the interior of Sweden from the country's scenic, seafood-crazy coastline.

If everything fits, the 1 overcomes its not inconsiderable weight of 5,170 pounds to offer a sharp and precise driving experience.

The four-cylinder transmits around 300 hp to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, which results in easy torque control when accelerated strongly.

Meanwhile, the two electric motors relentlessly push the car forward. For a few seconds, the 1 feels like a car with front and rear wheel drive at the same time. It's a unique behavior and it's surprisingly fun once you've learned how to do it.

If everything fits, the 1 overcomes its not inconsiderable weight of 5,170 pounds to offer a sharp and precise driving experience. This is where technology comes in again. The electric motors are independent of each other so that they can spin at different speeds. This means that the system can slow down the inner rear wheel in a curve. This is real torque vectorization. This makes the 1 feel agile and responsive on a winding road.

2020 Polestar 1Ronan Glon

Polestar has teamed up with Swedish suspension expert Öhlins to tune the 1. You have chosen a ride that is reasonably firm – the car never feels like a floating Viking ship, but it is not punitive or overly bouncy.

Mammoth brakes brought the coupé to a standstill without drama, but I didn't use it often. Seriously, who needs brakes when you have 600 horsepower? I'm just having fun. The brake energy recovery system slows the car down as soon as you take your foot off the accelerator to generate electricity that it sends to the battery. This way you can almost come to a standstill.

True to the great touring spirit, which is partly defined by the ability to effortlessly chase through countries, the 1 is content to cross and cross and cross … and cross.

Volvo's Pilot Assist technology combines adaptive cruise control with Lane Keeping Assist. Over the past few years, I've driven enough cars with this system to see how much it has improved. At the beginning of his life, the lane keeping assistant pinged the car nervously between the lane markings. In the 1 and in newer Volvo models such as the V60 Cross Country, the car remains centered on the lane.

Reach and efficiency

In its most efficient hybrid mode, the Polestar 1 has a fuel consumption of 64 MPG, a number that roughly equates it to the BMW i8, which will soon be retiring, and a range of up to 540 miles, which exceeds every 100% electric car considerably larger than Hawaii. Volvo's XC90 plug-in hybrid is rated at 55 MPG, while the petrol-electric version of the Audi Q5 is rated at 65 MPG. Both are less powerful than the 1. According to Polestar, it takes 80% less than an hour to charge a completely empty battery when using a 50-kilowatt DC fast charger.

Although it is a relatively new car, the 1 was built with proven mechanical components that can be found in several Volvo models. Therefore, it should be able to drive reliably and carefree for many years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet been forced into a wall, so its crash test result is not available.

How DT would configure this car

It's simple: I don't really need to configure it. With a starting price of $ 156,500 including destination, Polestar considered it appropriate to include all the features of its arsenal in the list of standard equipment. Heated seats? Check. Soft leather upholstery? It is there and it is beautiful. An amazingly clear Bowers & Wilkins sound system? Yup. The only option is matte paint, which costs $ 5,000. I would skip it. I would order mine in a gray called magnesium and keep my tester's wheels.

Our opinion

2020 Polestar 1Ronan Glon

It is far too easy to just write off the Polestar 1 as a large Volvo coupe. It's true, it looks and feels that way in many ways, but the plug-in hybrid system makes it more than just a two-door S90. It gets the GT label by ticking the boxes for comfort and performance and offers useful standard technical functions (such as the head-up display and pilot assistant) that do not impair the driving experience. However, it's a shame about the trunk.

On a secondary level, the 1 really feels special. It is confident but unpretentious. It's rare, but it doesn't scream. It's quick, but it doesn't flaunt it. I drove faster and spent time in more expensive (and accordingly more wasteful) coupes, but the 1 is one that I still chatter about when I'm an old man.

Should you get one?

Depends on. In the price range of the Polestar 1 you will find much more powerful super sports cars. However, if you are looking for an efficient, comfortable Grand Tourer with all the frills, this is the place for you.

Editor's recommendations




15 Mar
Blog

Acer ConceptD 9 review: A Portable Workstation for Artists Only

acer conceptd 9 review 04

"The Acer ConceptD 9 is fast and innovative with its easel hinge, but it can't compete with other portable workstations in terms of performance or mobility."

  • Beautiful 4K screen

  • Wacom pen support

  • Innovative design of the easel hinge

  • Fantastic performance

  • Solid, heavy chassis

  • Not as powerful as a real workstation

  • Cumbersome keyboard and touchpad

If someone appreciates slim, thin laptops, it's artists and designers. You know a slim product when you see one. The problem? These options often don't have the strength that some creative people really need.

Enter the ConceptD 9, a beast of an Acer workstation. With its thick housing and the Core i9 processor with eight cores, it is not only powerful, but also has an innovative easel hinge that can be converted into a digital drawing table. It doesn't even pretend to be portable and weighs almost ten pounds. At $ 5,000, it doesn't pretend to be cheap either.

It's undoubtedly a niche product, but is the ConceptD 9 more than an interesting concept?

For artists by engineers

My first reaction when I packed the box in the FedEx store was: "Man, this thing is heavy!" I checked so many Ultrabooks that weigh less than three pounds with just a few 15-inch laptops that weigh more than four pounds that the ConceptD 9 felt like a ton of rocks. It just can't be a laptop, I thought.

But it was. I opened the packaging, unpacked the machine and yes: it was almost 10 pounds of metal, glass and plastic (exactly 9.48 pounds). Much of that weight is on the 17.3-inch display (with solid bezels), and I'm sure a lot of it is also the hinge assembly that allows the screen to fold out in a very flexible easel mode that allows any angle from 90 degrees down to about 20 degrees – perfect for artists to draw.

You will not use this beast on your lap, nor will you put it in a backpack and take it to a cafe.

The ConceptD 9 is very similar to the Microsoft Surface Studio in this respect, only smaller. And it is probably a better machine because it is far more powerful than what Microsoft offers. In short, the ConceptD 9 doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is. It is a portable creative workstation for people who edit high-resolution photos and videos, do 3D work in applications like AutoCAD and especially paint with the active Wacom pen on the screen.

The easel movement is certainly neat. It's not quite as intuitive as Surface Studio, but it is fluid. Simply fold up the bottom of the display and pull it to the desired angle. It can be pulled down almost flat (with just the right end angle for easy drawing). However, this applies to the keyboard and the touchpad.

Artists who want to draw directly on the canvas should love this. You will also love the included Wacom pen. It has 4,096 pressure sensitivity levels. As with the Surface Studio, the pen is magnetic and is attached to the display – in this case at the top. The display also stays fixed at every angle you place it, so you can draw safely on whether it is at a 90 degree angle or fully extended.

Will artists prefer this to a PC and a Wacom tablet? Maybe. As with Surface Studio, you draw directly on the canvas. Having all of this in one place is also an attraction. However, the flexibility of a pure drawing area and a screen for toolbars and menus requires some adjustments.

Connectivity is a strength as Acer has the space available for a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3, a USB-C 3.1 port, two USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports, a USB-A 2.0 port and an HDMI Connection uses 2.0 port that supports HDCP, a DisplayPort 1.4 and a Gigabit Ethernet port. A Killer 1650 802.11ax Wi-Fi radio offers Wi-Fi 6 support, and Bluetooth 5.0 is on board.

A powerhouse, but not a real workstation

The promise of the ConceptD 9 was of course never just an interesting form factor. It was also a raw performance. The ConceptD 9 delivers on that promise, including a Core i9-9880HK processor, up to 32 GB of RAM, and an RTX 2080 graphics card. That's an incredible amount of performance regardless of the size of the laptop.

That is, unless you compare it to an actual 17-inch workstation like the HP ZBook 17, the Dell Precision 7740 Mobile Workstation, and the Lenovo ThinkPad P73 Mobile Workstation. These laptops do not have the unique easel design of the ConceptD 9, but they do offer the slightly more powerful Intel Xeon CPUs as an option. Some of these workstations, such as B. the ZBook, offer up to 128 GB RAM. The ConceptD 9 has 32 GB, which is a significant disadvantage.

Not that the ConceptD 9 is definitely slow. Compared to fast 15-inch laptops like the Dell XPS 15 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2, the ConceptD 9 is quite competitive.

It has passed our handbrake test, which encodes a 420 megabyte video (MB) in just 1 minute and 52 seconds. The XPS 15 with the same CPU took 1 minute and 42 seconds, while the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2 took 1 minute and 58 seconds. The Apple MacBook 16, also with the Core i9-9980HK, sits exactly in between.

Only the ZenBook Pro Duo was significantly faster with 1 minute and 19 seconds. Outside of the ZenBook, which was a remarkable 32% faster, there was only a 12% difference between the fastest laptop (the XPS 15) and the ConceptD 9. We haven't tested the most powerful laptops equipped with Xeon, but we expect them at least would be a little faster than everyone except the ZenBook.

It's fast, but you buy the ConceptD 9 because of its unusual design and not just because of its performance.

To measure actual performance, I also ran a video editing test with Adobe Premiere that rendered a two-minute 4K video for ProRes 422. The ConceptD 9 did a little more than two and a half minutes compared to the almost five minutes that the XPS 15 took.

The ZenBook Pro Duo was the previous king of speed at three minutes and four seconds, but most likely fell behind the Acer due to the slower RTX 2060 graphics cards. Unlike the handbrake test, there was a very significant difference between the ConceptD 9 (which was the fastest in this case) and the XPS 15 (the slowest): the ConceptD 9 was a full 47% faster.

Next up is the GPU, and here the ConceptD 9 also deviates from the typical workstation design. It uses an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Studio Edition with 8 GB of GDDR6 RAM, a high-speed GPU at the top of the typical laptop pile. The Studio Edition moniker refers to the ISV-certified drivers, which means that they are guaranteed to be stable with applications such as Adobe Suite, AutoCAD and other professional applications.

This is a good thing and like all drivers they should be kept up to date. I got a nice speed bump when I updated the drivers on the ConceptD 9.

However, the RTX 2080 isn't as fast in these applications as the top-of-the-range Nvidia Quadro GPUs that you can get in a typical workstation like the relatively new Quadro RTX 5000 with 16 GB of GDDR6 RAM. This means that the ConceptD 9 is fast and stable in its target applications, but not necessarily as fast as you would expect from a more traditional workstation option. You buy the ConceptD 9 because of its unusual design, therefore not necessarily just because of its performance.

You should also not buy that the ConceptD 9 has a dedicated gaming laptop. However, if you look at the specifications, you may be tempted to do so. It has worked admirably in everything we've tested, from Fortnite to Assassins Creed: Odyssey. The problem is that the screen is locked at 60 Hz, which means that these high frame rates are of little use to you here. A few games on the side? Absolutely.

The display does justice to its accounting

The ConceptD 9 needs a fabulous display to be a good choice for its target market. It needs a wide range of colors and accurate colors to satisfy photo and video editors, and it should also have a high resolution. Fortunately, this is exactly the 4K IPS display (3,840 x 2,160) that Acer has obtained and calibrated for the machine.

According to my colorimeter, the display is quite bright with 353 nits and has an excellent contrast ratio with 1000: 1. This is behind the XPS 15 and MacBook Pro 16, and is likely to have problems competing with other portable workstations that can offer 400 nits or brightness and higher contrast. But there are still good results that give a pleasant screen for all-round use.

However, colors are more of a strength. Acer's IPS display reaches 94% of AdobeRGB and 98% of sRGB. It also offers a fantastic color accuracy of 0.61. Anything less than 1.0 is considered excellent. This is one of the best results we have ever seen. The XPS 15 with its OLED display offers a slightly wider color gamut, but cannot keep up with the color accuracy of the Acer, while the MacBook Pro 16 only surpasses the ConceptD 9 by achieving 100 percent of the sRGB.

Acer chose a great display that met the needs of its creative target market. That is a real strength.

It's not much of a laptop

At the same time, the design is not very suitable for the typical laptop user. Take the keyboard, for example. It's an excellent mechanical keyboard that offers unusually fast keystrokes and some of the best feedback you'll find in a laptop.

But there is also no palm rest because the thermal design of the system takes up so much space above the keyboard. Acer went out of its way to make this machine a quiet machine even under full load, and they mostly succeeded. However, this means that there is no space for a palm rest – and that makes typing on the keyboard uncomfortable.

ConceptD 9 users are likely to use external keyboards and mice. It is really so uncomfortable.

The touchpad is also unusually to the right of the keyboard. There is no space underneath here either. The touchpad is also strangely shaped and oriented more vertically than horizontally. But it works well enough once you get used to it, and it offers a very Asus ZenBook-like LCD numeric keypad that you can access by tapping an icon on the top left of the touchpad. It's a design that will be acceptable in gaming laptops, but it's hardly ideal here.

ConceptD 9 users are likely to use external keyboards and mice. It's really so uncomfortable to tap on it. I would not find the experience satisfactory in the long run.

Whatever you do, you will not use this beast on your lap, nor will you put it in a backpack and take it to the local cafe. Anything beyond repositioning in another part of your home, or from office to office, is probably too much for this ten-pound chunker.

But you won't let it run away from a plug either. Acer equipped the ConceptD 9 with only 72 watt hours of battery capacity. For comparison: the HP ZBook 17 offers 95 watt hours. Given the massive 4K display and the powerful components, we didn't expect much from the battery life. And it's not surprising that we haven't seen it.

In our demanding Basemark test, which abused the CPU, we saw an hour and 48 minutes, which is actually competitive compared to other powerful laptops. However, the two hours and 43 minutes that we saw in our web browser test and five hours in our video loop test are pretty weak. They're competitive when it comes to developing gaming laptops, and maybe that makes sense – like these machines, the ConceptD 9 is just not designed to run on battery.

Our opinion

The ConceptD 9 is designed for a very specific person. Creative professionals who need a relatively powerful portable workstation and would benefit from a display that can switch to easel mode and use an excellent Wacom active pen.

In addition, the size and design of this machine make it pretty useless as a laptop. It is a very small niche. And even if you are, most creatives will likely prefer the versatility of using a separate Wacom tablet in conjunction with a traditional workstation or high-end 15-inch laptop.

Are there any better alternatives?

There is really no other laptop or portable workstation like the ConceptD 9. As already mentioned, real workstations like the HP ZBook 17, Dell Precision 7740 and Lenovo ThinkPad P73 are the closest competitors. Each of these components can be equipped with faster Xeon CPUs and Nvidia Quadro GPUs as well as four times as much RAM. They are also smaller and offer better battery life.

Configured similarly (but with Xeon and Quadro), they typically cost around $ 1,000 more than the ConceptD 9, but that's not a lot of money if you invest this type of cash.

At the same time, creatives with less demanding workflows can cope well with a Dell XPS 15, a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 2 or an Apple MacBook 16. You won't get the RTX 2080 with any of them, but for anyone. All three laptops with less demanding performance requirements offer more than enough performance. And Dell and Lenovo will likely cost about half of your ConceptD 9 spending.

How long it will take?

The ConceptD 9 is built like a tank and feels like it. Thanks to the latest components, it lasts for years, even though the industry-standard one-year guarantee has expired long before.

Should you buy it

No. The unique combination of performance and drawing features is neat, but there are better solutions for creative people.

Editor's recommendations




14 Mar
Blog

Subaru STI S209 Review: The Best STI Finally Hits The U.S.

Subaru STI S209

Subaru STI S209 review: The fastest STI comes to America

"The S209 justifies its price for Subaru super fans."

  • Incredible grip

  • Sharp, responsive chassis

  • Well behaved in the city

  • Aggressive style

  • Expensive

  • Additional performance is hardly noticeable

Subaru has a well-documented history of playing alphabet soup with hot rod cars. From the Impreza 22B to the BRZ tS, these special machines ranged from legitimate legends for road traffic to glorified equipment packages. This has led to confusion over the years. For connoisseurs, STI, which stands for Subaru Tecnica International, the company's performance-oriented sub-brand, is an acronym that stands for size.

We had a fair share of the seat time in the fifth generation WRX STI, based in Impreza, a car that is a bit unrefined compared to some of its competitors, but offers a lot of charm. But there is another STI offering that a US driver may not know about. Over the past 20 years, Subaru Tecnica International has launched a range of limited-production S-Line models that take STI performance to a new level. All were exclusive to Japan.

Subaru STI S209Bradley Iger / Digital Trends

With the S209, the latest S-Line creation from STI, Subaru decided to change the program. Only 209 copies of the automaker's latest WRX STI are produced, all of which travel to the United States.

Each model includes a laundry list with upgrades for the STI garden variety and a high MSRP of $ 63,995. This type of coin takes the STI out of its original competition set, which is occupied by cars like the Ford Focus RS and the Honda Civic Type R, and places it next to the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and the BMW M2 Competition.

Does the S209 have the hardware to secure its price?

Inside and outside

Although Subaru's performance is often linked to a rally competition on stage, S-Line vehicles focus more on the road course capabilities. For this purpose, the route intentions of this car are obvious at first glance, from the fenders on display to the canards and the unique rear wing. It is clear that the S209 has fast runtimes in mind. However, its extroverted aero is just the tip of the iceberg.

The strongest iteration of the Subaru 2.5-liter boxer engine EJ25, which we have seen in a production car, is hidden under the hood. It features a new intake and air filter design for improved engine breathing, larger injectors and a larger turbocharger that can deliver a maximum boost pressure of 18.9 psi.

Subaru STI S209 engineBradley Iger / Digital Trends

There is also a trick intercooler water spray system. It works like an overboost function. With paddles mounted on the steering wheel, you can call up the system at will to inject water mist into the charge air cooler. This briefly lowers the temperatures for brief additional power surges.

The combination, which exhales through a unique low throttle exhaust system, is good for 341 hp and 330 pound-feet of torque, up to 31 hp and 40 pounds per foot. from the standard STI. Coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox with a tight gear ratio, the all-wheel-drive Sube is said to be able to perform sprints from 5 seconds up to 60 miles an hour on its way to a top speed of 162 mph from 5 seconds.

Subaru STI S209Bradley Iger / Digital Trends

Sharper looks and more grunts are always welcome, but it's the suspension and suspension improvements that really set the S209 apart from its STI-branded brothers. Specially tuned Bilstein dampers are equipped with 10 mm lowering springs, a 20 mm stabilizer bar at the rear and pillow-like bushings for the front / rear side arms to improve body control. A two-piece strut tower bar and flexible front / rear stiffeners stiffen the body of the vehicle to maximize tire grip, improve cornering stability and improve steering behavior.

Speaking of tire grip, there are some of them. This is not only due to the improvements in handling, but also to the 265 mm wide Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT600A summer tires on which the S209 rolls and wrap the unique 19 × 9 inch BBS wheels. The braking force is provided by the same Brembo hardware that you find on a standard STI. However, a new material with a high friction pad replaces the standard pads to improve light resistance.

Subaru STI S209 interiorBradley Iger / Digital Trends

Inside, it usually runs as usual, although the steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara, the S209 emblem, silver contrast stitching and a serial badge in front of the gear lever help distinguish this S-Line car from other models. Subaru's 7.0-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment is standard and the only system offered in the S209. This means that navigation and the Harman Kardon sound system are not available. Fortunately, the touchscreen system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so Google Maps, Waze and other supported apps are available to help close the gap.

Steering

The standard STI has earned a reputation for being a fairly stiff driver, and given the route focus of the STI S209, we expected this machine to have even less compliance in the city.

Imagine our surprise when the S209 not only proved good-natured in LA's urban sprawl, but also more comfortable than a typical STI. The lightweight, communicative clutch and the Recaro sports seats made the car's sporting intentions clear, but had only a minimal impact on daily driving behavior. We wouldn't mind strengthening the thighs a little more to keep the front occupants seated if it was fun.

Subaru STI S209 interiorBradley Iger / Digital Trends

Speaking of which, it should come as no surprise that the technical switchbacks of the San Gabriel Mountains highlighted the greatest strengths of the S209. The extra power under the hood – even if we pulled the intercooler paddles in the hope of a video game-like performance boost – isn't transformative, but the improvements to the suspension and suspension are.

The Dunlops offer breathtaking grip and are connected to a chassis that both wants to change direction and quickly forgive imperfect inputs. This makes the S209 a car that promotes trust if you familiarize yourself with its limits.

Subaru STI S209Bradley Iger / Digital Trends

As with all WRX-based models, the overall sophistication of the Subaru pales in comparison to cars like the Volkswagen Golf R, but the quick fading of the VW in the rearview mirror on a good road will be a source of comfort for S209 owners.

Our opinion

Given its price, the fact that only 209 vehicles are built, and the lack of options available, the S209 is ultimately a model aimed more at collectors than enthusiasts. This is a bit of a shame, because the improvements in the entire car serve to noticeably increase performance without affecting driving behavior.

This is the most powerful WRX STI that has ever come out of a Subaru factory, but its price tag puts it in a league of cars that are likely to outperform it on a number of fronts. However, if Subaru applied these suspension and suspension modifications to a garden-style STI at a cheaper price, it would have a potential game changer in this segment.

How DT would configure this car

The only option available for the STI S209 is color – 128 units will be produced in World Rally Blue with matte silver wheels, while the remaining 81 cars will wear the Crystal White Pearl paint with gold wheels. Ideally, we would choose the World Rally Blue with the gold wheels of our test car, but we would be ready to settle for the combination of blue and matte silver.

Should you get one?

Most people, including enthusiasts, will want to see more powerful cars in this price range. However, if you have the resources and are a Subaru fan, this car is a real treat.
Home restart

Editor's recommendations




12 Mar
Blog

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX Review: A Dull Quest

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Dungeon DX

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX Review: A Monotonous Adventure

"Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: The DX rescue team is wasting its charming premise with repetitive gameplay."

  • Colorful pictures

  • Lovable story

  • In-depth team building

  • Boring design

  • Repeated fight

  • Bulky party size

  • Overly simplified new features

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: The Rescue Team DX is a colorful remake of a Game Boy Advance dungeon crawler from 2005, which is dedicated to the entertainment of the franchise's youngest fans. But it is also a concrete example of the tension that the entire Pokémon franchise faces. Developers strive to find a balance between young players who learn the ropes and veterans who grew up in the original games.

Similar to Pokémon Sword and Shield, this means making sacrifices that could annoy fans looking for an experience that grows with them. While some fans complained about the easy difficulty of Sword and Shield, others defended Game Freak's decision with a simple rally cry: These games are for kids. The same goes for the new Nintendo Switch game, but the case is less convincing this time.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a monotonous, but undeniably charming game that focuses so much on simplification that it forgets to have fun.

Just tap A.

Instead of following a beaming Pokémon trainer, Rescue Team DX throws the player himself as a Pokémon – or at least as a human being trapped in a Pokémon's body. Players assemble a team of friends and set off to rescue other animals from randomly generated dungeons.

This is more exciting on paper than in practice. Most of the game is spent crawling floor by floor with a team of up to eight Pokémon through indistinguishable card layouts. In each level, players collect resources, save Pokémon by speaking to them or delivering an item, attacking enemies and looking for an exit. It's a rinse and repeat flow that quickly feels like a Pokémon version of Groundhog Day.

With this change, Rescue Team DX feels less like Pokémon, with its talent for finely tuned battles, but more like a mobile game.

The lifeless dungeons and repetitive gameplay loop don't do the game a favor, but combat is its main weakness. The game clumsily drops turn-based battles into exploring free roaming and creates a start-stop pace that feels like a constant stutter. It doesn't help that the game still uses jerky movements in four directions in dungeons, even though players outside of these rooms have the full direction.

It's easy to attribute this to the rusty design of the 15-year-old game, but the Rescue Team DX only aggravates the problem when trying to modernize the original. In the Game Boy Advance games, players fight by choosing their attacks from a menu and carefully planning each action, as would be the case in a normal Pokémon fight. While this style of play is still available here, with a new primary control option, players can simply press A to launch their Pokémon's strongest attack. This means that many battles can be won by pressing a button until the enemy is defeated.

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

With this change, Rescue Team DX feels less like Pokémon, with its talent for fine-tuned battles, and more like a mobile game where thoughtless knocking will ultimately lead to victory.

It's a shame because the rest of the franchise's ingredients are there. There is a satisfactory "catch & # 39; em all" mechanic, classic type advantages and a team building aspect, all of which should form the basis for a well-known spin-off that playfully experiments with the genre. Instead, it sucks the childish miracle out of a funny premise by making Pokémon's secret life seem deeply boring.

New but not improved

The one-button combat system is not the only change to the remake. The Rescue Team DX is equipped with new features and quality of life improvements that are designed to improve the experience. Adding shiny Pokémon and Mega developments makes collecting exciting. There are more moves available, a passive bonus system and new ways to amplify Pokémon and their attacks. All of this adds a little more depth to team building.

Not every new function improves the experience. The remake increases team size from six to eight and allows players to randomly recruit defeated enemies in dungeons. As the group size increases, the gameplay changes from a tactical grid-based fight to a chaotic mosh pit that is difficult to master. As soon as Pokémon are in the mix again, the game plays almost automatically. Most encounters end before the player even has the opportunity to start their own attack.

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

It's a bit like an older brother giving his sibling a disconnected controller and making them think they are playing. I often felt like this unsuspecting child when my teammates attacked enemies and moved in a way that felt completely out of my control. If I tried to escape a situation so I could team up with my rescue team, my character would stop so the camera could go back to other Pokémon that were having a blast.

Rescue Team DX feels less improved than a misguided pivot that confuses the ease of accessibility.

It's a change that feels like it should make the experience easier for children, but it goes so far that it's almost condescending. There's even a new auto mode that allows the team to move around the dungeon independently by pressing L.

The design choices are a bit strange considering that kids had no trouble clinging to Pokémon Red and Blue when the series came out. Despite Game Boy's limitations, Game Freak provided a complex but accessible role-playing game that everyone could enjoy. The Pokémon Company has always struggled to restore the same magic in spin-offs.

Rescue Team DX feels less improved than a misguided pivot that confuses the ease of accessibility. The result is something that feels so cautious when it's child-friendly that it threatens to alienate everyone else in the process.

Full of charm

Despite its dreary gameplay, Rescue Team DX is a vibrant adventure full of Pokémon charm. The Game Boy Advance sprites are replaced with a pleasant hand-drawn style reminiscent of Kirby's Dreamland 3. It's a relaxing look that makes the world of Pokémon appear colorful and inviting.

With no people in sight, the playful dialogue gives creatures the opportunity to show their personality. High-spirited Alakazams, mischievous Gengars and wise Wiscashes populate the world of the game, making Pokémon feel more clearly and less like interchangeable fighting animals.

His story delivers a kind message that teaches children the value of teamwork.

The story itself is a standard adventure rate, but offers moments of genuine empathy that fit well into the franchise. In other Pokémon games, Man and Monster work together to defeat everyone on their way to championship gold. The DX rescue team is less controversial and focuses more on how the power of friendship can be used to help those in need. Sure, it's cheesy, but the narrative delivers a positive message that is easy to get past.

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

Here Rescue Team DX is a child's play with greater appeal. His story delivers a kind message that teaches children the value of teamwork. This is a simple concept that adults sometimes need to be reminded of.

The idea of ​​child-friendly gaming shouldn't be about watering things down to automation. It's about giving younger players the right motivation and fun, flexible ways to learn lessons. Rescue Team DX provides only half of this equation.

Our opinion

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a monotonous task that spoils its charming premise with weak villain-like design and repetitive battles. The colorful, new graphics and endearing story give the remake a welcome dose of character, but the additional features over-simplify the adventure. It may be enough to keep the franchise's youngest fans busy for a few hours, but there are many other Pokémon games on Switch that offer a more satisfying experience for all ages.

Is there a better alternative?

Pokémon Quest is a free mobile and switch game with similar mechanisms that makes better use of its small requirements.

How long it will take?

The main story takes 15 to 20 hours, but finding a full collection can take at least a dozen more.

Should you buy it

No. There are many Pokémon games for all ages that don't compromise on fun.

Editor's recommendations




11 Mar
Blog

Fujifilm X-T4 Hands-on Review: Near Photographic Perfection

Fujifilm X-T4

Fujifilm X-T4

"There is still room for improvement, but the X-T4 is the closest to the perfect camera."

  • Great 5-axis stabilization

  • Fully movable screen

  • 600-shot battery

  • Mechanical shutter at 15 frames per second

  • Refined video control

  • RIP headphone jack

  • No high-resolution recording mode

When Fujifilm launched the X-T4 in February, I was concerned that we finally had the perfect camera. It was supposed to fix every problem I've ever addressed with previous X-T flagships by adding image stabilization in the body, a fully moving screen and (finally!) A higher capacity battery. Would I have nothing more to list in the "Disadvantages" section?

Fortunately, from a reviewer's perspective, there is still room for criticism. Fujifilm's inexplicable decision to take a step out of Apple's book and remove the headphone jack isn't the end of the world, but it's a disappointment.

When the capabilities and costs of a product like the X-T4 improve, expectations also change. A missing function that I may have previously ignored is suddenly a point of longing. And when the price of this mark approaches $ 2,000, the inevitable comparison with full-frame cameras becomes part of the conversation.

But don't be upset about Fujifilm fans. The X-T4 may not be perfect, but it is a class-defining camera and one of the most sophisticated and feature-rich cameras at all costs.

Note: I was provided with a pre-production camera for this practical device, which still had some errors and inconsistencies in the fit and finish. I have not included these questions in my judgment.

New functions and improvements

The X-T4 looks like an X-T3 that has been in the gym for a few months. Although the difference is small and difficult to discern without direct comparison, it is physically larger and heavier and more robust in the hand.

This Swol frame supports a 5-axis IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) system, a variable-angle LCD screen that folds forward a full 180 degrees, and a 2200 mAh battery – about 1,000 mAh more than the previous battery.

This is not the first time that we have seen the sensor displacement stabilize in the Fujifilm X series. This loan goes to the larger and more expensive Fujifilm X-H1; A camera that I praised for its video functions, but which was surpassed by the X-T3 in every way (except stabilization).

Fujifilm had to develop a completely new gimbal to integrate IBIS into the smaller X-T body style. In fact, however, it is better than the stabilization of the X-H1 and offers up to 6.5 levels of blur reduction on some lenses and no less than 5 on the others.

Interestingly, the optically stabilized lenses do not offer the best performance. Even the first generation primes, like my 35mm 1: 1.4R and 23mm 1: 1.4R, are suitable for 6.5 stops. In fact, the lowest rated lenses are among the optically stabilized sets, including the 80mm F2.8 OIS macro, which is the only lens that offers only 5 levels of blur reduction.

The X-T4 is not the first camera in the X series to have a fully moving screen. However, the X-T4 is the first flagship with such a screen and a blessing for vloggers and YouTubers who need an easy way to monitor themselves in front of the camera.

An articulated monitor isn't much of an advantage for Fujifilm's core audience of still photographers, but the X-T4 is ready to break out of the brand's niche. Because of the excellent video capabilities, I expect that many customers will use the new monitor.

Both still photographers and videographers will appreciate the larger battery. It is designed for up to 600 exposures in economy mode, 500 in normal mode and 480 in boost mode. For occasional use, there's nothing wrong with keeping the camera in economy mode, but I haven't found any reason to worry about battery life in boost mode either, which improves autofocus speed and LCD / EVF frame rates. This is the most comfortable way to use the camera.

design

Aside from major new features, a few small design improvements solidify the X-T4's position as a focal point for professionals.

The new shutter mechanism is designed for 300,000 exposures during its lifetime, twice as much as the X-T3. It can also shoot at 15 frames per second in continuous mode, an impressive feat for a mechanical shutter that can only be achieved by much more expensive, bespoke sports cameras.

For the inexperienced eye, the control layout looks identical to the X-T3, but a few buttons have been repositioned and a button change made: A switch for the still image / film mode has replaced the measurement mode selector switch nested under the shutter speed. This is a more intuitive way to activate film mode, which was previously just an option on the drive mode dial.

Still and film modes now have different menus, so you can save different settings for each mode. For hybrid shooters, this saves time and ensures that you don't accidentally forget to change a setting when you switch modes.

The video mode is largely the same as the X-T3 and internally records 10-bit 4K at up to 400 megabits per second. However, Full HD videos can now be recorded at 240 frames per second, even if cropped, for up to 10 times slow motion playback. You get better quality at lower frame rates, but it's fun.

However, a small change is an undeniable negative, and that is removing the headphone jack. The X-T3 and the X-T2 both offered this. Fujifilm includes a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter in the box, but is still an additional accessory that you need to carry with you. This is a strange omission for a camera that is otherwise friendly to videographers.

There is also no external charger included, although the camera can be charged via USB-C. Again, it's not a deal-breaker for the average user, but a bit strange for a camera that appeals to enthusiasts and professionals who often need to charge a battery while taking pictures with another. For those who need it, an optional dual battery charger will be available for $ 70.

I can't blame Fujifilm too much. This was probably a step to keep the cost of the camera as low as possible. At $ 1,700, the X-T4 starts at $ 300 less than the X-H1, but is a better camera in every way except that it doesn't have an upper LCD display.

Photo and video quality

The X-T4 uses the same 26-megapixel X-Trans sensor and the same X-processor-4 image processor as the previous model. So there is nothing new to say about RAW image quality. It's very good, although high ISO shots are certainly louder than the best full-frame cameras.

Without a new film simulation, however, this would not be a new Fujifilm camera, and with the X-T4 we get the Eterna Bleach Bypass. This is based on the Eterna simulation that was introduced with the X-H1 (which I liked very much), but mimics the film development technique known as bleaching bypass.

Skipping the bleaching step would leave a color film with the silver layer intact, which would result in a semi-transparent monochromatic image overlaid on a color photo. The result is an image with low saturation and high contrast.

The Eterna Bleach Bypass does not provide a look that everyone likes, but it is a unique in-camera effect that matches some motifs and moods. For this review I took all my pictures with a film simulation exposure series so that I can try out Eterna Bleach Bypass without taking the risk of sticking to it.

The film simulation exposure series applies up to three simulations to the same exposure and thus enables multiple looks (in my case Eterna Bleach Bypass, regular Eterna and Provia). This is not a big deal if you can shoot RAW and change profiles later, but JPEGs in the camera do not have the same flexibility.

However, the biggest contribution to image quality is the IBIS system. This allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without worrying about camera shake, which can result in sharper images. In some situations, shooting with a slower shutter will allow a lower ISO, resulting in less noise.

In practice, I am not sure that I have reached the full 6.5 stops with my lenses, but it is important to note that this rating comes from standard CIPA tests that only take pitch and yaw movement into account and vertical and horizontal shifts are ignored.

Nevertheless, I only shot 1/8 of a second with the 35 mm and achieved sharp, usable results. This is good enough for most situations. With the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, you cannot take handheld night sky shots, but otherwise the stabilization of the X-T4 is excellent.

As with the X-H1, I recommend setting the stabilization to "continuous operation". This keeps IBIS constantly active, which stabilizes the image preview and gives you a perfect frame. Otherwise, IBIS is only activated when you take a picture. This can extend battery life, but it will show a blurry thumbnail.

A function that I would have liked to have seen with the X-T4 is a high-resolution mode, as can be found in many Panasonic and Olympus cameras with sensor shift stabilization. By multiple exposures and shifting the sensor by one pixel each additional resolution and color accuracy can be recorded. I am not an engineer, but I suspect that the complex pixel arrangement of X-Trans sensors would make it difficult to apply the same pixel shifting technique used by cameras with standard Bayer sensors.

The Fujifilm X-T4 is a great camera

With $ 1,700, the X-T4 is pushing into full-screen territory. The excellent Nikon Z 6, which was less than $ 1,850 at the time of writing, offers better image quality in low light and comparable 5-axis stabilization.

Even this camera lacks the speed and video functions of the X-T4 (at least without adding an external recorder). It's also bigger overall, especially if you consider the full-frame lenses.

The Sony A6600 is the closest direct competitor and is currently significantly cheaper thanks to manufacturer discounts that cost just under $ 1,200. That's a lot of camera for the money, even if the X-T4 outperforms it in some ways, from continuous shooting to video quality to shutter speed and EVF resolution.

As a dedicated APS-C system, Fujifilm has the most comprehensive portfolio of format-specific lenses. You don't have the full-screen upgrade path you get with Sony, but for most of us, it just means you don't need it.

It's also worth noting that the X-T3 remains in Fujifilm's product range at a reduced price of $ 1,300. It is still a fantastic camera.

I have no problem calling the Fujifilm X-T4 the best APS-C camera I've ever used. It is a first-class act, elegantly designed for the photography enthusiast, with a love of detail that only Leica competes with. They shoot not only for the results, but also for the joy of the experience.

I can't say that about the competition.

Editor's recommendations




08 Mar
Blog

2020 Zero S Electric Motorcycle Review: A Naked Bike

2020 Zero Motorcycles Zero S.

2020 Zero Motorcycles Zero S Review: A bare electric bike

"The 2020 Zero S is the most developed version of a vehicle with the longest production history in a product class that most people don't know exists."

  • A mature e-motorcycle design

  • Excellent driving per loading area

  • No gears, no clutch, no shifting

  • Powerful brakes and suspension

  • Inexpensive to fill up and maintain

  • Driver posture leaning forward

  • Driver and passenger pegs high

  • Expensive for an entry-level bike

Zero Motorcycles & # 39; 2020 Zero S is the most developed version of a vehicle with the longest production history in a product class that most people do not know existed. Most people would be surprised to learn that electric motorcycles are on the street today. You are even more surprised to hear that the first arrived over 12 years ago.

Zero Motorcycles' first production model was founded in 2006 by a former NASA engineer and was the Zero S in 2009, making 2020 the 12th model year. Depending on the buyer's installed power supply, the Zero S price varies between $ 10,995 and $ 18,390. The most powerful (and most expensive) Zero S has a maximum range of 223 miles in the city.

Design and performance

I asked Zero Motorcycles to suggest which model in its Nine Model 2020 range is the best choice for an e-bike rider who wants to choose the Zero as their first motorcycle. After discussing the lighter, bigger, more off-road looking bike Zero FXSI chose the Zero S with the lowest battery. I tested the 7.2 kWh Zero S base at a price of $ 10,995, which the company described as "ideal for the first rider looking for an entry-level road motorcycle."

The 2020 Zero S basic model is a must for e-motos. Acceleration takes place immediately with the full torque of the S from a standing start. Apart from tire noises and a slight whirring of the carbon drive belt, the bike is quiet. There is no clutch and no shifting because there is only one gear. As with most electric motorcycles, you don't need to know how to use a manual transmission to drive it.

To drive the Zero, simply turn the key and wait a few seconds for the indicators on the display to settle. Zero includes two throttle sections to protect the driver from accidental acceleration from a stationary stop. An engine stop switch on the right handle cuts power to the engine and the bike does not move when the stand is down.

The zero stays silent when it is on and ready to move.

The zero stays silent when it is on and ready to move. If you are only familiar with vehicles with gas or diesel engines, the lack of noise can lead you to believe that they are not switched on. Oh, but it is. It is definitely so.

I was careful with the gas at first. Electric motors can deliver the full torque from a stationary stop. It is therefore a good idea to be careful. However, I am happy to inform you that you can comfortably drive at slow speeds on the Zero S. The throttle is not overly sensitive, with excellent "feel" and granularity.

2020 Zero Motorcycles Zero S.

The regenerative braking of the Zero S charges the battery easily when you release the throttle. If you're familiar with engine braking in a manual transmission car, regenerative braking feels about the same, just quieter.

If you have to stop quickly, the Zero S brakes have more braking power than ever before. I found the learning curve for modulating the powerful braking system steeper than getting used to the gas. The Zero S has ABS disc brakes from Bosch with two 320 mm brake calipers at the front and one 240 mm brake caliper at the rear.

The Zero S brakes have more braking power than you will ever need.

This almost bare sports bike has no fairing and little body that covers the functional components. The driver geometry (the relative positions of the driver's handlebar, seat and footrests) requires a moderately forward-inclined posture. Leaning forward is great for driving fast and carving bends and canyons. Beginners with previous knowledge on a more upright bike have to adapt, but not as dramatically as with more aggressive bikes.

Speed ​​and range

Motorcycle manufacturers are usually cautious when specifying acceleration figures. I haven't timed my runs, but I've heard from other Zero riders that 60 mph can be reached in less than 4 seconds. My butt says that is about right and as someone who is not an experienced driver it was exhilarating.

My test bike with the basic 7.2 kWh power pack has a maximum top speed of 98 mph with a sustained top speed of 80 mph. The nominal ranges for the Zero S with the basic power pack are 89 miles in city traffic, 45 miles at 70 mph on the highway and 60 miles combined.

2020 Zero Motorcycles Zero S.

When you're ready to pay for more range, the Zero SR, which is essentially the same bike, has a 14.4 kWh battery. The SR starts at $ 15,495 and increases the range to 179 miles for city trips, 90 miles on the freeway, or 120 miles together. For the maximum possible driving distance with Zero S models, you can also add the 3.3 kWh power tank for $ 2,895. The Zero SR with the Power Tank is designed for a maximum of 223 miles in the city, 112 miles on the highway or 150 miles together.

Note that larger power supplies don't just increase the price. You weigh more. The 7.2 kWh Zero S weighs 313 pounds. The Zero SR with the 14.4 kWh power pack weighs 408 pounds, and if you add the 3.3 kWh fuel tank for a total of 18 kWh, the weight increases to 452 pounds.

Your choice will balance cost, reach and weight. You cannot change the power supplies or add the fuel tank later. It is therefore important to buy the right combination of services right from the start.

Charge the battery

The Zero S has an integrated 1.3 kW battery charger and a thick power cord that connects to a standard 110/220 power plug. Charging the Zero S requires 4.7 hours for a 95% charge or 5.2 hours for a 100% charge. With an optional $ 600 fast charger, a 100% charge will take 3.1 hours or a 95% charge will take 2.6 hours.

2020 Zero Motorcycles Zero S.

A third option is to purchase an optional cargo tank ($ 2,495). With the charging tank you can connect a standard level 2 charging station for 95% charging in one hour or 100% in 1.5 hours. Note that you cannot order a Zero S or SR with the Power Tank and Charge Tank options.

Driving modes and app

The Zero S has two preset performance profiles: Eco and Sport. The profiles control the maximum speed, torque and regeneration values.

As set at the factory, the Eco mode lowers the top speed to 100 km / h, limits the torque and selects the engine braking effect in the regeneration style. Sport mode unlocks the top speed of 98 mph, full torque and little or no regenerative braking. You can customize both profiles with the Zero mobile app.

The Zero S is well balanced so slow driving is easy.

I spent most of my time in Eco Mode with the Zero S through suburban neighborhoods, in small towns, as well as on country roads and highways. The Zero S is well balanced so slow driving is easy. I quickly got used to the gentle throttle to roll at speed as desired. The selected regeneration setting in Eco mode meant that I rarely had to use the brakes until I stopped.

It is quiet. Too quiet?

Electric bikes are quiet, and that can be a mixed blessing. Motorcyclists are used to warning pedestrians and other drivers of noise, but you won't get that with an electric drivetrain. It's a good idea to place the horn button on the left handle so that you can notify anyone who needs it.

The advantage of running silently is that you are less likely to bother your neighbors with the Zero S, and certainly not with the noise. On one of my first rides, when I checked the operation of the bike, a neighbor who had seen me on e-bikes came over to check the Zero S.

"This is a real motorcycle?" he asked. I was able to answer without raising my voice over the Zero S engine because of course it was silent. I wouldn't have heard it on a normal motorcycle if I hadn't stopped and turned off the engine.

Our opinion

I really enjoyed the Zero S and was particularly impressed by its smooth, calm ride. Experienced sports cyclists would probably switch directly to sport mode and fly with it. The power, the brakes and the handling are definitely there.

The ease of use makes the Zero S accessible to beginners. I only hesitate that new drivers have to get used to the forward leaning driving position.

Is there a better alternative?

In a few years, there will be a lot more options for people who buy electric motorcycles, but Zero is already 12 years ahead. No other company has the experience and range of current Zero electric models.

The Harley-Davidson Livewire makes fans of most who ride it, and Harley has shown other concept electric bikes, but the $ 30,000 price for the Livewire limits its appeal. The Lightning Motorcycles LS-218 is the fastest production motorcycle, but starts at $ 38,888. Both motorcycles are aimed at experienced riders who can spend money.

Some companies make much smaller electric motorcycles, like the Ubco 2 × 2 and the Cake Kalk OR. They are cheaper, but often focus on off-road driving or on multiple surfaces with a lower top speed and a shorter range.

How long it will take?

Zero Motorcycles offer a two-year general warranty and a five-year warranty on the power supply. Zero is an established company with distributors in the United States. Parts and service should therefore not matter.

Should you buy one?

Yes. If you are looking for an electric motorcycle for leisure riding or commuting, the Zero S is a good choice.

Editor's recommendations




08 Mar
Blog

Arlo Video Doorbell Review: Nothing Fishy About this Camera

Arlo video doorbell

"Arlos video doorbell is an elegant choice with solid video quality."

  • No fish instant on video

  • Sleek design

  • Intelligent A.I.

  • Works with Alexa

  • Requires wiring for a doorbell

  • His button doesn't look like a button

The Arlo video doorbell is a sleek, straightforward, intelligent video doorbell that covers all bases. It has a video camera that lets you catch pirates on the porch, motion detection, video calling, night vision, Alexa functions and many other functions that everyone can appreciate.

Arlo video doorbell

Installation: Easy if you have a doorbell

With many of these intelligent security devices, my first concern is simple. How easy is it to install? After all, a great security product is useless if you can't install it.

The Arlo video doorbell passed my installation test. If you already have a doorbell and chime box, the installation process is easy and the Arlo app guides you seamlessly through the process. There's even a step-by-step video if you're still lost.

However, if you don't have a doorbell and chime box yet, you're out of luck. You need to hire a professional to set up the Arlo video doorbell, or you need another doorbell that can be set up without existing hardware such as the August view or the ring video doorbell 2.

Video quality: Forget the fisheye effect

Arlo video doorbell against other doorbells

The biggest problem with video doorbells is that they can deliver a distorted fish-eye-like video. Nobody wants to see that. Arlo was able to solve the problem with an HD camera that has a 180-degree viewing angle and an aspect ratio of 1: 1.

The video looks a bit round, but you can see a lot more of the surroundings of your porch and garden, which gives you peace of mind that nobody is hiding sideways in the bushes. People cannot duck under the doorbell and hope not to be seen either as the Arlo captures the area below and in front of it.

Design: Where's the doorbell button?

Arlo video doorbell without light

Although the Arlo Video Doorbell has many great features and I love how slim and slim it looks, there is one big design problem: the button. If I came home to someone I wouldn't know what to push to ring the doorbell. Other video doorbells like the ring or the SkyBell Trim Plus have obvious buttons.

The doorbell button on the Arlo is literally not even button-shaped. It is concave. I'm pretty sure this is a design feature and not a function button. It's good that the Arlo has motion detection. Even if your visitors do not know that this immersion in the camera is a button, you will still be made aware of their presence.

App & Features: It's easy

Arlo video doorbell app

False notifications can really result in you not wanting to use any security device of any kind. To counter notifications that are less helpful, Alro has developed Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) that can determine whether an item on your front end is a pet, package, or person. You can set up the app to notify you when such things are on your porch. You can also set up activity zones to prevent motion alarms in areas you don't want to monitor, such as: B. on the sidewalk in front of your house.

Watch the footage immediately

While other security apps make you open the app to view footage, Arlo doesn't. You can see footage right on your lock screen. This feature can be very helpful in an emergency because you can instantly see intruders or package theft so you can take immediate action.

Our opinion

Overall, the Arlo video doorbell is a great addition to any security series. It has a great video, Smart A.I. Features that protect your family and a modern, polished look. The price, at $ 149.99, is lower than most other premium video doorbells on the market. The main disadvantage is that you need an existing doorbell system or you need to hire a professional installer to set it up.

Is there a better alternative?

If you want a doorbell that is very easy to set up and doesn't require wiring, I would use Ring Video doorbell 2 instead, although you pay a little more for the ring.

How long it will take?

The Arlo is nice to look at, but is made of thin plastic. I don't think it would stand up well to an intruder with a brick or hammer, but it will send you warnings if tampered with. It also comes with a limited warranty.

Should I buy it?

Yes, it has great features and comes from a reliable company.

Editor's recommendations




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