I just returned the Garmin 945. What did I think? I am writing my review. Stay tuned for my opinion.
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Tag: tech review
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Electric in the City-Preview
I tested the Vanmoof electric bike for a day. Riding around the city on the high-tech cycle, I want one.
The Vanmoof Electric Bike
Stay tuned for the feature
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IFA 20
Tech is Back
“Tech is Back” the message to IFA 2020 tech attendees for a year in upheaval. As with everything in our present reality, Covid-19 hangs over events big and small. When the Messe Berlin team announced in May the plan to go ahead with the fair, I had of surprised reaction. This years Mobile World held in Barcelona got cancelled. Many industry brands pulled out due to health concerns.
Skepticism ran high, the continent is registering uptakes with infections, unplanned quarantines coming from certain countries. Planning normal travel can be difficult, but these days it goes beyond challenging. Attending my first big event in the “New Normal” gave me anxiety. I had many expectations. As days rolled closer to the opening of IFA on September 3rd. I waited for an email reading “Cancelled”. None came.
On the first day of the 3 day IFA 20, the difference from past years was apparent, fewer people. I walked in, no crowd, no hassle. I walked in the media and press hall furnished socially distanced low back chairs. Without exhibitor stands, these halls are massive. Event press conferences were a mix of digital and live presentations. Shift and NEXT Innovations held in The Cube was more intimate. The present trend in technology, not a hard guess. Connections and gadgets for making home stays more comfortable.
Highlights
Discovered higlights at IFA 20 Special edition.
The tech sector cannot fault the IFA team for trying this year. #Thisyearisdifferent. Trying to get back to “normal” is easer said than done.
Bob, a mini dishwasher requiring 3 liters of water for washing 4 place settings in 20 minutes while using UVA disinfecting technology. Designed by D.A.A.N. Tech from France.
Cardi B’s summer hit song “WAP” places female needs to an in the front and center. Women want to get their groove on. Satisfyer adult toys come in many shapes and sizes. Plus, they connect to Spotify.
Fitbit released new gear. I saw the watch but I have never used the brands device. Hopefully, in the future I will have a review.
The future of social interaction without being there, GoBe Robots has a solution, a smiling face while practicing social distancing. Mobile digital screens putting the user at the center of meetings.
Because we couldn’t have hands on experience with devices introduced digitally. I decided to skip writing about those gadgets.
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Tech August
As the world stays home these days, being connected is important. What do I think of these Jabra headphones? Hint: they have become my work horse devices. This Jabra headset delivers.
Stay Tuned for the review on this device and more.
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Tech August-Xiaomi Mi
A quick first impression of the Xiaomi 10 5G Smartphone. A high-end feel, sharp screen, lightweight Android power device packing great features. Stay Tuned for more details.
From the Vodafone Ring Centre and Fonschmiede Berlin.
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Tech August
Stay Tuned for August Tech features. Another Preview, this one from my gym in Berlin using a Garmin Watch.
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Tech August
Every August I feature the latest gadgets. Devices I like or want to have. This year is no different.
I am going out on a limb here. Mystery Vibe deliver simple or high tech pleasure.
Stay Tuned for the story.
Mystery Vibe Sex Toy
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A Digital Gym Partner
Like everyone, I am making the most of working out, running in the park everyday, sprinting on stairs. But my gym recently opened with new protocols, less equipment, new routine. Change is good, but I wanted to turbo charge my workout. Garmin watches have a reputation of durability with a fitness following.
My first impressions: A bit complicated to set up but it is my first time with the device. Thankfully, there are many YouTube videos. I managed to get the basic data up and running.
Garmin Tech 
The Workout Zone
Still working on how to navigate the interface. I took the watch for a run in the park, then a round at the gym. Slowly, I could around to having a digital fitness partner.
Stay Tuned for the unboxing and my opinion on the Garmin 945 watch.
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Tech Review
What did Steve think of the affordable Monolith Headphones?
First, the Monolith M300 Planar Headphone set is sumptuously packaged in a deluxe black box that slides out to reveal a leather case with Velcro closure containing a heavy duty plastic headphone with long nylon cable, and metal adaptor. There are also different size plastic ear hooks included which offer adaptability to the user. However, they’re not so flexible. The pieces have a sense of breaking easily which could lead to the trouble of finding more durable replacements. Also included are no less than four sets of ear plugs for added comfort. Overall, the aesthetic is not exactly state of the art. Instead going more for endurance against wear and tear (despite the ear hooks) as opposed to a trend-setting look. The latter could have been easily achieved, perhaps Monolith is looking for an alternative appeal in the market.
The sound performance, ultimately the most important aspect, is where the M300 Planar is at its most competitive. Whether it is on the Laptop, Smart Phone or Amplifier. There is a definitively balanced, detailed and spacious stereo soundscape clarity which elevates it to the level of a practical choice at mid-price level and should ensure customer satisfaction. Compared to other headphones in its price range there is a conspicuously louder and more balanced sound, layered in its frequency while very harmonious on the ear. Overall, if its sound first and foremost the user is looking for, then the M300 Planar does well against its competitors.
Where the headsets falter is the heavy black nylon cable with bolt-like adaptor. This is reminiscent of an old electric guitar lead. It might not be everyone’s choice, particularly to youth buyers.
By Steven Yates is a Black and Paper contributor.
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HP Goes Slick
I have been in the market for a new laptop. Currently, I use a MacBook Pro. Loyalty is a not factor because I have had different brands over the years. My needs change or evolve when it comes to work devices.
Given a chance to test the HP Spectre gave me an opportunity, why not? I know the HP brand but I am not familiar with the companies product line. Certainly, I did not think they had a stylishly designed product that would fit my needs. I had a pleasant tech surprise.
My Impressions
My initial reaction: A nice finish, pleasing to the eye, and easy to put under the arm in a rush with the leather case.
Battery life is good. The flat keyboard is comfortable with a responsive touchpad. The overall performance, fast, while easy to use.
While I was using this Spectre I broke my arm, then in a cast for 7 weeks.
I had a mixed impression of the facial ID system. Without glasses, fine, there were problems wearing glasses for identification. I used the ID code.
The portability factor, weighing around 3 pounds, worked for me while traveling around Italy and France on a working holiday. I used the tablet feature for spontaneous on set conversations. When writing I put in the table top setting. The tent mode was good for breakfast meetings.
I had a touch screen PC in the past. Using one again reminds me what I missed about them. They are intuitive and easy to use. The 13 inch backlight screen is sharp.
Staying in the premium league for Spectre, the Bang Olusen speakers are good for those like me who listen to music while working.
The Modes
I had no problems with heating while simultaneously keeping many windows open.
HP is positioning the Spectre for those searching for a style with reliability in their PC’s. You will not be ashamed sitting at a cafe using this slick device.
Lastly
About this review, sadly, I broke my and ended in the hospital and with a cast for almost 2 months. I did not have the opportunity to really put the Spectre through a more rigorous test. However, overall, I liked the PC.
Quick Specs
Intel Core CPU, Intel UHD Graphics, Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity, micro sd port, 13 inch touch screen