Home Articles

Julie’s gadget diary – The Huawei MateBook X Pro could actually replace my MacBook

ARTICLE – I have been using iMacs and MacBooks to do my Gadgeteer work for the past 13 years. I love the simplicity of macOS and although I use a Windows 10 laptop all day long at my day job, I’m always happy to go home and use my 12-inch MacBook. However, a few weeks ago my MB had to be admitted into the “hospital” to fix the keyboard and I was without it for 2 whole weeks. During that time I used a Windows notebook and I survived the experience quite well. So well in fact that it made me start thinking about my next notebook computer and if it will be a Windows notebook instead of another MacBook. One such Windows notebook to catch my eye lately as a potential replacement is the Huawei MateBook X Pro which I’ve had the opportunity to test drive.

I will let you know right away that if you came here to read a full review of the MateBook X Pro, that you’re going to be disappointed because this article is not a review. At least not in the traditional sense. You can read a bazillion reviews on other tech sites if that is what you’re looking for because talking about the ins and outs of hardware specs makes my eyes glaze over and might do the same for you. Nope, this article is going to be my general impressions after using this notebook for a few days to do the type of tasks that I do with my MacBook.

First of all, the Huawei MateBook X Pro is a gorgeous piece of hardware that looks and feels like a premium device. The brushed metal housing comes in either Mystic Silver or Space Gray. Hey, can they really call it that? 😉 I was sent the Space Gray version and it’s a looker. It looks like it has a blue or even purple tint to it in some light conditions. Regardless, it looks nice.

Then you open the display and wow. Super thin bezels and a gorgeous bright, vivid, crisp picture with 178-degree viewing angles. It’s a touchscreen too which I always forget about. There’s something about notebooks with touchscreens, I just can’t make myself touch the display. I guess it comes from years of knowing that doing so would leave smudges and could even harm the screens that keep me from wanting to use that feature.

This display blows my 12-inch MacBook away as far as resolution (3000 x 2000) which is a silly statement given the MateBook X Pro is 13.9-inches and my little MacBook is only 12-inches. Using the Huawei made me feel like I could easily do away with an external monitor, not that I really want to ditch my BenQ PD2710QC DesignView 27-inch Designer Monitor which I’ve been enjoying the last few months.

Besides macOS, what I love most about MacBooks are the keyboard (well at least until mine died!) and even more, the trackpad. I’ve tried several other Windows laptops over the years and the main thing that I hate about them is the trackpad. So I wasn’t expecting to like the Hauwei’s but I was pleasantly surprised by how roomy, smooth, tactile, and responsive it was. If trackpads were the main reason I’ve not switched back to a Windows computer, that excuse died when I started using the MateBook X Pro.

The backlit keyboard is also roomy and comfortable to type on. Another bonus is that it is spill proof. I wonder if that means that it is also dust proof… I’m looking at you Apple. The keys look very much like my MacBook’s keys as far as shape, color, etc. But the larger sized keys really make this keyboard a joy to type on if you’re a touch typist like I am. My fingers can absolutely fly on this notebook.

There are also two surprises hidden in the keyboard if you include the power button as part of the keyboard. The power button has a built-in fingerprint reader so you can turn on the notebook and sign in to the homescreen all with just one press.

The other surprise is hidden in the center function key above the 7 key. Press this key and a little camera pops up out of the keyboard. Nifty, but the only problem is that it’s not best angle if you have a double chin since the camera is pointing up at a very unflattering angle instead of straight at you.

Another plus is that even though the MateBook X Pro is thin and relatively lightweight at 2.93 pounds. It doesn’t skimp on ports either as there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port, and a Thunderbolt 3 USB-C port on the left side of the notebook.

And on the right side is a USB 3.0 type A port for all of your legacy devices like flash drives, etc. The only thing missing is a card reader and another thing to consider is that the MateBook X Pro doesn’t have a fanless design. While using it, the fan did kick on a few times which reminded me just how much I hate fan noise. So that’s something to consider.

I have really enjoyed using the MateBook X Pro and I’m a little sad to send it back to Huawei. The battery life has been stellar, the display is killer, the Dolby Atmos speaker system is top notch, and the overall build quality is excellent.

As I’ve said many times in my other gadget diary posts, I do about 90% of my work in a web browser (my current favorite is Chrome) and the rest of my work is done in Photoshop and a few other apps like AirDroid, FileZilla, DayOne, ToDoist, etc. I’m not a gamer and don’t need to edit video all that often. So it all honesty, I can do the bulk of my Gadgeteer work in Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or even Linux. So for me, when it comes to choosing hardware, it comes down to things like the keyboard, the trackpad, the display, available ports, size, weight, etc. Other than the built-in fan and that it runs Windows OS, I really like this notebook. A lot.

It would be nice if Huawei notebooks were available for people to see in person here in the US in stores like Best Buy because I bet they’d sell a lot more of them if people could touch and feel them. It can be scary to spend over $1000 on a computer without actually seeing one in person, but from the short time that I’ve spent with the Huawei MateBook X Pro, I am smitten with it. It’s a premium notebook that is on my short list of options when the time comes for me to upgrade.

When it comes to price, the MateBook X Pro starts at $1,199.99 which gets you the Intel Core i5 8th gen 1.60GHz CPU, 256GB SSD, and 8GB of memory. If you want to fully load it with an Intel Core i7 8th gen 1.80GHz CPU, 256GB SSD and 16GB of memory, that will set you back $1,499.99. Either configuration is less expensive than a 13-inch MacBook so if Windows OS is your preference, this notebook offers a great value and a real bang for your buck and should be considered if you’re needing to upgrade, buy a laptop for a kid going off to college, etc.

You can read all the specs and info about the Huawei MateBook X Pro on Huawei’s site and you can buy one from Newegg or Microsoft.com

Filed in categories: Articles

Tagged: , ,

Julie’s gadget diary – The Huawei MateBook X Pro could actually replace my MacBook originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 10, 2018 at 4:10 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

6 Smart gadgets that make moving or remodeling easier

ARTICLE – Moving to a new place or remodeling your home are two substantial life milestones. They’re usually things you anticipate happily, although some aspects could be stressful.

This list of six gadgets could help you take moving and remodeling in stride.

1. The Roomba 600 Series Vacuuming Robot

A new home is likely virtually free of dust and dirt when you walk into it on moving day, but it probably won’t stay that way as people bring boxes in, plus the mud that could get tracked in on their shoes if it’s raining. A Roomba 600 Series vacuuming robot is an excellent solution for keeping your place tidy as you settle into it.

It’s also indispensable if you’re remodeling and notice traces of sawdust or other debris that can accumulate after contractors leave for the day. The Roomba models have two brushes underneath, whereas most other robotic vacuums only have one. It gets rid of dirt and prevents you from the tiresome chore of cleaning the floors independently. (Starting at $299.99 on Amazon)

2. The Kyon Pet Tracker

One difficult thing about either moving to a different place or changing something about your current home is you can’t fully communicate what’s going on to your pet. A soothing tone helps, but a dog or cat still might get upset and decide to venture away from home.

In those cases, the Kyon pet tracker gives you GPS details to tell you where your companion animal went. It looks and feels like a standard collar, but features a light-up component that shows people “I am lost” in case they find the animal wandering around somewhere.

There’s also Kyon Sense, which uses algorithms to attempt to determine how your pet feels. If the accompanying app indicates your pet isn’t very active or feels moody, you might need to take extra steps to protect it from the upheaval caused by moving or updating your abode.

You can preorder the Kyon now. The anticipated first deliveries will happen in the third quarter of 2018. ($299.99)

3. The Pixie Item Tracker

Keeping track of your pet during and after a move is undoubtedly important, but what about keeping an eye on the box of things you can’t do without during the first 24 hours in a new location? One of the mistakes people make while moving is not packing a box of essentials. Of course, if you misplace it, it won’t do you much good, either.

The Pixie item tracker prevents you from losing the things that matter most to you. You put trackers called Pixie Points on each item you want to track, plus your iPhone.

Then, all the Pixie Points talk to each other and provide item location data that’s so specific, it shows an item’s location within inches. That capability is especially helpful if you’re standing in a room full of boxes and can’t remember which one has your essentials. ($19.99 for a pack of two on Amazon)

4. The Swatches Color-Picking App

The world is full of colors, and many might seem perfect for a remodeling project on the horizon. Swatches is an iOS app that works with your phone’s camera. Point it at any color that strikes your fancy, then immediately get the details about that particular hue — including Benjamin Moore, RGB and Pantone color specifics —  you can use when finding similar or exact paint or fabric.  Group the shades into palettes or share them with friends, too. (Free)

5. The Nest Protect Smoke Alarm

When researching gadgets to help with your move, don’t forget about the things that’ll help you feel at ease long after you get acquainted with your new abode. The Nest Protect smoke alarm is a great example. It screens your house for signs of both slow- and fast-moving fires. Then, you get alerts on your smartphone. In the case of a false alarm, use your phone to shut off the alert.

Moreover, the smoke alarm gives a vocal alert by speaking to you and providing early warnings. For example, it could tell you there’s smoke in the kitchen, letting you deal with a piece of burnt toast. Due to the gadget’s custom algorithms and humidity sensor, it won’t go off when you’re showering. ($127 on Amazon)

6. The Sense Home Energy Monitor

One of the most common unknown factors about moving is the cost of your first electricity bill. You could also deal with that mystery after a remodeling project, especially if it involves an addition or more lighting.

Sense is a home energy monitor that installs on your home’s electrical panel. The corresponding smartphone apps provide insights about energy usage and activity levels. It also tells you which appliances use the most energy. If it turns out your old microwave is an energy hog, for example, it might be time to treat yourself to a newer, energy-efficient model that doubles as a housewarming gift.

Because Sense offers in-the-moment statistics about energy usage, you don’t have to wait until your first bill arrives to keep tabs on things that could make your monthly utility expenses manageable immediately after you move and long afterward. ($299 on Amazon)

Stress Less During and After Your Move and Remodeling Project

It’s normal to feel a bit anxious if you’re moving or remodeling your house.

These high-tech gadgets could keep your nerves at bay and promote excitement during the process — plus, let you enjoy life more after the milestone happens.

Image by bruce mars

Filed in categories: Articles

Tagged:

6 Smart gadgets that make moving or remodeling easier originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 8, 2018 at 10:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Back to school supplies – dorm room gear edition

ARTICLE – While recently asking my daughter for recommendations of gear needed for college-bound students, she mentioned some things to make life easier while living in a dorm room.  In a separate post, I discussed her ideas for in-room food and beverage prep.  In this article, we’ll talk about other gear that will give a little extra storage space, make movie nights more enjoyable, or make it easier to get some sleep and get up on time.

First up is a little pantry space for food.  The elfa Mesh Compact Fridge Cart fits under a dorm fridge and has three metal mesh drawers to store food, dishes, coffee, and the like.  It has a melamine top and four heavy-duty casters and is sturdy enough to hold most dorm fridges.  It adds storage space without taking up any extra floor space.  The elfa Mesh Compact Fridge Cart is available in platinum or white for $129.00, exclusively from The Container Store.

Rachel didn’t have one of these of her own, but a friend had a small projector for movie nights.  This particular projector from Amazon gets good reviews and is reasonably priced.  The AAXA Technologies P2-A Android LED Pico Projector is compatible with all HDMI devices and iPhone/Android phones; you’ll need to supply your own phone cables.  It has Bluetooth for external speakers, keyboard, and mouse and WiFi for streaming apps and smartphone/tablet mirroring.  It produces 130 LED Lumens and is rated for 30,000 hours.  It has Vibrant Color Technology and supports up to 1080p resolution; in low-light conditions, it can project up to a 100″ image.  The AAXA Technologies P2-A Android LED Pico Projector is $199.99 at Amazon.

Headphones or earphones are vital for listening to music without disturbing your roommate.  Noise-canceling headphones are the best if you can swing them because they will also block out all the noise coming from the hall when you need to study or even try to get some sleep.  Rachel has the Sony 1000XM2 Premium wireless noise-canceling headphones (that Santa brought her from Best Buy), but the Sony MDRXB950N1/B black noise-canceling extra bass wireless over-ear headphones are well-rated and are only $123.00 (reduced from $249) right now at Abt.

Rachel also recommended some sort of alarm clock.  She said she slept through the phone alarm a few times, so something that shook her awake might have been more successful.  The Shake N Wake vibrating alarm clock might have been more successful at waking her.  It’s worn on the wrist, and it even looks a bit like those home blood pressure monitors that are worn on the wrist.  It wakes you with vibrations, so it won’t disturb your roommate, or it would be good for grabbing a quick nap in the library or coffee shop.  If you need the sound, you can switch it to an audible alarm.  It’s $19.94 at Dormco.

Filed in categories: Articles

Tagged:

Back to school supplies – dorm room gear edition originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 1, 2018 at 8:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Back to school supplies – dorm room food edition

ARTICLE – It’s not long until classes start again for college students in my area.  I was thinking about doing a couple of back-to-school supplies posts, so I talked to my daughter about things she recommended for college students living in dorms.  Several things leaped immediately to her mind.

Many of the things she mentioned were for preparing foods and beverages.  Naturally, your student will need a dorm fridge and a small microwave, too.  And they’ll also need a few dishes, cups, glasses, and flatware.  Some of the other things she mentioned include the following items, most of which I got at Amazon.

One of the things she most liked that we had gotten for her was her breakfast muffin maker.  She said the eggs always cooked perfectly, and the muffins, Canadian bacon, and cheese were nicely heated.  She often used it to make breakfast before classes.  The Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker is perfect for making a tasty breakfast egg muffin in five minutes.  It’s $24.99 at Amazon.

Rachel is a big fan of both tea and coffee.  There are three things she needs for her caffeine fix.  First up is the Proctor Silex Electric Kettle she’s had since her freshman year.  It has a 1000W heating element that they claim heats water faster than a microwave can.  She used the water for instant oatmeal and ramen noodles, too.  It’s $14.99 at Amazon.

For coffee, she used the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker.  (We have one at home, too.  It’s great for making a single cup quickly.)  It operates a bit like a French press, but it makes a single cup.  Measure in your coffee grounds, pour hot water in, stir, and then press to express the coffee into a cup.  It’s quick and tasty.  The AeroPress is $29.95; an AeroPress with a travel bag included is $31.95.  Both versions are found at Amazon.

For tea, nothing works like the Ingenuitea Bottom Dispensing teapot.  Put loose tea in the pot, add water of the correct temperature for your type of tea, steep it for the recommended time, then set the pot on top of a mug to drain the tea into your cup.  The Ingenuitea is $19.99 for the 16-ounce size or $29.00 for the 28-ounce pot.  Both are available at Amazon.

Depending on your student and how much they want to cook for themselves, they might also want a slow cooker or Instant Pot, a toaster, or a toaster oven.  Be sure you check the dorm regulations at the college to be sure these cooking appliances are allowed before purchasing anything.

Filed in categories: Articles

Tagged:

Back to school supplies – dorm room food edition originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 31, 2018 at 11:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

The Google Home Max vs. the Google Home Mini

ARTICLE – Google joined the smart speaker market in 2016, and has since released the Google Home and Google Home Mini. Now there’s a new device, the Google Home Max, which came out in late 2017. In a world where tech devices are getting smaller, the Max needs to have some serious advantages over the Mini to make bank.

Having two competing Google devices may be difficult to wrap your mind around, but they offer different features for different wants and needs. Both devices have Google Assistant, so what other differences are there?

The Price

The cost of a product can be the most deciding factor for many consumers, and these two devices certainly have a large price margin. The Google Home Mini costs anywhere from $33 to $49, while the Google Home Max has a solid price of $399. There is no competition here, but there are explanations.

The Max is brand-new, so the price hasn’t even had the chance to start dropping yet. Meanwhile, the Mini has been out for a while and experienced even further price drops during Black Friday sales. In short, if you prefer the Max over the Mini, patience is key to finding the best price.

The Specs

The most apparent difference between the Max and Mini, other than the price tag, is the size. The Mini is shaped like a hockey puck and is 3.86 inches wide by 1.65 inches high, weighing in at 6.10 ounces. In comparison, the Max is a giant. The Max is rectangular and is 13.3 by 6.1 by 7.5 inches, weighing nearly 12 pounds.

The size and shape of the devices are because of the speakers, which is where the Max shines. The speaker in the Mini is a single 40-millimeter speaker driver. The Max, again, is a beast. Dual four-inch woofers, another two 0.7-inch tweeters, and microphones with far-field voice recognition make up the Max’s audio system. If you’re going for sound quality, the Max wins by a landslide.

The Tidbits

Some other small features give these devices some individuality. Colors probably won’t be your deciding factor here, but the Mini is available in white chalk, gray charcoal and pink coral, while the Max only has the charcoal and chalk going for now.

In other news, they both connect to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Chromecast. However, the Max also comes with USB-C and a 3.5-millimeter audio jack to connect to a home entertainment system. The outstanding speaker system, coupled with an auxiliary output, is the main reason for the still-steep price. In time, the Max will absolutely be worth the budget-breaker.

The Availability

Despite Google only recently releasing the Max, there are worries about availability. The Google Home Mini is available in both American and UK stores, particularly Best Buy and Currys. The Max is so far only for sale in America at stores like Best Buy, Google Store, and Walmart.

As of now, there is no peep of the Google Home Max being available in any other country. The most likely answer is the Max will eventually be available anywhere, but the lack of a guarantee isn’t comforting. Only time will tell, but it is worrisome that Google hasn’t released it overseas yet.

The Comparisons

For all their differences, the Max and Mini have a lot of similarities, since they both share the Google Assistant. Both systems have the basic Google advantages, such as answering questions, getting recipes or finding out traffic updates. The devices can also play the radio, music and even podcasts.

As Google becomes a more powerful company, so does their technology and connectivity to other devices. Google Home products can make hands-free phone calls either by saying a name from your contact list, mentioning a business or by reciting the phone number completely. Assistant can also control other smart home devices, like lights, thermostats and any other device you may have connected.

The Wrap

Both the Max and Mini have their advantages and weaknesses. The Mini is more cost-effective, smaller, portable, comes in an extra color and is available in several countries. The Max has a better audio package and connects to your home entertainment system.

The Max and Mini are two entirely different devices, depending on what you plan to buy them for. If you want a home entertainment speaker you can talk to, the Max might be for you. If you want a device that not only reminds you of appointments but also knows a lot of trivia, maybe the Mini fits your lifestyle better.

If you want a digital assistant for an affordable price tag, you might as well buy the original Google Home Mini and not worry about all the extra bells and whistles.

Images via Google

The post The Google Home Max vs. the Google Home Mini appeared first on The Gadgeteer.

Filed in categories: Articles

Tagged:

The Google Home Max vs. the Google Home Mini originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on July 13, 2018 at 11:10 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.