Author Archives: Gadget Review

The Top 3 Hoverboards of 2018

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Yes, we know that so called “hoverboards” don’t really hover. We should get that out of the way first. They stay firmly on the ground, but it can feel like you are hovering when you ride one.

If you’re interested in these non-hovering, self-balancing vehicles and need some help with which ones are the best, we recently did the research for you. We’re going to clue you into what we, Gadget Review, think are the top 3 hoverboards of 2018. Let’s jump right in.

The #1 Hoverboard: Swagtron T1

Pros

  • 1 hour charging
  • 8 MPH top speed
  • Range of 7-12 miles

Cons

  • No Bluetooth or GPS
  • No app
  • Disappointing build quality

The Swagtron T1 takes top honors thanks to quick 1 hour charging, an 8 MPH top speed and a range of 7-12 miles. The 3-hour battery life will give you plenty of runtime. It also comes with 2 learning modes for new riders. These are the features you want in a hoverboard and it gives you the most bang for your buck.

Our #2 pick: Epikgo Self-Balancing Hoverboard

Pros

  • Large 8.5″ tires
  • Under 2 hour charge time
  • 10 MPH maximum speed

Cons

  • Not a good choice for new riders
  • Price is higher

The Epikgo Self-Balancing Hoverboard is an All-Terrain hoverboard with large 8.5” tires, under 2 hour charge time, 400W dual hub motors, 1P56 certification, and a maximum speed of 10 MPH. It ranks high both on and off-road. We love the quick charging and excellent range on this model. It is a solid ride over any terrain and is durable. It’s priced higher, but worth it.

Our # 3 pick: Halo Rover

Pros

  • 800W motor
  • Bluetooth speakers
  • 265 lb load capacity

Cons

  • Heavy at 32 lbs
  • Expensive compared to other hoverboards

The Halo Rover is a bit more expensive, but you get a lot of features for the price. It packs in a powerful 800W motor, has large 8.5″ tires to handle all-terrain, LED headlights, water resistance and more. It will climb inclines up to 20 degrees as well. This is a solid choice for experienced hoverboard riders even if it is a bit heavy.

Hoverboard FireSafety Standards Keep You Safe

Our top 3 hoverboard picks all feature UL 2272 certification, which means that you can count on them not being a fire hazard. Several years ago some hoverboards had problems where their batteries could catch on fire, but today’s hoverboards are safe. Just be sure that your hoverboard is UL 2272 certified.

Ride Safely and Wear Your Protective Gear

Always be safe when riding your hoverboard. It’s a good idea to wear a helmet and knee and elbow pads. You’ll also want to stay focused and keep your eyes on the road ahead at all times. Even though most of these vehicles only go about 10 to 12 mph, that’s still enough to hurt you if you take a spill. Always be mindful of safety.

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These 3 Camping Tents Have You Covered All Year Long

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Are you looking for the best camping tents for your next camping adventure? Then you probably know that picking one out isn’t that simple: There are tents for summer, tents for winter, tents for all seasons, tents for backpacking, tents for campgrounds…and on the list goes. It’s not easy to find the right camping tents at a good price, so we’ve found the best camping tents of 2017 to make your job a whole lot easier. These tents are easy to put together, durable, weather resistant a variety of ways – and you can buy them online!

Note on prices: Because the best camping tents are bigger-ticket items, prices do fluctuate based on availability, model type, and so on. So take our prices as a general guideline, they are typically close to the mark. If you are worried about spending too much, wait until the off seasons, where prices generally go down.

Nemo Losi 2P – $300.95

Best camping tents

The Nemo Losi is a remarkable tent for backpacking – and we mean real backpacking, the sort that has you out for a days or weeks at a time, where you have to scout out your own camping space on the trail and carry your own water purification system. At a little less than 5 pounds, it’s easier to bundle up and carry and than many tents, and comes with both two doors and a full mesh canopy.

We know that this tent sounds (and looks) primarily like a summer tent, but it does come fully seamtaped and with enough waterproofing materials to use it for rainier weather. It’s not the best in very cold conditions, but it is highly versatile otherwise.

Also, if you’re interested in solo camping and not sure if the Losi is right for you, we still recommend it. It’s light and very easy to set up, and you’ll probably enjoy the extra room. Plus, if you ever want to bring someone else along, you’ll have the option.

Big Agnes Flying Diamond 4P Deluxe – $385.95

Best camping tents

Do you need a larger tent for friends or family? This affordable Big Agnes tent can easily hold 4 to 8 people (depending on the version that you get, our price is for the four-person version), and with color-coded poles and parts it’s a cinch to put together, even if not everyone knows what they’re doing. There are two access doors with storm flaps that can double as shade-makers, and all seams are taped with waterproof materials plus some reflective tape for seeing the tent at night. On the inside the ten includes 10 mesh storage bags, and the ability to separate the tent into a large room and a small room with a partition wall.

Of course, the catch to all this luxury is that this more of a glamping model – it’s not really going to work anywhere but a campground unless you’re will to work hard for it. However, it is particularly sturdy and weather-resistant for a tent of this size, so if bad weather does hit, you’ll be ready for it. Just make sure that you have a lot of space!

The North Face Summit Series VE 25 3P – $675

camping tents

Are you ready for more of a challenge? This North Face camping tent is designed for 4-season weather and rougher, more ambitious, “hike in Patagonia” adventures. It’s made to hold a variety of personal items in pouches, but also comes equipped with powerful water resistant finishes, mesh for summer mosquitos, and other flourishes. Take them away to create a 7-and-a-half pound tent that one of you can carry on your mountain hikes, or add in the comfort items for a near-12 pound tent for less strenuous hiking plans. Either way, this tent can take it. The only key is making sure that you can afford it, because the best camping tents don’t come cheaply.

Game in Comfort with the 3 Best Gaming Chairs

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A gaming chair is specifically designed for serious gamers who want something special for one of their most important accessories. The best gaming chairs of 2017 come with welcome benefits like ventilation, durable designs, and extra-high backs – along with some seriously impressive designs.

DXRacer Iron Series – $469.00

best gaming chair

If you’re looking for a chair designed specifically for professional gamers or people who want to be involved in eSports – well, that’s sort of the specialty of DXRacer, which makes a variety of equipment for truly hardcore gamers. This Iron series chair is no exception: In fact, it’s the most durable and complete gaming chairs we’ve every see. The full-size frame is supported by a German hydraulic system that provides both protection and the ability to shift the height and angle of the chair in careful degrees to your exact needs.

Additionally, the chair has that welcome extra-high back and cooling holes around the headspace that let you know it really is designed for gamers. The larger-than-usual side wings are also excellent for comfort and support, while the base is specifically made as a great location to rest your footpads while place.

The only caveat we want to mention for this gaming chair is that the material, while smooth and well designed, may not be the most durable when exposed to moisture. However, if you are looking for a gaming chair with extra size and support, that’s a minor quibble that’s easy to avoid with proper care.

Vertagear S-Line – $339.99

Best gaming chairs

Vertagear is another company known for making great gaming-oriented chairs. This model is a little simpler than our DXRacer pick, but it’s also significantly more affordable. The chair features a resilient type of foam that doesn’t cave easily, and that extra-firm support means this chair possess extra durability (the steel frame adds to the weight, but also helps in this respect). Adjustable features include a tilt that allows you to fine tune the resistance, and a locking system for the arms, height, etc.

When it comes to head and neck support, the S-Line also gets top marks. It comes with that welcome extra-high back and cooling air holes right around the head/neck level, which are handy, but there’s also a support cushion for neck (or potentially, lumbar) support that works very well for preventing some of those aches and pains that come along after a long-term gaming session.

We will note, however, that on the seat of the S-Line has an interesting divide in the center that slopes down to either side. It appears to be designed for easier, more comfy leg separation and better posture (many desk chairs have a feature like this, although not so obvious). It didn’t bother us, but if you know you dislike features like this, it’s worth consideration.

X Rocker 51396 Pro Series – $199.00

Best gaming chair

For those who like to game around their TV screen instead of the computer but don’t really have a place to sit, the X Rocker has the answer – a pedestal-based, low chair that’s ideal for any type of console or TV gaming. It works especially well in a dorm or an odd-shaped living room. The seat includes a subwoofer and two speakers that you can hook up wirelessly (wired options are also included) for extra immersion if you don’t already have surround sound. It’s also remarkably comfortable and adjustable at multiple levels, including tilt. You’ll want to be careful around it (too much roughhousing could damage the chair base), but otherwise this may be just the chair you are looking for!

These 3 Security Systems Include Home Automation

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Home security systems are designed to give you peace of mind: If you’re getting aggravated trying choose or install them, they aren’t working! Today’s modern homeowner has plenty of expectations when it comes to the best home security systems. We need them to be affordable, easy to set up, and connect with the other smart devices in our lives.

Finding systems that can do all of that – and more – isn’t easy. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the sharpest, most smart home-friendly security options on the market. Here are the companies worth looking at.

The DIY Question: For our modern lives (which may involve relocation) and modern homes (which tend to be filled with more smart, mobile devices) we favor DIY security system options. Not only do they save money, they often have more versatility when it comes to packages or device purchasing.

Frontpoint Security – $35-$50 per month

Frontpoint

Along with great reviews from pretty much everyone, Frontpoint comes with an advanced system that marries traditional home security management by professionals with the best of our mobile, smart featured market. The result is a variety of different devices include sensors, cams, customizable alarms, fire/carbon monixide sensors, and generally anything else you could want. Every device is fully wireless, which both lowers the cost and makes installation extra easy. Plus, you still get monitoring services, security features from Alarm.com, risk-free trials, and other benefits more associated with traditional companies.

In addition to being extra-mobile, Frontpoint has also embraced deeper smart features that make its devices even more impressive. Live streaming is available for your smartphone, there are geo services for location-based tracking and other tricks, and the system is compatible with other smart devices like smart locks. You’ve got everything you could need in one package.

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Link Interactive – $40+ per month

Link Interactive

Link Interactive increases the DIY and mobile aspects of the modern home security system even more thanks to its app-focused device management (there is a central control hub if you really prefer that method) and all-wireless sensors for motion, doors, windows, temperature and more. Everything is fully DIY and there are no installation fees. For those who want even more security, there are video monitoring services as well.

Like Frontpoint, you can also find more traditional, professional services here, including 24/7 monitoring, and a ton of customer resource and training options. Even if you’ve never installed a smart device before, the guides and video offer all the information you need to set up your own system – and automate it to match your own schedule. The customization options here are ideal for the modern homeowner – or apartment dweller – who wants to set up a system on their own terms, with what they need and nothing more.

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Scout Alarm – $10 month + equipment

Scout Security

As you can see, Scout Alarm is one of our most affordable choices, and certainly one of the most DIY oriented. For those who don’t have a lot of money to spend and don’t want to be locked into a contract for any length of time, Scout offer great packages – while still managing to include professional services like 24/7 monitoring. The Scout app includes push notifications, backup 3G connections in case something goes wrong, and text alerts so you know when something happens.

The issue with Scout is that device options are a little limited, and offer no cam or recording services.. The bright side is that Scout makes up for this by offer integration with the Nest thermostat and the Nest cam, which is even better if you’re already a fan of the Nest platform. For younger consumers who may be on the move, this security system fills a valuable need.

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Free Your Speakers, Go Wireless

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Looking for the best wireless speakers of 2016? Take a look at our top picks and find out just what’s so impressive about the best speakers on the market.

A quick word on wireless vs. Bluetooth: Throwing terms like wireless and Bluetooth around can prove tricky, because a lot of people wonder, “Aren’t these the same thing?” No, they aren’t. A Bluetooth speaker focuses almost exclusively on Bluetooth connections, or shorter-range pairings with individual devices, like a smartphone or computer. Wireless speakers, on the other hand, are designed to connect to Wi-Fi networks instead of forming an individual link with a device. Both have their pros and cons, but know that you will need a nearby wireless network to use wireless speakers, unless of course they offer both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, such as Amazon’s Echo.

Sonos Play:5 – $500

Sonos Play:5

The Play:5 is an excellent example of another important difference between wireless and Bluetooth speakers. While Bluetooth speakers focus more on size and portability, wireless speakers are free to grow larger and dive down into truly amazing bass as well as crystal clear high ranges. This speaker includes six different synchronized drivers with dedicated amplifiers for some of the best sound you’ve ever heard from an individual unit (there’s also a 3.5mm port for hooking up headphones).

To help the sound even more, there’s software called Trueplay which detects features in both the room and the music being played so that it can adjust the sound to give the best results. Everything is controlled through the Sonos app, which can handle pretty much every music service. Whether you want whisper-perfect fidelity or like to crank it up, this speaker is unparalleled.

Of course, there are some quirks to mention. You will need to use a power cord for this model, which limits placement. Also, $500 is a lot to spend on a single speaker. You get your money’s worth, but it’s still a significant payment to make for the average consumer.

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Amazon Echo – $180

Amazon Echo

Not only is the Echo one of the most affordable units in our best wireless speaker lists, but it’s also one of the most versatile. Alexa, the voice command function of the device, is more useful around the house than you may expect from the average voice assistance. You can ask her to set timers when cooking, tell her to play certain music, or ask her a question about nearing anything. It also works with scores of other smart devices, including smart lights, thermostats, and security devices. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are both included, so you don’t have to use voice commands if you don’t want to.

Smart features aside, the Echo may not have the best fidelity and range, but it probably functions better than you think with its 360-degree sound output. However, the real draw here is having a voice assistant that essentially lets you talk to your house. It’s for tech fans and those who already use plenty of smart devices. If that doesn’t describe you, then you may not be able to take advantage of the full functionality of the Echo.

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Sonos Play:1 – $200

Sonos Play:1

If our first Sonos model was too pricey for you, here’s a far less expensive model in the same line. It only has two drivers to work with, but many of the other benefits remain in place. That includes Trueplay for automatically adjusting sound on the fly, the Sonos app for controlling music platforms, and even humidity resistance – a.k.a., the ability to use the speaker in your bathroom without worrying about moisture damage. Basically, if you want a smaller version of the Play:5, here’s where to start. Note that you can link these Sonos speakers together if you ever want to build out your collection in the future.

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The Best LED TV for the World Series

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Getting ready for the World Series games, or any of the big holiday bowls quickly coming our way? We’ve got the best LED TVs for top-line sports action, so take a look at the models and see which wins in your book!

Note: All of our picks are 4K TVs. Not all game day content has transitioned over to 4K – at least not yet – so actual difference in the image will depend in the incoming signal. However, it’s nice to have if 4K video is supported, and of course these TVs can handle 4K content from games, Netflix and other sources as well, which is an added bonus.

Samsung UN65JU7100 – $2,500

Samsung un65ju7100

If you’re looking for a masterful game day screen, here it is. This Samsung 4K 3D smart LED TV can handle absolutely anything. It comes with built-in Wi-Fi, 4 HDMI ports, 3 USB ports, and motion parameters designed for sports. If you prefer smart TV features, it features the Samsung platform, and the panel is designed to reduce glare if you’re watching a mid-day game and need a little light in the room. Basically, it’s all here – and we purposely picked a model that’s a couple years old so that the price has fallen to more manageable levels. It’s hard to find all these features on one 65-inch TV that you can get for under $3,000. Oh yeah – the screen is 65 inches too, which plenty of room for to catch every moment of action no matter how many people you invite over.

But we like to be as fair as possible, so let’s take a look at a caveat, too: That 3D compatibility. Let’s face it, you probably don’t need and if you’re mostly interested in the big game day, you may never use it. That means you’re paying for an expensive feature without getting much worth out of it. If you’re thumbs down on 3D, then look for a similar Samsung model that comes without that features…or just keep going down our list.

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Sharp LC55UB30U – $1,200

Sharp lc55ub30u

Our top Sharp choice is a little smaller than the first Samsung pick with a 55-inch screen, but that’s still plenty of room for an HDTV capable of showing all the action. The full array LED lights will keep everything bright and vibrant, and this 4K TV comes with just about every possible input that you could want, including 2 USB, 4 HDMI, component, composite, Ethernet, digital optical audio, and more.

With a smaller screen and no 3D technology, you’ll notice that the price is also a lot lower, making this screen particularly affordable compared to its competitors. We’re also fans of that low base which doesn’t waste any room and makes placement a little easier.

On the downside, the refresh is a native 60Hz which can be boosted by internal software – a lower number than many modern HDTVs and by far the lowest on our list. That means the action might not be quite as smooth for the fastest scenes, plays or hits. Fortunately the different to the human eye is often minimal, especially when the other specs are so good.

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Samsung UN55JS8500 – $1,442

Samsung un55js8500

Yes, another Samsung! What can we say, Samsung makes great gaming day TVs – in this case, that means a 55-inch 4K smart TV with built-in Wi-Fi, an effective refresh rate of 240CMR, and 3D capabilities that include a pair of glasses. When it comes to inputs, you have several HDMI and USB ports to work with. In fact, you’ll notice that this TV looks a whole lot like our first Samsung pick, except with a smaller screen and lower price. This model focuses a little more on brightness and the 3D aspect than our top Samsung pick, so it’s a matter of what’s more important to you (or what you think looks the best).

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The Best Soundbar for your New LED TV

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Sound bars aren’t just about augmenting your TV’s tiny little speakers: No, these days sound bars are essentially a way of providing surround sound in small spaces or areas where you can’t position a lot of speakers. Don’t believe us? Take a look at the best soundbars of 2016 and see just what they can do for your awesome new LED TV.

Sonos Playbar TV – $700

Sonos Playbar

If you are looking for a single-unit sound bar with high-fidelity sound that can dominate a room, this Sonos model is sure to impress. But fortunately, the speaker setup is just the beginning. This model offers a total of nine different speakers inside a single high-end speaker bar, and although they are all close together they can still provide 5.1 surround sound to a surprising degree of accuracy, ideal for those who want lots of sound but don’t have the space (or authorization) to set up multiple speakers.

It’s also ultra-easy to install. There are two cords, power and optical. The built-in Wi-Fi can communicate with your network and download everything it needs to operate, include updates. The Sonos app allows you to wireless play music from a variety of apps straight from your tablet or phone. If you decide to get more Sonos speakers in the future, you can link them together in a fuller surround sound system, so there’s also a lot of flexibility here. The speaker can even connect with your current remote so that you can turn it on at the same time as your TV or receiver, and control sound just as easily.

The only issue for some may be the price. Yes, this is one of the best single-unit sound solutions out there, but paying more than you did for your last game console may not sound like that great of a deal. For those of you who shake your head at a $700 price, take a look at our next pick!

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Vizio SB4051-C0 – $338

Vizio sb4051-c0

At only around $340, this sound bar is in the price range of those looking for better budget deals…and it doesn’t come alone. There’s also a subwoofer and two rear speakers, a great setup for those of you who want a little bit of surround sound to go with your sound bar. There are also wireless and Bluetooth features built into this system, so connecting your smartphone music playlist or downloading updates is a snap. The wall mount allows you more freedom when it comes to positioning, while the simple HDMI interface allows you to hook the speakers to your current system within minutes. It also supports both Dolby and DTS surround sound formats, so don’t worry about the inputs!

The only notable addition we’ve got is that you are skipping out on a lot of the high-end features with the decreased price. You’ll have an extra remote to juggle, for instance, instead of handy remote-learning capabilities. But those are minor quibbles for a sound bar that offers great fidelity at a more affordable price.

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Definitive Technology W Studio – $1,000

 

Studio W

All right: Here’s the best of the best for those of you who are really interested in the high end. It includes a sound bar and powerful subwoofer for basic but extremely effective sound. The W Studio is also ideal for more complex entertainment setups, with three HDMI inputs and one digital optical input to work with – as well as a Wi-Fi connection for updates and streaming.

The bar includes three tweets and three woofers for 5.1 surround sound, and the 8-inch subwoofer (that’s the driver, not the total size) makes for a complete and impressive sound ecosystem. You don’t even need to attach the subwoofer and bar, allowing for more flexible placement.

This minimalistic, aluminum sound bar has awesome base, high fidelity, and tons of style…but that price should help you make up your mind. Do you want to pay a lot for extra class, or back down from a $1,000 sound bar?

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All The 4K Content You Can Now Stream

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We’re at a key turning point when it comes to 4K content. Companies are just about ready to break out a vast among of 4K content, including all the latest movies and entire channels streaming 4K shows. But it’s not happening yet – we’re in a strange limbo period now, where real 4K content is still thin, especially when it comes to streaming video services. To help you track down what content is available, we’ve put together a list of all the ways you can watch 4K, and what offerings each method provides. Remember, this is all subject to constant change, but it’s a good indicator of what to expect.

Note: It’s also important to remember that 4K isn’t just about the content. You also need the best 4k HD TV, right cables (later-generation HDMI or DisplayPort are required) and hardware to handle 4K video, or it’s not going to be 4K. This means a set-top box or Blu-Ray player that can accept 4K: This includes Fire TV, Roku 4, and Nvidia Shield. More options are coming all the time here as well, but it’s worth noting that the current generation of game consoles (PS4, Xbox One), cannot handle 4K content, although updated versions of those consoles planned for 2017 will be able to.

vizio_2016_m_series_hdr_4k_display_2

Amazon Instant Video

Amazon Instant Video is primarily interested in offering 4K TV for its original programming, which is great news for Amazon fans: Shows like Transparent and Mozart in the Jungle are offered in 4K TVthough you’ll have to settle for full HD if you’re watching Man in the High Castle. But there are a few extras as well, such as the popular Orphan Black, Alpha House. When it comes to movies, Amazon is a bit more random. There’s a handful that include The Martian, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Philadelphia, and The Amazing Spiderman.

Netflix

Netflix has made an effort to start releasing its new shows in Ultra HD 4k, which means you can watch the latest episodes of House of Cards and Marco Polo in 4K. It also managed to nab very popular shows like Breaking Bad and The Blacklist in 4K. It’s movies however, are hit or miss and perhaps even worse than Amazon. Beyond a few Netflix documentaries, the major hits so far have been Smurfs 2 and Jerry Macguire, plus (like Amazon) Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Philadelphia.

Ultraflix

Ultraflix is a tiny little Netflix competitor that nonetheless manages to offer up some 4K content for its cinema offerings, which include IMAX-rated films and concert events. The movies here include the original Robocop, Interstellar, IP Man, Rocket, and Fargo – a more encouraging line-up. Concerts include Muse, Elton John, and Usher. IMAX films in 4K include nature docs like The Last Reef, The Live Sea, and Yellowstone.

YouTube

Yes, YouTube has 4K content! Well, some channels do. The problem is that 4K content is limited by which users have the ability to upload it. This means that completely amateur or random productions might be 4K. A lot of tech companies also use YouTube to advertise their 4K content in small clips that could be anything from commercials to brief documentaries. In other words, it’s hard to know what you’ll find. Search for “4K content” and see what pops up!

sony_4k_tv_84-inch

Vudu

Vudu has gone a little more mainstream when it comes to offering 4K movies (sorry, no TV shows here). The service includes the ability to watch San Andreas, Man of Steel, Sherlock Holmes, Magic Mike XXL, and The Lego Movie in UltraHD.

Sony

Sony has a couple different 4K options. One is its PlayStation Video app, which is designed specifically for 4K content and doesn’t make you search for it in a sea of 1080p. This is one of the largest offerings on the list and includes the ability to rent around 200 movies and TV shows. This includes most of the offerings we’ve already seen like Breaking Bad and The Amazing Spider Man, as well as options we haven’t seen like Moneyball, Evil Dead, Godzilla, Pineapple Express, and more. Sony also offers an Ultra streaming services for non-gamers that includes many of the same titles.

Samsung

If you have a Samsung 4K TV, you may be able to get Samsung Ultra HD video packs, which are…weird. They exist mostly as pricey advertisements for 4K, but they do include movies in 4K like Star Trek: Into Darkness, Life of Pi, The Counselor, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

redray_4k_4_displays

Comcast

Comcast does have 4K content on its services…but for now, it’s just a “sampler” that only offers a few NBC shows in 4K. This include Suits, Parks and Rec, and Chicago Fire. Like everything else on the list, this is in a state of transition as Comcast no doubt has plans to soon roll out more official 4K content – including an expected set-top box called the X1.

DirecTV

DirecTV currently offers around twenty 4K movies and is working on providing channels of 4K content as well. For now the movies are a little thin, but include Transformers: Age of Extinction, Forrest Gump, and The Ultimate Wave Tahiti.

sony_4k_tv_1

M-Go

M-Go is another weird little limbo service that requires the right Samsung hard drive (mentioned above), which provides access to addition streaming content on this service. That includes shows like Powers and Spartacus, thankfully, and a collection of random movies that includes Die Hard, Home Alone, The Giver, The Wolverine, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, and 3 Days to Kill.

Blu-Ray

It’s not exactly streaming, but disc-based 4K deserves a mention. With Blu-ray, it’s best to just look at the case and see if its 4K. Some movies are getting 4K TV remakes, while many of the newest movies to come out have 4K capabilities as well. You can find The Fifth Element, Lawrence of Arabia, Taxi Driver, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and quite a few others in 4K, along with pretty much anything that hit theaters in mid 2015/early 2016 and later.

Laptop or Chromebook: We Pick Chromebook, and Here’s Why

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The Chromebook is a slim, lightweight, alternative to the traditional laptop. Sure, it may have less storage and you probably won’t find the most powerful processors in a Chromebook.

But you know what? They’re great as what they do, and to that end they’re “bang for buck” is unparalleled by most if not all laptops. And nothing better exemplifies this than the best Chromebooks of 2016.

Below is breakdown of what makes Chromebooks such great computing devices.

Price

One of the most important goals of Chromebooks was to create a cheaper alternative to models like MacBooks, which can be pricey, especially for the average student. Chromebooks, meanwhile, keep a close handle on specs and offer extra-low prices to fit into tighter budgets. We’ve seen Chromebooks as low as around $149, while the average is usually around $250 to $300.

Of course, with all the different Chromebooks and brands out there, there are some exceptions that contradict this rule. One of the primary exceptions is the Chromebook Pixel, which is one of the only high-end Chromebooks that exists. Such models negate the value component of Chromebooks, but in return you’ll ultra HD touchscreens, faster performance, and other advanced features that are more analogous to that of a laptop.

Portability

chromebook-angle

It turns out that a laptop with a focus on cloud storage instead of hard drives, no disk drive, and a smaller screen is very, very lightweight. If you plan on carrying a laptop all the time (such as from class to class) the light and compact Chromebook is going to be a lot easier to move around. Note that “portable” isn’t the same thing as “rugged” so you may also want to get a sleeve or case to protect your Chromebook from damage if it’s going on the road.

Speed

With relatively low RAM and passable processors, you may not expect a Chromebook to be fast… until you actually try one out. Chromebooks are designed to run the Chrome OS with particular efficiency. That means that basic Chrome apps or browser tools that you may already use will be optimized on a Chromebook – it’s one of the reasons that these models are so ideal for cloud computing work and Internet collaboration. It’s literally what they were built for.

Chrome Plugins

chrome-extensions

Speaking of Chrome OS, if you like the Chrome browser then you’ll love the Chrome OS, which is essentially the same thing but designed to be an agile operating system that you can customize how you see fit. All the extensions in the Chrome Store are yours to play with, and there are a lot of handy apps, games, and productivity tools there.

Cloud Storage

Every Chromebook comes with some free cloud storage – about 100GB – courtesy of Google. That’s some very handy storage space, especially if you use Google Drive and any of its apps for your work.

Automated Security and Updates

Chromebooks

This isn’t as big of a deal as it was because of the evolution of other operating systems, but it’s still nice. Google keeps on top of security and plugin updates, and automatically initiates them so you don’t have to worry about it.

Build a Home Theater with these 3 Projectors

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Have you ever considered a home theater projector instead of (or in addition to) a TV? Hear us out – the big reasons that home projectors are a less-used alternative to HDTVs is that they take a certain amount of space to project correctly, and they traditionally don’t work well with physical media like discs. Both these concerns are largely irrelevant. The best home theater projectors can produce an excellent and massive HD image from only 10 to 20 feet away – and our new reliance on digital downloads means that streaming movies or TV through a projector is now largely effortless.

True, you still have to pay for a screen and take care during the installation process, but the benefits are notable – including a much lower cost than the average big-screen TV. Still doubtful? Take a look at our list of some of the top home projectors of 2016 below!

BenQ W1085ST – $1,400

BenQHT4050

This BenQ model is simply one of the best home projectors for the money that we’ve seen. Brightness is rated at 2,000 lumens, enough to cast a clear 36-inch image from only 4 feet and a nearly 200-inch image from around 21 feet…plenty of room for possibility. There are also features to help improve stability and clarity (avoiding any vibration issues). In addition to an HDMI port, there’s also the potential for wireless HDMI via an accessory that’s not included, but may be a worthwhile option, since this cuts down on cable requirements and allows you to put your projector in more unique positions, like on the ceiling.

It’s important to note that this model – and the other models we’ve included – use 1080p HD, and do not support 4K resolutions. There are a couple reasons for this choice, but the primary one is that 4K home projectors are still on the pricey side. The HD options, on the other hand, are hitting that sweet spot between price and performance.

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Epson PowerLite 5030UB – $2,000

Epson PowerLite 5030UB

This model increases the price a bit, but also increases several important specs to make sure you get your money’s worth.

Brightness is now up to 2,400 lumens, which means your picture will be even brighter and clearer than before. This Epson model also excels at providing wide images from mid-range distances: From 8 feet you can get an 82-inch image, and from 12 feet you can expand that to 122 inches, plenty of room for a home theater feeling. Also, if you have any worries about connectivity this model is a great solution. It comes with VGA, RCA component, RCA composite, HDMI and RS-232c, ensuring that you can connect pretty much anything.

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Epson Home Cinema 1440 – $1,500

Epson Home Cinema 1440

If you can’t make up your mind about a home project (and privately think they all look basically the same) this is a great model to settle on. Image size varies from 50 to 300 inches at 5 to 30 feet, and brightness levels are some of the highest around at 4,400 lumens, so you are guaranteed a bright screen. Lamp life can last for up to 4,000 hours when using eco-mode, around 3,000 hours without. There is a myriad of connection options, including HDMI and USB, so don’t worry about connecting your devices.

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