Monthly Archives: July 2017

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 HSM DG OS Contemporary - Review / Test

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 HSM DG OS Contemporary – Review / Test

Cameras, , ,

Introduction

A little while ago, we reviewed the mighty Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports – quite an impressive lens in terms of size and weight and despite its long zoom range, it’s also pretty good. The “Sports” lens has a little cousin that is sometimes overlooked – the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary. Just based on the name specs, there isn’t really any obvious difference. However, it is part of Sigma’s “Contemporary” lineup so it’s targeting normal mortals rather than professionals. Consequently it has a price tag of “just” 900EUR/1100US$ or about half as expensive as its bigger brother.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.opticallimits.com/canon_eos_ff/1009-sigma150600f563c

New Jaguar E-Pace vs BMW X1 Comparison

New Jaguar E-Pace vs BMW X1 Comparison

Cars, , , , , , , ,

The new Jaguar E-Pace is expected to become the brand’s best-selling car – unsurprising, you might say. Having tested the water last year with the larger F-Pace, it seems only natural that Jaguar is now entering the largest market in Europe: small SUVs.

And yet it’s far from guaranteed to be a champion here, because lining up to stop your wallet and the E-Pace ever meeting are some serious rivals, such as the Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA and the BMW X1. The X1 is perhaps the E-Pace’s biggest threat.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.whatcar.com/news/new-jaguar-e-pace-vs-bmw-x1/n15777

Galaxy Note 8 vs Galaxy S8: Here's How They'll Be Different

Galaxy Note 8 vs Galaxy S8: Here’s How They’ll Be Different

Phones, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

From the OnePlus 5 and HTC U11 to the LG G6 and iPhone 7 Plus, the Galaxy Note 8 will face stiff competition when it’s announced August 23 (according to reports). But for Samsung fans, the biggest decision will be whether to get the Note 8 or turn to Samsung’s other top flagship, the Galaxy S8.

Credit: Concept Creator/YouTube

Credit: Concept Creator/YouTube

After the debacle that was the Note 7 last year, the Note 8 should be much better–and safer–thanks to an 8-point battery safety check procedure. But will it be different enough from the phones Samsung introduced this past spring to stand out on its own?
…
Read full post here:
https://www.tomsguide.com/us/galaxy-note-8-vs-galaxy-s8,news-25491.html

6 Reasons to Buy the Dell XPS 13, and 2 Reasons to Skip

Computers & IT, , , , , , , ,

The Dell XPS 13 is our favorite overall laptop, but is it right for you? This sleek ultraportable boasts a screen with almost zero bezel, your choice of touch and non-touch displays, Intel 7th-generation Kaby Lake processing power and two color options. It also starts at a very reasonable $799.

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of the XPS 13 so you can decide whether to buy it or skip it.

Infinity Edge display

Long before the Galaxy S8 gained attention for its Infinity display, Dell introduced an edge-to-edge Infinity Edge display on the XPS 13.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/xps-13-reasons-to-buy-avoid

2017 Honda Civic VTi-LX vs Hyundai i30 SR Premium comparison

2017 Honda Civic VTi-LX vs Hyundai i30 SR Premium comparison – Video Review

Audio & Video, Cars, , , , , , ,

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/YNikNbNBp1E”]

Two new-generation hatches, hugely important for each brand both in simple number terms and, more importantly, making a strong argument for the attentions of increasingly savvy buyers in the small-car market.

One of these cars, the new 2017 Honda Civic, boasts a pedigree nearly 50 years old, with the same name and with a very well-regarded history of solid engineering.

The other, the new 2017 Hyundai i30, wears a badge only a few generations into its line. And, while the brand has been making variations of the small car formula for decades in its own right, its history in the west is both shorter – and far less shiny.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.caradvice.com.au/552919/2017-honda-civic-vti-lx-vs-hyundai-i30-sr-premium-comparison/

Galaxy S8 vs iPhone 8: Rumors vs Reality

Galaxy S8 vs iPhone 8: Rumors vs Reality

Phones, , , , , , , , ,

This year’s big smartphone war will involve flagships from the two biggest phone makers.

Samsung’s Galaxy S8, introduced this spring, is waiting to take on Apple’s yet-to-be-unveiled iPhone 8. Collectively, the devices will look to win over customers willing to spend serious cash on the latest and greatest devices.

Credit: Gabor Balagh (left); Sam Rutherford (Right)

Credit: Gabor Balagh (left); Sam Rutherford (Right) 

Starting at about $750, the Galaxy S8 has introduced an all-new design that ditches the physical home button, expanding the screen size on the Galaxy S8 to 5.8 inches and 6.2 inches on the Galaxy S8+ (which starts at about $850). Samsung’s phone also comes with a new assistant called Bixby, though that feature remains a work in progress.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.tomsguide.com/us/iphone-8-vs-galaxy-s8,review-4190.html

Ticwatch S guide: Your need to know on the affordable Android Wear sports watch

Ticwatch S guide: Your need to know on the affordable Android Wear sports watch

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

Mobvoi, the Chinese AI (and now wearable tech) company part owned by Google, has been one to watch for a while. You might have seen its big ol’ Kickstarter last year for the Ticwatch 2 and now it’s back with the Ticwatch S and E smartwatches. The big difference? They’re running Android Wear.

Ticwatch S: Your need to know

We’ve already been hands on with the pair and spoken to Mobvoi about the development of the latest watches but we thought we’d run down the features and basics of the Ticwatch S, the sportier choice of the two, in this guide.

If you fancy pledging, the Ticwatch S is still available on Kickstarter for a few more weeks.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/android-wear/ticwatch-s-price-specs-release-date-7776

Leica TL2 - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Leica TL2 – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Cameras, , ,

The Leica TL2 is a good, slightly silly, but great-looking camera

What you need to know about the Leica TL2

The TL2 is the third camera in Leica’s APS-C ‘T’ lineup, and while externally very similar, it introduces some significant refinements compared to its predecessors. We’ve been using a pre-production sample for a little while, and in this article I’ll be boiling down what you need to know about Leica’s newest, shiniest, most chamfered camera.

Fewer rough edges

Quite literally, in fact. Or perhaps we should say fewer sharp edges. Milled from solid blocks of aluminum, the original T and TL were beautiful cameras, but depending on the size of your hands, their sharp corners could make them uncomfortable to hold over long periods of time.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.dpreview.com/articles/7643170840/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-leica-tl2

ASUSPRO B9440UA Review

ASUSPRO B9440UA Review

Computers & IT, , ,

Aside from the emergence of bezel-less/thin bezels phones, notebooks seem like to have joined the bandwagon as well. Early this year, we made a written first impression on the ASUSPRO B9440UA. With its thin bezels and portability, the ASUSPRO B9440UA may have set some standards for what business notebooks should look like. But the real question is: does this notebook have the power to fit your needs? Find out in our review.

Design and Construction

The ASUSPRO B9440UA dons a tough all-metal chassis crafted from Magnesium alloy. It is also MIL-STD 810G graded, which means it has passed the stringent reliability standards of ASUSPRO.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.yugatech.com/personal-computing/asuspro-b9440ua-review/#5d6LQx4MaO5zv2Xj.97

Mercedes-AMG-S63-2017

2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 First Drive: Fiercely relaxing

Cars, , , , ,

Throbbing red and scented with bespoke perfume, the 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63’s cabin made absolutely clear that, even by Stuttgart’s standards, this is no ordinary luxury sedan. Still, to describe the 2018 S-Class as an important car for Mercedes-Benz is to damn it with understatement. What’s under its handsome sheet metal doesn’t just represent the pinnacle of the automaker’s engineering efforts, but in effect sets a roadmap for the rest of its vehicles over the next ten years.

Where the S-Class goes, too, the auto industry as a whole often follows. Technologies like standard driver and passenger airbags, and electronic stability control started on various generations of previous S-Class, before being adopted elsewhere. It’s both a barometer and a crystal ball of automotive trends.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/2018-mercedes-amg-s63-first-drive-fiercely-relaxing-18491938/

 

 

 

2018-Yamaha-Star-Venture-29

2018 Yamaha Star Venture First Ride

Cars, , , ,

I have to admit I’ve been around long enough to have ridden the original Yamaha Venture Royale, and quite a lovable beast it was. Then there was a Royal Star Venture in the intervening years, but it wasn’t so luxurious. Now there’s this all-new Star Venture, with which Yamaha says it’s officially re-entering the luxury-touring category.

Not only do Yamaha reps say this is one of its most important new models in years, they also like to think they’ve created their own little niche; this one’s a luxury tourer that combines traditional/emotional components (humongous V-Twin), with cutting-edge modern styling and all the luxury features you’d expect on a $25k touring bike. (If we must discuss money, the base model is $24,999 and the Transcontinental Option Package makes it $26,999.)
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/yamaha/2018-yamaha-star-venture-first-ride.html

2017-mv-agusta-brutale-800-rr_827x510_61478760185

2016-2017 MV Agusta Brutale 800/ Brutale 800 RR Review

Cars, , , ,

MV Agusta introduced the world to its Brutale family back in 2003, and we’ve been smitten ever since. Racy good looks and Italian performance have been the hallmarks of the line, and the factory doubled down in 2016 with a heavily updated version of its 800 and the even more race-tastic 800 RR. The revisions brought changes from the bones up with a completely reworked frame to carry the improved engine, and a whole passel of electronic features to help you keep it all under control. Riders can expect around 108-horsepower from the base 800, and even more from the RR, so these new kids on the block definitely uphold the reputation for performance established by earlier incarnations. I’ve been looking forward to getting to know the new Brutales, and now that I have I can say that I wish I’d done it earlier. Read on to find out why.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/mv-agusta/2016-2017-mv-agusta-brutale-800-brutale-800-rr-ar176817.html

primephonic_streaming

Primephonic Streaming review

Audio & Video, , , ,

When we heard Primephonic was launching a classical-only streaming service to complement its excellent download site, we had high hopes.

Its five-star download site provides a superb selection of high-resolution albums for classical music fans, and a streaming service built upon that model seemed the most logical next step.

But the two things that made the download site so good – excellent search facility and great catalogue – are the big let-downs of the streaming service.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.whathifi.com/primephonic/streaming/review

 

maxresdefault (1)

2017-2018 Suzuki Vanvan 200 Review

Cars, , ,

First out in the 1970s, the VanVan from Suzuki has that charming retro look that screams UJM. Recently reintroduced here in the U.S., the VanVan gets a 200 cc engine, an upgrade from the old 125 cc model that is still available in other markets. In typical scrambler fashion, the VanVan 200 is the dirt-road/gravel-road/loose-dirt ride that qualifies it as a “sandbike” because of the fat rear tire that keeps you going. Better than an ATV in some situations, the Vanvan is lightweight and capable, perfect for a jaunt around the ranch, a quick run up the trapline or an excursion down the beach — anywhere the ground is loose and four wheels just won’t do.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/suzuki/2017-2018-suzuki-vanvan-200-ar170984.html

545308-apple-imac-27-inch-with-5k-retina-display-2017

Apple 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display (2017) review: All-in-one and one-for-all

Computers & IT, , , , ,

The Apple iMac range has received a spec boost for 2017, promising better screen technology, more processing power, Thunderbolt 3 slots and more. But should you be excited by these additions?

We’ve been using the new 27-inch 5K iMac to get a feel for the new all-in-one desktop machine. Although this new model isn’t as powerful as the top-spec iMac Pro due out later this year, it certainly offers plenty.

New 5K iMac review: Design

 

 

141328-phones-news-feature-essential-phone-price-release-date-and-everything-you-need-to-know-image1-buqm7hcg9d

Essential Phone: Price, release date, and everything you need to know

Phones, , , , ,

Essential, the company set up by Android co-founder Andy Rubin, has unveiled the Essential Phone.

This Android-powered smartphone is going after the major flagships. It has a high-end price tag with top-of-the-line specs and features, such as an edge-to-edge display, which goes all the way to the the top of the phone and wraps around the front-facing selfie camera. Essential Phone is launching in the US on Sprint to start, but it’s packed with radios that should make it work on all major carriers.

Here’s everything you need to know about the device.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/news/141328-essential-phone-price-release-date-and-everything-you-need-to-know

141549-cars-hands-on-mini-countryman-cooper-s-e-electric-hybrid-review-image1-fw40pkozs9

Mini Countryman Cooper S E preview: Mini’s first electric hybrid hits the road

Cars, , , , ,

By its own management’s admission the Mini brand has overstretched itself. Like a greedy child with eyes bigger than its belly, the once maker of an uber-compact car has seen its range balloon. Now Mini makes a whole host of options, including cabrios, coupes, a little estate, and an SUV.

The last of which is the “Maxi Mini”, better known by its badge as the Mini Countryman, which has been refreshed for 2017 and is now a whopping 20cm longer than the first-generation model (hardly “Mini”, eh?). But that’s not the big take-away for the 2017 Countryman. Because for the first time in the company’s history Mini has introduced a hybrid.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.pocket-lint.com/cars/reviews/mini/141549-mini-countryman-cooper-s-e-preview-mini-s-first-electric-hybrid-hits-the-road

pioneer_xdp-30r_01

Pioneer XDP-30R review

Audio & Video, , , , , ,

Why buy a portable music player? You already have a phone that plays music – and who wants to carry two separate devices around with you?

With many of the current batch of phones compatible with high-resolution files, the argument in favour of dedicated music players seems tenuous – right up until the point where you start listening to one.

As a breed, they simply sound better than most phones, almost comically so in some respects.

Pioneer is looking to expand into this category and why not? The brand has an excellent stereo heritage littered with enough quality kit to suggest it could challenge current class leaders such as Astell & Kern and Sony.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.whathifi.com/pioneer/xdp-30r/review

 

HDeoabQeT8gcmjA5iyumy3-1200-80

HyperX Alloy Elite review

Computers & IT, , , , , , ,

The HyperX Alloy FPS is one of our favorite gaming keyboards here at TechRadar. Its simple, frame-less design and solid construction make it one of the best and most affordable gaming keyboards we’ve ever used. However, for those who want a little bit more, Kingston has introduced the HyperX Alloy Elite.

The keyboard is essentially everything the Alloy FPS was, with the addition of a few features, including media keys, a light bar and a palm rest. Despite these inclusions, it’s still reasonably priced at $109 or £119 (about AU$140).
…
Read full post here:
https://www.techradar.com/reviews/hyperx-alloy-elite

hp-spectre-x2-2017-05-1

HP Spectre x2 (2017) review

Computers & IT, , , , , , , , , , , ,

546339-hp-spectre-x2-2017

With HP’s signature elegant, thoughtful design, the 2017 Spectre x2 two-in-one has a lot to recommend it in comparison with the now iconic Microsoft Surface Pro. Advantages include a more solid feel when typing or inking — with the bundled keyboard and stylus — and a 12.3-inch display with a denser pixel pitch, thanks to its 3,000×2,000-pixel resolution. And it’s much cheaper (for a comparable configuration), making it a better buy, as long as your needs don’t run to serious creative work, speed or long battery life.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.cnet.com/reviews/hp-spectre-x2-2017-review/

 

2017-Yamaha-SR400b

2016-2017 Yamaha SR400 Review

Cars, , , , , , , ,

Yamaha’s motto for the SR400 is “everything old is new again,” and nothing speaks more to that than a kickstarter and tubed tires. Re-introduced to the American market after a long absence, the SR400 still shows the remnants of the old British bike style it was originally meant to emulate in the 1970s. The SR400 is a meld of old and new bringing fuel injection and electronic ignition into the retro styling that’s essentially unchanged since 1978. Easily customized into a café racer, bobber or street tracker, the SR 400 is a blank canvas for you to make it yours. Excellent as a commuter or an entry-level bike, the SR400 is worth a look.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/yamaha/2016-2018-yamaha-sr400-ar171571.html

Metz M400 vs Nissin i60A vs i40 – Flash comparison for mirrorless cameras

Metz M400 vs Nissin i60A vs i40 – Flash comparison for mirrorless cameras

Cameras, , , , , ,

As the popularity of compact interchangeable lens camera systems has grown over the years, many people have started looking for smaller accessories to complement their gear – particularly flash units. After all, mounting a large and heavy flash onto a small camera such as the Fujifilm X-T20 or Olympus OM-D E-M5 II isn’t particularly comfortable. For this reason, many manufacturers have started releasing speed lights that are smaller and lighter but don’t compromise on performance.

Today we have a good selection, not only from the various camera brands but also from third-party companies. Nissin introduced the compact i40 two years ago before following up with the more powerful i60A.
…
Read full post here:
https://mirrorlesscomparison.com/accessories/metz-m400-vs-nissin-i60a-vs-i40/

2018-Indian-Scout-Bobber-lead

2018 Indian Scout Bobber First Ride Review

Cars, ,

After seeing the new 2018 Indian Scout Bobber on Friday, I called Editor Duke to brief him on the new model. After explaining that it was, mechanically, very similar to the original Scout with mostly cosmetic changes, he asked me a simple but important question: “Well, would you rather buy this one or the old one?” The answer was easy: I would definitely rather have this new Scout Bobber.

Things can sometimes change after an actual road test, so I put my initial thoughts into the back of my mind and looked forward to the debut ride the following day.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/indian/2018-indian-scout-bobber-first-ride-review.html

Audeara AR-01 wireless headphones review

Audeara AR-01 wireless headphones review

Audio & Video, Wearables, , , , , , , ,
Audeara headphones perfect sound

Audeara AR-01 Bluetooth headphones review: Headphones that tailor their sound based on your hearing? We looked into the supposed benefits to see if they are worth buying.

Given that headphones are basically little speakers that rest on your ears, the level of innovation has been quite impressive. From noise cancelling and improvements in wireless sound quality to increased affordability, it is a great time to buy a set.

Another company that hopes to raise the bar is Audeara. Originally a Kickstarter campaign setup by company founders Dr James Fielding and Dr Chris Jeffrey, its AR-01 headphones smashed their sales target many times over.
…
Read full post here:
https://recombu.com/mobile/article/audeara-ar-01-wireless-headphones-review

Huawei Band 2 Pro first look review : Surprising features to trounce the competition

Huawei Band 2 Pro first look review : Surprising features to trounce the competition

Wearables, , , ,

The Huawei Band 2 and Band 2 Pro continue a rather confusing naming tradition from the Chinese company, which is launching wearables under both its own and its sub-brand Honor’s names. Confusing because, technically, there was never a Huawei Band 1, unless we’re counting that as the Huawei Honor Band Zero. All that aside, the Band 2 has caught our attention with some decent features packed into a svelte package.

The Band Pro 2 was actually announced for the Chinese market a couple of months ago alongside the less feature-packed Band 2. The Band Pro 2 is now coming to the US, and we got a hands on with the device at Huawei’s Summer Showcase event in San Francisco.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/fitness-trackers/huawei-band-2-pro-review

HTC U11 Alexa hands-on: What works and what needs work

HTC U11 Alexa hands-on: What works and what needs work

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

This past week we’ve had some time with the HTC U11’s newest feature boost: HTC Alexa onboard. That’s Amazon’s Alexa personal assistant, but placed on the HTC U11 in a way that’s unique to this device. While Alexa is available in its app form for other smartphones, here Amazon and HTC have worked together to allow Alexa to act as similar to an Echo or Echo Dot as any smartphone has been before.

HTC U11 Alexa hands-on: What works and what needs work

This Phone

The HTC U11 was already one of HTC’s best made phones of the year – perhaps in several years. It has a top-tier display, runs a processor as powerful as the best in the market, and it comes in several lovely colors.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/htc-u11-alexa-hands-on-what-works-and-what-needs-work-17491676/

2018 Peugeot 3008, 5008: Initial Australian details revealed

2018 Peugeot 3008, 5008: Initial Australian details revealed

Cars, ,

First Australian details of the 2018 Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUVs have been revealed ahead of the new pair’s local launch.

While full pricing and specifications are still to be confirmed, the French manufacturer’s local arm has divulged that its CX-5 competitor, the 3008, will offer high levels of standard equipment and technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system across the range.

2018 Peugeot 3008, 5008: Initial Australian details revealed

Kicking off the four-strong line-up will be the entry-level Active, which scores the aforementioned driver’s and central displays, along with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), dual front, side, and curtain airbags, driver attention alert, cruise control with speed limiter, along with speed limit recognition.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.caradvice.com.au/568042/2018-peugeot-3008-5008-initial-australian-details-revealed/?source=carousel&slot=0

Flagship Smartphones Compared: Huawei P10 Plus, LG G6, Samsung Galaxy S8, Sony Xperia XZ Premium

Flagship Smartphones Compared: Huawei P10 Plus, LG G6, Samsung Galaxy S8, Sony Xperia XZ Premium

Phones, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Smartphones comparison articles are a dime a dozen, especially on popular models like the above. I won’t compare them the usual way in this article, so let me know if you need me to point you to any review articles, if you haven’t found them on search engines already.

Samsung Galaxy S8, Huawei P10+, LG G6

Samsung Galaxy S8, Huawei P10+, LG G6

There appears to be a growing cynicism in bloggers/influencers/tech sites review. The irony is that it’s the sites with very low traffic that offer the most genuine opinions, yet they are the hardest to find through search engines.
…
Read full post here:
https://musicphotolife.com/2017/07/flagship-smartphones-compared-huawei-p10-plus-lg-g6-samsung-galaxy-s8-sony-xperia-xz-premium/

QNAP TVS-882T Review

QNAP TVS-882T Review

Cameras, Computers & IT, Wearables

It is a fact that as content creators, we are always in need for more storage. Thanks to all the latest and greatest cameras on the market that offer incredible detail with their high resolution sensors, we find ourselves constantly reassessing our storage requirements. Old computers are getting too slow to handle all the media and data we have to deal with, while storage solutions that used to be good enough a few years back do not seem to cut it anymore. Our clients have become technology-savvy and they are now demanding to see high resolution media files to deliver exceptional experience to their viewers, so we have to keep up.
…
Read full post here:
https://photographylife.com/reviews/qnap-tvs-882t

7 Reasons to Buy the HP Spectre x360, 2 Reasons to Skip

7 Reasons to Buy the HP Spectre x360, 2 Reasons to Skip

Computers & IT, , , , , ,

Those looking for a 2-in-1 notebook that can easily transform into a tablet with a flip should have the alluring 13.3-inch HP Spectre x360 on their short list. There’s plenty to love about this thin, speedy machine, from its beautiful display to its powerful speakers and comfy keyboard.

However, there are a couple of weaknesses that may have you looking elsewhere. Here are seven reasons to hit Buy on the Spectre x360 and two reasons to skip it.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/hp-spectre-x360-reasons-to-buy-avoid