13 Dec
Blog

Lockly Flex Touch Review: The Perfect First Smart Lock

The Lockly Flex Touch Smart Lock.

Lockly Flex-Touch

RRP $ 149.99

"The Lockly Flex Touch gives you many ways to lock and unlock your doors and make other adjustments, but some can be prevented by the additional cost of adding Wi-Fi controls."

benefits

  • Quick and easy installation

  • Responsive fingerprint scanner

  • Multiple ways to lock / unlock

  • Simple but efficient app

disadvantage

  • Bulky interior design

  • No battery

  • Requires Wi-Fi adapter for mobile functionality

Smart locks are a family of tried and tested smart home devices. For the most part, these latched internet connected peripherals have one job – to keep the door locked. The many bells and whistles, from fingerprint scanning to intuitive companion apps that offer a variety of controls for on the go, are secondary to the certainty that the lock will protect your home every night.

You can find a dizzying amount of smart lock brands on the shelves of brick and mortar and digital stores. Ideally, you want to balance a solid brand name with a great set of security and control features. Oh, and a decent price never hurt either.

Lockly, a formidable name in the smart lock market, has made a number of internet connected locks that we have installed and tested. The latest in the company's product range, the Lockly Flex Touch (available exclusively from Home Depot), does a great job offering a number of must-have smart lock features for less than $ 200. However, there are a few other features that the company hasn't built into the basic package lock (more on this below).

Read on to learn more about our experience with the Lockly Flex Touch.

Out of the box

The scope of delivery of the Lockly Flex Touch.

When you unpack the Lockly Flex Touch, you will find everything you need to install it. This includes the outer and inner lock peripherals (the latter with connected wiring harness), the bolt assembly, an assembly wiring harness and strike plate, screws for all components and an instruction manual. The lock should also come with an activation code card with the serial number and activation code of your Flex Touch.

The code is needed during setup and if you ever need to pair or replace your lock you will need the unique PIN again. After setting up the card, please keep it in a safe place.

The biometric fingerprint scanner is one of the best we've ever worked with.

Our first impression of the overall look and feel of the castle was pretty good. The outward-facing key cylinder made of satined nickel is durable but elegant. Aside from the fingerprint reader, the lock exterior actually looks like most of the traditional single cylinder locks you will find.

What impressed us less is the interior. It's big, at least when compared to most of the interior smart lock hardware. At seven inches high and nearly ten inches wide, the chassis is framed to hold the four AA batteries needed to power the Flex Touch. Let's just say it doesn't exactly fit most doors.

Easy installation, quick setup

The finished interior for the Lockly Flex Touch.

Attaching and turning on the Flex Touch was a pretty straightforward process.

To get started, you must first remove your existing lock and deadbolt. Similar to other smart locks, Lockly's included deadbolt assembly is designed for both 60mm and 70mm configurations, depending on the type of door you are working with. My door required an adjustment of the latch that was as simple as turning the latch body clockwise. You will feel and hear an audible click when the new fitting is locked.

Install the latch for the Lockly Flex Touch.

After the bolt has been screwed in, the outer lock only needs to be attached and the connection cable passed through, the inner mounting plate attached, the cable inserted and then the inner assembly screwed in place. Oh, and don't forget to pop in the four AA batteries. The Flex Touch is supposed to be included, but mine is not. So it is a good idea to make sure you have some extra batteries on hand before installing.

Before you put the battery cover on, you must hold down the programming button before inserting the last of your four AA batteries. A series of beeps will indicate that the lock is being calibrated on your door. Once the calibration is complete, you can download the Lockly Companion App (for iOS and Android devices).

Make sure your phone or tablet's bluetooth is turned on as this is how your Flex Touch will be controlled from your mobile device (more on this below). After you have been asked to enter your lock's unique activation code, general setup is complete. All said and done, you're probably looking for about half an hour (top) to install.

main features

The outer assembly of the Lockly Flex Touch.

With most smart locks around $ 200, the price of the Flex Touch is a bit lower than average, but don't expect a cheaper price to translate into less technology. While Lockly locked a number of the Flex Touch's mobile controls behind the Lockly Secure Link Wi-Fi Hub's paywall, the Flex Touch's basic functionality is pretty great.

The Lockly app has a simple layout and a number of easily accessible settings.

For starters, the biometric fingerprint scanner is one of the best we've ever worked with. Unlike more sensitive fingerprint smartlocks, which can get fussy in the rain or cold outdoors, the Flex Touch's print reader did a solid scan of my app-assigned finger every time and locked and unlocked it with almost no raids.

In fact, the only time I've had problems was after returning home from a long, cold walk. The print scanner made a mistake on the first read, but a simple re-scan was all it took. It is also good to know that the lock can store up to 99 individual fingerprints in case your dominant hand is otherwise busy or you want someone else to unlock the door.

Other important features include a reliable auto-lock function, physical backup keys and external 9V battery contacts when the AA batteries are empty, as well as quick and easy profile duplication to store your fingerprints and eKey-Passes on other Lockly Smarts Import locks.

Mobile control and the Lockly app

Three screens of the Lockly Companion app (on an iOS device).

One of the most convenient aspects of any smart lock is the ability to lock and unlock your doors on the go. Remote access is especially useful when you are on your way to the house in a car laden with groceries. Instead of fumbling for keys or deciding which finger to scan while balancing bags on either shoulder, you can simply open your lock app (after parking in the driveway, of course) and tap a button to open the door to unlock.

Yes, mobile controls are available for the Lockly Flex Touch. No, these functions are not included in the scope of delivery. If you want remote lock / unlock, multi-door lock, Alexa and Google Assistant commands, or real-time door monitoring, you need to purchase the aforementioned Lockly Secure Link Wi-Fi Hub for $ 80.

This means that a fully featured Flex Touch will cost you around $ 230. Not bad, but there are plenty of smart locks out there that include Wi-Fi controls, and sometimes for less than $ 200. Without the network module, the Flex Touch and Lockly companion apps run without bluetooth, which means you will still be able to lock / unlock the app as long as you are near the lock itself.

The Lockly app has a simple layout and a number of easily accessible settings. The start page lists the rooms in your house or houses and the Lockly devices assigned to them. If you select the Flex Touch, you will be taken to the lock status and control screen. A large blue lock / unlock button takes up most of the space, with controls, log, access, and additional settings at the bottom of the page. There's also a battery life indicator in the top right corner.

Fingerprint mapping is done through the Lockly app, and the process is a breeze. Once you tap Start, press your finger repeatedly on the scanner and lift it up when you hear a beep. As soon as the scanning process is complete, the pressure is logged in the Lockly app. You can assign multiple fingers to multiple users, and the lock administrator can enter imprints on as many Lockly devices as you want.

Adding a fingerprint in the Lockly Flex Touch app.

You can also use the app to monitor when and how (fingerprint, app, key) the Flex Touch was unlocked, adjust haptics and tones for the lock and app and add / remove users from your Lockly account.

Prices and guarantee

For now, you can only find Lockly Flex Touch in Home Depot stores and online at homedepot.com. The current retail price is $ 150, and the lock comes with a five-year limited mechanical warranty and a two-year electronics warranty.

Don't forget: if you want to use Alexa or Google Assistant to control the lock, or use other exclusive WiFi features, you need to include the Lockly Secure Link Wi-Fi Hub worth $ 80 in your total purchase price.

Our opinion

In our opinion, the Lockly Flex Touch is a great smart lock to get you started. It is a perfect gift for someone who is just getting started in the world of smart home technology. It's easy to install, the app is solid, and there are plenty of bluetooth-only features for you to enjoy. However, after a while, you will find that you want more.

When you get to that point, you can either invest in the Secure Link for additional functionality or maybe move the Flex Touch to a different door and invest in a new Smart Lock altogether.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, especially if you want a smart lock that's instantly Wi-Fi enabled. One of our most popular smart locks, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, typically costs around $ 230, doesn't require a WiFi bridge, and is packed with incredible features and tons of app customizations.

If the budget matters, there is also the Wyze Lock. It's priced at around $ 130, it's quick to install, the app is great, and like the August Castle, it doesn't require a Wi-Fi bridge.

How long it will take?

Due to the generous mechanical guarantee period (five years), we assume that the Lockly Flex Touch will last a long time. Keep in mind that there is no rechargeable lithium-ion battery here, so you need to keep an eye on the battery life of the four AA batteries.

Lockly claims that the first round of batteries will give you about a year of useful life, but to be on the safe side, try replacing them every six to eight months.

Should you buy it?

Depends on. If you're looking for a cheap smart lock and just want to use bluetooth controls to begin with, the Lockly Flex Touch is a solid choice, especially when you consider the responsive fingerprint reader. However, with Wi-Fi built in, you can easily grab a network-enabled Smart Lock for just a few dollars more than the Flex Touch's $ 150 price point.

Editor's recommendations



27 Apr
Blog

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga Review: Cool to the Touch

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga

ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga

"The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is the best 2-in-1 convertible if you want to use it as a tablet."

  • Attractive and innovative chassis

  • Insanely thin and light

  • Solid performance

  • Excellent battery life

  • Great display for productivity users

  • The touchpad is too small

  • Expensive

Remember when Lenovo's ThinkPad line was the old standby, a collection of well-built and highly functional, but often boring, laptops? Well not anymore.

That's a good thing because what has been replaced is a far more dynamic line-up that keeps surprising. The latest example is the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga, an exciting addition to the convertible 2-in-1 category that – at least on paper – promises to rival some of the best laptops you can buy.

I received a midrange version of the laptop with a Core i5-1130G7, 16 GB of RAM, a 512 GB PCIe solid-state drive (SSD) and a 13.5-inch display in the productivity-friendly 3: 2 aspect ratio and with a high QHD resolution (2,256 x 1,504). This is the only display option available, a potential vulnerability we'll discuss later. The price for this configuration is $ 1,685 after the e-coupon (list price is a crazy $ 3,369) which makes it a very top notch 2-in-1 device indeed. Let's find out if the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga has what it takes to achieve the best.

design

Let's start with that: Titanium is a really cool metal that is used in aircraft, among other things. Using it in a laptop is even cooler. What if it's only used in the lid of the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga? It's there and while it gives the laptop a cumbersome name, I like it. It has a nice texture that plays with the ThinkPad's usual soft-touch material. At least I'm assuming this is the titanium I'm touching as the lid is made from both titanium and carbon fiber.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium YogaMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga lid openMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga TopMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga logoMark Coppock / Digital Trends

The rest of the case is made of a magnesium-aluminum alloy, which is supposed to make it both light and durable. While it's very light at just 2.54 pounds, there is a bit of sag in the lid and keyboard deck when some pressure is applied.

The HP Specter x360 14, the ThinkPad's most direct competitor, weighs 2.95 pounds and feels more solid – and both differences are noticeable. The difference in thickness is also noticeable, as the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is only 0.45 inches thick compared to the relatively bulky Specter at 0.67 inches. The Specter x360 14 is smaller than the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga – in particular, thanks to the smaller upper and lower bezels, it is not as deep and almost as wide. The Dell XPS 13, the best clamshell competition, comes in at 2.8 pounds and 0.58 inches thick. It also feels sturdier than the ThinkPad.

The ThinkPad would have benefited from smaller bezels all around, although the top bezel needed an extra size for some additional components (see the Security section below for details). The XPS 13 is the smallest model, but it doesn't have to mess with a more complex 2-in-1 hinge. Speaking of the hinge: The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is a bit stiff. Two hands are required to open, but the lid stays where it belongs in clamshell, tent, media and tablet modes. Note that tablet mode on the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is more comfortable than many other convertibles thanks to its thin case and 3: 2 aspect ratio, which is closer in size to a piece of paper.

What does this thin and light laptop look like? First of all, it hardly resembles its all-black ThinkPad siblings. It's a pleasant silver-gray color that eschews all embellishments except the logos. Even these are different than usual as the ThinkPad logo on the lid is more of a silver embossed version than the norm. white, although the "i" dot remains a flashing LED that shows information about the status of the laptop. Directly below it is a more pronounced X1 logo, which is a mixture of red and black and looks sharp against the ThinkPad logo. There is a barely visible Lenovo logo on the back.

Open the lid and you'll find a similar logo on the keyboard deck, the usual red TrackPoint studs, and the recognizable ThinkPad keyboard. The TrackPoint buttons above the touchpad skip the red accents, which I think works here. Overall, this is a very modern, yet conservative design that I really like, much like the gemstone design of the Specter x360 14 and the sleeker appearance of the XPS 13.

Lenovo Thinkpad x1 Titan Yoga Review Side View v2Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga HingeMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga side viewMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Unsurprisingly, with a machine this thin, connectivity is minimal. You get two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, one of which is used to power the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga, a Kensington lock port and a 3.5 mm audio jack. This means that if you need to connect multiple devices at the same time, you'll need dongles for older devices and a docking station. Wireless connectivity is state of the art with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, and there is an option for 5G or 4G LTE WWAN.

security

The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga has the usual ThinkPad security features like the ThinkShutter privacy switch for the webcam and the fingerprint reader for the sensor. This also includes the HPD (Human Presence Device) technology and the software that I tested on the ThinkPad X1 Nano and found to be fast and reliable.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga - fingerprint readerMark Coppock / Digital Trends

Basically, HPD, configured in the Intelligent Security section of Lenovo's Commercial Vantage utility, uses radar to detect when a user is in front of the laptop and when that user is leaving. In the latter case, the technology first dims the display and finally – as quickly as it can be configured by the user – puts the laptop into sleep mode (especially into modern standby mode). As soon as the user returns within a 60-degree arc from the front of the laptop, the device wakes up and logs the user back in using Windows Hello. Once the infrared camera and face recognition are set up, the process is seamless. Go away, the laptop goes to sleep; When you return, your face will be scanned and you can go back to work.

The feature works well and is great except when you're running a long process that shouldn't be interrupted. For example, I had to turn off HPD during my lengthy benchmarks and battery tests unless I wanted to stay locked in front of the laptop. Otherwise my tests would be interrupted. Imagine a long video rendering session and you will get the idea. I tested the same technology on the Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1 and found Lenovo's solution to be more reliable and seamless.

performance

My test device used the Core i5-1130G7, a version of the Tiger Lake Core i5 of the 11th generation with a lower thermal design output (TDP) of seven to 15 watts instead of the usual 12 to 28 watts of the Core i5-1135G7 and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.0 GHz versus 4.2 GHz. It contains Intel Iris Xe graphics with the full 80 execution units, but with a slower clock rate of 1.1 GHz compared to 1.3 GHz. All of this is to indicate that Lenovo has opted for a slower and cooler CPU for the Thinkpad X1 Titanium Yoga, which makes sense given the laptop's thin case. Note that the same CPU equipped the ThinkPad X12 detachable tablet I tested, which, as you can see in the table below, was slightly slower than the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga in most of our tests.

As you can see in the graphic, the ThinkPad keeps up in Geekbench 5, but falls behind in the other benchmarks. In the 3DMark Time Spy GPU test, it particularly outperformed the Lenovo Yoga 7i and its faster Core i5, but this was not reflected in real games. Otherwise, the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga did exactly the performance you can expect given its CPU.

Note that where a machine offered switchable performance modes, I recorded results from the "normal" setting. In most cases – including the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga – there is only a slight difference between the "Normal" and "Performance" modes. An outlier is the HP Specter x360 14, which led the field in performance mode while its normal mode is a bit slower.

Geekbench
(single / multiple)		 Handbrake
(Seconds)		 Cinebench R23
(single / multiple)		 PCMark 10 3DMark Time Spy
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga (Core i5-1130G7) 1353/4852 251 1274/3705 4498 1339
Lenovo ThinkPad X12 detachable
(Core i5-1130G7)		 1352/4796 185 1125/3663 4443 926
HP Specter x360 14 (Core i7-1165G7) 1214/4117 236 1389/3941 4728 1457
Dell XPS 13 (Core i7-1165G7) 1540/5432 201 1449/4267 N / A 1589
Lenovo Yoga 7i (Core i5-1135G7) 1357/4246 207 N / A 4565 913
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano
(Core i7-1160G7)		 1466/5139 180 1377/4550 4600 1549

The PCMark 10 results of the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga were particularly interesting. It was slightly behind on the main score shown in the graph, but more importantly, it was particularly slow in the area of ​​content creation of the benchmark. This was carried over to our handbrake test, which encodes a 420 MB video as H.265, in which the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga was even significantly slower than the ThinkPad X12 Detachable. Overall, this laptop performs well for typical productivity apps, web browsing, media usage, and the like, but you don't want to use it to edit videos. I haven't included Apple laptops with their fast M1 chip or AMD Ryzen machines lately – these would have significantly outperformed the ThinkPad and wouldn't really be in the same class of laptops in terms of performance.

This laptop should not be chosen based on its gaming capabilities. I ran Fortnite at 1080p (in a window as the only full screen option was the display's full resolution where the performance would have been awful) and it has 23 frames per second (fps) in high graphics and 17 fps in epic graphics managed. That's about 10 fps slower than most other Tiger Lake laptops.

display

Lenovo built the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga on a 13.5-inch IPS display with a productivity-friendly aspect ratio of 3: 2 and a high QHD resolution (2,256 x 1,504). As mentioned earlier, the 3: 2 aspect ratio makes this thin and light laptop a superior tablet compared to most other convertible 2-in-1s – including the HP Specter x360 14, which has the same aspect ratio.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga screenMark Coppock / Digital Trends

But a display also has to look good, and this is where my colorimeter comes in. According to this device, the display of the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga corresponds to the modern premium average in some respects and surpasses it in other respects. For example, it's pretty bright at 431 nits, well above our preferred 300 nit threshold and better than most of the others. The OLED display of the Specter x360 14 was “only” available at 374 nits, while the 4K display of the Dell XPS 13 was 420 nits. At 1,010: 1, the contrast of the ThinkPad display just exceeded our desired 1000: 1 ratio, which is less than that of the XPS 13 with 1,360: 1 and that of the HP with an incredible 374,200: 1.

The display on the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga was less impressive in terms of color. It managed 71% of AdobeRGB and 96% of sRGB, which is just average for premium displays. The XPS 13 4K display achieved 79% of AdobeRGB and 100% of sRGB, which is slightly better, while the Specter x360 14 had professional quality with 96% of Adobe RGB and 100% of sRGB. The ThinkPad's color accuracy was a DeltaE of 1.62 (less than 1.0 is excellent) compared to the Dell's 1.21 and the HP's 0.69. Gamma was just a bit too bright at 2.1 (2.2 is perfect).

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium YogaMark Coppock / Digital Trends

In practice, I find that it is a pleasant display to work on thanks to the high contrast that creates dark blacks on a white background and a lot of brightness. Creative professionals who crave wide and precise colors won't be satisfied, but productivity workers will love it. Dolby Vision support ensures that HDR (High Dynamic Range) content such as that provided by Netflix is ​​displayed. This is an excellent display for media consumption.

The audio quality was mixed. The volume of the two downward facing speakers was just loud enough and there was little distortion. However, the highs were blown out a bit, so the midrange could fight for attention. As always, there was no bass. The sound quality is fine for the occasional YouTube video. However, if you want to binge or listen to Netflix music, good headphones or bluetooth speakers are recommended.

Keyboard and touchpad

The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga shares the same basic keyboard as the rest of the ThinkPad lineup, with identically shaped keycaps and excellent spacing. It's a bit flatter, with good travel, but not quite as deep as on larger ThinkPads. This is an improvement: I find that some other ThinkPad keyboards take too much force to register a click. Here the feeling is light, crisp and very precise, with a confident floor effect. It can't quite live up to my favorites, HP's Specter keyboards and Apple's latest Magic keyboard, but it's close.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga pen, keyboard, and trackpadMark Coppock / Digital Trends

The typical ThinkPad TrackPoint sits in the middle of the keyboard and works as usual if you're into that sort of thing. The main disadvantage is that it requires a number of buttons that take up space on the touchpad. That's a bummer, because one of the advantages of a larger display is more keyboard deck space for a larger touchpad. Lenovo didn't take advantage of that space, leaving behind a touchpad that is much smaller than it could be. For example, the touchpad on the Specter x360 14 is much larger. And this is no ordinary touchpad. It uses haptic feedback rather than physical buttons to register clicks. While it doesn't work as naturally as the Apple version, it is a decent solution. There's the usual Microsoft Precision touchpad support, so Windows 10 multi-touch gestures are well supported. Overall, it's an attractive touchpad – it's just too small.

The display is of course touchable and also reacts. It supports the Lenovo Active Pen that is included and supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt assistance. The pen is magnetically attached to the right side of the display. While it's not like other Lenovo pens that slide into a port for storage and charging, it's a full-size pen well worth the tradeoff.

Windows 10 Hello is supported by both a fingerprint reader and facial recognition. Both were quick and accurate. As mentioned earlier, you'll want to use face recognition to get the most out of its human presence detection features.

Battery life

The thin frame of the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga only contains 44.5 watt hours of battery, which is not much for a laptop with a high-resolution display of this size. Given the general tendency of the ThinkPad to have a battery life that was above average, I wasn't confident that it would achieve impressive longevity.

As it turned out, the battery life wasn't great, but it was also terrible. In our web browser test, the ThinkPad managed 9.45 hours, an above-average performance, and exceeded both the seven hours of the Specter x360 14 and the slightly more than six hours of the XPS 13 4K. In our video test, which ran through a Full HD movie trailer, the Thinkpad X1 Titanium Yoga managed a strong 15.75 hours, 5.5 hours longer than the HP and five hours longer than the Dell.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium YogaMark Coppock / Digital Trends

I also ran the laptop through the PCMark 10 gaming battery test, which put a strain on the CPU and GPU, and it lasted three hours, much like the Specter x360 14 and about half an hour less than the XPS 13 4K. In the battery test for PCMark 10 applications, which gives the best indication of the productivity of the laptop, the ThinkPad was at the top of our database with almost 11 hours, about two hours longer than HP and Dell.

The net result is that the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga gives you likely a full day of battery life, and a few more. That's not too shabby for a machine with a high-resolution display and decent productivity performance.

Our opinion

The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is a superior 2-in-1 convertible that offers the best of the HP Specter x360 14. It's thin and light, so it works well as a tablet, a rarity in this class of machines. It has a great keyboard and pen, solid security options, and a case that feels very modern and sturdy.

You won't love the performance when you're doing more than the usual productivity tasks, but if you don't want to get on with demanding tasks, the ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is for you. And it's partly made of titanium, which again is pretty cool.

Are there alternatives?

The HP Specter x360 14 is the most logical alternative. It's faster, slightly smaller, thicker, and heavier, and has a superior OLED display. The HP is also close to the same price as the ThinkPad, just with a Core i7-1185G7 and the OLED display, which makes it a far better value for money.

If you want a detachable tablet instead of a 2-in-1 convertible tablet, the Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable is a great option. You get slightly slower performance and battery life, but the best detachable tablet available right now. It's also several hundred dollars cheaper.

If you don't need the flexibility of a 2-in-1, the excellent Dell XPS 13 is, as usual, a great choice. It remains the best overall notebook and offers better performance, a higher resolution display option in a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a chassis that is more robust and slightly smaller.

How long it will take?

The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is tough enough to withstand years of hard work and has the latest components. You should make a lot of productive work out of it. They also suffer from the inadequate, but industry standard, 1-year guarantee.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga is the best 2-in-1 convertible that can be used as a tablet and offers solid battery life due to its attractive, thin and light design.

Editor's recommendations




05 Jan
Blog

Cambridge Audio Melomania Touch Review: Beautiful Bassy Brit

Cambridge Audio Melomania Touch review open case hand

Cambridge Audio Melomania Touch rating: throbbing bass, delicate appearance

"Cambridge Audio's true Melomania Touch wireless headphones provide wonderfully balanced sound for a strong emotional response, as well as long battery life that will keep you listening for days."

  • Strong, bassy, ​​balanced sound

  • Long battery life

  • Comfortable for long periods of time

  • No active noise cancellation

Cambridge Audio has updated its true Melomania 1 wireless headphones with the new Melomania Touch earbuds with a revamped, delicate design and soft charging case, without drastically increasing the price so as not to exceed the $ 150 mark.

The original Melomania 1 earbuds might not have the looks, but they definitely delivered Cambridge Audio's much-lauded “British sound”. Has Cambridge Audio changed this for the Touch models, and if so, is it for the better? Let's find out.

design

If you place the Melomania Touch next to the original Melomania 1, the two seem barely related. Cambridge Audio has replaced the cheap-looking plastic case with a larger, pill-shaped case covered in an appealing soft-touch material made of microfiber leather in black or white. There are five LED charging indicators on the front and a USB type C charging port on the back.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The case hinges, which are opened from the back and inside in the earphones, are held in separate charging docks by strong magnets. The teardrop-shaped buds are very light and modest at just under six grams – larger than the spherical Melomania 1, but smaller than the WF-1000XM3 from Sony. The outside is glossy, while the body has a matte finish and the buds are held in your ear by a silicone tip and wing.

The floating, rather delicate appearance is a world that differs from the useful package of the first Melomania 1 and in terms of presentation and the experience of the “first opening” is probably closer to the real wireless E8 headphones from Bang & Olufsen. The Melomania Touch comes with a selection of different silicone tips and wings to help you get the right fit. For me, I had problems with the tips as the media was a little too small and the big ones a little too big, which made an earbud feel less secure than I like and loosened up when I moved my face.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

None ever failed or even felt like a possibility, and it's not the first time I've come across this with real wireless earbuds. But I felt the need to put a bud back in regularly as it was slowly working its way out of my ear. The wings are small but nice. The outer control panel contains the touch sensor, which can be personalized with the associated app.

The earbuds are comfortable to wear and have not hurt my ears even after wearing them for several hours at a time. Overall, with the design, materials and presentation of the Melomania Touch, Cambridge Audio has successfully increased the appeal of its true wireless headphones without compromising portability or hitting us with a massive price hike.

sound

I used the earbuds connected to an iPhone 12 Pro and a pre-release version of the app and firmware that have been updated at least once since using Melomania Touch. However, the overall sound has remained constant throughout. The earbuds include a 7mm driver that uses graphs for strength and stiffness, Qualcomm's Clear Voice Capture technology for clear calls, a pair of microphones, and AptX and AAC codec support.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Cambridge Audio prides itself on delivering the "British Sound," commonly defined as a guitar-forward audio experience that doesn't exaggerate the bass or treble. In my experience, Cambridge Audio's British sound has an unmistakable purity that goes a step beyond the deliciously flat vocal-forward curve heard by Japanese brands like Audio Technica.

The Melomania Touch is not quite as pure as the original Melomania 1 due to its much stronger and harder bass reproduction, but it is still wonderfully balanced. When listening to The Police's Roxanne's DubXanne remix, the heavier sub-bass is extremely prominent, but it doesn't overwhelm the beautifully judged mid-bass throughout the track. Boris Blanks Electrified shows a wide soundstage, and the warm midrange is skilfully mixed with the hard bass kick. The guitars in Moses Mayfield's Fall Behind have a lot of emotional presence but never interfere with Mayfield's vocals.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

How about songs that prioritize the vocals? The synchronicity of Nogizaka46 doesn't sparkle the way it should, and Sakurazaka46's Nobody & # 39; s Fault stumbles and the background becomes confused as the bass overwhelms the vocals and mids. For example, the sequence of Iz * one sounds great with its bright vocals mixed with a complex bass line and little else. Really, really, get up and dance great.

The soaring orchestra and the emotional vocal power that define Aled Jones' interpretation of Handel's Did you Not Hear My Lady? Tell us everything you need to know about the Melomania Touch – it's a top notch act that perfectly balances a lot of power, strong and controlled bass, and a profound soundstage. How about the "British Sound" from Cambridge Audio? To my ears, it's there in spades, just with the bass amplified for greater impact.

App and touch controls

The Melomania Touch connection via Bluetooth 5.0 is complemented by an app for your phone with which you can provide firmware updates, adjust the equalizer, activate the transparency mode and adjust other functions. The earphones are controlled via touch panels and the functionality can be configured in the app.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I usually don't like touch controls on headphones because they are difficult to locate and rarely respond very quickly. Functionality is kept to a minimum here, with one tap to play or pause and a double tap to go forward or backward. I've found the controls to be reliable. You can take calls and also choose your voice assistant. These additional functions can be deactivated in the app for the sake of simplicity. It's one of the better touch control systems I've used, aided by the relatively large and flat earphones.

The app is simple and easy to use. The battery level for each bud is shown, but not for the case. There's a graphic equalizer and some presets for changing the sound (I left the equalizer on the flat “Balanced” setting for checking) and the option to toggle between a low power and a high performance mode. Listening time is nine hours in energy-saving mode and seven hours in high-performance mode.

cambridge audio melomania touch review app battery life "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn2.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/melomania-touch-app-battery-life -640x640 .jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

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cambridge audio melomania touch review app power saving mode "class =" m-carousel - image dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn4.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/melomania-touch-app-low- power-mode -640x640.jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAAABAAndy Boxall / Digital Trends

Cambridge Audio Melomania Touch Review App Equalizer "class =" m-Karussell - Bild dt-lazy-no "src =" https://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/digitaltrends/melomania-touch-app-equaliser-640x640. jpg "srcset =" https://www.digitaltrends.com/data:image/gif;base64,https://www.digitaltrends.com/R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP//yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I was unable to get this feature to work which may be due to my pre-release app. It seems like a five minute process to switch to low power, almost like a software update, but every time I tried it failed. This will likely be fixed on release. The transparency mode is good and lets in just enough ambient noise to be safe without creating an uncomfortable artificial feeling.

The Cambridge Audio Melomania Touch does not have active noise cancellation, but it seals well in your ears to block out ambient noise. The lack of ANC affects its appeal, as many other true wireless headphones offer this feature for little more money.

battery

In the high-performance mode set by default, the earbuds return seven hours of listening time and 33 hours from the case, which corresponds to a total of 40 hours. When the power consumption is low, the earbuds go up to nine hours on a single charge and the drop to 41 hours for a total of 50 hours.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

I have no reason to doubt these numbers. I used the earbuds for several hours every day and the case hit its last battery light on day 9 (there are five on the front of the case) and the app said the earbuds were still fully charged. I just don't worry about battery life at all. However, it takes more than three hours to fully charge the case itself.

Price and availability

The Melomania Touch is priced at $ 150 or $ 130 and will be available from January 1 through Amazon, Cambridge Audio itself, or from the retailer Richer Sounds if you are in the UK.

Our opinion

The lack of active noise cancellation is actually just a spec list issue, and I don't consider it essential at this price point. Also, the Melomania Touch naturally isolates very well, and the bassy, ​​emotional sound means you're turning up the volume regularly enough to drown out most of the annoyance anyway. The long battery life also makes up for this omission. I didn't want to switch to my usual real wireless earbuds during the entire test and really enjoyed the often bombastic sound of the Melomania Touch while listening to my favorite music.

Is there a better alternative?

The real world of wireless headphones is very busy. We recommend the Jabra Elite 85t headphones, which sometimes retail for less than $ 230, and active noise cancellation that comes with the great sound quality. However, the Jabra Elite 75t costs about the same as the Melomania Touch and is now equipped with active noise cancellation thanks to a software update, making it an excellent alternative.

The list goes on. I like the Panasonic RZ-S500W for $ 199, although it can't match the Melomania Touch's long battery life, but it has noise-canceling and a nice neutral sound. Spend more and the $ 299 Master & Dynamic MW07 Plus is wonderful, as is the consistently hard-to-beat Sony WF-1000XM3.

How long it will take?

Expect three or more years of useful life before considering upgrading. The case is solidly made and well protected. The earphones are made of strong plastic and are IPX4 waterproof for use in the rain and during training. Therefore, they should be durable. The long battery life also makes a difference because even as your usage increases over time, the Melomania Touch still has the power to keep up.

Should you buy it?

Yes, the Cambridge Audio Melomania Touch are affordable, good looking, comfortable to wear and deliver a great audio experience.

Editor's recommendations




20 Nov
Blog

Kwikset Halo Touch Review: Spy Fantasies Come to Life

Kwikset Halo Touch bars in action.

“With the Kwikset Halo Touch, you can open your door with your fingerprint. It is all of your spy movie fantasies come to life! "

  • easy installation

  • Works every time

  • Stores up to 100 fingerprints / 50 users

  • Permanent

  • Limited notifications

  • Might be a little too security conscious

You have likely seen your favorite actor walk through the halls of a high security complex, approach a door, and then put his fingerprint on a scanner to access the inner sanctuary of a secret project. Perhaps you wish you could do that too. It turned out that Kwikset wanted the same thing – and then made it a reality.

The Kwikset Halo Touch is a bar with a built-in capacitive fingerprint sensor. It does exactly what Kwikset says it does. Touch the fingerprint sensor with an enrolled fingerprint and the latch will open. Another touch with a finger closes it. An LED light strip shows the current action, regardless of whether this opens, closes or signals an unrecognized fingerprint. The bolt package also contains a resealable tumbler lock and two keys as a backup.

installation

Setting up the Halo Touch is easy!

Kwikset gets things right right away. Setup and installation are very easy. The lock comes with boxes numbered 1 to 5, similar to a Lego set. Start with box number one and so on. I ran into a little problem because my front door only had a 1 "hole and the lock required a 2" hole. Keep this in mind if you plan to pick one up. I should also point out that the Halo Touch will replace your existing latch instead of working with it, which some people may find uncomfortable.

Once the latch is installed, simply launch the app. The lock first connects to your phone via Bluetooth and then connects to Wi-Fi from there. The Wi-Fi connection enables app notifications and remote control of the lock. Bluetooth is required to add users and change settings, for example. That can be a blessing and a curse. While it is far safer to limit interactions to Bluetooth, it would be far more convenient to be able to do more over Wi-Fi. Given that the main purpose of a latch is security, I can definitely understand the Kwikset mindset.

Familiar app setup

Once you've set up the app, all you have to do is take fingerprints for you and anyone else who wants to use the door. This in turn requires Bluetooth proximity. So keep that in mind. When a babysitter or house sitter comes by, you need to be there to see them take their fingerprints. Again, this is a flaw on the security side, so we cannot judge it too harshly.

The fingerprint registration process follows the same pattern as registering phone fingerprints. You touch the sensor, lift up, touch again, lift up, and so on. The app guides you through the process and saves up to 100 fingerprints for up to 50 different users. Registered fingerprints can be provided with additional security measures, e.g. B. if they are allowed to open the door. You can also disable the fingerprint reader for individual users if necessary.

The lock just does what it's supposed to do. Nothing more, nothing less.

Once everything is set up, the lock does what it is supposed to. Touch the sensor and the lock will open. Touch it again, it locks. The sensor is non-reflective so you won't see your fingerprint on the pad after touching it. That's a nice security feature. You can also set the lock to automatic lock after a certain period of time. The Kwikset Halo Touch also works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

The lock suffers from typical problems with the fingerprint sensor. If your finger or the lock itself is wet, the sensor will not work. The lock is weatherproof so you don't have to worry about the elements outside of your home. However, if you come home in a rainstorm, having your keys on hand is probably a good idea. I wish there was another alternative here, like an automatic unlock that uses bluetooth and your location, or NFC so you can open the lock when the conditions are wrong for a fingerprint sensor. You can open the app and open the lock that way, but that's a bit of a hassle when you come home and just want to go in and take a load off. Lockly does that very well.

Finally, I want Kwikset to offer some notification options. I don't necessarily need a notification every time it gets locked or unlocked, but I want notifications when the reader has failed. A little more adjustment in this regard would be great to clean up the clutter.

Kwikset Halo Touch from the side

Overall, I can't judge a product based on what I wanted. I'll judge it by what it does, and in this case, it does it perfectly. I had no problems with the lock during my test phase and I am pleased that fingerprint sensors on doors are becoming more and more common. In addition, Kwikset included everything you could want in a door lock built for the future.

Our opinion

If you want a fingerprint sensor for a latch, this is a great choice. From simple setup (aside from having to remove your old latch) to simple app setup, this lock meets or exceeds expectations. There are a few issues, but these are common to all fingerprint sensors, not just this one. Also, there are two different styles and two different finishes to match your home.

Is there a better alternative?

As with any product, there are usually alternatives that are better suited to your tastes. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is much easier to install as it slides over your existing latch. The Lockly Vision adds a camera and an encoded entry. However, if you need a fingerprint reading latch that isn't complicated, this is a really good choice.

How long it will take?

Kwikset has been in the door lock game for a long time and knows a thing or two about durability. This philosophy is also implemented in the smart home products. Kwikset has an entire website devoted to the durability tests it does. The lock I tested is made of solid metal and I suspect it will last for years.

Should I buy it?

Yes. This is a very solid product from a company with a history in the field. The lock just does what it's supposed to do. Nothing more, nothing less. There are no hiccups. Some smart home products try to push their limits and do too much. This lock stays with what it can do.

Editor's recommendations




10 Oct
Blog

Level Touch Review: Tap-to-Go Convenience

Level touch the lock

Level touch review: convenience to take with you

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

  • Minimalistic design

  • easy installation

  • Comfortable touch of touch

  • Programmable NFC key cards used as a backup

  • Expensive costs

  • Touch Unlock only works when you leave your home border

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

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

A contemporary design that blends in

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

Level Touch the outer button housingJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

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

Even more ways to unlock

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

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

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

The only mistake

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

A smart lock that looks terrible like an ordinary lock

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

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

Level Touch with the NFC key cardJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

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

Our opinion

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

How long it will take?

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

Is there a better alternative?

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

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

Should you buy it?

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

Editor's recommendations




17 Jul
Blog

Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch Review: Not So Smart

Eufy Smart Lock touch dial pad

Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch review: Not so intelligent

"It looks scary, but its functionality is too tame."

  • Robust design

  • Unlocked quickly with your fingerprint

  • Can set up temporary codes

  • Not a good value

  • Bluetooth connection only

Eufy was in a tear on the smart home market last year. So far it has been shown that the product line strikes a balance between functions, performance and price. The company has tackled everything from robotic vacuum cleaners to surveillance cameras. Now Eufy is breaking into the world of intelligent locks.

Enter the Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch, which appears to be business. What is a bit surprising is the price, which at $ 250 is a bold statement for a company that is proud of the budget prices for many of its devices. Is this reward worth it?

Long installation

Here's the first thing you should know. To use Eufy's Smart Lock, you must replace the entire existing deadlock. I was not particularly impressed by this, because it means that I have to replace my existing key set. Even if you, like me, are familiar with installing smart locks, the installation process can be tedious.

The entire installation process from start to finish took approximately 30 minutes.

Overall, the entire installation process took 30 minutes from start to finish. This is more than twice the time it took me to install the SimpliSafe Smart Lock and Level Lock. With both you can use your existing lock.

Why does it take so long? On the inside of your door there is a mounting plate for the internal assembly, in which the batteries and the locking switch are located. Positioning and assembling is not a challenge, but a bit fussy.

Solid design that means business

I admit that the Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch has an intimidating presence. The design includes a metal frame, shiny plastic accents and a striking fingerprint sensor. Seams are barely visible on the outer assembly, while the keyhole is protected by a metal cover. The digital keyboard appears invisible to the eye unless it is touched, which activates the backlight.

Eufy Smart Lock touch dial padJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

The durability is low because it has a weatherproof protection rating IP65, so that it can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

Although powered by four AA batteries, there is a micro USB connector on the bottom of the external assembly that can be connected to a power source. This is useful when the battery is empty and you don't have the physical keys. The battery is designed for one year and still shows all five bars after two weeks.

It may look chunky, but given its durable design, I agree with the bulky and intimidating look.

It could be smarter

Convenience is important, so I like an intelligent lock that can get me in in no time. The fingerprint sensor is without a doubt my preferred method of unlocking the lock as it can recognize me in less than a second. It was just right to see my fingerprints.

The digital keyboard is my next choice. However, you will encounter the problem that fingerprints are visible on the surface. This problem can make it easier for someone to guess your passcode by examining the keys you pressed in the past.

There is a function in the Eufy Security app, the scramble password, with which you can enter random numbers before or after entering the passcode. It's a nice idea, but seems too annoying to use at any frequency.

Of course, you can also use the Smart Lock app to unlock it. However, it relies heavily on a Bluetooth connection, so it will take a few seconds for the connection to be established when you approach the lock.

This means that you can't unlock remotely through the app when you're not at home. Alexa and Google Assistant are not compatible with Eufy's lock. While other smart locks can detect when your phone is nearby and unlock it automatically, you won't find this feature here. These restrictions bother me because they seriously affect the comfort of the lock.

Still, there are options to set up temporary access for individuals. You can select the dates and times when these temporary codes are active. This is ideal for guests or dog walkers. You can also check in the app who unlocks the door at what time.

If you're concerned about data protection, you just know that fingerprints and in-app data are stored locally with a bank-quality AES128 encryption chip.

Our opinion

Eufy had a number of solid smart home devices, but the Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch lags behind the competition. With an inflated price of $ 250, it's a huge investment that lacks the intelligence of other locks.

Is there a better alternative?

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock achieves the same amount as this, but offers more features and easier installation while keeping your existing lock. The level lock is also a similar option that turns any existing lock into a smart lock. If you are on a budget, the $ 100 Wyze Lock is hard to beat.

How long it will take?

It's solidly built and Eufy offers a 1-year limited warranty for defects. Smart locks are not misused much because they are fixed in one position. So I would expect Eufy's castle to last for years. You will probably want to replace it with newer locks due to upgrades long before it breaks.

Should you buy it

No. Eufy's expensive Smart Lock Touch lacks too many features that are common among competitors.

Editor's recommendations




01 Jun
Blog

Logitech Combo Touch Review: An Awesome Keyboard Case

Logitech Combo Touch

"The Logitech Combo Touch is certainly the best keyboard case for mid-range iPad models."

  • Excellent protection

  • The keyboard feels great

  • Good touchpad

  • Affordable price

The iPad is now a laptop. Whether it's a good alternative is up for debate, but with the right accessories, it's now possible to drop an old school clamshell for the best tablet in the world. Apple's own Magic Keyboard is a good choice if you have a recent iPad Pro. However, if you need a full keyboard and touchpad for another iPad model, you'll need to look elsewhere.

Logitech's Combo Touch is at the top of your list. It is the only keyboard case with a touchpad that supports the iPad Pro 10.5-inch, the iPad Air and the iPad of the 7th generation. The price is also around $ 150. This undercuts most third-party iPad keyboards with a touchpad, such as For example, the $ 200 Brydge Pro +.

As a result, the Logitech Combo Touch becomes the standard choice for some iPad owners. It's a good thing he's excellent.

Function over form

The Logitech combo touch doesn't fit the shape you'd expect from an Apple accessory. Third parties who develop products that work with Apple's popular devices often try to mimic Apple's appearance. Not here. Instead, Logitech offers a chunky, playful shell that focuses on ease of use. This corresponds to other current Apple accessories from Logitech, such as the Crayon pen and the Pebble i345 mouse.

I tested the Logitech Combo Touch with my iPad Pro 10.5 inch. This model also fits the 3rd generation iPad Air (owners of a 7th generation iPad have to buy a version that is specific to their device, but only slightly different in thickness).

You would have to push the thing straight up to do damage.

Although I didn't flip my iPad around to see if it survived, I'm confident with the Combo Touch on my iPad. This thing is a Thicc Boi, which has a lot of padding on each side and a clearly raised lip around the iPad display. With the keyboard cover that protects the display closed, you must push the object straight up to cause damage.

It has a non-slip fabric surface on the front and back of the iPad that prevents the tablet from jumping out of your hand.

Logitech Combo Touch outsideMatthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

The disadvantage of this protection is that it increases the weight. The Logitech Combo Touch weighs a total of 21 ounces. That's over a pound! The device connected to my iPad Pro 10.5-inch brought the total weight of the device to 29 ounces without the keyboard cover attached. This makes the full unit a whopping 40 ounces. That's 2.5 pounds.

I don't think weight is a problem for the trip. My iPad is still light with the Combo Touch attached and still fits in any backpack or shoulder bag. The real problem is using tablets, as this case almost doubles the weight of my iPad and makes it more tiring to use when holding it.

The Combo Touch didn't bother buttons or connections – a surprise given its size. I had no problems accessing the flash or headphone jack on my iPad and the volume buttons kept working. You might have problems if you have a device with a particularly large connector – I've seen some powerful 3.5mm jacks on high-end headphones – but none of my devices had a problem.

In this case the combo touch is mixed. The mass can be annoying, but is not without advantages. That's why I only removed my iPad Pro from the case once (and returned it soon). The combo touch case offers excellent protection and makes it easier to hold the iPad Pro with one or both hands.

The keyboard is much better than you think

I wasn't sure what to expect from the combo touch keyboard. I've been checking laptops long enough to remember the netbook era, and these tiny PCs left a distinctly sour impression on my cramped hands. While the Combo Touch offers more volume, the overall package is slightly smaller than most netbooks I've used.

Surprisingly, the combo touch is comfortable. Logitech only has one hair that more than 10 inches of iPad can work with, but the company uses every inch with a borderless button layout. No space is wasted here. The keyboard is backlit and is powered by the iPad via the Smart Connector.

Logitech combo touch keyboardMatthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

A spacious layout is supported by clicking buttons that feel great. I prefer to use the combo touch than the butterfly switch keyboard of older MacBooks. In short, don't worry about the keyboard. You will have no problem with that.

The touchpad is not that impressive, although it is known whether you own an inexpensive laptop or have ever used it. There is enough space for comfortable use and the surface responds. However, it's made of plastic, so it lacks the silky smooth feel you find on Apple's Magic Keyboard and Apple's MacBook laptops.

A stand is integrated in the housing part of the Combo Touch and is available even when the keyboard is not connected. The wide and sturdy stand made an admirable contribution to keeping my iPad on my lap. I was never afraid that the iPad could slide off or fold backwards.

It is worth noting that iPadOS supports the keyboard and the touchpad. You will find a number of function keys that provide easy access to various iPad functions. The touchpad allows you to perform multi-touch gestures that you would otherwise do on the iPad's touchscreen. Logitech's Combo Touch is a third-party accessory, but the integration between it and the iPad feels top-notch.

There's even a loop for storing your Apple Pencil or Logitech Crayon pen, although I don't have one either.

An affordable laptop alternative?

The Logitech Combo Touch keyboard and touchpad last up to hours. With the recently added full cursor support for iPadOS, you can perform many tasks that were once reserved for laptops. Does that mean you can buy this case for your current iPad and throw your laptop completely overboard?

Could be. It is certainly possible, but the answer is personal and depends on your willingness to change your workflow.

Can you buy this case for your current iPad and get rid of your laptop completely? Could be.

The Combo Touch offers advantages for the iPad. The display is smaller than most laptops, but it's bright, attractive, and you can touch it. Depending on the task, you can easily switch between using the iPad as a tablet or laptop. Traveling is a snap, whether you run 5 miles or fly 500.

The iOS ecosystem also doesn't have a big disadvantage – on the contrary, many apps now feel faster and more fluid than their PC or Mac counterparts. Thanks to its display and the reasonably powerful GPU, the iPad is undoubtedly better in terms of entertainment than any inexpensive notebook.

Logitech Combo Touch caseMatthew S. Smith / Digital Trends

It is not all good news. Despite its advantages and new multitasking functions, iPadOS is not suitable for situations in which you open several apps and work side by side or have to switch frequently between them. Since iPad apps are touch-first apps, they cannot make optimal use of the iPad's limited display area.

There are even some persistent issues with web-based apps that can be picky on iPad, although Safari doesn't provide mobile versions of websites by default. Web-based WordPress is still a sore point. The app is fine, but it doesn't work with every WordPress implementation.

I can say the following with certainty: An iPad, iPad Air or iPad Pro 10.5 inch in combination with the Combo Touch becomes a perfectly usable laptop replacement. Whether you prefer is a more personal decision, but it can absolutely work.

Our opinion

The Logitech Combo Touch is a great accessory and a bargain price of $ 150. If you have an iPad that is compatible with this case, stop your search. This is the iPad keyboard case to buy.

Is there a better alternative?

The Apple Magic Keyboard is better overall, has a more professional and sophisticated design, but is only available for the latest iPad Pro models (which are not supported by the Combo Touch) and is significantly more expensive.

The Apple Smart Keyboard costs $ 160 and offers a very slim keyboard that takes up less space. However, it was developed before the iPadOS mouse was supported, so there is no touchpad. The Logitech combo touch flips him.

Brydge offers a variety of alternatives, but does not have a keyboard cover with a touchpad for iPad (7th generation), iPad Air or iPad Pro 10.5 inches. This also makes the Combo Touch a better choice.

Do you want more options? Check out our favorite iPad keyboard cases.

How long it will take?

The Logitech Combo Touch lasts for many years. There is no built-in battery that could deteriorate over time, and its durable construction is suitable for rough use. The only threat is water, as the Combo Touch is not designed for water resistance.

Should you buy it

Yes. The Logitech Combo Touch is an excellent keyboard case that you should choose for the supported iPad models.

Editor's recommendations