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Engadget has had a busy few weeks and we have many reviews. Nathan Ingraham has reviewed the new base iPad and the Microsoft Surface Go 3. The latter, he claims, lacks the processing power necessary to be more than a secondary computer. Devindra Hardawar gave Windows 11 a review, calling it both sophisticated and frustrating. He also reviewed the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio. Although he liked the product, he found it underpowered for its price. Dana Wollman also reviewed the Surface Pro 8 2-in-1, which solved some issues but caused others due to its higher price.
Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 is still without a keyboard
Dana Wollman/Engadget
Dana Wollman was happy to see that the Surface Pro 8 addressed many of our concerns about the previous version. The new Surface Pro 8 features a larger, skinnier display, better resolution, and a 120Hz refresh speed. It also has 11th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors. A slightly higher-resolution rear camera is included. The detachable keyboard can still be purchased separately at $180 and the two-in-1 is more expensive at $11,100. The device is also 15% heavier than the MacBook Pro at 1.96 pounds, even without the keyboard. Dana claims that it is lighter than her MacBook Pro but it doesn't make it an ideal smartphone device.
Built-in kickstands indicate that the machine should be docked and not held. Dana stated that the kickstand was premium, but it is a little difficult to remove due to the narrow divots. The 10-megapixel rear camera captured images in 4K. However, she was less impressed with the webcam's ability to record even in mixed lighting. She says the 120Hz refresh rate is a significant improvement. Even though it saves some battery life, she won't mind reverting back to 60Hz. The Slim Pen 2's haptic motor made it enjoyable to use. She admits, however, that the Surface Pro 8 is more niche than the Slim Pen 2.
Surface Go 3 isn't powerful enough
Dana Wollman/Engadget
Nathan Ingraham loves many of the Surface Go 3's features: it is well-built, responsive touchscreen, strong kickstand, and extremely lightweight and portable. It doesn't include a keyboard, which is a problem with the Surface Pro 8. Windows 11 doesn't offer a great tablet experience. He found the battery life and underpowered specs to be the biggest problem. He reviewed a model with a 10th-generation Intel Core i3 CPU, 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.
This makes it a capable machine for basic tasks. However, Nathan had occasional music stutters. He also had to reload tabs during work. While working in Adobe Lightroom, he noticed lag and issues when launching other programs. The battery was only good for five hours during his work day, which is a problem that detracts the device's portability. He liked the 10.5 inch, 1,920x1,280 touchscreen, the 3:2 aspect ratio, and the infinitely adjustable kickstand. Nathan said that he could see the Surface Go 3 being used as a secondary machine for traveling, but it is difficult to recommend it as a daily driver due to its performance and battery life issues.
Surface Laptop Studio could use additional cores
Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
The Surface Laptop Studio is one of the first Windows 11 computers. It has a 14.4 inch screen and a fast 120Hz refresh rate. It weighs in at around four pounds. Devindra Hardawar states that while it's not intended to be portable, the Surface Laptop Studio is extremely adaptable due to its tiltable display. The flexible hinge, Dolby Vision support, and high refresh rate impressed him, even though the display is surrounded with thicker bezels. The speakers' power is due to the subwoofers at the sides and the tweeters blasting through his keyboard.
Devindra liked the Laptop Studio's performance for everyday computing tasks. It was fast enough to play Overwatch at 90fps and 100fps. However, it only has a quad-core processor. This makes it difficult to recommend it when there are so many machines with more powerful six- and eight-core CPUs. The port situation was another issue for Devindra. There are two USB-C ports that support ThunderBolt 4 and a Surface Connect slot. However, there is no SD card slot. This would have allowed him to compete with the rest of the market. Microsoft did include the superb keyboard from the Book 3 as well as the Surface Slim Pen 2. Devindra really liked the Surface Laptop Studio but said that he wanted more power.
Windows 11 is secure and polished, but it's frustrating.
Microsoft
Devindra Hardawar does not believe that Microsoft is trying too hard to fix Windows 11. The new operating system is more like a paint job than Windows 10. But, he doesn't think that it is a problem. Devindra claims that the OS is easier to use the more Devindra uses it. The taskbar has centered icons. The Start menu has been redesigned with pinned apps. Windows have rounded corners. Icons for Explorer and Settings are sharper, giving it a refined look.
You will need to have a compatible Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm processor and at least 64GB storage. Secure Boot and Trust Platform module 2.0 will also be required to make it more difficult for malware and spyware to attack. There are additional requirements if your hardware is older or you have built your own computer. Windows 11 will be the only way you can use Microsoft's DirectStorage technology. Devindra claims that this technology should significantly speed up load times. He believes that the combination of a fresh look, increased security, and faster performance is a significant step forward but not a major one.
Nathan Ingraham/Engadget
Nathan Ingraham is not one of the early adopters of the 2021 refreshed iPad. The new tablet features a 12-megapixel front camera that supports Center Stage, twice the storage base, and the A13 Bionic chip. The hardware remains largely the same as the previous versions. It is almost the same in size and weight, and still features a 10.2-inch touchscreen measuring 2,160x1,620 pixels, an 8-megapixel rear cam, and Lightning port for charging.
This iPad is for people who are looking for a tablet that's lightweight, portable, fast, and relatively inexpensive. The new chipset will be more powerful than the standard iPad user who uses it primarily to play games and browse the internet. Nathan did not notice any slowdowns when multitasking with multiple open apps. However, he noticed that some apps required to refresh more often during these periods. The screen is not as good for playing games or watching videos, but it was still usable. Nathan said that $330 is a great price, but who cares? This iPad will make your iPad look brand new, even if it's more than a few decades old.
Fitbit Charge 5 features a sleek, full-color display
Valentina Palladino/Engadget
The 1.04-inch color AMOLED touchscreen is the most noticeable feature of the Fitbit Charge 5. Valentina Palladino claims that the Fitbit Charge 5's rounded edges and thinner body make it more comfortable to wear. ECG monitoring and EDA monitoring for stress levels are some of the new features on the fitness band. Valentina stated that ECG measurement is on the horizon and that EDA monitoring was not intuitive. The built-in GPS was more helpful as it picked up her exact location and accurately plotted her running route.
Valentina liked the timer and alarm apps. They were very helpful throughout her day. She was disappointed by Fitbit's removal of music-focused features. This meant that she had to use her phone to control playback or skip a track. It was also disappointing to learn that Fitbits subscription service costs $10 per month included some Charge 5's more advanced metrics like exercise and select sleep data. She did praise the battery life and Fitbit Pay with NFC. The Charge 5 is the right choice if you are looking for a discreet wearable that focuses on fitness and has a long battery life.
Devindra Hardawar/Engadget
Devindra Hardawar said there was much to love about the Sonos Beam's first generation. He says that the Beam Gen 2's addition of Dolby atmos allows for a richer, more immersive soundscape. The soundbar uses the same hardware, a center tweeter and four mid-woofers. It also has three passive radiators. This allows for more processing power to replicate Dolby Atmos. Devindra said that it performed well in his testing but was not a substitute for actual speakers capable of blasting high channels.
The Beam Gen 2 is still compact at 25.6 inches in width and six pounds. It also has the same Ethernet and HDMI ports on the back. He also appreciated the ease of setting up via Sonoss App. The new Beam performed well in action movies. Devindra, while watching Baby Driver, said that it was richer and the dialogue sounded clearer. Music playback was not as dramatic, but Dolby Atmos support will be available for Amazon Music later in the year. Sonos makes it easy for you to sync audio throughout your house and the Alexa integration works well. Devindra states that it is a solid soundbar for a budget price of less than $500 to elevate your movie-watching experience.
The Uno Synth Pro can make beautiful sounds
Terrence O'Brien/Engadget
The Uno Synth Pro has many options for sound design. It features three oscillators and two envelopes, two LFOs (two envelopes), two filters, an analog overload, twelve digital effects, and two LFOs. Terrence OBrien tried the $400 Desktop model. It features touch keys and an all plastic body. The synth also comes in a $650 Pro model with a Fatar keybed of 37 keys and a partially-metal chassis. The overall structure feels solid, buttons feel sturdy, knobs are resistant and the screen is small but provides all the information that you need.
The gray, red, and black color scheme made it difficult for him to spot the controls quickly, especially in dark environments. The four knobs at the top that control all parameters were also not his favorite. Terrence stated that his main issue was the touch keys and strips. They felt unresponsive and sometimes failed to detect touches. This was even more true in three-voice paraphone mode. Similar behavior was observed for mod and pitch. His frustrations faded once the synth began making noise. Terrence stated that the oscillators had body and grit, and the saw wave just rips. He was satisfied enough with the sound design tools available and the quality of filters and oscillators to consider himself a convert.
Owlets Smart Sock Plus allows for monitoring of older children
Owlet
I grew accustomed to using the third-generation Smart Socks for my twins. It was a difficult transition for me when they grew out of their socks. Owlet claims Im not the only one: 72% of those surveyed said they would like to continue using the device to monitor their children's pulse rate and heart rate. The company responded by updating its algorithm and creating the Smart Sock Plus. This can be used to measure children up to 55 pounds or five years old.
The Smart Sock Plus has the same functionality as the standard, third-generation device, except for the larger socks and the better algorithm. The Plus fit seemed better, but I had to use workarounds to prevent my children from taking them off. It was also easier to spot a misaligned socks, which was a nice change. The Smart Sock Plus costs $359, which is quite expensive for new users. However, the $69 expansion pack for existing customers will be a good deal as it significantly extends the sock's life span.
Although the Nintendo Switch OLED edition looks nice, it is not essential.
Kris Naudus/Engadget
Kris Naudus's statement is simple: The new Nintendo Switch OLED isn't a must-have. The refreshed handheld system has a brighter 7-inch OLED screen, a new stand that is ideal for tabletop mode and an Ethernet port. It also features a new coating that feels great in the hand. However, there are not many changes to the underside. The CPU and GPU are the same so future games will work with Switch and Switch Light devices. Joy-Cons, which were notorious for drifting, have not been changed.
Kris was impressed with the new stand. It is a Surface-style panel and extends the length of the whole unit. You can also place it at any angle you like. The USB-C port remains at the bottom, so it cannot be charged when the unit is in tabletop mode. The new buttons feel more modern and sleeker, and she also likes the thinner bezels and the coating on the frame. It is the same height as the original Switch and will work with all accessories. The battery is identical, but the OLED screen makes it more efficient. Kris said that unless you have to give up your original system or you really need the OLED screen you can keep your current system.
The Carol smart exercise bicycle is great for large pockets
Daniel Cooper
Daniel Cooper would say that he enjoyed working out on the Carol smart exercise bike. It is a machine designed to be used for short workouts, of approximately eight minutes and forty seconds. The bike uses the REHIIT (Reduced Exertion High Intensity Interval training) method and has exercise videos you can view on the 10.1-inch color touchscreen. You can use third-party apps, such as Pelotons, through the screen. This means you can take classes right from your tablet. Daniel said that the Carol app is colorful and clean. The UI lights up when you reach a high intensity phase, and the power output visualizations are particularly impressive.
The bike looks just like an exercise bike, with a large flywheel that is real and a drive unit that controls the resistance. The handlebars are short and contain heart-monitoring electrodes. You can adjust the height, distance and height of the handlebars. Daniel says he has noticed a significant improvement in his mood and fitness after using it for a while. However, the $2,400 price tag is difficult to swallow.
