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Apple Watch Series 10: Comprehensive Review and Price Breakdown
Early Verdict

Pros
- Stunning new display
- The 46mm size offers more screen real estate without feeling bulky
- Sleep Apnea detection could revolutionize health monitoring
Cons
- No improvement in battery life, although fast-charging mitigates this
Hands-On Apple Watch Series 10 Review: A Two-Minute Preview

The Apple Watch Series 10 initially seemed like a minor upgrade—larger display, a new health feature, and a thinner design—but I underestimated how impactful these changes would be. Apple has refined the familiar design and enhanced it to celebrate the Watch’s 10th anniversary.

The 46mm display, while larger than the Ultra 2, doesn’t feel overwhelming. The Wide Angle OLED screen with up to 2,000 nits of brightness makes everything, from viewing photos to reading emails, more detailed and visible, even from extreme angles. Though the battery life remains at 18 hours, fast charging can get you to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Another standout feature is Sleep Apnea detection, pending FDA approval, which uses advanced algorithms to monitor potential signs, integrating seamlessly with Apple Health. Combined with the powerful S10 SIP chip and a more refined design, the Series 10 stands out in this year’s lineup.

Starting at $399 USD, it’s available for order now, shipping September 20, 2024.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch Series 10 is a perfect blend of evolution and refinement. Its stunning new display, fast-charging capability, and potential health innovations like Sleep Apnea detection make it an exciting addition to the Apple Watch family. While the battery life hasn’t improved, the overall design upgrades and performance enhancements make it a compelling choice for new users and those looking to upgrade. If you’re in the market for a premium smartwatch with cutting-edge features, the Series 10 is hard to overlook.
September 11, 2024
HP Elite x360 1040 G11 2-in-1: In-Depth Review and Price Breakdown

As someone who’s always on the go, finding the right laptop that can handle my workload while withstanding the rigors of travel isn’t easy. Many laptops boast longer battery life, but finding one with durable build quality that can endure a few bumps is more challenging than expected. Plastic models often feel flimsy, while metal builds come at a premium. Enter the new HP Elite X360 1040 G11, starting at $2,299 USD. Marketed toward “road warriors” and business professionals, let’s see if it lives up to its price tag.

What’s New?

This year’s HP Elite X360 1040 series takes a leap in design and usability. The new Glacier Silver finish stands out, even changing to white in different lighting, while resisting fingerprint smudges for a cleaner look. HP has also expanded the trackpad and enlarged the keyboard keycaps, making navigation smoother and typing more comfortable.

Internally, it packs Intel’s latest Core Ultra 5 and 7 processors, with my unit featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7 165H. Despite its slim design, HP has improved the thermal system to keep things cool and quiet during use.

Design

HP upgraded the Elite X360 1040’s lid from magnesium to aluminum, improving durability without adding weight. The base remains magnesium but shows no signs of flex, even under pressure.

The laptop’s rounded edges, particularly around the keyboard, make extended typing sessions more comfortable. This subtle design also adds comfort when using the laptop in tablet mode, avoiding sharp edges digging into your hands.

One small but useful addition is the webcam shutter, allowing you to hide the camera for added privacy.

Ports/Connectivity

One common downside of slim laptops is the lack of ports, but HP addresses this well. The left side includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.1, and a headphone/mic jack. The right side features a nano lock slot, a USB 3.2 Type-A port, a USB 3.2 Type-C port, and a nano SIM card reader. While an SD card slot would have been nice, the selection is generous enough to connect most devices.

Keyboard/Touchpad

This year’s model has 16% larger keycaps, and while they’re not the biggest out there, they offer a significant improvement. The stabilized keys reduce accidental keystrokes, and overall, the typing experience is excellent—better than most laptops I’ve used. HP has also expanded the touchpad by 6%, making it one of the largest in this class, offering smooth and responsive control.

Both the touchpad and keyboard use recycled materials, including ocean-bound plastics, reflecting HP’s sustainability efforts. The included stylus charges via USB-C and feels like a natural pen, providing a smooth experience when drawing or writing on the display.

Display

HP offers several display options, and my review unit has a 1920×1200 WUXGA panel with 400 nits of brightness. There’s also a 2.8K option and a Sure View privacy screen for security-conscious users. The matte screen in my unit minimizes glare, making it easier to use in bright conditions.

The display’s hinges are sturdy, keeping the screen stable in any position, and the magnets securely close the lid when not in use.

Performance

Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 165H processor and 16GB of LPDDR5x memory, the HP Elite X360 1040 G11 delivers impressive performance. In Cinebench R23, it scored 13,768, outperforming many laptops in its class. While it’s not a gaming laptop, it can handle casual games like Fortnite at medium settings with 60 FPS, and even older titles like GTA V perform well at 1080p.

The laptop also shines in audio quality, with four speakers, each equipped with a discrete amplifier, providing rich and clear sound that rivals even premium laptops like the MacBook.

Battery Life & Extras

Battery life is crucial for a travel-friendly laptop, and HP delivers. I consistently got around 10 hours of use, and on lighter days, it stretched even further. While short of HP’s claimed 20 hours, it’s still impressive for an Intel-powered machine.

The laptop also scores high in repairability, with easy access to key components like the SSD and battery, making it an attractive option for business fleets where quick maintenance is needed.

Conclusion

The HP Elite X360 1040 G11 is a top-tier business laptop, offering excellent build quality, impressive performance, and thoughtful features. Its keyboard and typing experience are among the best, making it a pleasure for long work sessions. Although the price may be steep at $2,299 USD, for professionals and businesses looking for durability, power, and flexibility, it’s worth the investment.

September 7, 2024
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Comprehensive Review and Price Breakdown
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is priced at $999.99 USD for the 256GB version and $1,119.99 USD for the 512GB version. However, there are several deals available that could lower the price, such as discounts and trade-in offers, depending on the retailer.

Verdict

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 impresses with its enhanced cover screen, which is not only larger but more functional. The new hinge design allows the phone to fold flat, giving it a sleeker look. Paired with a snappy chipset and reliable cameras, the Z Flip 5 offers a well-rounded package.

Cover Screen

The most significant upgrade in the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the cover screen, which has grown to a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED display from the 1.9-inch screen on previous models. Although not a perfect square, the larger screen is far more useful and appealing. While the user interface is still limited to a few widgets like Calendar, Weather, and Steps tracking, these widgets now provide more information at a glance.

Samsung only allows a select number of apps, like YouTube, Netflix, and Google Maps, to run on the cover screen, but more can be added using the Good Lock app. Despite its limitations, the cover screen’s enhanced functionality may help reduce screen time, making it a boon for those looking to minimize phone usage.

Main Screen

When unfolded, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 reveals a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, featuring FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. While it delivers a vibrant and sharp viewing experience, the tall aspect ratio might not be ideal for all types of media consumption. The foldable design does offer unique multitasking opportunities, like watching a video on the top half while scrolling through comments on the bottom.

Design

Samsung has refined the design of the Galaxy Z Flip 5, notably improving the hinge so that the phone closes flat, eliminating the gap seen in earlier models. The device is IPX8 rated, making it water-resistant, though it’s best to keep it away from dust. The hinge remains sturdy, and the fingerprint sensor, located on the right side of the frame, works well but may require multiple fingerprint registrations for seamless use when folded and unfolded.

The phone is available in several colors, including Graphite, Cream, and Mint, which add to its aesthetic appeal.

Cameras

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 features two 12MP cameras on the cover screen—a standard lens and a wide-angle lens—both of which deliver impressive results. Daylight shots are vibrant with good dynamic range, while low-light photos are also commendable. The wide-angle lens maintains consistency in color across shots, though it may lack detail when zoomed in. The 10MP selfie camera does an adequate job, but the real advantage lies in using the 12MP cover camera for even sharper selfies.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 handles tasks with ease. While not designed for heavy gaming or workloads, the phone performs well in day-to-day usage. The device comes with 8GB of RAM, with the option to allocate up to 8GB of virtual RAM for smoother multitasking. Running on Android 13 with OneUI 5.1, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 offers a clean user experience with minimal bloatware. Samsung’s commitment to four years of major OS updates and five years of security patches ensures long-term software support.

Battery Life

Despite numerous upgrades, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 retains the same 3,700mAh battery as its predecessor. This should last through a full day with moderate use, but heavier usage will likely require a recharge by day’s end. The device supports 25W fast charging, but you’ll need to purchase a charger separately, as it’s not included in the box.

Final Verdict

So, should you flip or fold? If you’re after a compact, stylish foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a great choice. However, if productivity and a tablet-like experience are your priorities, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 might be the better option. For those looking to save, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra offers a similar experience at a lower price, though it falls short in the camera department.

With its larger cover screen, powerful processor, dependable cameras, and strong software support, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a solid option for those who prioritize style and convenience. However, the battery life and limited app support on the cover screen could be areas for improvement.

Editor’s Rating: 8/10

Reasons to Buy:
- Larger, more functional cover screen.
- Improved hinge design for a flat fold.
- Dependable cameras.
- Stylish, compact form factor.
Reasons Not to Buy:
- Battery life requires frequent charging.
- Limited app functionality on the cover screen.
- High price tag.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 represents a significant evolution in the foldable smartphone market, particularly with its larger cover screen, improved hinge design, and robust performance. The expanded cover display is not just a cosmetic upgrade; it enhances usability by allowing users to interact more meaningfully with their device while it’s folded. This feature is especially beneficial for those who want quick access to notifications, messages, and certain apps without fully opening the phone.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 also benefits from a sturdy and sleek design, water resistance, and dependable cameras that perform well in various lighting conditions. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset ensures that the device is fast and capable, although it might not be the first choice for heavy gaming or multitasking due to its compact form factor.

However, the phone isn’t without its drawbacks. The battery life remains a concern, as it is likely to require a daily charge with regular use. Additionally, the limited functionality of the cover screen’s app support may disappoint users expecting a more seamless experience between the main and cover displays. Lastly, the price point, starting at around $999.99 USD, positions the Galaxy Z Flip 5 as a premium device, which might be a barrier for some consumers.

Overall, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is an excellent choice for those who prioritize style and innovation in a smartphone, but it may not be the best option for users who need extended battery life or seamless app functionality between screens. If you’re in the market for a compact, stylish foldable phone that offers a unique user experience, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is certainly worth considering.
September 1, 2024
Blackview MP100 Mini PC Worth It? A Detailed Breakdown

Blackview is a brand known for its rugged phones and tablets, but recently, it has started making Mini PCs too. The MP100 is one of their new mini PCs, featuring a colorful LED design on the top. This chip was first seen in 2021 and has since been replaced by newer models.

One downside is that the MP100 uses DDR4 memory instead of the newer DDR5, and the graphics aren’t as powerful as those in newer Ryzen machines. Still, you can add a lot of memory and storage to this small PC.

There are more powerful and cheaper options available, like the Intel Ultra 5 and newer AMD Ryzen 8000 series machines. Blackview offers the MP100 in grey and blue, with three hardware options: 16GB or 32GB of RAM and 512GB or 1TB of storage. The 16GB/512GB version costs $359.99, and upgrading to 1TB adds only $20. Doubling the RAM to 32GB with 1TB storage costs just $60 more than the base model.

Currently, Blackview is out of stock, and you can’t find this product from online retailers. However, similar mini PCs like the Acemagic AM06 and the Beelink SER5 are available on Amazon.

Here are the key specifications for the Blackview MP100:

– CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U (8 cores, 16 threads)
– GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics 512SP
– RAM: 16GB DDR4 (expandable to 64GB)
– Storage: 512GB M.2 NVMe Gen 3, 1x SATA slot for a 2.5-inch drive
– Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x USB 2.0, 3.5mm Audio jack
– Display Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x Display Port
– Networking: 1x 1GbE LAN, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
– OS: Windows 11 Home
– PSU: 19V 3.42A 64.98W

The case is finely made but entirely plastic. The top has a diagonal clear section with colored LEDs, which might appeal to home users but not so much to business users. If the MP100 is mounted behind a screen, the light show won’t be visible.

Getting inside the MP100 is a mix of easy and tricky. The bottom comes off easily with four screws, revealing a space for adding a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive or SSD. To access the M.2 slot and memory, you need to remove another set of screws carefully to avoid damaging the ribbon cable.

The MP100 has two 2280 M.2 NVMe slots, making it easy to expand internal storage. However, the drives don’t have a heatsink cover, and airflow is limited. The WiFi module can also be upgraded. The Ryzen 7 5700U processor in the MP100 offers good performance but is limited by using DDR4 memory and an older GPU. Newer chips like the Ryzen 7 5800U provide better performance and support faster memory.

One issue with the MP100 is that it comes with a single 16GB memory module, which limits performance. For better performance, you should upgrade to dual-channel memory by adding another 16GB module. The Windows installation on the MP100 is poorly done, with the 1TB drive split into two partitions, which can cause problems with running out of space and complicate drive cloning.

July 15, 2024
Tensions Rise in Westeros: House of the Dragon Season 2 Trailer Breakdown

A new trailer for the highly-anticipated second season of HBO’s House of the Dragon has been released, teasing more drama and conflict in the world of Westeros. Adapted from George R. R. Martin’s book “Fire and Blood,” the series is set to return later this year, promising intense and emotional storytelling.

The trailer hints at the continued downfall of the Targaryen family, with tensions rising and conflicts escalating. Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, played by Emma D’Arcy, and Prince Daemon Targaryen, portrayed by Matt Smith, are at the center of the turmoil, facing off against their rivals in the Greens faction led by Queen Alicent Hightower, played by Olivia Cooke.

Returning cast members include key characters such as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, portrayed by Eve Best, and Lord Corlys Velaryon, played by Steve Toussaint. New additions to the cast, including Clinton Liberty, Jamie Kenna, and Kieran Bew, bring fresh faces and dynamics to the ongoing saga.

The trailer sets the stage for intense confrontations and power struggles, as alliances are forged and broken in the quest for dominance. Aegon II Targaryen’s coronation is disrupted by Princess Rhaenys, igniting tensions that lead to the possibility of all-out war. The conflict is further fueled by the tragic death of Rhaenyra’s son, Lucerys, at the hands of Prince Aemond and his dragon Vhagar.

As the series dives deeper into the complex web of politics, power, and betrayal, viewers can expect powerful and emotional storytelling that will keep them on the edge of their seats. With stunning visuals and captivating performances, House of the Dragon promises to deliver another thrilling chapter in the epic tale of Westeros.

Fans can look forward to the return of their favorite characters and the introduction of new faces, as the battle for the Iron Throne heats up once again. With the fate of the Targaryen dynasty hanging in the balance, the stage is set for an unforgettable journey filled with twists, turns, and shocking revelations. House of the Dragon is set to premiere on HBO in June, promising an epic and action-packed season that will leave viewers eagerly anticipating the next episode.

March 24, 2024
When Will Your Phone Get Android 14? A Manufacturer-by-Manufacturer Breakdown

Waiting for the Android 14 update on your phone? Let’s break down the current status for various manufacturers. Google released Android 14 on October 4 for its Pixel phones, promising support for future devices for up to seven years. ASUS has started testing Android 14 in the US, beginning with the Zenfone 10. The stable release’s timing depends on beta test results.

Huawei devices in the US, Canada, and Europe won’t receive Android 14 due to restrictions dating back to 2019, limiting their access to Google services. Motorola plans to roll out Android 14 to its phones, starting with the 2022 Edge series and extending to the 2023 lineup in early 2024.

Nothing, Carl Pei’s venture, is beta-testing Nothing OS 2.5, based on Android 14, for its Phone (2), with promised support for three years of OS upgrades and four years of security updates. OnePlus is testing a beta version of OxygenOS 14, but the release date is yet to be confirmed. Recent OnePlus models ensure four years of Android updates and five years of security patches.

Samsung has already rolled out One UI 6, its Android 14 skin, for many recent devices, offering up to four generations of OS updates. Sony initiated the Android 14 rollout for its Xperia 1 V on November 6, with plans to extend the update to other Xperia models, although the exact timeline is undisclosed.

Xiaomi swiftly released MIUI 14, based on Android 14, for the Xiaomi 13 Pro, 13, and 12T, but the timeline for updating older Xiaomi devices is currently unknown. While waiting for your phone’s Android 14 update, stay tuned for further updates from manufacturers.

November 22, 2023