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- First reviewJanuary 9, 2015
- Last reviewMarch 27, 2024
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- First answerSeptember 12, 2016
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Designed for performance over all types of terrain, COROS Apex 2 Pro GPS Outdoor Watches are built with revolutionary technologies for your most ambitious goals. With an even more durable exterior, redesigned GPS antenna for stronger performance, enhanced navigation experience, next-generation optical heart rate sensor, and longer GPS battery life, COROS Apex 2 Pro watches are our most powerful wrist-worn tools to guide your training and track your movements across the wilderness. Get ready to train smarter and go longer.
Customer Rating
4
Almost Perfect! Sub $500 Winner for Sure!
on March 27, 2024
Posted by: nkpstudios
The Coros Apex 2 Pro is the perfect companion for outdoor fitness enthusiasts who are ready for anything and value data, tracking features, and a lightweight extreme build quality. The 1.3" 260x260 64-color always-on LCD touchscreen sapphire display is effective and power efficient. Included for easy customization are 22mm quick-release watch straps. This means I can use my collection of 22mm watch straps to save more money and so can you! With 32 GB of internal storage, you can store a combo of 500 hours of activity or music to listen to offline using Bluetooth. The ultra-lightweight watch comes in under 54g, including the nylon band. To shed weight, grade 5 titanium alloy on the bezel and housing makes a big difference. We can brave the elements together in temps on-wrist ranging from -4°F to 122°F or -20°C to 50°C and water resistance down to 5 ATM or 164ft.
Setup is easy. Just create a Coros account and charge your watch to full before first use. Follow the prompts in the Coros mobile app and the watch will be setup. The instruction manual is organized well if you know what you are looking for, but if you want to browse and learn in sections it doesn't work well. I need a PDF to reference anytime and offline. You can only get access to the manual online. The sapphire glass protects against ANYTHING but a diamond so keep moving. Inside, the inclusion of a new dual-frequency GPS chip enhances accuracy during navigation and tracking with support for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, and QZSS satellites so you are covered no matter where you go. With GPS, there are a slew of sensors to include: Optical Heart Rate Monitor [May not work over tattoos], Barometric Altimeter, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, 3D Compass, Optical Pulse Oximeter, and Electrocardiogram Sensor. I recommend getting a keychain charger if you are a true outdoor's person who doesn't want look for a cord. On-the-go, you will have your keys and can charge in your vehicle or battery bank on trails. A replacement cord is $20 so consider getting one of those too because of the proprietary connector. Buy the Coros Pod 2 for the analysis of run tests/form for those really looking nuanced data capture and performance.
User Interface and Training Planning.
The watch interface and mobile app complement each other and have tons of usability and features. My favorite part of this experience is the Coros route planning. You just draw on the map where you want to go, and it will give you turn-by-turn directions when you actually start running somewhere you haven't been. Get an idea of your course with distance and elevation changes to plan mentally and strategize. There are also many workouts and regimens you can use and customize to your needs within the Coros ecosystem. This alone is worth the price of admission and you get a watch to track your progress, essentially. There is a treasure trove of ways to get ready for anything you need. I love there are options to use as templates in the vast library of training. You can scan the QR code in the app to load it into your watch. You can add it to your library, and it will sync with your watch in the app. The dashboard and detailed breakdowns provide a plethora of analytics to digest for training. Charts and graphs are everywhere and graphically represent trends to keep you motivated and your journey progressing. Personal records are easily displayed so you can see where you stand at any time to push yourself to beat it.
The watch interface and mobile app complement each other and have tons of usability and features. My favorite part of this experience is the Coros route planning. You just draw on the map where you want to go, and it will give you turn-by-turn directions when you actually start running somewhere you haven't been. Get an idea of your course with distance and elevation changes to plan mentally and strategize. There are also many workouts and regimens you can use and customize to your needs within the Coros ecosystem. This alone is worth the price of admission and you get a watch to track your progress, essentially. There is a treasure trove of ways to get ready for anything you need. I love there are options to use as templates in the vast library of training. You can scan the QR code in the app to load it into your watch. You can add it to your library, and it will sync with your watch in the app. The dashboard and detailed breakdowns provide a plethora of analytics to digest for training. Charts and graphs are everywhere and graphically represent trends to keep you motivated and your journey progressing. Personal records are easily displayed so you can see where you stand at any time to push yourself to beat it.
Screen & Battery Life
The Apex 2 Pro has impressive battery life, boasting up to 24 days with regular use. That said, you can expect extended usage on this 47mm watch so don't forget where you put your cord! You don't have to look for a charger often, and when you do, it takes less than 2 hours for the watch to go from zero to full charge, returning over 2.5 weeks - that's EFFICIENCY! In my usage I chose to go full use of all tracking and sensors for the most data capturing possible to see if battery life would be good. I must say 10 days in, I'm at 52% which is impressive based on my testing. Every other smartwatch I own needs to be charged by midday 3, tops! I love the battery life and freedom provided while capturing data and Coros chose a large screen that sips power as a result. There is no OLED or bright screen you are used to on smartwatches. Remember, this is a fitness device you can use as a watch, not a smartwatch. It is terrible in bright light, and it is completely necessary to consider the black or white background in different lighting conditions. The backlight reminds me of an old Timex light before Indiglo came out. The backlight is too bright when it's dark, and it is too dark when it's bright and is not adjustable. You are stuck with the preset on and off. Touch controls are not intuitive and actually almost pointless with the need to still press the crown to select. You can move around in menus, but that is all. This is just another friendly reminder that this is not a smartwatch. It is a fitness device.
The Apex 2 Pro has impressive battery life, boasting up to 24 days with regular use. That said, you can expect extended usage on this 47mm watch so don't forget where you put your cord! You don't have to look for a charger often, and when you do, it takes less than 2 hours for the watch to go from zero to full charge, returning over 2.5 weeks - that's EFFICIENCY! In my usage I chose to go full use of all tracking and sensors for the most data capturing possible to see if battery life would be good. I must say 10 days in, I'm at 52% which is impressive based on my testing. Every other smartwatch I own needs to be charged by midday 3, tops! I love the battery life and freedom provided while capturing data and Coros chose a large screen that sips power as a result. There is no OLED or bright screen you are used to on smartwatches. Remember, this is a fitness device you can use as a watch, not a smartwatch. It is terrible in bright light, and it is completely necessary to consider the black or white background in different lighting conditions. The backlight reminds me of an old Timex light before Indiglo came out. The backlight is too bright when it's dark, and it is too dark when it's bright and is not adjustable. You are stuck with the preset on and off. Touch controls are not intuitive and actually almost pointless with the need to still press the crown to select. You can move around in menus, but that is all. This is just another friendly reminder that this is not a smartwatch. It is a fitness device.
Tracking
GPS is amazing on this especially when activating dual frequency GPS around tall buildings and urban areas. Running and hiking have excellent tracking data available from altitude and distance, to stride length and average pace. Coros is offering anything you need from the other big players in the running watch game, but for a better price and added value. I have reservations about the accuracy of the sleep tracking, but overall, it seems to do a good job when compared to other smartwatches with sleep tracking I own. The start time is often off up to 40 minutes using a more widely used device I've trusted over the past few years. Heart rate and other sensors seem fairly accurate within 1-3 bpm of better FDA-approved gear. The interface is very simple and intuitive, with charts and graphs you are used to seeing. In my testing, sleep stats had inconsistencies in my tests, starting sleep and entering cycles. In the first 3 nights of testing, the results were interesting, to say the least, but further use proved it is better. The first day it was within 20 minutes of my previous tracker, the second day was off by 45 minutes when I actually went to sleep, and the third day it didn't even record my sleep. This alone disqualifies it as a sleep tracker and needs to be better tweaked. The sleep algorithm seems off when starting sleep.
GPS is amazing on this especially when activating dual frequency GPS around tall buildings and urban areas. Running and hiking have excellent tracking data available from altitude and distance, to stride length and average pace. Coros is offering anything you need from the other big players in the running watch game, but for a better price and added value. I have reservations about the accuracy of the sleep tracking, but overall, it seems to do a good job when compared to other smartwatches with sleep tracking I own. The start time is often off up to 40 minutes using a more widely used device I've trusted over the past few years. Heart rate and other sensors seem fairly accurate within 1-3 bpm of better FDA-approved gear. The interface is very simple and intuitive, with charts and graphs you are used to seeing. In my testing, sleep stats had inconsistencies in my tests, starting sleep and entering cycles. In the first 3 nights of testing, the results were interesting, to say the least, but further use proved it is better. The first day it was within 20 minutes of my previous tracker, the second day was off by 45 minutes when I actually went to sleep, and the third day it didn't even record my sleep. This alone disqualifies it as a sleep tracker and needs to be better tweaked. The sleep algorithm seems off when starting sleep.
Target for Perfection
Proprietary Connector. Not ever a fan of these because chargers are exclusive to the maker. You lose it, no charging for you!
Offline PDF manual needed. Everything is currently online using a website.
Touch Interface. The touch interface isn't intuitively. Specifically, when navigating things and you want to tap to select, you need to press the crown?
Screen Nits and Control. Needs to be improved for night operation and have brighter day operation.
Sleep Tracking. Tracking needs tuning as the algorithms seem off at times. Wrist positions seemed to trick it. Since it happened once, I will keep an eye on it.
Music. Just use your phone instead of trying to get MP3s and gestures to work. It's really something more of a gimmick than the feature.
App playlist/music from apps. No one is going to look for MP3s or rip old CDs. Where can you download new music MP3s legally without buying individual songs @ .99/ea?
Screen Controls. We need control over brightness min and higher max values. It's too dark for outside depending on face, and too bright for night. It's all about the angle of view with this currently. This is the biggest handicap of this excellent watch, and possibly a deal breaker for many. Improve ASAP!
Samsung Health Integration. Samsung and Coros need to figure this out I am sure, that's all. A workaround for integrating Samsung Health is use a 3rd party app supported by both Samsung Health and Coros.
Integrate skin temp sensor - not a necessity but just missing if it wants to compete with other fitness watches coming out now.
NFC Payment - add NFC to make this a daily driver. Some use their watches as payment so I will not take this unless I am strictly working out, limiting data capture to planned activity.
Proprietary Connector. Not ever a fan of these because chargers are exclusive to the maker. You lose it, no charging for you!
Offline PDF manual needed. Everything is currently online using a website.
Touch Interface. The touch interface isn't intuitively. Specifically, when navigating things and you want to tap to select, you need to press the crown?
Screen Nits and Control. Needs to be improved for night operation and have brighter day operation.
Sleep Tracking. Tracking needs tuning as the algorithms seem off at times. Wrist positions seemed to trick it. Since it happened once, I will keep an eye on it.
Music. Just use your phone instead of trying to get MP3s and gestures to work. It's really something more of a gimmick than the feature.
App playlist/music from apps. No one is going to look for MP3s or rip old CDs. Where can you download new music MP3s legally without buying individual songs @ .99/ea?
Screen Controls. We need control over brightness min and higher max values. It's too dark for outside depending on face, and too bright for night. It's all about the angle of view with this currently. This is the biggest handicap of this excellent watch, and possibly a deal breaker for many. Improve ASAP!
Samsung Health Integration. Samsung and Coros need to figure this out I am sure, that's all. A workaround for integrating Samsung Health is use a 3rd party app supported by both Samsung Health and Coros.
Integrate skin temp sensor - not a necessity but just missing if it wants to compete with other fitness watches coming out now.
NFC Payment - add NFC to make this a daily driver. Some use their watches as payment so I will not take this unless I am strictly working out, limiting data capture to planned activity.
In summary, if you prioritize battery life, the Coros Apex 2 Pro could be an excellent choice for your outdoor adventures. Coming from the market leader in running watches to Coros was an easy switch and I prefer route functionality and planning in Coros to the other offerings out there. The build is right, comfortable fit, and lightweight build, making this my go-to watch for training now. I hope to see improvements in screen controls and brightness to make this the perfect sub $500 fitness watch hands down.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The new Alienware m16 R2 gaming laptop is designed to be 15% smaller than the previous generation, with more efficient airflow, making it ideal for gaming and more, wherever you go.
Customer Rating
4
Great Gaming, Average Productivity, Poor Display
on March 7, 2024
Posted by: nkpstudios
The Alienware m16 r2 is a powerful performer with minimal gamer flash if needed but ready for gaming. This release, the jet booster with cool RGB Tron light has been removed in favor of a smaller, more portable traditional form factor in line with 16" competitors. This futureproof laptop has a snappy 16" QHD 240Hz 2560x1600 300-nit non-touch matte LED screen covering 100% sRGB with powerful internals to match. I love the subtle space gray colorway and materials chosen making the RGB pop and feel premium. Under the hood, you will find the new 16-core Intel 7 Ultra 155H 3D hybrid architecture chip clocked at 1.4GHz, boosting up to 4.8GHz, and paired with an RTX 4070 GPU 8GB VRAM. Integrated graphics are present on the CPU employing Intel Arc for flexibility and power efficiency for less graphic-intensive tasks. It packs 16GB of DDR5 RAM clocked at 5600 MHz and an NVIDIA GPU capable of AAA gaming on the go! Coming in at just under 6 lbs., it is heavier but on par for a quality 16" gaming laptop. Setup is quick and easy if you are a Windows user who has done this before. Take your charger, plug it in, and get to work. Once you are all situated with your software installs and game needs you can really enjoy the Alienware experience.
Build
The chassis is reminiscent of the Dell Inspiron's silky rubberized coating on the inside, and nice aluminum alloy bottom making this sturdy and doesn't flex. The inside finish is a fingerprint magnet matte finish on the wrist rest and screen, but it makes it feel premium. Build quality is in line with Dell's use of plastics and alloys in favor of weight reduction. The lid is plasticky and flexes if uneven pressure is applied but it can be opened with one hand. It feels like a Dell Inspiron laptop with Alienware logos and upgraded internals. The screen has 240Hz refresh, but color and brightness are lacking. The panel is LCD which is another cost cutting measure when comparing other panels on laptops in this price range. Competition is using OLED and Micro LED, meanwhile we are getting old tech with subpar performance.
The chassis is reminiscent of the Dell Inspiron's silky rubberized coating on the inside, and nice aluminum alloy bottom making this sturdy and doesn't flex. The inside finish is a fingerprint magnet matte finish on the wrist rest and screen, but it makes it feel premium. Build quality is in line with Dell's use of plastics and alloys in favor of weight reduction. The lid is plasticky and flexes if uneven pressure is applied but it can be opened with one hand. It feels like a Dell Inspiron laptop with Alienware logos and upgraded internals. The screen has 240Hz refresh, but color and brightness are lacking. The panel is LCD which is another cost cutting measure when comparing other panels on laptops in this price range. Competition is using OLED and Micro LED, meanwhile we are getting old tech with subpar performance.
Benchmarking
Using Geekbench, the system was set to the "Overdrive" preset Performance setting in Alienware Command Center and Windows power settings to "Performance". It yielded the highest results, but not worth the trade for thermals. Compared to the "Balanced" preset, "Overdrive" had higher temps ranging between 41-104. Temps were around 82 degrees Celsius, producing a Single-Core 2122 and Multi-Core 11225 scores. In "Balanced", the temp range was 53-105, mostly near 75 degrees Celsius, posting scores for Single-Core 2024 and Multi-Core 10668. Based on my testing, this chip is effectively tuned so there isn't a good reason for going hard for heat and noise for a small gain of around 4% performance. For comparison, this laptop single core performance compares to Ryzen 7 5700x/Intel i9-11900 and multi-core performance of Intel i9-10920X/Ryzen7 5800X3D. In Fortnite, I was averaging 71fps gaming 2560x1600 in 240GHz! Drop it to 1920x1600, and get an average of 10fps higher to average 86fps. This system is more than capable of handling gaming at 60fps in almost any game I used.
Using Geekbench, the system was set to the "Overdrive" preset Performance setting in Alienware Command Center and Windows power settings to "Performance". It yielded the highest results, but not worth the trade for thermals. Compared to the "Balanced" preset, "Overdrive" had higher temps ranging between 41-104. Temps were around 82 degrees Celsius, producing a Single-Core 2122 and Multi-Core 11225 scores. In "Balanced", the temp range was 53-105, mostly near 75 degrees Celsius, posting scores for Single-Core 2024 and Multi-Core 10668. Based on my testing, this chip is effectively tuned so there isn't a good reason for going hard for heat and noise for a small gain of around 4% performance. For comparison, this laptop single core performance compares to Ryzen 7 5700x/Intel i9-11900 and multi-core performance of Intel i9-10920X/Ryzen7 5800X3D. In Fortnite, I was averaging 71fps gaming 2560x1600 in 240GHz! Drop it to 1920x1600, and get an average of 10fps higher to average 86fps. This system is more than capable of handling gaming at 60fps in almost any game I used.
Experience
Performance and experience are excellent here, but it runs hot. The Alienware Command Center software isn't as good as other brands regarding customizations of RGB effects like direction and colors. In my opinion, the system runs hot with temps bouncing in the 90-104 range while gaming. Fan curves need to be tweaked sooner for better cooling! Watch your temps go from the 50s to the 90s, then back to the 50s within 2-3 seconds. The new cooling system dumps hot air out the sides so your hand and mouse will get warm. The fans are noisy/audible in any setting above quiet. The keyboard is mushy and not very tactile. If you have used Dell Inspiron laptops, then you will know what this keyboard feels like. I'm more of a fan of low profile switches, but this keyboard is a joy to type on and quiet. The power supply is your typical Dell brick 240W to fuel this Alien. RAM is barely enough to idle the PC, around 10-12 GB used with everything running Windows and other bloatware. I already bought a kit of 64GB 5600Hz for another $200 so we will see what the increase is like soon. Running games, you will easily see the RAM is the bottleneck usually at 100% in many tasks requiring graphics or simultaneous multitasking.
Performance and experience are excellent here, but it runs hot. The Alienware Command Center software isn't as good as other brands regarding customizations of RGB effects like direction and colors. In my opinion, the system runs hot with temps bouncing in the 90-104 range while gaming. Fan curves need to be tweaked sooner for better cooling! Watch your temps go from the 50s to the 90s, then back to the 50s within 2-3 seconds. The new cooling system dumps hot air out the sides so your hand and mouse will get warm. The fans are noisy/audible in any setting above quiet. The keyboard is mushy and not very tactile. If you have used Dell Inspiron laptops, then you will know what this keyboard feels like. I'm more of a fan of low profile switches, but this keyboard is a joy to type on and quiet. The power supply is your typical Dell brick 240W to fuel this Alien. RAM is barely enough to idle the PC, around 10-12 GB used with everything running Windows and other bloatware. I already bought a kit of 64GB 5600Hz for another $200 so we will see what the increase is like soon. Running games, you will easily see the RAM is the bottleneck usually at 100% in many tasks requiring graphics or simultaneous multitasking.
Screen
Display accuracy is overall average at best. There are LOTS of other better panels, but sacrifices are made in favor of refresh rate and cost. There is an adaptive mode that goes between 120/240Hz. However, 60Hz isn't included for some reason. I'd like to see that updated in the future and maybe further increase battery life, and give speed when needed. If you want a bright screen, this is not for you as I feel this is about 4 years behind in brightness. I am truly disappointed in the 300 nits. I got 286 nits in my testing with a spectrometer and calibration software. Calibration is off for anything outside of sRGB. The contrast is average, and the colors are not vivid and punchy. The matte finish and LCD panel chosen are to blame here for cost cutting. Refresh rate and latency are on point, though, and I am more than happy in those departments.
Display accuracy is overall average at best. There are LOTS of other better panels, but sacrifices are made in favor of refresh rate and cost. There is an adaptive mode that goes between 120/240Hz. However, 60Hz isn't included for some reason. I'd like to see that updated in the future and maybe further increase battery life, and give speed when needed. If you want a bright screen, this is not for you as I feel this is about 4 years behind in brightness. I am truly disappointed in the 300 nits. I got 286 nits in my testing with a spectrometer and calibration software. Calibration is off for anything outside of sRGB. The contrast is average, and the colors are not vivid and punchy. The matte finish and LCD panel chosen are to blame here for cost cutting. Refresh rate and latency are on point, though, and I am more than happy in those departments.
Sound and Acoustics
When you are working, you will hear turbos spooling in order to keep temps down. The speakers sound ok but very small and bottom-firing so you lose volume as a result. There are lots of vents near the top, one would think there should be room for speakers on top somewhere. You will get plenty of sound from this laptop as well, to the tune of jet engines! Depending on the profile, you will hear the fans spinning.
When you are working, you will hear turbos spooling in order to keep temps down. The speakers sound ok but very small and bottom-firing so you lose volume as a result. There are lots of vents near the top, one would think there should be room for speakers on top somewhere. You will get plenty of sound from this laptop as well, to the tune of jet engines! Depending on the profile, you will hear the fans spinning.
Keyboard
The keyboard is rather spacious with room between keys. They can be easily vacuumed to keep clean. The keys have a wobble to them and are tactile through a mushy membrane. The keyboard is quiet and feels nice to type on, but I would prefer low-pro mechanical switches for a machine in this price range. RGB is beautiful and has good color saturation and brightness. The keys are responsive and require decent pressure to activate.
The keyboard is rather spacious with room between keys. They can be easily vacuumed to keep clean. The keys have a wobble to them and are tactile through a mushy membrane. The keyboard is quiet and feels nice to type on, but I would prefer low-pro mechanical switches for a machine in this price range. RGB is beautiful and has good color saturation and brightness. The keys are responsive and require decent pressure to activate.
Trackpad
The trackpad is the worst part of this ENTIRE laptop. I think Dell chose this move because if you are gaming, your trackpad isn't what you will be using. It feels like they saved money here knowing gamers have a mouse - smart, I guess. It is loose, plastic, and not responsive to light taps I use on other laptops. It really is the worst part of this experience but I am a mouse user so it's more last resort. Using this as a desktop replacement in a dock setup is a great idea, and the keyboard and trackpad decisions will not hinder the otherwise premium build. Glass trackpads should be standard in this price range, and Dell disappointed here for sure. The lack of glass really kills the premium feel with rattle and play.
The trackpad is the worst part of this ENTIRE laptop. I think Dell chose this move because if you are gaming, your trackpad isn't what you will be using. It feels like they saved money here knowing gamers have a mouse - smart, I guess. It is loose, plastic, and not responsive to light taps I use on other laptops. It really is the worst part of this experience but I am a mouse user so it's more last resort. Using this as a desktop replacement in a dock setup is a great idea, and the keyboard and trackpad decisions will not hinder the otherwise premium build. Glass trackpads should be standard in this price range, and Dell disappointed here for sure. The lack of glass really kills the premium feel with rattle and play.
Battery
The battery life is average, to say the least, for any gaming laptop in this range. With an included 240W power supply, the 90Wh battery gave me about 80% after 30 minutes of fast charging. It took about an hour and 15 mins 100% charge. While hardcore gaming, battery life gets you between 35-65 minutes of play depending on the brightness of RGBs, screen, game, and power profile. For my testing, I set the keyboard RGB to low, the screen to 50% brightness, refresh rate set to Dynamic 120/240Hz, and the balanced power profile. I was able to get 2hrs 45mins and temps were ranging from 70-96 with light work, streaming video, and working on email and work takes using DisplayPort by battery.
The battery life is average, to say the least, for any gaming laptop in this range. With an included 240W power supply, the 90Wh battery gave me about 80% after 30 minutes of fast charging. It took about an hour and 15 mins 100% charge. While hardcore gaming, battery life gets you between 35-65 minutes of play depending on the brightness of RGBs, screen, game, and power profile. For my testing, I set the keyboard RGB to low, the screen to 50% brightness, refresh rate set to Dynamic 120/240Hz, and the balanced power profile. I was able to get 2hrs 45mins and temps were ranging from 70-96 with light work, streaming video, and working on email and work takes using DisplayPort by battery.
In all, I love this laptop, all the RGB and quality performance offered, but I really hate the trackpad. I believe there should be the option to upgrade to 32GB for a better baseline setup to satisfy gamers and streamers who multitask while gaming. This is a good compromise for those who don't need all the power of the X16 line and offers scalability for futureproofing.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The H-1 Pro Series Ace R450 is built with the same durable aluminum alloy frame as the Ace R350, but gets an upgraded 450W motor, a larger battery, higher top speed, and extended range. The Ace R450’s 450W motor gives it the extra power it needs to be able to reach a top speed of 20 mph and accelerate with more oomph. The dual front shocks absorb impacts while riding, adding to your riding comfort. With the 10” self-sealing tube tires, flat tires are a thing of the past. Get up to 25.6 miles of range for those longer distance rides. View your current speed, speed mode, battery level, odometer, and more from the premium LED display. Ace R450 is a welcome enhancement to the already solid platform its based upon.
Customer Rating
4
Compact Foldable Scooter Fun for Adults
on February 27, 2024
Posted by: nkpstudios
Setup
This box was a big chongus and came in around 52lbs. It is large and somewhat awkward, so get some help bringing it in through a door or steps! Unpack the well-packaged box to reveal the Hover-1 Pro Ace R450. Essentially, it's already built in the box and folded. Unfold the frame, attach the handle, and tighten the pre-installed set screws (and an extra set). After you secure the six screws, charge the battery. Once charged to 100%, the indicator light will turn green from red when finished. Charge time can take up to 8 hours from 0%, so I recommend topping it off occasionally when you plan to ride long and fast. Take time to set the trip meter on the display and set the units to MI from KM. Familiarize yourself with the display and learn the power button taps to activate or deactivate features. Once customized to your liking and fully charged, grab a helmet and RIDE! There is also an app I highly recommend downloading to add a lock function so the rear tire cannot roll for further deterrence. However, the app is not necessary. The app is more of a gimmick than a feature. A lot more integration and polish needs to go into it before it is ready for use.
This box was a big chongus and came in around 52lbs. It is large and somewhat awkward, so get some help bringing it in through a door or steps! Unpack the well-packaged box to reveal the Hover-1 Pro Ace R450. Essentially, it's already built in the box and folded. Unfold the frame, attach the handle, and tighten the pre-installed set screws (and an extra set). After you secure the six screws, charge the battery. Once charged to 100%, the indicator light will turn green from red when finished. Charge time can take up to 8 hours from 0%, so I recommend topping it off occasionally when you plan to ride long and fast. Take time to set the trip meter on the display and set the units to MI from KM. Familiarize yourself with the display and learn the power button taps to activate or deactivate features. Once customized to your liking and fully charged, grab a helmet and RIDE! There is also an app I highly recommend downloading to add a lock function so the rear tire cannot roll for further deterrence. However, the app is not necessary. The app is more of a gimmick than a feature. A lot more integration and polish needs to go into it before it is ready for use.
Build
The H1Pro Ace R450 construction is exceptionally well built and close to commercial quality on the frame. It is thick metal and solid enough to handle any human up to 264 lbs. The folding hinge and locking mechanism to keep it locked are premium! The primary latch has another latch for a double locking mechanism that seriously solidifies the build. The sole weakness is that the undercarriage battery case is exposed on the sides to impact seams catch water. Side impacts could damage the battery since the thin metal battery brace only protects the bottom of the scooter. I don't know if the battery is sealed for waterproofing, but riding in the elements could lead to the potential for moisture to enter the pack. The tires are thick and have self-sealing tires. This increases durability and hopefully reduces a flat while riding. Walking back is never fun with a flat; I have yet to test it, but I would love to know EXACTLY what that means. Is the tube inside like Kevlar "run-flat," or is it just solid rubber that can take an impact and will lose tire over time?
The H1Pro Ace R450 construction is exceptionally well built and close to commercial quality on the frame. It is thick metal and solid enough to handle any human up to 264 lbs. The folding hinge and locking mechanism to keep it locked are premium! The primary latch has another latch for a double locking mechanism that seriously solidifies the build. The sole weakness is that the undercarriage battery case is exposed on the sides to impact seams catch water. Side impacts could damage the battery since the thin metal battery brace only protects the bottom of the scooter. I don't know if the battery is sealed for waterproofing, but riding in the elements could lead to the potential for moisture to enter the pack. The tires are thick and have self-sealing tires. This increases durability and hopefully reduces a flat while riding. Walking back is never fun with a flat; I have yet to test it, but I would love to know EXACTLY what that means. Is the tube inside like Kevlar "run-flat," or is it just solid rubber that can take an impact and will lose tire over time?
Performance
This scooter is SUPER FUN to ride. The pickup during acceleration is crazy, going from 0-20 in maybe 5-7 seconds, depending on weight and incline. The battery performs well. I got close to 18 miles on the odometer before it was close to dead. I can go a week before needing to charge riding 2 miles each way daily with light use. Overall, the performance you get and the fun I had makes this well worth the price of admission! The value proposition is crazy for the price and build quality. Brake performance is not great out of the box, and I highly recommend turning the cable to tighten the excess play in the brake wire. My scooter out of the box would only engage the brakes once I squeezed almost to the handlebar 80% of the way. I like tighter brakes similar to a mountain bike, so you may be ok with it. The front shock significantly improves the ride over other scooters I have.
This scooter is SUPER FUN to ride. The pickup during acceleration is crazy, going from 0-20 in maybe 5-7 seconds, depending on weight and incline. The battery performs well. I got close to 18 miles on the odometer before it was close to dead. I can go a week before needing to charge riding 2 miles each way daily with light use. Overall, the performance you get and the fun I had makes this well worth the price of admission! The value proposition is crazy for the price and build quality. Brake performance is not great out of the box, and I highly recommend turning the cable to tighten the excess play in the brake wire. My scooter out of the box would only engage the brakes once I squeezed almost to the handlebar 80% of the way. I like tighter brakes similar to a mountain bike, so you may be ok with it. The front shock significantly improves the ride over other scooters I have.
Safety
The Ace 450 wheels are marked with reflective tape for side visibility and headlight/taillight for front/rear visibility. The tail light is exceptionally bright with a wide throw. When brakes are engaged, the red taillight blinks to attract attention so others can see you. There are no turn signals, so you must use proper hand signals for riding. There is a headlight that lights 15 feet ahead of you, but you cannot raise it any further than the handlebar indention to see further ahead. I recommend a light you can mount on your helmet or head strap for improved sightlines in the dark, but the light is ample. The tires are advertised as "self-sealing," which I see as a safety benefit. However, I wanted to avoid testing it because tires aren't for sale anywhere.
The Ace 450 wheels are marked with reflective tape for side visibility and headlight/taillight for front/rear visibility. The tail light is exceptionally bright with a wide throw. When brakes are engaged, the red taillight blinks to attract attention so others can see you. There are no turn signals, so you must use proper hand signals for riding. There is a headlight that lights 15 feet ahead of you, but you cannot raise it any further than the handlebar indention to see further ahead. I recommend a light you can mount on your helmet or head strap for improved sightlines in the dark, but the light is ample. The tires are advertised as "self-sealing," which I see as a safety benefit. However, I wanted to avoid testing it because tires aren't for sale anywhere.
Interface/Ease of Use
Everything is intuitive and easy to use. Things you need are clearly laid out and large on display, and all vital information is provided. There is an odometer and trip meter like in a car - a cool addition you usually don't see. All settings are made by tapping the power button for different things. I am not a fan of all the clicking on the power button to get things done, but the app is the solution for this, bringing an overall more effortless experience to the rider.
Everything is intuitive and easy to use. Things you need are clearly laid out and large on display, and all vital information is provided. There is an odometer and trip meter like in a car - a cool addition you usually don't see. All settings are made by tapping the power button for different things. I am not a fan of all the clicking on the power button to get things done, but the app is the solution for this, bringing an overall more effortless experience to the rider.
Things to Know
There are a few things you should know about if you decide to purchase this. My first concern is where I can get a new tire and brakes for this scooter. No parts are listed, and much information about recommended maintenance or care for this. There is a lack of information and support for this after purchase. Parts and things aren't easily stated, so you must research or trash your scooter when there is a flat. A local bike shop could help possibly find a tire, but I don't have one near me to see.
The app tracks your rides while also providing a display mirroring the details on your scooter. The app allows for wireless operation of the lights; however, that is all along with setting the modes. The latch is so strong and secure that it requires a firm grip to open, then you need to pull the latch once more to unlock it and allow it to fold. This will take some time, but overall, it contributes to the lovely construction.
There are a few things you should know about if you decide to purchase this. My first concern is where I can get a new tire and brakes for this scooter. No parts are listed, and much information about recommended maintenance or care for this. There is a lack of information and support for this after purchase. Parts and things aren't easily stated, so you must research or trash your scooter when there is a flat. A local bike shop could help possibly find a tire, but I don't have one near me to see.
The app tracks your rides while also providing a display mirroring the details on your scooter. The app allows for wireless operation of the lights; however, that is all along with setting the modes. The latch is so strong and secure that it requires a firm grip to open, then you need to pull the latch once more to unlock it and allow it to fold. This will take some time, but overall, it contributes to the lovely construction.
Future Potential for Improvement
Make parts more readily available and easily purchased on your site. I still need help finding information about brakes or tires for many of the scooters Hover-1 has. The app is a nice touch but needs to be polished. After using the regular app and then the one made for this scooter, the Pro app launches the regular app for HUD. I would like to see the scooter auto-lock once the Bluetooth connection is broken in case the scooter is stolen to hinder a fast getaway. I may even cause the thief to think something was wrong with it, or worse, it's broken. Maybe even add battery notifications and charge reminders and integrate them into "FindMyDevice" for iOS and Android. Add a drink holder to the accessory list or mounting holes drilled into the frame with caps for future upgrades.
Make parts more readily available and easily purchased on your site. I still need help finding information about brakes or tires for many of the scooters Hover-1 has. The app is a nice touch but needs to be polished. After using the regular app and then the one made for this scooter, the Pro app launches the regular app for HUD. I would like to see the scooter auto-lock once the Bluetooth connection is broken in case the scooter is stolen to hinder a fast getaway. I may even cause the thief to think something was wrong with it, or worse, it's broken. Maybe even add battery notifications and charge reminders and integrate them into "FindMyDevice" for iOS and Android. Add a drink holder to the accessory list or mounting holes drilled into the frame with caps for future upgrades.
Verdict
In all, I highly recommend this as a budget adult scooter. This is powerful, compact, and has enough range to make a day of riding. If you can get parts for this, I don't see why this wouldn't last forever! This is just built so solid it is almost commercial quality available to the masses! The Hover-1 Pro Ace 450 is an excellent addition for those who want to get into the scooter culture at a wonderful price.
In all, I highly recommend this as a budget adult scooter. This is powerful, compact, and has enough range to make a day of riding. If you can get parts for this, I don't see why this wouldn't last forever! This is just built so solid it is almost commercial quality available to the masses! The Hover-1 Pro Ace 450 is an excellent addition for those who want to get into the scooter culture at a wonderful price.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Cook delicious rice with the touch of a button. The COSORI 5.0-Quart Rice Cooker offers 9 functions to cook your favorite type of rice to the perfect texture. Following a precise 6-step cooking process, the rice cooker produces evenly cooked rice every time. It's simple and easy to use with a guided LED display that walks you through the cooking process. When you’re done cooking, all accessories are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Posted by: nkpstudios
Rice is a staple food for many cultures. That means many customers use rice cookers, and a cooker like this is a good start. The Cosori 9-in-1 5qt Rice Cooker is an excellent gift for a housewarming or any beginner in the kitchen. My initial thoughts after unpacking and set up were beautiful, modern, and intuitive. Premium internals make this worth its weight in gold. There are no metal accents, just quality plastic construction without feeling cheap. The inner bowl is a thick, premium, non-stick (ceramic-like) and maybe laser-etched scale for measuring various cooking ingredients. Everything is ready out of the box, and you rinse and steam to prep for the first use. The rice scoop is self-standing, so you don't need to lay it anywhere, as there isn't a holder built into this one. With sleek modern aesthetics, this will fit into any kitchen with class. 9-in-1 functionality adds value here for your purchase. Not only cook rice, cook oats and other grains, steam veggies, keep food warm, delay cooking, and make quick rice. Easy to clean and built with the health consciousness in mind - BPA-Free!
Performance
The display is large and easy to read with backlit touch buttons. Time is saved, and the guesswork is gone through the intuitive button layout. Fuzzy Logic just makes sense of the settings and adapts to your rice of choice. Long Grain, Jasmine, Basmati, Short Grain, and Brown Rice cook perfectly fine using your preset settings. Cooking is relative, so you must experiment to find your favorite settings, but the default is a solid start. The temperature and cooking time are managed by excellent internals for simplicity and perfect rice every time. With its modularity, everything that matters is removable and washable. Non-stick performs well and the disassembly process is easy to handle.
The display is large and easy to read with backlit touch buttons. Time is saved, and the guesswork is gone through the intuitive button layout. Fuzzy Logic just makes sense of the settings and adapts to your rice of choice. Long Grain, Jasmine, Basmati, Short Grain, and Brown Rice cook perfectly fine using your preset settings. Cooking is relative, so you must experiment to find your favorite settings, but the default is a solid start. The temperature and cooking time are managed by excellent internals for simplicity and perfect rice every time. With its modularity, everything that matters is removable and washable. Non-stick performs well and the disassembly process is easy to handle.
In most cases, cooking was done faster than the projected timer at the start by around 10 minutes. Fuzzy Logic processing adjusted accordingly based on detected rice amounts and rice type chosen. All the rice was soft and cooked all the way through. I love the one-button press to open, the self-standing rice scoop, and the multiple measuring marks for various foods. The contrasting white letters to the dark bowl make it easier to read. However, I do wish it was embossed in case the white is not laser etched and rubs off. This is a solid performer, and I nitpicked this one since it was priced right.
Suggestions
Emboss Bowl - laser etch is nice, what if it rubs off? Raised scales will show lines longer.
Cord Management - Retractable cords or removable cords would be nice.
Fine-Tune Controls - allow for adjustments after starting cooking.
Metal Basket - including a metal basket would be nice but I can see if this is reserved for the higher-end models.
Emboss Bowl - laser etch is nice, what if it rubs off? Raised scales will show lines longer.
Cord Management - Retractable cords or removable cords would be nice.
Fine-Tune Controls - allow for adjustments after starting cooking.
Metal Basket - including a metal basket would be nice but I can see if this is reserved for the higher-end models.
Things to Know
The innovation is exciting but lacking some things for me. From the easy 1-touch lid with a removable top plate and integrated steam basin, sealed by premium silicone, is stylin' in the elegant "dark mode" interface while checking a lot of boxes. With that being said, there are things I want you to know. There is no cord management. You get short cord, so you are stuck with the length provided along with the Velcro strap. There is no way to adjust anything once cooking starts; any changes must be made during setting. There are REALLY LOUD and annoying beeps that result in any button presses and beeps when powered on. There is no mute setting for the beeps, so you will just get used to it.
The innovation is exciting but lacking some things for me. From the easy 1-touch lid with a removable top plate and integrated steam basin, sealed by premium silicone, is stylin' in the elegant "dark mode" interface while checking a lot of boxes. With that being said, there are things I want you to know. There is no cord management. You get short cord, so you are stuck with the length provided along with the Velcro strap. There is no way to adjust anything once cooking starts; any changes must be made during setting. There are REALLY LOUD and annoying beeps that result in any button presses and beeps when powered on. There is no mute setting for the beeps, so you will just get used to it.
This for me is a nice addition to any rice chefs kitchen for a set it and forget it way to keep rice ready always. Easy to use, quality-built, this will help you take one thing off your menu prep list. Check it out and you may like it!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Best for small businesses, the Brother DCP-L2640DW Wireless Compact Black & White (Monochrome) Multi-Function Laser Printer combines three critical business functions in one footprint. Scan, copy, and produce professional-quality prints quickly and easily with this compact multi-function wireless printer. The DCP-L2640DW is the smart way for any business to create and share pristine prints, economize workspaces, simplify supply management, and reach operational goals. Efficient and affordable, this 3-in-1 printer is the practical choice for high-volume printing, copying, and scanning. Designed with features to save you time and cost: print speeds up to 36 ISO pages per minute (1) (ppm); automatic duplex printing; a 250-sheet paper tray (2) that reduces the frequency of paper refills; and a 50-page auto document feeder (2) that expedites multi-page copy and scan jobs. Dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB 2.0 interfaces provide an array of flexible connection options. Finally, advanced security features help safeguard information and maintain secure connections while printing.
Customer Rating
4
All-around Small Business Powerhouse
on January 11, 2024
Posted by: nkpstudios
Back Office Bully
The Brother DCP-L2640DW is the B&W Laser printer I say is an all-around starter, who is dependable and shows up every day for me. Nothing flashy - all business. There are no bells and whistles or gimmicks, only a dependable printer that can play three positions in your office. The Copier, Scanner, and Printer are all replaced with Brother's DCP-L2640DW is ready for any office or home setting. This saves space and time moving between machines in any small business or home office printing in black and white. It offers high-quality, high-resolution scans, prints, and copies all from one machine.
As usual, everything comes well packaged and secured, already assembled. Simply unpack, peel the various pieces of tape, install the drum and toner, plug it in, and power it on. There are a few options to get set up, and they are all fairly easy. You can use the Brother app, the printer buttons, or the driver package on a computer downloaded from the Brother website. I chose a laptop and downloaded the software package and connected it to my WiFi network for all to use. Wireless printing on the network is fast and there are no complaints.
It is sized like a 3-in-1, weighing in at just over 25lbs. It stands 16.1"W x 12.5"H x 15.7"D, fitting perfectly on a file cabinet or desk. I love that it has an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) which holds up to 50 pages and can scan documents up to Legal size. The paper tray holds up to 100 sheets of A4 paper size. This is speedy printing of letter paper. The 36pgs/min 1-sided printing is fast, and 2-sided printing is noticeably faster, too, 17pgs/min or 8 sheets/min. The printer prints REALLY quickly, around 8 seconds.
Wireless Performance is excellent, with spooling taking minimal time. I would estimate that in less than 5 seconds of clicking print from my laptop or cellphone, the printer is already spooling and printing my document. This is better performance than what I have seen in the past, and I like it! Using the iPrint&Scan software, you can wirelessly scan or print without wires. There is an app for iOS and Android to extend functionality to mobile devices as well for more value.
Useful Information
ADF holds up to 50 sheets
Toner is TN830XL
Drum is DR830
Parts easily found at retail
ADF holds up to 50 sheets
Toner is TN830XL
Drum is DR830
Parts easily found at retail
I needed a B&W toner, dual-sided printing/scanning, an ADF that scans up to Legal size, and wireless functionality to print and store scans in the cloud. This is more than enough of a printer for the office and I highly recommend it to everyone looking for a laser printer.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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27" FHD 3-Side Borderless IPS Monitor with FreeSync
Customer Rating
4
Great Entry Level Budget Panel-No Speakers
on December 15, 2023
Posted by: nkpstudios
LG does it again by making a quality, practically borderless 1080p 250-nit IPS panel great for any budget build. The black/deep gray color is aesthetically minimalistic with only the LG logo noticeable in the thick bottom bezel. The monitor works for anyone from students to office workers who do not require color accuracy. Out of the box, the color isn't right, and I found it quite bright. After using my Color Checker Display Plus to handle color calibration, I was able to get it to cover close to 100% sRGB and brought the brightness down to 120-nits for my work area. I can confirm that the specs covering 99% of the sRGB. I will share that the calibration was a headache using the joystick interface for the menu and settings. The panel would shift brightness when adjusting contrast settings during the annoying process. I turned off all power-saving settings, and still, it would do this. Creative professionals will not even be looking in this range, so there is no need to worry, BUT others be NOT fooled. You need to select the correct color settings to get it right. **See screenshots of my testing and settings to compare yours**
Excellent selling points
HDMI Cord included and is of decent quality.
99% sRGB capable but NOT out of the box.
Decent monitor lighting uniformity and viewing angles.
Excellent value and quality.
100mm x 100mm VESA Mount.
100Hz Refresh Rate w/ AMD FreeSync
Thin bezels and anti-reflective matte finish that blends into any dark build.
HDMI Cord included and is of decent quality.
99% sRGB capable but NOT out of the box.
Decent monitor lighting uniformity and viewing angles.
Excellent value and quality.
100mm x 100mm VESA Mount.
100Hz Refresh Rate w/ AMD FreeSync
Thin bezels and anti-reflective matte finish that blends into any dark build.
Things to consider
No Height adjustment or portrait orientation. You can tilt the screen angle towards or away, but you feel like you will break it. Just hold the base and tip it back for angle adjustment.
The joystick interface and menus are not my favorite to navigate.
Lacks Speakers.
Slow start-up time.
Wobbly mount.
D-Sub - Another HDMI or VGA for digital signal AT LEAST
LED Uniformity - the panel is slightly dark at the left and right sides for my panel but not super distracting.
Color Accuracy - if color is essential, this isn't for you. For the price, it is good, but not accurate without calibration in sRGB color space, and that is all.
No Height adjustment or portrait orientation. You can tilt the screen angle towards or away, but you feel like you will break it. Just hold the base and tip it back for angle adjustment.
The joystick interface and menus are not my favorite to navigate.
Lacks Speakers.
Slow start-up time.
Wobbly mount.
D-Sub - Another HDMI or VGA for digital signal AT LEAST
LED Uniformity - the panel is slightly dark at the left and right sides for my panel but not super distracting.
Color Accuracy - if color is essential, this isn't for you. For the price, it is good, but not accurate without calibration in sRGB color space, and that is all.
In my experience, the start-up time is prolonged, going from sleep to awake or powered off to on. The picture quality is good for almost anyone. Everyday uses like web surfing, social media, productivity apps, and media consumption are all easily accommodated here, making this a great all-around budget choice. It is bright to see in non-direct sunlight, reaching 250 nits. There are only an HDMI, D-Sub, and 3.5mm audio jack for ports I/O and nothing extra like USB or speakers. It turns on and off very slowly, and it's a shame D-Sub was chosen when VGA is a better choice for digital signal video/audio needs if HDMI goes down. This quality budget 100Hz panel has a zippy refresh rate with 5ms response time and AMD Freesync support. It isn't a gaming monitor by any means. However, it can refresh quickly if you need to go into gaming mode. In my opinion, contrast levels are not great, with black levels washed out. The shape of the physical monitor back panel is curved, so if you are using a monitor light bar, it will not clamp to the top, and this one should be avoided. Webcam mounts will hold just fine, so teleconferencing is not inhibited. Tilt only forward and backward is available, and there is absolutely ZERO height adjustment short of stacks of sticky notes or paper. On sale, this is a no-brainer to complete a build, but I cannot recommend it for serious creative professionals.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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DJI Mini 4 Pro integrates powerful imaging capabilities, omnidirectional obstacle sensing, ActiveTrack 360° with the new Trace Mode, and 20km FHD video transmission, bringing even more things to love for pros and beginners alike.
Posted by: nkpstudios
If you are shopping for the Mini4Pro, this is THE package—everything you need to fly and capture some incredible footage and photos MINUS a charge block. Save time and money to secure the best remote, the RC2, three of the best Intelligent Flight Battery Pluses, and a 2-way 3-bay charging hub. Also included are accessories like three additional sets of propellers, a small #000 Phillips screwdriver, 18 #000 Phillips screws, a gimbal protector, a propeller holder, and a USB-C cable which can all fit in the included water-resistant portable shoulder bag! This kit is truly a game-changer for me and makes drones more usable because my Phantom 3 Pro has been collecting dust due to the sheer size and effort needed to fly it. The Mini4Pro is ALWAYS with me in my vehicle to stop and take in some of the best scenery on the East Coast! Thank you, DJI, for making this drone affordable for all of us and not skimping on features to widen your audience to include a complete novice to advanced drone pilot.
Setup
The FIRST thing you NEED to do is find a charging block. Apple has infected the entire electronics industry by omitting charging blocks for profit. Hopefully, you have an old 30W charge block for fast charging; otherwise, it takes longer to charge at slower speeds. The setup process is app-driven and straightforward. Just unpack everything and charge your drone and batteries. Power on the remote and drone to prepare it for flight. The remote and drone should automatically be paired. Begin following the on-screen prompts to download firmware/software to get you up to speed for the flight. Plan to spend about 30 minutes downloading and installing the RC2 and Mini4Pro for initial setup. Once the updating process is over, NOW THE FUN CAN BEGIN! Take your drone outside, load a fresh battery, go to a safe area, and take off to see the world in another view.
The FIRST thing you NEED to do is find a charging block. Apple has infected the entire electronics industry by omitting charging blocks for profit. Hopefully, you have an old 30W charge block for fast charging; otherwise, it takes longer to charge at slower speeds. The setup process is app-driven and straightforward. Just unpack everything and charge your drone and batteries. Power on the remote and drone to prepare it for flight. The remote and drone should automatically be paired. Begin following the on-screen prompts to download firmware/software to get you up to speed for the flight. Plan to spend about 30 minutes downloading and installing the RC2 and Mini4Pro for initial setup. Once the updating process is over, NOW THE FUN CAN BEGIN! Take your drone outside, load a fresh battery, go to a safe area, and take off to see the world in another view.
Mini 4 Pro
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is one fantastic piece of technology; small and compact while BIG on features and capability! Coming from a Phantom 3 Pro, I am completely enthralled by the complete package. The combination of 360 obstacle avoidance, 4k frame rates, picture quality, and range performance of this drone makes me nerd out! DJI did it again by cramming pro features into a consumer drone under 250g! This means there's no need for training or examinations in most countries and regions! This is YOUR tool for creating high-quality social media or film content without degradation or cropping. The image quality is beautiful and sharp, so I recommend learning how filters work to knock off some light. I am blown away by the picture this small drone produces. In this package, you get 3 - 3850 mAh intelligent flight batteries rated to last up to 45 minutes each, which takes around 78 minutes, with a 30W USB-C Charger and Two-Way Charging Hub. The gimbal camera has an 82.1° FOV produced by a 48MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor w/ Dual Native ISO Fusion sporting a 24mm f/1.7 fixed lens with a min—focus distance of 3.25ft. The gimbal is capable of both vertical and horizontal footage. Pressing a button can produce professional-looking footage in full resolution instead of cropping horizontal footage, resulting in reduced quality.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is one fantastic piece of technology; small and compact while BIG on features and capability! Coming from a Phantom 3 Pro, I am completely enthralled by the complete package. The combination of 360 obstacle avoidance, 4k frame rates, picture quality, and range performance of this drone makes me nerd out! DJI did it again by cramming pro features into a consumer drone under 250g! This means there's no need for training or examinations in most countries and regions! This is YOUR tool for creating high-quality social media or film content without degradation or cropping. The image quality is beautiful and sharp, so I recommend learning how filters work to knock off some light. I am blown away by the picture this small drone produces. In this package, you get 3 - 3850 mAh intelligent flight batteries rated to last up to 45 minutes each, which takes around 78 minutes, with a 30W USB-C Charger and Two-Way Charging Hub. The gimbal camera has an 82.1° FOV produced by a 48MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor w/ Dual Native ISO Fusion sporting a 24mm f/1.7 fixed lens with a min—focus distance of 3.25ft. The gimbal is capable of both vertical and horizontal footage. Pressing a button can produce professional-looking footage in full resolution instead of cropping horizontal footage, resulting in reduced quality.
Drone pilots rejoice! Features from high-end drones like Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) 5.0, Advanced Return-To-Home (RTH), Waypoint Flight, and Cruise Control are now within reach! Waypoints and obstacle avoidance are my favorite features, with cruise control rounding out the Top 3. Waypoints capture a set path you can fly over and over again! Just think of these as preset auto-pilot plans so you can document progress or changes in a set location ANYTIME! ActiveTrack 3.0 is LEVELS above last year's 2.0 tracking, making autonomous flight possible at the level of a novice drone pilot. MasterShots and QuickShots are added to perform professional drone movements with ease. The Mini4Pro is my favorite travel companion; combined with my DJI Pocket 3, documenting life and travel memories is easier than ever! Drone hobbyists can access professional-grade features and cinematic footage with 10-bit D-Log M and HLG codecs for color and quality you have never seen before in lightweight drones. When you need dramatic speed ramps, shoot 4k/100fps and 1080p/200fps for slow-motion, and it can also support standard framerates like 24p, 30p, and 60p.
Thoughts and Recommendations
-Propeller strap. The silicone strap from the MiniPro3 was a better design. I will be using another band to secure my drone or spend time practicing.
-NO charge block! Only charge cables provided. Get 30W charger to ensure fast charging.
-The fan-less design of the Mini4Pro means temperatures around the gimbal and sensors will increase if not moving. The remote has a fan, but not the drone? It gets hot and may overheat if you leave it powered on to transfer footage. It was really hot during firmware updates, so I recommend using a fan to keep it cool if you care.
-Charge lights. Blinking speed will tell you what charging is happening. The charging is done in a daisy chain with the highest charged battery topping off first. Plan for at least 4.5 hours between flights to charge all three batteries. Carry battery banks for a backup.
-Screw size is Phillips #000. The included screwdriver is really thin and hard to use. It needs lots of pressure to loosen so just get a real one or you will strip the screws. For me, ergonomics are important so buy a better screwdriver!
-DJI should include a micro fiber, charging brick, and extra thumb sticks with the Fly More Combo Plus for the best package and next level customer value.
-Propeller strap. The silicone strap from the MiniPro3 was a better design. I will be using another band to secure my drone or spend time practicing.
-NO charge block! Only charge cables provided. Get 30W charger to ensure fast charging.
-The fan-less design of the Mini4Pro means temperatures around the gimbal and sensors will increase if not moving. The remote has a fan, but not the drone? It gets hot and may overheat if you leave it powered on to transfer footage. It was really hot during firmware updates, so I recommend using a fan to keep it cool if you care.
-Charge lights. Blinking speed will tell you what charging is happening. The charging is done in a daisy chain with the highest charged battery topping off first. Plan for at least 4.5 hours between flights to charge all three batteries. Carry battery banks for a backup.
-Screw size is Phillips #000. The included screwdriver is really thin and hard to use. It needs lots of pressure to loosen so just get a real one or you will strip the screws. For me, ergonomics are important so buy a better screwdriver!
-DJI should include a micro fiber, charging brick, and extra thumb sticks with the Fly More Combo Plus for the best package and next level customer value.
RC2
For the best flying experience, use the DJI RC2 Drone Remote which currently supports the Air 3 and Mini 4 Pro for a totally independent mobile-free solution. Ultimate freedom is found in the intuitive remote design with a large 5.5" 700-nit 1080p60 display with 32GB onboard & microSD expandable storage up to 512GB. The screen is centered under the removable joysticks and 2T4R foldable antennas housed in a super tough ABS plastic body with grippy sides for added security in the hands. Weighing in at just under 240g, this remote almost weighs as much as your Mini Pro 4! The ergonomics are exceptional and start time is under 30 seconds to connectivity. There are dials and buttons dedicated to specific actions like record and photo with the option of remapping functions to custom buttons as well.
The next-gen DJI O4 video transmission technology supports 2.4GHz, 5.1GHz, and 5.8GHz bands to provide clear low-latency picture and enhanced anti-interference capabilities with a range of up to 12.4mi. The O4 system also gets a new fan cooled processor with improved CPU/GPU performance to help provide extended range through dual foldable 2T4R antennas comprised of 2 transmitters and 4 receivers. I was able to get around 3.5 miles flying from in my parked truck before RTH kicked in due to remote interference and loss of connection. When on a lake, I was able to cross the entire 5 miles and come back without issue on a calm day leaving 15% battery at landing. With a battery life rated up to 6 hours, you will finish all 3 of your drone batteries before you need to recharge the RC2, so fly MORE baby! On bottom, there are two screw-holes for eyelets to attach a neck strap, which I HIGHLY recommend.
For the best flying experience, use the DJI RC2 Drone Remote which currently supports the Air 3 and Mini 4 Pro for a totally independent mobile-free solution. Ultimate freedom is found in the intuitive remote design with a large 5.5" 700-nit 1080p60 display with 32GB onboard & microSD expandable storage up to 512GB. The screen is centered under the removable joysticks and 2T4R foldable antennas housed in a super tough ABS plastic body with grippy sides for added security in the hands. Weighing in at just under 240g, this remote almost weighs as much as your Mini Pro 4! The ergonomics are exceptional and start time is under 30 seconds to connectivity. There are dials and buttons dedicated to specific actions like record and photo with the option of remapping functions to custom buttons as well.
The next-gen DJI O4 video transmission technology supports 2.4GHz, 5.1GHz, and 5.8GHz bands to provide clear low-latency picture and enhanced anti-interference capabilities with a range of up to 12.4mi. The O4 system also gets a new fan cooled processor with improved CPU/GPU performance to help provide extended range through dual foldable 2T4R antennas comprised of 2 transmitters and 4 receivers. I was able to get around 3.5 miles flying from in my parked truck before RTH kicked in due to remote interference and loss of connection. When on a lake, I was able to cross the entire 5 miles and come back without issue on a calm day leaving 15% battery at landing. With a battery life rated up to 6 hours, you will finish all 3 of your drone batteries before you need to recharge the RC2, so fly MORE baby! On bottom, there are two screw-holes for eyelets to attach a neck strap, which I HIGHLY recommend.
Recommendations and Thoughts
If you buy the RC2 remote, be sure to purchase a screen protector, spare set of thumb sticks, screen cover, and a neck strap for the best setup. My SOLE complaint with the RC2 is the remote does not respect the mode-switch setting during power-on. I leave my remote in "C"inematic mode almost ALL the time. After turning on the RC2, it always loads "N"ormal mode regardless if the remote is set to "C". A firmware/software update is REQUIRED to fix this to correct unwarranted wear and tear on the switch. I should expect my drone to be the same way I left it on my remote. I launch thinking I am in cinematic mode looking at my remote switch, only to find movements exaggerated so I have to flip the switch right and left again. This is poor programming and execution, defeating the purpose of the switch. It should read the correct flight mode from the remote, put the drone into the said mode, and not default to "N" normal mode after every boot. For improved ergonomics, consider a design with thumb sticks placed a little lower or like a Nintendo Switch on the outside edges of the screen. This remote is a MUST-HAVE for all Mini 4 Pro and Air 3 owners!
If you buy the RC2 remote, be sure to purchase a screen protector, spare set of thumb sticks, screen cover, and a neck strap for the best setup. My SOLE complaint with the RC2 is the remote does not respect the mode-switch setting during power-on. I leave my remote in "C"inematic mode almost ALL the time. After turning on the RC2, it always loads "N"ormal mode regardless if the remote is set to "C". A firmware/software update is REQUIRED to fix this to correct unwarranted wear and tear on the switch. I should expect my drone to be the same way I left it on my remote. I launch thinking I am in cinematic mode looking at my remote switch, only to find movements exaggerated so I have to flip the switch right and left again. This is poor programming and execution, defeating the purpose of the switch. It should read the correct flight mode from the remote, put the drone into the said mode, and not default to "N" normal mode after every boot. For improved ergonomics, consider a design with thumb sticks placed a little lower or like a Nintendo Switch on the outside edges of the screen. This remote is a MUST-HAVE for all Mini 4 Pro and Air 3 owners!
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you are a beginner to the drone space, this is the drone kit for you. The drone is top flight with pro-tier features and options to fly cinematic moves with a press of a button. The batteries and remote are key to this experience and there is nothing else out there providing this value and technology. Remote ID is supported so go boldly knowing this is the one to get moving forward for entry level pilots! Start here and you will only want to go up the DJI drone chain and get to the Mavic series or better because of multicamera and sensor size!
If you are a beginner to the drone space, this is the drone kit for you. The drone is top flight with pro-tier features and options to fly cinematic moves with a press of a button. The batteries and remote are key to this experience and there is nothing else out there providing this value and technology. Remote ID is supported so go boldly knowing this is the one to get moving forward for entry level pilots! Start here and you will only want to go up the DJI drone chain and get to the Mavic series or better because of multicamera and sensor size!
+Buy 2 Micro SDXC cards up to 512GB. One each for drone/RC2. See manual for recommendations.
+Getting an app like DroneCast or OpenSky to check flight conditions.
+For cinematic footage, buy ND & CPL filters. The fixed aperture means it 180-degree shutter rule is broken if shutter speed is your only effective weapon against the sun.
+FILE TRANSFER TIP (Android). Plug your phone into your drone using a USB-C and access the SD Card like an external drive in "My Files" to copy videos to your phone directly and view. You will get full PC transfer speeds if using a USB 3.0 cord instead of wireless transfers. Use gallery or VNC to view the Mini 4 Pro MP4 video files and edit them using your Android video editor of choice. **ANDROID TIP**
+Getting an app like DroneCast or OpenSky to check flight conditions.
+For cinematic footage, buy ND & CPL filters. The fixed aperture means it 180-degree shutter rule is broken if shutter speed is your only effective weapon against the sun.
+FILE TRANSFER TIP (Android). Plug your phone into your drone using a USB-C and access the SD Card like an external drive in "My Files" to copy videos to your phone directly and view. You will get full PC transfer speeds if using a USB 3.0 cord instead of wireless transfers. Use gallery or VNC to view the Mini 4 Pro MP4 video files and edit them using your Android video editor of choice. **ANDROID TIP**
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The eufy clean X8 Pro SES robotic vacuum with self-emptying station, twin-turbine 2x4,000 Pa powerful suction, active detangling roller brush, and iPath laser navigation for 45* days of hands-free deep cleaning.
Customer Rating
5
NOW… make it do stairs! Only one thing it can't do
on December 6, 2023
Posted by: nkpstudios
Finally… a robotic vacuum that cleans effectively enough to stay in my home. One that isn't just a surface duster or dirt spreader like the vacuums used previously. The Eufy X8 Pro w/ Self-Empty Station is the best robotic vacuum I've tested in the last eight years. Five different robot vacuums later, I thought it wouldn't be a viable way to vacuum, and my Dyson and I would still do work. NOW, every morning, it is like a cleaning service came overnight! The X8 Pro's suction, AI performance, and efficiency are mind-blowing and unmatched for this price. I now spend less time vacuuming because it VACUUMS and doesn't get stuck! No need to watch stairs; it sees them! I do stairs and touch up corners where I block it from going. My carpets are always clean and refreshed, with carpet lines in a logical pattern I would leave behind. The AI running the vacuum, combined with the LIDAR and IR sensor arrays, makes this perform like no other robot vacuum on the market. It does not just haphazardly bounce all over the room like some vacuums I've tested. It, quite frankly, would vacuum like a human that could not move furniture. All three levels of vacuum suction perform well, but the max setting could be loud if people are sleeping nearby—otherwise, low and medium work well while you sleep.
Setup
The setup is intuitive and straightforward. Everything arrives tightly packaged, protected, and delivered quickly to my door. Unpack it to reveal the Base Station, X8 Pro, plastic pad, and power cable. Next, find a flat, hard surface near an outlet to place your plastic mat and base station. Once the base station is plugged in, please turn on the vacuum and align it to charge. Download the Eufy Clean app and create an account (if necessary). Follow the app prompts to add it to your account and TRULY unlock the full potential. Link your favorite voice assistant for automation, schedules, and voice commands making life SUPER SIMPLE in the chore department. You can use its simple three-button functionality to send it home, spot clean, and power down, but the BEAST is unleashed in the Eufy Clean app!
The setup is intuitive and straightforward. Everything arrives tightly packaged, protected, and delivered quickly to my door. Unpack it to reveal the Base Station, X8 Pro, plastic pad, and power cable. Next, find a flat, hard surface near an outlet to place your plastic mat and base station. Once the base station is plugged in, please turn on the vacuum and align it to charge. Download the Eufy Clean app and create an account (if necessary). Follow the app prompts to add it to your account and TRULY unlock the full potential. Link your favorite voice assistant for automation, schedules, and voice commands making life SUPER SIMPLE in the chore department. You can use its simple three-button functionality to send it home, spot clean, and power down, but the BEAST is unleashed in the Eufy Clean app!
Once setup is complete, let it map by scanning your home to build a floor plan. It will go around the perimeter of your walls, flinging LIDAR beams to create a blueprint. In the app, you can watch it draw and follow the paths it took to get there. Be sure to clear loose objects from the floor to ensure perfect mapping. After the scan, place virtual boundaries and no-go zones to lock down your requests further. Eufy Clean offers options for setting schedules customized for cleaning by room, zone, or the whole floor. You are in control of how much cleaning is done and when. You can also mop and vacuum with different settings. Vacuum first, then clean - now my floor washer is getting nervous. From start to finish, I was up and running about 35 minutes after account linking, updates, and setup was done. I don't see many hiccups in the setup process
and this passes with flying colors.
and this passes with flying colors.
Mopping
It functions very well as a mop and is similar to using a Swiffer Wet mop. You are essentially getting a single pad wet and cleaning the floor. It does not vacuum the floors dry, so you have to wait for the floor to air dry. The X8 Pro will release the right amount of water into the pad based on your settings, and when you finish, you can wash the pad and use it again. I like how my kitchen floors are vacuumed first, then wet mop all in one cleaning. This vacuum helps around the house, and vacuuming is almost wholly checked off the chore list.
It functions very well as a mop and is similar to using a Swiffer Wet mop. You are essentially getting a single pad wet and cleaning the floor. It does not vacuum the floors dry, so you have to wait for the floor to air dry. The X8 Pro will release the right amount of water into the pad based on your settings, and when you finish, you can wash the pad and use it again. I like how my kitchen floors are vacuumed first, then wet mop all in one cleaning. This vacuum helps around the house, and vacuuming is almost wholly checked off the chore list.
Performance and Observations
The X8 Pro is punching above its weight class in performance and effectiveness. However, the base feels light and slides around if not set correctly against a wall or immovable object. I have thick carpets with thick padding. I say it isn't a good choice without using a wedge to compensate and lean it forward. After trying to place the base on the carpet, the vacuum often had issues aligning in the dock to charge and empty when finishing. On hard floors where the rubber feet can grip, it will give the best experience. Another thing I found when relocating the base is to remap it, or it will return to the previous location docked in the room. Self-empty works well with the vacuum bag located inside the base station. It clears the X8 Pro entirely and ensures it is always ready for the job. The onboard vacuum speaker helps provide voice prompts that I find helpful when I don't have my phone. For example, it announces when it is charging or heading home and brags about detangling the roller. PASSES WITH FLYING COLORS, it does an EXCELLENT job of keeping my wife's hair out! The air filter is catching drywall dust from previous vacuum sessions, which is a testament to the impressive suction.
The X8 Pro is punching above its weight class in performance and effectiveness. However, the base feels light and slides around if not set correctly against a wall or immovable object. I have thick carpets with thick padding. I say it isn't a good choice without using a wedge to compensate and lean it forward. After trying to place the base on the carpet, the vacuum often had issues aligning in the dock to charge and empty when finishing. On hard floors where the rubber feet can grip, it will give the best experience. Another thing I found when relocating the base is to remap it, or it will return to the previous location docked in the room. Self-empty works well with the vacuum bag located inside the base station. It clears the X8 Pro entirely and ensures it is always ready for the job. The onboard vacuum speaker helps provide voice prompts that I find helpful when I don't have my phone. For example, it announces when it is charging or heading home and brags about detangling the roller. PASSES WITH FLYING COLORS, it does an EXCELLENT job of keeping my wife's hair out! The air filter is catching drywall dust from previous vacuum sessions, which is a testament to the impressive suction.
Maintenance and Upkeep
The app offers gauges and bar indicators with remaining life for components in the vacuum, like the roller, brushes, and vacuum bag. **TIP** I recommend a weekly inspection of the air filter inside the dustbin. It is good at catching dust particles; they don't come out of the filter screen! This means you must keep filters on hand to ensure suction remains optimal over time, and they are not washable! I use another vacuum to clean the filter, which does a great job of clearing it. I also recommend removing the roller if you have carpet because fibers will build up at the base of the roller, and you may want to pull it out. It will tell you when it is time to replace components in the app using indicator gauges for maintenance. It easily vacuums cereal, dirt, grass, and other things and even picks up hair without getting tangled on the roller. I am shocked by how well this performs going between carpet and floors with Boost IQ by reducing suction like more expensive handheld vacuums.
The app offers gauges and bar indicators with remaining life for components in the vacuum, like the roller, brushes, and vacuum bag. **TIP** I recommend a weekly inspection of the air filter inside the dustbin. It is good at catching dust particles; they don't come out of the filter screen! This means you must keep filters on hand to ensure suction remains optimal over time, and they are not washable! I use another vacuum to clean the filter, which does a great job of clearing it. I also recommend removing the roller if you have carpet because fibers will build up at the base of the roller, and you may want to pull it out. It will tell you when it is time to replace components in the app using indicator gauges for maintenance. It easily vacuums cereal, dirt, grass, and other things and even picks up hair without getting tangled on the roller. I am shocked by how well this performs going between carpet and floors with Boost IQ by reducing suction like more expensive handheld vacuums.
Final Thoughts
This vacuum I will highly recommend for its power, ease of use, effectiveness, and features ESPECIALLY for the price. You will be hard-pressed to find another vacuum in this price range with the features this has. This should be your first look before look at the others SIMPLY because of the suction alone. Hands down, this is the best and I highly recommend!
This vacuum I will highly recommend for its power, ease of use, effectiveness, and features ESPECIALLY for the price. You will be hard-pressed to find another vacuum in this price range with the features this has. This should be your first look before look at the others SIMPLY because of the suction alone. Hands down, this is the best and I highly recommend!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Transform and play 3 ways on your phone and Switch console with innovative and comfortable grip for Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons ever created! Enjoy using this with either your iPhone or Android phone.
Customer Rating
4
Instant Upgrade for Switch Owners... MUST BUY
on November 13, 2023
Posted by: nkpstudios
Calling all Nintendo Switch owners! Ever wanted to buy a dedicated controller for mobile gaming but couldn't justify paying another $100 for it? How about wishing the Joy-Cons were more substantial like a regular controller in console mode? Maybe you want a gaming controller experience from the sofa with a controller grip? How about the MGC Proteus? It can do all of those things and save you money. It will improve your play just with the grip alone. All while coming in for less than 25% of a fancy mobile gaming controller 3x more expensive? The MGC Proteus is all you need to make the already excellent Nintendo Switch experience even better and the best part is there aren't electronics to charge or break here! Everything seems intuitive and familiar, just sliding on the controller, so there is no learning curve, slide and play.
The Proteus is made of a black matte plastic build with a thoughtful, versatile design, leaving LOTS of meat on the "value" bone. There are no electronics, so it keeps the cost down and less to break. Pair the Joy-cons by holding the little black button until it blinks. Find Joy-Con (L) Joy-Con ®, pair, and enjoy. Go to the app store and find something fun to play that is supported. It allows a simple, intuitive transition into each use case, like console, controller, and mobile gaming. Everything comes in a self-contained unit that separates and you configure it how you need. Users will think it is reasonably priced for an all-plastic build. Innovation in the grip handle to allow for charging while playing. Through the use of magnets, the even breakaway charger was thoughtful. The adjustable spring clamp to secure your phone is intuitive but needs a little rubber to grip. The value for what you pay, however, is like none other. You get all the functionality of a controller you ALREADY had, just adding a grip.
Play on a Mobile Phone. Everything worked well after pairing the joy-cons to Bluetooth. There was no latency to complain about and I played Call of Duty for like an hour and almost forgot I was on a Joy-Con. K/D went up because I had control while others used their fingers. Level up gamers! Android gaming on mobile was fun using the grip, and I highly recommend it over other options.
Play Switch Controller. We all know sometimes it is nicer to play with a full-sized controller. With this grip, you can easily accomplish that for longer gaming sessions to reduce finger fatigue. The small included joy-con grip helps, but let's be honest, this is the way to go.
Play Switch Console Grip. The same thing applies here as using it in Switch Controller mode. It has helped with longer, less crampy gaming sessions. It is an entirely new feel with you put the grips on and play switch. No better way to go here!
Play Switch Controller. We all know sometimes it is nicer to play with a full-sized controller. With this grip, you can easily accomplish that for longer gaming sessions to reduce finger fatigue. The small included joy-con grip helps, but let's be honest, this is the way to go.
Play Switch Console Grip. The same thing applies here as using it in Switch Controller mode. It has helped with longer, less crampy gaming sessions. It is an entirely new feel with you put the grips on and play switch. No better way to go here!
The Proteus grip's versatility is unmatched. The price is just right and the value bar is set very high here. If you own a Joy-Con, I don't see a reason NOT to get this if you are part of the Nintendo Switch family. It should be used to give you a better experience making the console gaming experience more like what is expected. For less than 25% of the cost of competitors who include Bluetooth control guts in theirs, you can use what you have to improve your play on mobile and handheld modes. A must buy for Switch owners in my opinion.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Meet the next generation of smart glasses. The Ray-Ban Meta collection combines iconic design with cutting-edge technology. Capture life's best moments with an upgraded 12MP camera and five-mic system. Livestream your view of life’s best moments to Instagram and Facebook. Stay connected with hands-free calls and messages and listen to your favorite tracks through built-in speakers. Because no one sees the world like you do, express yourself with the most unique perspective there is - yours.
Customer Rating
4
Iconic Innovation From Two Giants
on November 8, 2023
Posted by: nkpstudios
First and foremost, you are buying excellent Rayban Wayfarer polarized sunglasses. Polarized lenses block reflections and reduce glare for better contrast and clarity. Your eyes will fall in love with what you see. You must FIRST want a pair of sunglasses even to consider the features here. Many other sunglasses are out there, but they are not THESE. If you love the fit and finish of the iconic Wayfarer style, you'll certainly appreciate all the tech innovation packed in this timeless frame. This year, there are two styles to choose from: Wayfarer and Headliner. There are many color and lens options, but you must remember that customizations are final, and you cannot swap lens options. If you don't have a Meta or Facebook account, you cannot use the smart features, so if you are against Facebook, these will not be for you. Actually, just make a new account for your glasses, and don't eliminate them because they are that good.
Unboxing and Setup
The presentation feels premium, and excitement builds with every pop of the paper zipper as you tear open the strip to reveal a familiar-looking Rayban glasses case, just in tan. I like it more already! It looks normal, unlike the Stories case, which was more cylindrical and not as well thought out. For setup, download the Metaview app, have FB/Meta login credentials handy, grab the case, and open it up! You'll notice the LED ring, which is a nice touch to indicate battery life. Pull the plastic tab from the nose area and start the app-guided setup process once powered on. Run through the app and enjoy the newly added features and streamlined setup! The pairing process is way less involved compared to the Stories of old. The app is snappy and handles the importing of files automatically when charging in the case using WiFi6 speeds. They have taken the pain from the file-importing process, making it easy to offload and use daily.
The Meta Smart Wayfarers are refined and improved to the point that a new name was given, worthy of leaving the failed "Stories" moniker behind. It's what they should have done on their first go, and these no longer feel like engineering samples with weak tech for proof of concept. Hey, Meta as Wake Word is way cooler than Hey, Facebook. Finally, most of my wish list has been addressed with the speakers, mics, and camera upgrades. Now, I have usable smart eyewear I've adopted as my daily driver. My Rayban Aviators are now the backups; I don't miss them. I own multiple pairs of Bluetooth glasses, NONE come close to the value/build here. These have features and functions to set them apart from the competition and stand alone as smart glasses with cameras.
The presentation feels premium, and excitement builds with every pop of the paper zipper as you tear open the strip to reveal a familiar-looking Rayban glasses case, just in tan. I like it more already! It looks normal, unlike the Stories case, which was more cylindrical and not as well thought out. For setup, download the Metaview app, have FB/Meta login credentials handy, grab the case, and open it up! You'll notice the LED ring, which is a nice touch to indicate battery life. Pull the plastic tab from the nose area and start the app-guided setup process once powered on. Run through the app and enjoy the newly added features and streamlined setup! The pairing process is way less involved compared to the Stories of old. The app is snappy and handles the importing of files automatically when charging in the case using WiFi6 speeds. They have taken the pain from the file-importing process, making it easy to offload and use daily.
The Meta Smart Wayfarers are refined and improved to the point that a new name was given, worthy of leaving the failed "Stories" moniker behind. It's what they should have done on their first go, and these no longer feel like engineering samples with weak tech for proof of concept. Hey, Meta as Wake Word is way cooler than Hey, Facebook. Finally, most of my wish list has been addressed with the speakers, mics, and camera upgrades. Now, I have usable smart eyewear I've adopted as my daily driver. My Rayban Aviators are now the backups; I don't miss them. I own multiple pairs of Bluetooth glasses, NONE come close to the value/build here. These have features and functions to set them apart from the competition and stand alone as smart glasses with cameras.
Build Quality
The frame, lenses, and hinges are all top-notch Luxottica/Rayban construction. Do not worry if these will last - they will! There is a one-year warranty to cover you as well. Sunglasses Hut are a good place to stop in with questions too! Just tell them about your cool glasses, and they will light up! The hinge is perfectly engineered and very robust. This is also my BIGGEST gripe is glasses get loose over time and need adjusting. The two T5 Torx screws make things difficult. There is no flex in the hinge or arms, which reassures me that these are solid glasses. These are also not waterproof, but they are IPX4 water-resistant. In other words, you are safe in light rain. Simply wipe them dry, and you're good to go. Prolonged exposure to rain or heavy rain is a concern of mine, but I don't wear them during rainy days. If wet, be sure to wait before putting them in the charger to avoid shorting something. In short, these are fantastically built sunglasses all the way around.
The frame, lenses, and hinges are all top-notch Luxottica/Rayban construction. Do not worry if these will last - they will! There is a one-year warranty to cover you as well. Sunglasses Hut are a good place to stop in with questions too! Just tell them about your cool glasses, and they will light up! The hinge is perfectly engineered and very robust. This is also my BIGGEST gripe is glasses get loose over time and need adjusting. The two T5 Torx screws make things difficult. There is no flex in the hinge or arms, which reassures me that these are solid glasses. These are also not waterproof, but they are IPX4 water-resistant. In other words, you are safe in light rain. Simply wipe them dry, and you're good to go. Prolonged exposure to rain or heavy rain is a concern of mine, but I don't wear them during rainy days. If wet, be sure to wait before putting them in the charger to avoid shorting something. In short, these are fantastically built sunglasses all the way around.
As Smart Glasses
These glasses were designed with tech to help you live in the moment and capture it with minimal effort. Inside, you will find a Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 processor, Bluetooth 5.3, Wifi6, and FB/IG integration to share in the app, making these an influencer's dream. True BTS cam for sure! All the files are stored onboard for wireless transfer via the Meta View app. Moments are captured in clips up to 1-minute long in full visual and audio glory. The mic array records spatial audio so you hear things like you are there. With the inclusion of Meta AI voice controls, you can start and stop recording or skip songs hands-free. The assistant is very helpful, like most AI available, and provides helpful answers within seconds and accurately handles my prompts. Ask it questions like what is there to do around here, and you will be surprised! I did, however, find issues with songs randomly stopping after 3 minutes when not using their choice of streaming app named Spotify. I found the Meta app was opening Spotify in the background and closing my other music app on my Samsung Fold 5. Disable Spotify tap, and this should help. To overcome Meta AI integration limitations, simply use voice commands like Hey, Google/Siri to get dual AI assistants. Touch controls are excellent and very sensitive yet responsive and accurate. There is a small LED inside the glasses to let you know there are notifications or that the right eye LED on the frame is on.
Photo & Video Quality
The camera is leaps and bounds better than the Stories. The footage/photos are actually now useable. The 12MP sensor camera is portrait-oriented on the left eye and optimized to create content for social media on IG and FB. Generate 1440x1920px video @30 fps in 1 min snips are stored on the frames themselves. 32GB storage and imported through the app. Photos are of higher resolution at 3024x4032px. There seems to be light stabilization to improve the jitters and bumpy footage but it could also be the fit. Audio is recorded as though you were actually there again with all the sounds exactly where you remember them and according to where they are in the video. In low light, the quality breaks down, but still does the job to document or share your unique POV on social. You can livestream 720p up to 30 minutes. All posts are marked to advertise Meta Raybans made the content. There is only one lens for capture so everything seems off-centered when you are framed straight on. The footage is TOTALLY batter due to the 12MP sensor and also software improvements.
These glasses were designed with tech to help you live in the moment and capture it with minimal effort. Inside, you will find a Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 processor, Bluetooth 5.3, Wifi6, and FB/IG integration to share in the app, making these an influencer's dream. True BTS cam for sure! All the files are stored onboard for wireless transfer via the Meta View app. Moments are captured in clips up to 1-minute long in full visual and audio glory. The mic array records spatial audio so you hear things like you are there. With the inclusion of Meta AI voice controls, you can start and stop recording or skip songs hands-free. The assistant is very helpful, like most AI available, and provides helpful answers within seconds and accurately handles my prompts. Ask it questions like what is there to do around here, and you will be surprised! I did, however, find issues with songs randomly stopping after 3 minutes when not using their choice of streaming app named Spotify. I found the Meta app was opening Spotify in the background and closing my other music app on my Samsung Fold 5. Disable Spotify tap, and this should help. To overcome Meta AI integration limitations, simply use voice commands like Hey, Google/Siri to get dual AI assistants. Touch controls are excellent and very sensitive yet responsive and accurate. There is a small LED inside the glasses to let you know there are notifications or that the right eye LED on the frame is on.
Photo & Video Quality
The camera is leaps and bounds better than the Stories. The footage/photos are actually now useable. The 12MP sensor camera is portrait-oriented on the left eye and optimized to create content for social media on IG and FB. Generate 1440x1920px video @30 fps in 1 min snips are stored on the frames themselves. 32GB storage and imported through the app. Photos are of higher resolution at 3024x4032px. There seems to be light stabilization to improve the jitters and bumpy footage but it could also be the fit. Audio is recorded as though you were actually there again with all the sounds exactly where you remember them and according to where they are in the video. In low light, the quality breaks down, but still does the job to document or share your unique POV on social. You can livestream 720p up to 30 minutes. All posts are marked to advertise Meta Raybans made the content. There is only one lens for capture so everything seems off-centered when you are framed straight on. The footage is TOTALLY batter due to the 12MP sensor and also software improvements.
Battery Life
Battery life is rated up to 4 hours which in my opinion was closer to heavy use. In my testing, you see closer to 3.5-4hrs after I recorded lots of videos, used voice meta-assistant for hands-free controls, transferred files wirelessly to the app, while listening or talking on bluetooth. On a more typical day of use, I was easily able to make it 6 to 8 hours of just using bluetooth and nothing else. The case has enough battery storage for eight recharges. It took me 1 hour charge from 0 to 100% in the case. The case has a nice battery indicator ring to let you know that it is charging and also remaining battery life. The voice assistant lets you know battery life every time it turns on. Everything charges via a simple USB-C cable to ensure you can top the glasses off when not in use.
Battery life is rated up to 4 hours which in my opinion was closer to heavy use. In my testing, you see closer to 3.5-4hrs after I recorded lots of videos, used voice meta-assistant for hands-free controls, transferred files wirelessly to the app, while listening or talking on bluetooth. On a more typical day of use, I was easily able to make it 6 to 8 hours of just using bluetooth and nothing else. The case has enough battery storage for eight recharges. It took me 1 hour charge from 0 to 100% in the case. The case has a nice battery indicator ring to let you know that it is charging and also remaining battery life. The voice assistant lets you know battery life every time it turns on. Everything charges via a simple USB-C cable to ensure you can top the glasses off when not in use.
Bluetooth & Sound Performance
With Bluetooth 5.3, you get the latest power efficiency and audio standard. Only two basic codecs are supported. iOS gets AAC and Android uses SBC. The custom open ear speakers are greatly improved. Sound is clearer, fuller, and louder than the Stories but still need more bass. When watching videos there are no issues with latency or connectivity in the advertised range. As a Bluetooth calling device these standout from the rest with crystal clear audio. The caller comes through sounding like they are in the room with you with the open air fit. There is a lot of sound bleed at higher levels but if you keep this under 60% volume you will not be a nuisance. Whoever I am speaking to has no idea I am not holding my phone and on bluetooth. HUGE WIN! Due to the 5 Mic array, audio is recorded perfectly in spatial audio. There is no mention of noise canceling microphones but they sure work very well for calls. The tones and beeps used remind me of Metal Gear Solid and they are calming rather than annoying to me.
With Bluetooth 5.3, you get the latest power efficiency and audio standard. Only two basic codecs are supported. iOS gets AAC and Android uses SBC. The custom open ear speakers are greatly improved. Sound is clearer, fuller, and louder than the Stories but still need more bass. When watching videos there are no issues with latency or connectivity in the advertised range. As a Bluetooth calling device these standout from the rest with crystal clear audio. The caller comes through sounding like they are in the room with you with the open air fit. There is a lot of sound bleed at higher levels but if you keep this under 60% volume you will not be a nuisance. Whoever I am speaking to has no idea I am not holding my phone and on bluetooth. HUGE WIN! Due to the 5 Mic array, audio is recorded perfectly in spatial audio. There is no mention of noise canceling microphones but they sure work very well for calls. The tones and beeps used remind me of Metal Gear Solid and they are calming rather than annoying to me.
Potential Deal Breakers:
Not adjustable.
Lens upgrades expensive.
Temples frames are thick.
Lenses are not swappable.
Dual T5 hinge screws. Need 2-Torx drivers to adjust.
Proprietary pin charging, no charge w/o case.
Not adjustable.
Lens upgrades expensive.
Temples frames are thick.
Lenses are not swappable.
Dual T5 hinge screws. Need 2-Torx drivers to adjust.
Proprietary pin charging, no charge w/o case.
Things to know:
Vertical Video ONLY & locked @ 30fps.
Camera in left eye offsets composition.
Running at least Apple iOS 14.4 or Android 10.
Meta Account to use OR ELSE!
Temple arms are as thick. A microSD card high.
Screw size is T5 Torx on hinges. Get two for adjusting hinge tension.
Touch controls are super sensitive.
Nose and temple arms are not adjustable for custom fit.
Lens are not changeable - something to think about if your prescription changes.
Vertical Video ONLY & locked @ 30fps.
Camera in left eye offsets composition.
Running at least Apple iOS 14.4 or Android 10.
Meta Account to use OR ELSE!
Temple arms are as thick. A microSD card high.
Screw size is T5 Torx on hinges. Get two for adjusting hinge tension.
Touch controls are super sensitive.
Nose and temple arms are not adjustable for custom fit.
Lens are not changeable - something to think about if your prescription changes.
Ideas and Recommendations
POV Dash Cam while on the road. Hands-free 1min clips.
You can use these as a unique POV for sports highlights.
Business owner, see what your crew sees and give live insights on repairs and fixes.
Dad cam. Capture life without focusing on a camera. Just live in the moment.
Use EQ if you can to improve sound.
POV Dash Cam while on the road. Hands-free 1min clips.
You can use these as a unique POV for sports highlights.
Business owner, see what your crew sees and give live insights on repairs and fixes.
Dad cam. Capture life without focusing on a camera. Just live in the moment.
Use EQ if you can to improve sound.
The Verdict
If you are looking at these, money probably isn't going to be why you don't get these. These are now out of the early adopter phase and show they are ready for prime time. If you are wanting to go next level on your Ray Bans, these will make you stand out and you will always have something to talk about with people. For me these are a buy. All the kinks have been worked out. With this release, the Meta Wayfarer is now usable and a step towards normalization. Get the price down, and these will be on everyone's face for about $200-$250. These are a GO!
If you are looking at these, money probably isn't going to be why you don't get these. These are now out of the early adopter phase and show they are ready for prime time. If you are wanting to go next level on your Ray Bans, these will make you stand out and you will always have something to talk about with people. For me these are a buy. All the kinks have been worked out. With this release, the Meta Wayfarer is now usable and a step towards normalization. Get the price down, and these will be on everyone's face for about $200-$250. These are a GO!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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