SAMSUNG TU-8000 UHD Review (2021)

Posted on 22/02/2021 by Aswin Rajeev

Seeing is believing and Samsung knows this very well. The global giant known for creating some of the most stunning displays across several device categories is no stranger to Televisions. The Samsung 8 series TVs are quite popular with buyers and have been in the market for a while. This particular range from Samsung strikes the right balance between performance, aesthetics, and value for money. In this review, we will look at the Samsung TU-8000 UHD TV, so let us jump right in.

Design and build quality

The design is minimalistic and simple that lends the TV a very sleek and modern appearance. Although the TV uses plastic for its construction, it felt sturdy enough during our testing. The bezels are quite negligible and help to add to the sleek and modern look. The thin bezels also mean that we get an almost edge to edge picture. The TV has two V-shape brushed plastic legs fixed at the bottom. The legs are sturdy and help to hold the TV in place quite firmly, although we did feel it was a bit bulky. The other noticeable design feature is the small but significant Samsung logo on the bottom bezel. Although the Samsung TU-8000 will not make heads turn with its design, it is pretty well designed for the price point.

Features

The Samsung TU-8000 UHD TV comes in 6 sizes, 43 inches, 50 inches, 55 inches, 65 inches, 75 inches, and 85 inches. The device runs on a modified version of Samsung’s native Tizen Smart TV OS. The Tizen OS on the TU-8000 is a stripped-down version from that found in higher-end models, however, it does have most of the same features. It has a host of popular streaming apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Sling TV, and YouTube. However, the selection of apps is not as comprehensive as that on Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, or Roku TV. This is not a major drawback and the TU-8000 compensates this with other features such as Steam Link for playing games from a PC.

It also supports voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Samsung’s Bixby. The TV also supports screen mirroring as well as Apple AirPlay, and Samsung’s SmartThings app. Additionally, the TV features remote access to PCs, Samsung’s DeX docking system, and cloud access to Office 365, and also includes a web browser. In terms of connectivity and ports, the Samsun TU-8000 has 3 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, 1 Digital Optical Audio Out as well as 1 Tuner and Ethernet ports each. While using the TV as a wall-mounted display, one of the HDMI port’s becomes unusable due to being at the back. In terms of wireless connectivity, it is fairly standard and the device offers WiFi, WiFi direct and Bluetooth 4.2. The remote control is quite simple with minimal controls and voice input options. There are keys for Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Samsung TV Plus.

Performance

The TV has the Samsung Crystal 4K processor that upscales content to 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160). The picture quality is decent and nothing amazing, which is expected at this price point. The panel is a bit dim and colour reproduction is fairly neutral and we felt it was a bit undersaturated at times. The effective contrast ratio of 7,177:1 is good but is restricted by the absence of local dimming. Once again, this is an entry-level TV and is expected. Although the TV does support HDR, the brightness is not sufficient for the footage to stand out and is average. While previewing some HDR content, we felt it lacked the depth and definition expected from an HDR video. The lack of peak brightness is very evident and is a bit disappointing but considering the pricing and the segment, it is not a deal-breaker by any means.

The Audio performance is decent and there is support for Dolby Atmos audio that enhances the overall experience. However, the frequency from the 20W speakers is just ok and audio distortions are noticeable especially near the maximum volume. One commendable performance feature is the input lag. The TV has a normal input lag of around 90 milliseconds, however, in gaming mode, it drops down to 20 milliseconds. This makes the TV well suited for gaming.

In the box

The Samsung TU-8000 comes with Remote control, 2x AA batteries, a quick setup guide manual, and Cable management clips in the box.

Pros and Cons

The Samsung TU-8000 is not a masterpiece of a device by any means. It falls short in a few categories such as picture quality and colour performance, a dim picture panel and the small number of HDMI ports. Another drawback is the presence of ads on the home screen. This can reduce the overall user experience as there is no option to turn the ads off. However, the device does offer some solace in terms of useful features such as screen mirroring, options for multiple voice assistants as well as AI 4K upscaling. Apart from that the device also has one of the best contrast ratios in this particular segment. It also boasts of a very low input lag factor that could make it an attractive buy for gaming enthusiasts.

Verdict

Our verdict is, go for the Samsung TU-8000 if you want a well-balanced package at a great price point. The design is clean, simple and the TV comes with a host of useful and handy features. The TV may not be the most stellar of performers but it does tick a lot of boxes for us. This device would make a solid buy if you can overlook some of the minor shortcomings we pointed out.

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Bose QuietComfort 35 II Review

Posted on 06/02/2021 by Aswin Rajeev

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II released in 2017 is one of the best sounding wireless noise-canceling headphones in the market even today. These headphones are part of the legendary Quiet Comfort series of Active noise-canceling headphones by Bose. So, what makes these pair of headphones catch the imagination of a buyer? Let us find out in our review of the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II. We test these headphones to see if they still match up to the competition, so let us jump right in.

In the Box

So, the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II comes with a hard carry case, which is super sturdy and can take some rough handling. The headphones fit snugly into the carry case and show how flexible the headphones are. Besides the headphones and carry case, there is a micro-USB charging cable as well as a 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm audio cable. The audio jack and cable are handy especially if you have a non-wireless device that relies on a 3.5 mm jack. It misses out on a USB Type C charging port common on most devices now.

Design and Build Quality

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is not the best-looking pair of headphones out there. They look almost exactly like the previous iteration of the QC series. The new addition is the Action button on the left earcup that supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. They come in two colors, black, and silver, and can be generic or boring for younger users. The design is rather minimal and simple and is not for people looking to show off the styling or colors of their headphones. The plastic build only adds to this but having said that they are sturdy. The plastic body also helps to kick a few grams off the overall weight of the headphones making them ideal for long use. The body is quite durable and can take some rough handling and some twisting and turning as well.

The headband is quite comfortable and makes use of Alcantara material. The earcups on the Bose QuietComfort 35 II are also quite comfortable and enhances the noise cancellation capabilities. We found that during testing, the headphones are comfortable for extended periods of listening and at 8.3 ounces are quite light. The headphones are quite flexible and can fit into most cramped backpacks, although we recommend using the carry case. Besides the Action button, there is also a multifunction button, volume control buttons. The Power button is on the right earcup. The USB charging port and audio jack are underneath the earcups and are quite well placed and easy to access.

Performance and Sound Quality

The sound quality on the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is impressive and can satisfy most regular users. However, these cannot be used for monitoring or might not be the first choice for Audiophiles. Having said that, they have a near-flat frequency response that gives room to customize EQ levels. The bass and mids are slightly higher up and the highs are clear and transparent. The headphones handle most genre's that we threw at it quite well although the sound staging is nothing you could compare to an open back pair of headphones.

The one department where the Bose QuietComfort 35 II shines is noise cancellation. Bose has been the pioneer in Active Noise-cancelling headphones and the ANC is top-notch in these headphones. While testing the headphones with the ANC turned ON, we were able to enjoy Nightingale by Yanni on a noisy suburban street. The ANC kept all the ambient sounds off and we were super impressed. The Action button can also is programmable and can act as a level control for noise cancellation.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II claims a battery life of 20 hours with ANC turned ON and on a moderate volume level. The charging is quick, and the headphones can churn out 2.5 hours of playback after a 15-minute charge. While testing this figure was almost spot on and using the 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm Audio jack or turning the ANC feature Off can extend battery life. The headphone offers Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity and is probably a bit dated compared to a lot of the other models in the market today.

That being said, the connection is pretty stable and the Bose Connect+ app helps with an almost seamless connection. The Bose Connect+ app also controls the action button and multifunction buttons. It lets you program the action button for Alexa, Google Assistant the default or ANC level control. For iOS users, the multifunction button can work with Siri by using the Bose Connect+ App to reprogram it.

Verdict

If you are looking for no-frills bang for the buck headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is for you. It has the perfect design that provides great comfort, top-notch noise cancellation, and decent battery life. These pair of headphones are great for travelers, especially on long flights. This is because they offer great comfort and a pretty decent battery backup. Although, it might not be everyone’s first choice as they are a bit dated and lack a few features like automatic play/pause, a USB-C type port, and Bluetooth 5.0 support.

Having said that the price of these has come down significantly and are a great deal. If there is one thing that you should buy these for it is the Active Noise Cancellation feature. Recently Bose has also come up with a customizable variant for a few extra dollars that lets you customize the colors. So, the QuietComfort 35 II is a really good pair of headphones and ticks most of the boxes for us. For more info on other amazing headphones, check out our list of the best noise-canceling headphones for 2021.

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Apple AirPods Max Review

Posted on 19/01/2021 by Aswin Rajeev

The much-awaited Apple AirPods Max hit the markets in late December last year and we couldn’t wait to test them out. It is the first on-ear wireless headphones from Apple and probably the most expensive in the AirPods line up. The headphones can compete with headphones like Sony and Bose. Now let us put these cans to the test and see how they live up to all the hype.

Design, build quality and comfort

The design is minimal and aligns with the rest of Apple’s line up of consumer products. It is simple, elegant, and functional like most Apple products. The build quality is exceptional, and we can easily notice the attention to detail that has gone into crafting these headphones. They feature anodized Aluminum earcups and a stainless-steel headband wrapped in a soft to touch material. The earcups are pivoted and have an extendable telescopic arm to adjust to different head sizes.

They are rectangular in shape and feature rounded memory foam cups that give a snug fit every time. The earcups have a custom-designed fabric mesh that is soft and the earcups are replaceable. They are also quite comfortable when we tried them on for an extended period of listening. Although, the cans did feel a bit heavy at 385 grams but was evenly distributed. The fabric mesh canopy on the headband helped in distributing the weight evenly and also helped reduce head pressure.

Performance and Sound quality

The sound quality of these headphones is top-notch and one of the best for wireless cans. Although these might not be for Audiophiles or professionals, the AirPods Max does deliver exceptional sound quality. What impressed us the most was the accurate sound reproduction and soundstaging at all volume ranges. The EQ is not flat but does deliver a rich sound experience across Treble, Mid and Bass frequencies.

The earcups come with 40mm custom drivers designed by Apple with Neodymium ring motors that limit the distortion to less than 1%. The AirPods Max are great for listening to any genre and we had a lot of fun testing out some heavy metal and Deep House. They do live up to the price tag in terms of sound quality and performance. Like the AirPods and AirPods Pro, the AirPods Max come with the Apple H1 chip on each earcup. The Apple H1 chip has 10 audio cores and can perform up to 9 billion operations per second and controls computational Audio Performance.

Spatial Audio, Noise cancellation and other features

The AirPods Max like its predecessors supports Spatial Audio and it was impressive when we tested it out with a movie. The inbuilt gyroscope and accelerometers sense movement and automatically recalibrates Spatial Audio parameters delivering an immersive audio experience. We felt the Spatial Audio greatly enhanced the overall experience especially while watching movies as it supports multichannel audio mixes and Dolby Atmos content. The noise-cancelling feature is top-notch again thanks to the H1 chip and the snug-fitting earpads. While we tested them at a noisy cafe, the AirPods Max managed to drown out most of the external sound. The headphones also come with a transparency mode that lets in ambient sounds.

Both noise-cancelling and transparency have just one level of setting. This is a bit limited in terms of control when comparing with headphones in the same category. The AirPods Max also have a host of sensors on each earcup like an optical sensor, position sensor, case detect sensor and an accelerometer. There is also a gyroscope on the left earcup apart from the other sensors. The gyroscope is mainly responsible for calibrating the Spatial Audio.

The headphones also feature 2 tactile controls, a push-button and a digital crown. The push-button switches between noise cancellation and transparency modes. The digital crown has multiple functions like volume control, invoking Siri, play, pause and skip of tracks. We found on multiple instances that the digital crown was accidentally pressed while adjusting the headphone. The AirPods Max, like all Apple products, syncs instantaneously with other iOS devices and can control the headphones.

Battery life and connectivity

The battery life of 20 hours as advertised does live up to the claims. We found that on testing the AirPods Max the battery did last close to 20 hours. Although you can't turn the device off fully, the headphones enter an ultra low power mode while using the Smart Case. After using the headphones several times with the Smart Case we found that the power drain was minimal. The AirPods Max also comes with Bluetooth 5 connectivity and the connection was quite stable. The pairing is straight forward and simple with most devices but works seamlessly with other Apple products.

Verdict

Our verdict for the AirPods Max remains mixed for a few reasons. Firstly, you need to be an Apple user to enjoy full functionality. The Spatial Audio and Automatic switching functions only work on iOs devices. High-Resolution Audio Support is only for Apple's Digital Master's and could be a deal-breaker for some. The Smart Case does little to protect the headphones and at this price range, could be better designed. All said and done, the Airpods Max is a great pair of headphones if you are willing to shell a few extra dollars and are a loyal Apple user. They have seamless connectivity with the Apple ecosystem and could be a coveted addition for the loyal Apple user.

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10 Best Foosball Tables for 2020

Posted on 09/12/2020 by Aswin Rajeev

There’s nothing like an exhilarating game of foosball after a tiring day at work or after a couple of beers with friends. The fast pace of the game alongside the cheering of friends and family is nothing short of amazing. This season, with the pandemic looming large, stay home and get one of the best 10 foosball tables for 2020. Whether you’re living with your friends or family, these tables are sure to be a hit. Also, if you haven't checked our review of the iPhone 12 yet, here is the link to it. Without boring you further with all the talk, let’s get straight into it. Here is our pick of the best foosball tables for 2020.

1. Giantex 20-inch Mini Table-Top Foosball

The first one on our list of the best 10 foosball tables for 2020 is from Giantex. It is not a full table, but a table-top version that you can easily put on top of any table at home. The great thing with this is that it is pretty cheap in comparison to the full tables and it gets the job done. It consists of four 3-man rods, a scoring post on either side, and the goal boxes obviously. It uses MDF for its construction and comes with 2 balls.

2. Mainstreet Classics 20-inch Table-Top Foosball

This one too is similar to the 20-inch version from Giantex. Both these boards are mostly meant for kids because of the low price and the quality of construction. Foosball can get pretty aggressive and better boards for that sort of a game is given down below. This 20-inch table-top foosball also has four 3-man rods for a total of 12 players, the manual score sliders, and the goal boxes.

3. Giantex Foosball Table

We are upping the game a bit here. This is a mini foosball table from Giantex. The reason we call it mini is not because of the size of the actual table, but the legs. It is larger than the two boards we’ve already seen coming in at 27-inches. There are six 3-man rods in this one, giving a total of 18 players (9 on each team). The steel rods are pretty sturdy and the whole board uses MDF. The edges are smooth, so it won’t pose a threat to small children.

4. WIN.MAX Mini Foosball Table

This table-top foosball is a 20-inch version but a slightly more expensive variant in comparison to the two we’ve already seen. It uses a slightly thicker MDF and iron rods which are completely coated with black paint. They have nicer handles too. The rest of the specs remain the same with four 3-man rods, the manual score slider, and the goal boxes on either side. It does not come fully assembled, but they have a tool as well as an instruction manual to help you with the whole process.

5. Sport Squad FX40 40” Table Top Foosball Table

Till now, we’ve seen foosball tables that are less than 30-inches in size. From here on out, it is time for the big players. This 40-inch foosball table from Sport Squad is one of the best 10 foosball tables for 2020. It has six 3-man rods which are chrome-plated. The handles are really nice with rubber grips. The goal boxes have a different design in that they’re not concealed, but out in the open with the design of an actual net that you see behind goalposts. Two foosballs come with the package and this one uses MDF for its construction too.

Sport Squad FX40 40-inch Table Top Foosball Table

6. Goplus 48" Foosball Table

This is the first full table that we have on our list of the best 10 foosball tables for 2020. It has 22-players in total in a 5-3-2-1 formation. It is very sturdy for a table that comes in just over 100 bucks and the assembly will take an hour probably. There are cup holders which is a nice addition. The usual manual score slider and the goal boxes are all there. Please not to orient the players in the right direction while assembling otherwise the whole process will need to be done again.

7. Best Choice Products 48-Inch Competition Sized Foosball Table

This is a very similar product to the one we saw above. It is the same 48-inch full table that comes with 22 players in total in the same 5-3-2-1 formation. It even has the cup holders. The steel rods are chrome coated and it uses composite wood for its construction. There is a slight difference in color. People who want a more natural-looking wood finish can opt for this one. The previous foosball table has the more artificial look to it that is seen on a lot of MDF boards.

8. KICK Liberty 48? Black Foosball Table

KICK has some of the best wooden tables KICK has some of the best foosball tables in the market. It is a no-brainer that we would recommend them. There are a few things that you need to know. There’s a lifetime warranty on their foosball tables. They give a free rod lubricant upon request. The handles are wooden. Overall, it is a sturdy foosball table from a reliable brand.

KICK Liberty 48-inch Black Foosball Table

9. Barrington 56 Inch Premium Furniture Foosball Table

This might just be our favorite in our list of the best 10 foosball tables for 2020. It looks like a really premium table that you would find at an office. The legs have a square design the whole table has a dark brown coffee shade that looks like mahogany or rosewood. There are two additional crossbars along the legs for reinforcement. There are 26 players in total and they look futuristic. Unlike the traditional red/blue combination, the players come in black and silver.

10. KICK Triumph 55? Black Foosball Table

Lastly, we have the KICK Triumph and this literally triumphs over the others. It weighs a whopping 119 lbs and that directly equates to the quality of the materials. The bearings are premium and this can be seen from the smooth movements of the rods. This one also has 26 players in total and like with all foosball tables from KICK, it comes with a lifetime warranty, free rod lubricant, and super-fast shipping.

KICK Triumph 55-inch Black Foosball Table

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Apple’s iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max and 12 Mini: All You Need to Know

Posted on 16/10/2020 by Aswin Rajeev

This is for all the people who could not watch Apple’s event. It was on October 13^th and had some really cool announcements. For starters, we have the all-new Apple iPhone 12. But wait, we also have the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Mini. There were a lot of emphases given by the company on 5G and all of their new phones come with support for 5G. Let’s take a look at each of these and decide which one you should buy next.

iPhone 12 Mini

The company spoke a lot about an all-new design, but in reality, it is a very familiar one. My personal favorite iPhone is the iPhone SE Gen 1, which had the earlier design of the iPhone 5, with the sharp edges but really powerful hardware for a small phone. They did the same thing with the iPhone 12 Mini. It is marketed as the world’s smallest 5G phone, but I think it is also a powerhouse. It comes with the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, which is the first 5nm chipset in the world. There are 6 CPU cores, 4 GPU cores, and a 16-core neural engine.

Apple claims that the processor can even challenge some laptops. They did not disclose the battery capacity nor RAM. The display is top-notch and it is their best Super Retina XDR display. It has a ceramic shield for protection which is 4 times better in terms of drop performance. There are 2 cameras at the back, both of which are 12-megapixel sensors. The front-facing camera is again another 12-megapixel sensor. All the cameras have night mode. The iPhone 12 Mini starts at $699.

iPhone 12

This is a very confusing choice. Apart from the fact that it is slightly bigger than the Apple iPhone 12 Mini, I don’t see a very compelling reason to go for the iPhone 12. But again, for $100 more, you get a bigger display, a slightly less prominent notch, and slightly better battery life as well.

The rest of the hardware remains exactly the same. Instead of a 5.4-inch display, it is a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield coating. The processor is the same, the cameras are the same, even the thickness is the same. Prices start at $799 for the iPhone 12.

iPhone 12 Pro

Next up, we have the Pro variant of the iPhone 12. Again, the majority of the spec sheet remains the same. There was a time when Apple put the Bionic chipsets inside the Pro variants and the slightly less powerful SoCs in the base models. That is not the case now. The display is exactly the same. The dimensions are exactly the same. It is slightly heavier than the iPhone 12 at 189g against the 164g of the iPhone 12 and 135g of the iPhone 12 Mini.

We have a third camera at the back, which is a 12-megapixel telephoto sensor. The storage options start at 128GB instead of 64GB for the Pro variant. A big difference in the iPhone 12 Pro is the presence of a LIDAR scanner. LIDAR sensors can detect a scene, create a depth-map, and give you a better and immersive AR experience. The engineers have also used this sensor to improve low-light camera performance. Prices for the iPhone 12 Pro start at $999.

iPhone 12 Pro Max

Again, the same plot but a different protagonist. Same hardware in terms of processor, display, battery, and cameras in comparison to the iPhone 12 Pro. The only difference here being the larger 6.7-inch display. The larger display causes the pixel density to be slightly lower at 458ppi. The phone is also the heaviest at 228g. The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at $1099.

Which iPhone to buy?

What Apple has done here is ingenious. They have not discontinued any of their other phones this year. As of writing this post, there is the iPhone SE, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and the iPhone 12 Pro available in the market. The price difference between the starting models of the first four phones is $100 each. So, a person who wants to spend $399 on the iPhone SE might look to spend $100 more to get a slightly better phone and this works like a domino. There is one feature, ‘MagSafe’, which allows for seamless attachments to the new iPhones and it is available across all of them. All of them have IP68 certification. All of them support 5G. We would suggest you have a clear idea of your requirements and go for the phone that fits the bill.

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5 Best Amazon Prime Day Deals for 2020

Posted on 13/10/2020 by Aswin Rajeev

Amazon Prime Day is here! That is why we have the 5 Best Amazon Prime Day deals for 2020 and you don’t want to miss this. These products fly off the shelves in no time and it is always good if you have the page ready for checkout. We will be coming up with more Amazon prime day deals shortly so that you can get the best products at a time when their prices are the lowest. This doesn’t mean that they lack quality and you can always check their glowing reviews before you purchase one. But, don’t blame us if the stock runs out!

Echo Show 5

The Echo Show 5 comes with a 5.5inch smart display. That simply means you get the best of all the smart features along with a very interactive display. You can control your entire smart home with Alexa and ask Alexa to show you specific details on the Echo Show 5 like the front door security camera. It also doubles up as a nightstand with its beautiful clock face. You can call your friends and family with the camera in front and this is not limited to just Amazon Echo, you can also do it through Skype.

Blink Mini

Blink Home was acquired by Amazon back in 2017. The Blink Mini is on our list of the 5 Best Amazon Prime Day deals for 2020 because of its price to performance ratio. Like all the products on this list, it works with Alexa. It supports two-way audio, meaning you can get responses from people as well as talk back to them. The Blink app makes it very easy to control the camera from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. As part of the Prime Day deals, you get an additional discount on this already affordable product, so don’t think much!

Insignia 43-inch Smart 4K UHD – Fire TV Edition

Next up, we have, in my opinion, the best amazon prime day deal for 2020. It is the Insignia 43-inch Smart UHD TV with Fire TV built-in. It comes with a voice remote that supports Alexa. The 4K panel is just breathtakingly beautiful. You will experience this once you see it for yourself. The hardware inside the TV is also superb for the price you pay. It has a quad-core CPU and a multi-core GPU to offer a smooth experience throughout. There’s DTS Studio Sound support. It has got 3 HDMI ports, a USB port, and a headphone jack as well.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro

Ring is a subsidiary of Amazon, and its Video Doorbell Pro is one very innovative product. In my opinion, the best thing is that it wires to your existing doorbell circuitry, so it doesn’t require additional power. There are different faceplates available that will allow you to customize the Doorbell Pro look to your liking. The top of the line motion sensors can be customized to focus on the areas of your preference. You can answer the doorbell from your PC, phone, or tablet. It is a must-have for anyone wanting a safe and secure home, and that is the very reason why it made to our list of the 5 best Amazon Prime Day deals for 2020.

Echo Dot Kids Edition

When we say that we’ve got something for everyone, we mean it. Last on our list is the Echo Dot Kids Edition. You might be wondering how this edition is different from the normal variant. For starters, this one has a better speaker in comparison to the previous-gen Echo Dot. Also, it filters out explicit content from all the major streaming platforms. With over 1000 Audible books and content from popular brands like Nickelodeon and Disney, your kids will never complain of boredom ever again. As a parent, there’s an entire dashboard of controls that you can use to monitor and control from the comfort of your fingertips.

Stay tuned as we are going to publish more Amazon Prime Day Deals for 2020.

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10 Best 3D Printers for Beginners of 2020

Posted on 07/10/2020 by Aswin Rajeev

Gone are the days when 3D printing was only for professionals or academicians with a massive workforce. Innovations in the world of 3D printing have made it more accessible to people than ever before. Adding to this popularity is the availability of numerous interesting DIY projects available for 3D printers. Whether you are an artist, a teacher, or just someone interested in exploring the fascinating world of 3D printing, there is something for everyone. Most of today’s 3D printers are easy to set up and also come with easy to use the software as well. So, here is our list of the best 3D printers for beginners of 2020.

1. Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro

The first one on our list of the best 3D printers of 2020 is the Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer. It is a semi-assembled kit and is very easy to set up. The printer comes with a removable build surface plate and ensures consistent temperature throughout the surface. It comes with a UL certified Meanwell power supply and protects the printer from unexpected power surges. The printer can also resume print function after unexpected power surges. This is a handy feature and the printer also features a 40 x 40 Y-axis frame design. It also comes with lifetime technical assistance as well as 24-hour customer support. The printer is ideal for STEM projects as well as for kids and is fully open source.

2. ELEGOO Mars UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer

The ELEGOO Mars UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer comes with UV photocuring technology. It uses the CHITUBOX slicing software and can slice a 30 MB STL model in a minute. The printer uses a 2560x1440 2K HD masking LCD and has an XY axis resolution of 0.047mm. It also has a 3.5-inch color touch screen with the CHITUBOX 5.5 system. The printer comes with a 40 W UV light and uses ELEGOO resin for printing. It comes partly assembled and also has a one-year machine warranty.

3. ANYCUBIC Mega-S

The ANYCUBIC Mega-S is the third one in our list of the best 3D printers of 2020 for beginners. It is a Fused Deposition modelling printer and uses filament for 3D printing. The printer uses Cura, Simplify3D, and Repetier-HOST slicer software and supports STL, OBJ, DAE, AMF formats. It comes with a patented printing platform and a filament sensor that supports pause printing. The printer also comes with a TFT touchscreen display and a high-quality Titan short extruder. The printer unit does need assembly but is quite easy and hassle-free. It also comes with a one-year after-sale warranty and lifetime technical assistance.

4. ANYCUBIC Photon S 3D Printer

Yet another model from ANYCUBIC in our list. This is a resin type printer and comes with a 2560 x 1440 high-resolution screen and UV lighting system. The printer features Z-axis Dual Linear Rail Design which helps to improve the stability and ensures detailed reconstruction. It also has a few additional features such as a double air filtration system and a CE certified power supply system. The unit comes pre-assembled and uses the Photons workshop slicing software.

5. BIBO 3D Printer

The BIBO 3D printer is the fifth 3D printer for beginners on our list. It is a filament type printer with a resolution of 0.05-0.3mm and comes with dual extruders. The printer has a few handy features such as copy printing and two-color printing. It also comes with a full-color touchscreen display and WIFI control as well. The printer comes with filament detection and a pause and resumes function as well. It can resume prints after unexpected power outages or when the filament runs out.

6. LONGER LK4 3D Printer

The LONGER LK4 3D Printer is yet another FDM type 3D printer on our list. The printer comes almost fully assembled and is easy to set up and start printing. It comes with a 2.8-inch full-color touchscreen display with an easy to use UI. The printer also comes with filament detection and resume printing function. It also comes with a one-year after-sales warranty and also offers round the clock technical support.

7. Dremel Digilab 3D20 3D Printer

The Dremel Digilab 3D20 is a filament type 3D printer and it comes pre-assembled out of the box. It has a non-heated build plate and uses Dremel Digilab 3D Slicer based on cura, which is an industry-standard open-source software. The printer is very user friendly and is quite ideal for beginners as well as hobbyists. It is backed by UL safety certification and comes with a 1-year warranty as well as customer support and technical assistance.

8. Creality LD002R

The Creality LD002R is yet another resin-based photocuring 3D printer from Comgrow on our list of the best 3D printers of 2020. This printer runs on the CHITUBOX Slicing Software and is capable of slicing a 30 MB STL model in under a minute. It comes with a 30W UV light and a 2560x1440 2K HD masking LCD for fast and efficient 3D printing. Although not fully pre-assembled, the printer is easy to set up and use and also features a 3.5-inch full-color touch screen display. It comes with a very functional carbon air purification and deodorizes the resin’s odor. The printer comes with offline printing capability and as well as lifetime technical assistance.

9. Tenlog TL-D3 Pro

The Tenlog TL-D3 Pro is a filament-based 3D printer. It comes with dual extruders and is capable of printing dual colors, mirror,s and duplicate printing. The printer also supports various filaments like PLA, TPU, PVA, HIPS ABS, wood, etc. It features a 4.3-inch touchscreen display and allows model and print process previews. The printer comes partly assembled and can be set up in 3 easy steps in under 5 minutes. It comes with a one-year printer warranty and a 3-month extruder warranty as well as lifetime technical support.

10. Easythreed Nano Mini 3D Printer

The last 3D printer that is beginner-friendly, is the Easythread Nano Mini 3D Printer. It is probably the most compact and portable printer on our list and is ideal for kids and beginners. This great 3d printer comes as a fully assembled unit and is very hassle-free to use. It uses the FDM technology to print and uses a proprietary 3D slicing software developed for the printer. The printer is lightweight and comes with a one year warranty as well as lifetime technical support and assistance.

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10 Best Paper Shredders for Your Home Office

Posted on 07/09/2020 by Aswin Rajeev

2020 has been the year of ‘Work from Home’. Since more companies are opting for this model there is an increasing demand for office stationery and essentials. We already covered a list of the best coffee makers for 2020, so if you haven't checked that out, please do so. The paper shredder is one such utilitarian device. Be it a bunch of printouts, credit cards, notes, the paper shredder, shreds it all. It helps to save time, is convenient to use, and is a must-have for any home office. Moreover, shredding is the safest way to discard any kind of confidential documents. So, here is our list of the Best Paper Shredders for your home office 2020.

1. AmazonBasics Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder

The first on our list of the Best Paper Shredders is the AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Capacity, Cross-Cut Paper, and Credit Card Shredder. This is a cross-cut shredder and complies with P-3 level security. It has a capacity of 4.1 gallons and can shred up to 8 sheets at a time. The shredder has a maximum continuous runtime of 3 minutes before shut off. The device can also shred credit cards apart from paper and complies with HIPAA and FACTA laws. The shredder has a thermal and runtime protection feature that protects the motor from overheating. It is user friendly and comes with 3 modes of operation and a one year limited US warranty as well.

2. Fellowes 9C4 9-Sheet Powershred Cross-Cut Deskside Paper Shredder

The Fellowes 9C4 9-Sheet Powershred Cross-Cut Deskside Paper Shredder is compact and comes with a 3.6-gallon bin with an easy lift-off head. The 9C4 shreds 9 sheets per pass into 5/32” x 1-3/8” cross-cut particles and complies with P-4 level security. It can also safely shred staples, paper clips, and credit cards as well. The device has a patented safety lock for added protection. It has a continuous runtime of 5 minutes before cut off. The device is easy to use and has a clean and elegant design as well.

3. AmazonBasics 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper, Junk Mail, CD, and Credit Card Shredder

Yet another product by AmazonBasics on our list of the Best Paper Shredders for Home in 2020. This device can shred up to 12 sheets at a time. It can also shred credit cards, CDs and DVD’s as well. The shredder complies with P-4 level security and has a 1.8 gallon pull out bin. This is a desktop shredder and has LED indicators for Standby/Overheat/Overload/Door open. It also has 4 modes of operation and has a maximum runtime of 8 minutes and 45 minutes of cool downtime. The shredder is compact and powerful and is backed by a one-year limited warranty.

4. Fellowes Powershred P-30C 6-Sheet Cross-Cut Deskside Paper Shredder

The fourth one in our list of the Best Paper Shredders for Home in 2020 is the Fellowes Powershred P-30C 6-Sheet Cross-Cut Deskside Paper Shredder. This is yet another cross-cut type shredder from Fellowes and complies with P-4 level security. It can also shred staples, paper clips as well as credit cards. The device has a 4-gallon bin and an easy lift-off head. It can shred up to 6 sheets at once. It has a maximum runtime of 3 minutes and cool downtime of 40 minutes. This shredder comes with a one-year product and a 3-year cutter warranty.

5. AmazonBasics 6-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper and Credit Card Home Office Shredder

The third device from AmazonBasics on our list of the Best Paper Shredders for Home in 2020, is a highly secure micro-cut shredder. It can shred up to 6 sheets at a time and comes with a large 4.1-gallon bin. The device complies with P-4 level security and is 6 times safer than a cross-cut shredder. The paper shredder can also destroy credit cards, staples, and paper clips as well. It is easy to use and comes with 3 modes of operation. The shredder has a maximum runtime of 3 minutes and a cool off time of 30 minutes. It also runtime protection and thermal protection. The device like most Amazon Basic devices comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

6. Fellowes Powershred W11C, 11-Sheet Cross-cut Paper, and Credit Card Shredder

The Fellowes Powershred W11C is yet another elegant and powerful device from Fellowes. This is a cross-cut type shredder and complies with P-4 level security. The device is also capable of destroying credit cards, staples as well as paper clips. It can shred up to 11 sheets at a time and comes with a large 4.75-gallon bin. Like most Fellowes devices, this too comes with a patented security lock. It has a maximum runtime of 5 minutes and cool downtime of 20 minutes and is an ideal deskside shredder.

7. GBC Paper Shredder

The GBC Paper Shredder is a super cross-cut shredder that complies with P-4 level security. It can shred up to 12 sheets at a time and comes with a massive 5-gallon bin. The shredder can destroy credit cards, CD’s and DVD’s as well as paper clips and staples with separate cutters. It has a maximum runtime of 4 minutes and a cool off time of 40 minutes. The device has an LED paper jam indicator but misses out on some safety features. It does come with a one-year limited warranty and complies with the CCPA.

8. Bonsaii Micro-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder

The Bonsaii Micro-Cut shredder is a device that complies with P-4 level security. It can shred up to 8 sheets per pass and has a 4 gallon pull out bin with a transparent window. The device can also shred credit cards, paper clips, and staples as well. It has a maximum runtime of 5 minutes and a cool downtime of 40 minutes. The device comes with lockable wheels and can be moved easily. The shredder also comes with overheat protection and has a one-year limited warranty.

9. Fellowes Powershred P-35C 5-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder

The Fellowes Powershred P-35C is a compact shredder and complies with the P-4 level security. It has a 3-gallon bin with an easy lift-off head. This device too comes with a patented safety lock feature. It is a common feature in most Fellowes devices on our list of the Best Paper Shredders for Home in 2020. It can shred up to 5 sheets at a time. The device has a runtime of 2 minutes and a cool downtime of 20 minutes. It is ideal for personal use and can shred staples, credit cards, and paper clips as well.

10. Aurora AU1210MA Professional Grade High-Security 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper Shredder

The Aurora AU1210MA Professional Grade High Security 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder is a large device that complies with P-4 level security. The device has a runtime of 60 minutes. It is the longest in our list of the Best Paper Shredders for Home in 2020. The shredder can destroy credit cards, CDs, paper clips, and staples as well. It has a large LED status display and has a 5-gallon pullout bin. The shredder also has auto-reverse and anti-jam features as well. It is well suited for medium to heavy usage.

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Best Coffee Makers of 2020

Posted on 04/09/2020 by Aswin Rajeev

It must be a hard time right now with all the restrictions on movement. You will have all the time in the world to work on yourself, be a better person than yesterday. Things can be even better if you have a good cup of coffee to help you on your way and for that, we are here for you. We did a thorough search of some of the best coffee makers of 2020 and came up with this comprehensive list. You will never have the same cup of coffee once you get one of these bad boys.

1. Bodum 11571-01 Pour Over Coffee Maker with Permanent Filter

First up, we have a coffee maker from Bodum. This one has a stainless steel filter that rid yourself from getting paper filters often. They say that paper filters take in some of the flavors and aroma of the coffee, but this one gives you all of it. The glass uses a borosilicate material that doesn’t introduce any foreign taste. It has a capacity of 1L and the cuff is removable. The glass is not shatterproof, but that is not expected from an entry-level coffee maker such as this one.

2. AmazonBasics 5-Cup Coffeemaker with Glass Carafe

AmazonBasics have some pretty decent products in almost all categories. We personally use their charging cables, camera case, and also some other random stuff. What we like is, almost all of them have stood the test of time. This coffeemaker is also a decent product that performs really well and is also very affordable. The filter is removable and reusable, so you don’t need to get paper filters. It is compact and will sit well in your kitchen or office pantry area. The coffee brews into the carafe and if you take it out, it stops brewing and once you put it back it continues. This is a pretty nifty feature.

3. Mr. Coffee Simple Brew Coffee Maker

The Mr.Coffee Simple Brew Coffee Maker is very similar to the coffeemaker from AmazonBasics in terms of looks and functionality. There is an auto-pause function that stops brewing if you take off the carafe and continues once you put it back. This one also has a removable filter basket which makes it super easy to clean and maintain. One the side you get a transparent window for when you fill water to get a clear idea of how much you are filling. This coffeemaker makes a maximum of 4 cups, so it is ideal for a modern family.

4. Mueller Ultra Coffee Maker

As we move up the ladder of the best coffee makers of 2020, the competition is going to get fierce. The Mueller Ultra Coffee Maker is a great option for an office pantry area and also for a joint family. It makes 12 cups at once and has features like keep warm to keep your coffee at an ideal temperature throughout. There is also a programmable timer to keep your coffee brewed when you want it. The cord is pretty long and will reach the power outlet in most cases. And lastly, the strong brew that this coffeemaker produces is a must-try.

5. Cuisinart DCC-3200P1 Perfectemp

We’re halfway down our list and this one makes 14 glasses in its carafe. Cuisinart is no stranger to kitchen products and their coffee makers are some of the best in the mid-range segment. There’s a reusable gold-tone filter that you can wash and use. Also, we really like how compact this coffee maker is. It will fit in well in a modern minimalistic kitchen with its combination of black and silver colors. The control panel houses all the necessary controls like the 24-hour timer, self-cleaning function, and different cup settings.

6. Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker

This reminds me of a 3D printer, to be honest. But it is one of the few coffee makers in our list to be certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). The built-in frother converts hot or cold milk into froth within seconds and we liked the texture and consistency of it. The control panel is feature-rich and lets you brew in six different sizes. Since this is not a pod coffee maker, there is the added advantage of lesser cost per cup and no additional plastic wastage. This coffee maker is also really compact and sleek. Most of them use the same color profile of black and silver, and this one uses the same too.

7. Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker

This is slightly larger than the previous coffee makers on our list. It can serve up to 12oz of coffee in a single serving. The carafe holds 12 cups worth of coffee. There is a heating plate to give you the perfect coffee each time. Just like a lot of the other coffee makers, there’s a pause and pour functionality to switch the brew midway for your impatient friend, who needs their coffee. It doesn’t support grounding beans, but you can use coffee powder as well as K-Cup pods. There is a permanent filter and an option to strengthen your brew with the press of a button.

8. Nespresso CitiZ Original Espresso Machine with Aeroccino Milk Frother Bundle by De'Longhi

We are almost at the end of our list of the best coffee makers of 2020. Nespresso is extremely popular for its coffee makers. If you don’t want to spend more on the Creatista, then you can go for the CitiZ. It won a Red Dot Design Award owing to its compact design and functionality. Since it is a smaller sibling of the bigger Nespresso coffee makers, it supports only coffee capsules. Due to this, the cost per cup would be slightly higher, but you get amazing coffee every time. Like most Nespresso machines, you get a complimentary set of 14 capsules when you buy it.

9. Breville-Nespresso USA Nespresso Creatista Coffee Espresso Machine

Lastly, we have the Breville Nespresso Creatista coffee maker. This is one of the most premium offerings that you can get yourself in the market right now and one of the best coffee makers for 2020. The stainless steel body and the yellow ochre color is just gorgeous. With its price comes additional functionality. We’ll list out a few of them, but you’ll have to go check out the rest. There are a total of 8 different beverages that you can choose from. On top of that, you can adjust the milk temperature and milk froth quality. Another cool little thing that we really liked is the coffee capsules with different aromatic profiles that you get as a complimentary gift with each purchase.

As a bonus here are some of the geekiest coffee mugs you will ever find, and some cool and nerdy coffee tables you wish you owned.

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OnePlus Buds Review – Are they worth all the hype?

Posted on 22/08/2020 by Aswin Rajeev

OnePlus came out with their brand new smartphone, the Nord, a few weeks back. The smartphone, in my opinion, had some great PR done to create a tremendous buzz but is just like a lot of the other budget midrange smartphones already out there. But there was something else that OnePlus did. They brought back the teal color in trend. I was a user of the Nokia Lumia 510 and I loved the cyan, which was pretty close to teal and I love the color of the Nord. Today, we are not going to be looking at the OnePlus Nord, because that’s what everyone is doing. We will be looking at their truly wireless OnePlus buds, and that too, in Nord Blue, as they like to call it.

Unboxing

It is the usual OnePlus color scheme here, with the white and red box. Inside it, you get all the regular stuff, nothing fancy going on here. There are the earbuds, some documentation, and the charging cable. The packaging is pretty sturdy and doesn’t feel cheap by any means. It sort of looks like an eggshell, and you’ll know it when you see it.

Design

If you’ve seen the AirPods and the Pixel Buds, you will feel like the charging case is more of a cross between the two of them. It is of the perfect size and is not too small nor too big. It is circular and I adore the color. They have this sort of lime green accent inside, which is a nice touch. If you don’t like the Nord Blue color, you can go for the classics (black or white).

The case has an indicator light in the front, the USB Type C port at the bottom, and the pairing button at the back. The OnePlus buds need to be inside the case for you to pair it, so keep that in mind. But apart from all that, these look very similar to the AirPods and it’ll be hard to differentiate it in a crowd unless you have the Nord Blue variant of course.

Microphone

OnePlus have made some bold claims regarding the sound and mic quality of the OnePlus buds. To be fair, I wouldn’t say all of those claims hold, but some of them do. For starters, their site mentions that the buds use a unique noise cancellation algorithm and have three microphones for top-notch call quality and clear voice recordings. In my experience, this wasn’t entirely true. The calls were pretty clear if you don’t have a lot of background noise going on, and that is good. It is almost comparable to the AirPods, which is almost double in price.

But, with background noise, it is a very different story. The sound was muffled and the voice was not very good. You can still hear the voice and make out what is being said, but the background noise is also prevalent. Another issue that I had was that there were frequent connection drops with my Honor phone, but not with my OnePlus 7T Pro. Not sure why OnePlus is working differently with non OnePlus phones.

Sound Quality

I wanted to keep the sound quality and microphone sections separate because there is a huge difference between the two. A lot of people want good sound quality and don’t worry about the mic quality. The sound quality is INCREDIBLE. It is kept in bold because you need to listen to understand how good it is. There’s literally nothing that separates these bad boys from the AirPods in terms of sound quality. There are several reviews out there that say otherwise, but I don’t know if it is because of a faulty product that they received.

It is slightly bass heavy, but not too much. Due to this, and the slightly loose fit of the earbuds, the sound quality feels better, because the extra bass is not so prominent. Like I said, the loose fit of these earbuds might be a big no for some people because it can easily come off during heavy workouts. When the hype around the Nord was skyrocketing, I was honestly expecting a very innovative product, but the OnePlus buds is just another pair of wireless earbuds in a sea of them.

Software

You might be wondering why I put a software section for a pair of wireless earbuds. This is because I have some bad news for you. Unless you are a OnePlus user, you will not get any firmware updates for the buds. Yes, you heard that right. What this means is that the microphone quality is not going to improve for you, the frequent connections drops are not going to go away and you’re basically left with the buds in their stock condition. Even the touch controls are lackluster on these buds for non OnePlus users and they will not be able to customize them.

Battery Life

On a full charge, the OnePlus Buds give you around 7 hours of continuous music playback. What’s even better is that the case can charge the buds and give you almost 30 hours of total playback time. It also supports the famous Warp Charge technology to give you fast charging times and shorter breaks between your music. There’s no wireless charging, but that is pretty obvious considering the price point.

Verdict

At $79, the OnePlus buds are a great alternative to the AirPods, only if you don’t have the extra money to get the AirPods. Does that sound confusing? To be frank, there’s nothing about the OnePlus buds that stand out and I feel that there are several other cheaper alternatives in the market that perform similar to this one. If you’re a OnePlus fanboy and want to compliment your new OnePlus Nord or OnePlus 8 with the buds, you sure can. If you haven’t checked out our list of the top 10 wireless earbuds of 2020, please go ahead and check them out.

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