On Behalf Of... Chromebooks!

I wanted to speak on behalf of Chromebook. I really just said that, but Luis went a bit hard on this option. I think it has an audience, that's all I'm saying because... a number of people only use the internet and web-based apps (that's all). When they aren't home, they don't carry around a laptop... they're on a phone. So... why spend more when you can get what you need? Quality matters if you want it to go far, but... find a good balance.

I believe the average person who uses a laptop and doesn't require heavy editing or use a lot of offline programs, won't notice a difference because everything is there that they may need. The women I know who edit photos, mainly use Canva.

There are 2-in-1 Chromebooks that can give some users what they want, that's why they're still around. You get the option to draw with a pen. the Lenovo USI Stylus Pen is compatible with the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i.

Apps for Drawing on Chromebook:

Clip Studio Paint

Krita

Sketchbook

Ibis Paint X

Infinite Painter

ArtFlow: Paint Draw Sketchbook

Medibang Paint

Concepts: Sketch, Note, Draw

Apps for Photo Editing on Chromebook:

Canva: Design, Photo & Video

Pixlr - Photo Editor

BeFunky

Adobe Lightroom Photo & Video Editor

Adobe Photoshop Express Photo Editor

+ More

Apps for Video Editing on Chromebook:

Videoleap - Video Editor/Maker

Kapwing

WeVideo

Sumo Creative Suite

Splice - Video Editor & Maker

+ More

Apps for Audio Editing on Chromebook:

Amped Studio

BandLab

Incredibox

+ More

Google Chromebooks are pretty quick because they don't require a lot and most of the time they're affordable. I think the only time you will notice a slowdown is when you have a bunch of tabs open. When you get into the more expensive options, you are better off looking somewhere else because you're possibly looking for something that can do more (offline). If you're an artist who wants a Chromebook... because of its affordability, and you use Google on a daily basis, then a Chromebook like the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i might work for you. Compare the options, speed, memory, storage, ports, pen compatibility, and price.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook | $408

Intel Core i3 3GHz

13.3" FHD Touch Display

8GB RAM

256GB Storage

Chrome OS

4.53lbs

Lenovo USI Stylus Pen | $31.91

4096 Pressure Level Sensitivity

150-Day Battery Life (AAAA Battery)

If you're okay with spending a little more for a detachable keyboard, then the Lenovo Idea Pad Duet 5 Chromebook could work. Keyboard included. The cover gives it that Microsoft Surface feel.

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook | $449.99

Snapdragon SC7180 2.55GHz

13.3" OLED FHD Touch Display

8GB RAM

128GB Storage

Chrome OS

4.02lbs 

If you go with a good Chromebook that's priced well... you win if you go in knowing what you're getting. You can also use your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Luna, and Geforce Now to stream games. Make sure you have a good connection and you should be satisfied. 

By the way, if you're heading to Orlando or Tampa this year... we're promoting major discounts to Aquatica, Sea World, Busch Gardens, and Adventure Island for up to 49% Off.

• Deals include all-day dining for $87.75, 2-week deals for $205, and more!

            

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SDGT Wishmas List 2021

It's that time again, and to be honest... while tech is awesome, my eye this time around has been on my actual living space. Covid continues to make the rounds like a monster in its umpteenth horror film that always finds a way to come back... so why not add something to your living and/or workspace that makes it a bit easier to be there day in and out?

Games definitely allow you to escape, so they'll obviously be included in this... but the list is as follows:

Concealable Desks

When it comes to concealable desks (aka wall-mounted folding desks), I don't recommend them for permanent desktop setups... but if you have a gaming laptop... it's a beautiful thing as long as it's mounted properly. Laptops are portable (duh of the day)... and when you want to clear the space you don't have to worry about where your laptop and other accessories are going to go.

These types of concealable desks have space for:

• Full-sized USB keyboard
• Mouse
• Portable speakers
• Laptop Plug
• Game Controller(s)
• Gaming Headset
• Microphone
• Webcam
• Basic office material (paper, folders, pens, etc)
• Drawing Tablets

This may seem like a weird entry (even if we've been in left field before)... but think of how clean you can keep your living room, office, bedroom, or dorm room (if you're able to screw anything into the wall). It helps just keeps things a bit more organized. If you want to secure it a bit more as far as preventing someone from messing with the contents (especially in a dorm room where your snacks maybe), you can drill or screw in a hasp door clap latch... to add your own padlock.

If you're concerned about this thing not staying on your wall... get a few adjustable L brackets and place them below it to take pressure off the screws. Adding a few decor pieces (small plants or figurines) on top could also be a nice touch... and some of these concealable desks even have a chalkboard for some of you who want to have that on the front. You can even get creative and fit a picture into that opening or attach a whiteboard.

Peripheral Storage Mounts

Sticking to the theme of storage and organization... headphones and game controllers definitely deserve some love also... when they aren't in use. Headsets should remain in a case when they aren't in use in order to maintain the quality, but there are options for those of you who would rather place them on a wall mount. It keeps them off your desk, off the table, or even the floor (I won't say any names).

Surround Sound

If I'm promoting more in-home action... it's hard not to recommend surround sound. The theatre has been up against the ropes since covid hit it with a 3 piece, and I'm sure plenty of you have seen movie studios releasing major box office films direct to premium streaming services like we have. So... if you haven't made the move yet... why not consider adding more oomph to your audio with surround sound?

If you're paying for a streaming service, trust me... you will most likely come to appreciate surround sound. Even if you aren't one to see what the higher volumes can do, you'll be happy you made the upgrade. The sound from quality audio is superior to your standard stereo speakers built into the telly, and when a film or show has to surround sound... it's a real treat because it enhances the experience.

I'm not arguing with anyone... but for me, I recommend Logitech based on my own personal experience. I've had multiple surround sound systems, but I've had a set of Logitech speakers for nearly 20 years or more and they're still ticking. Holy crap, I have speakers older than some adults (mind blown)! This particular model is the Logitech Z906 5.1 surround sound system.

TV

When it comes to TVs, I don't really have anything to recommend in particular, but... there are some decent prices out there if you're in the market for one. I only really recommend this for those of you who really want a new TV to enjoy your movies and shows... don't try to keep up with the latest and greatest only to end up in the same position minus less money. I'm not recommending the 4K options below, but I'm just throwing some out there for you to check out.

TCL 5-Series UHD Dolby Vision HDR Roku TV

Amazon Omni UHD Fire TV

Samsung Crystal UHD Smart TV

Headphones

If you're looking for corded in-ear headphones, I recommend the 1More Quad Driver Earphones.

For Bluetooth earphones, I recommend the 1More True Wireless Earphones.

For over-ear headphones, I'd say check out the PuroPro Headphones. Based on my personal experience, they're comfy, foldable, able to rest flat, they're Bluetooth, and... they protect the ears from noise-induced hearing loss without the depth of sound hitting a wall. If you want the sound cranked without restriction... these are not the headphones for you, just keep in mind the safe listening threshold for listening to music, movies, or whatever at certain decibels. 

All these audio products have been reviewed by SDGT.

Posters and Wall Art

I can't recall a craze for posters and wall art in the recent... decade, but they still get love from some. I recommend posters and wall art because they can still assist you in delivering a nice vibe to your living space + office. If you get a certain sized poster or just a good frame to accomodate the size, it even transforms some posters into an art piece. Wall art is in a similar realm, but I'll discuss that below.

As mentioned, wall art comes in many forms. This particular piece of wall art is one I'd want in my living space because... it's just awesome. I haven't had a lot of time to really finish up a certain wall in my living room, but... I'm looking at different pieces like this (even if I'd want one larger than 12x11in).

Collectibles

If you really want to add a bit of cool to the space that you can live with long-term, why not go for some collectibles? You can sit some of the most unsuspected collectibles in places that fit them well and catch visitors completely off guard... just because of how awesome they are. Picture this little collectible of Goku on the end of a shelf next to a plant or next to a lamp, perhaps even a window seal. You can't tell me that someone wouldn't look at it and not say... "Dude... that's badass".

Gift Cards

If you don't know what to get the gamer and tech fanatic who seems to have everything they want, the answer is simple... gift cards, gift cards, gift cards! Amazon giftcards are a given, I'm sure they have something in mind and will put them to good use from the site, but there are some other sites out there with solid options as well. You have Target, Walmart, and... just about anywhere else you can think of. If you have an idea of where they may want to get something from... get a bit more specific with your giftcards. For example, you have Steam gift cards that allow them to be used in the Valve Steam Store that has game deals galore.

I would say credit card based giftcards like... Visa, but... no. They have an additional fee tacked onto those giftcards, so unless they just need such a giftcard to use offline, save the money. Actually, let me show you how to get some free money instead:

Gift giving can actually pay off if you reload your Amazon giftcard balance with $100 or more, because using this link will score you $10 additional bucks.

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Microsoft Surface Laptop Go... pen compatibility?

Surface Laptop Go is Microsoft's budget-friendly Surface option. It rocks a 12.4" touchscreen display, comes in at a lightweight of 2.45 pounds, full-size keyboard + good size precision trackpad (watch those palms) and... all the etceteras you see below:

720p HD camera
Fingerprint Power Button
One Touch sign-in on select models
USB-C + USB-A ports
Surface Connect (which could've been the more cost-friendly Thunderbolt 3 or something)
Headphone jack
1536 X 1024 (148 PPI)
3:2 Aspect Ratio
10 point multi-touch
4GB or 8GB LPDDR4x RAM
10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 Processor
13 hour max battery life
Intel UHD Graphics
eMMC: 64GB + SSD: 128GB or 256GB storage
Dual far-field Studio Mics
Omnisonic Speakers w/ Dolby Audio
Bluetooth 5.0
Aluminum top + Polycarbonate base

1 Year Limited Warranty

In the box you get the (Duh of the day) Surface Laptop Go, 39W Power Supply, Quick Start Guide,
and documents for Safety + Warranty.

What you don't see is a (dun dun dun)... a pen, but is it compatible? That's what I was wondering when I initially saw the Surface Laptop Go reveal, so I did some digging and came across this road to nowhere (I'll come back to this).

There are 3 different options for the Surface Laptop Go, starting at $549.99 w/ the best specs chilling out in the $899.99 option. You would think that $899.99 would come with a little something extra outside of the ram and storage increase, but... from what I've seen... there isn't.

Now we're back at that... road to nowhere. Maybe it's just me, but where in this video do you see products specific to the... Surface Laptop Go?

It's annoying when companies come out with products and will not go that extra mile to spell out what's actually compatible with that product. How helpful would it be for Sony to release the Playstation 5 and list accessories for past gens in a link meant to be for the PS5? Imagine the good intentions of your parent(s), significant other, friends, or whoever...  resulting in a gift that's not compatible... that would suck for the both of you. 

Just to be clear, this isn't a company vs company comparison, that was only an example of incompatible products. The person in charge of what's presented on Microsoft's site... has to get it together. Microsoft isn't the only company guilty of this, I've had a similar problem with HP. 

It's not that hard, spell out what's compatible with your product... don't even have a link labeled "Shop Surface Laptop Go Accessories" only to have everything else for everything else tucked in there. WTF? If there aren't many compatible products, list the compatible ones on the same page as the product... that's a win-win.

Overall, I don't know anyone signing up to buy something knowing that it will end in disappointment. Money isn't as easy to come by for a lot of people, especially right now... so it's imperative to spell things out or you may find that your potential customers are going elsewhere to buy a similar product that delivered. Your product probably delivered too, but who knows that it actually delivers if you don't showcase it?

Going back to the specs, I don't think that this product is compatible with a pen... because they don't list that the product is Pen enabled (unlike the Surface Laptop 3). This doesn't mean you can't buy a drawing tablet to connect to the Surface Laptop Go in order to do your thing, but... it's safe to assume that you'd be wasting your money on a Pen thinking it will work with this product. 

Doesn't make the product good or bad, and I'm not saying it's right or wrong to buy it... but if you're looking to buy a product that gives you the ability to draw on the screen... it's better safe than sorry not to buy unless Microsoft says the product is compatible. 

Yes, in the accessories area they show pens, but... as you see under the compatibility area under these pens... the Surface Laptop Go is nowhere to be found.

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SOLO New York: Hybrid Briefcase... Reviewed!

This review has businessmen and women in mind, but... before jumping into it... let's unbox it!

Happy 10th Anniversary... SOLO! I love unboxings, so when this package arrived... I was like "ALRIGHT!". It arrived just in time for my trip.

This review... answers the question I've been asked multiple times by busy professionals. You can have a briefcase and a bookbag... you don't have to tuck a big drawstringer... in your bag to deploy when needed.

I present to you, SOLO's... Hybrid Briefcase Backpack... which allows you to switch between briefcase and backpack in as quick as 5 seconds or so. If you travel and you need a briefcase that gives you the benefits of a bookbag, this is the type to consider. Sometimes you don't mind carrying your briefcase when it's just the briefcase, but when you have to grab luggage to head to and from the airport, work, or school campus... this hybrid is perfect.

When you have to carry a briefcase and hustle over to a convention hall (or where ever you go), in addition to food and a beverage... that extra hand can spare you some unnecessary stress. Shoulder straps generally come with briefcases (excluding the hard-shelled ones I know of), this one is no different even if my experience using shoulder straps isn't the best. Using shoulder straps usually leaves me with this unpleasant feeling on the side of my neck from the weight pressing against it. That's not a warm fuzzy feeling... and I hate adjusting it only for it to slide right back against my neck (like "It's nice to see you again"). This may or may not just be a personal problem I've had... but that's why I don't really use them.

Here are images of the shoulder strap for this hybrid briefcase. The strap isn't bad, it has padding... but shoulder straps, in general, are not for my thing. I didn't carry it for a long period of time using the shoulder strap... but there's nothing specific about it that would prevent it from delivering the same experience as others. To each your own preference, it comes in handy... but the other carrying options are better for me. It's cool though... you get 3 options in this bag, so keep calm and... "carry on" literally! The backpack straps have the same mesh padding and look on the underbelly.

As seen in this image, I'm holding the bag and comfort wise... it's been good. I haven't carried the bag for a long period of time as a briefcase, but... considering the times where I may have to... I'd prefer more padding. If there were a revision, I'd like to see a gel insert added or something matching the shoulder strap padding... and since it isn't visible, it won't be noticed.

One thing the handle has going for it though is the grey polyester material covering it, its easier on the hands. This material is the same as the bag... except for the bottom (i'll get to that in a bit). It's a nice clean professional look, even when its worn as a book bag... it looks good with casual or formal businesswear. They didn't overdo it in the looks department, but the small touches such as the magnetic snaps, and the black material at the bottom of the briefcase + the lower area of the pockets are just right.

Here's a closer look. I know the more professional look is to carry it by the handle or the shoulder strap... but when its time to hike it, pull out those straps so that you can benefit from the backpack feature (its better on the back when there is more weight inside). It doesn't look weird and cheesy either... the straps are tucked away in the back compartment of the briefcase until you need them. Once you connect the straps... it wears like any other bookbag and it feels normal.

What I mean by "normal" is that it isn't just a makeshift backpack feature that feels weird on your back. As you see in the image below, you can't even tell that its a briefcase here.

Since it is a briefcase though, one thing I do advise is... when you're going from briefcase to backpack, shift the zipper pulls up.

Don't leave the zipper pulls to the side or aimed toward the ground like seen in this image, pull them around until they face north. They didn't open on me... I'll admit that, but do you really want to take the chance of having them unzip and your items fall out? Didn't happen, but better safe than sorry. By the way, the zipper pulls are nice... and I appreciate the fact that they seem to be maintained across SOLO bags. This specific product would benefit from zipper pulls that lock together in some sort of way... based on the fact that it can be used in two ways, then no worries about shifting the zipper pulls.

I was able to place a laptop in this briefcase + cord, camera, phone, notebook, some in-ear headphones, and... a game controller (I didn't attempt to insert large gaming headphones, but DJ style should fit comfortably). You have room for other things like business cards and pens, and I was even tempted to try and stick a digital drawing tablet inside, but I didn't aim to over pack this thing. I was trying to pack it according to scenarios where I might take a briefcase, like to an event or... whatever. I included the game controller because... some of us have gaming laptops, and sometimes that's part of the agenda once back at the hotel or wherever downtime will commence. Break time for some conventions can be long and... if you've already networked... game on! I can't forget about delayed or long flights, train rides, etc.

The hybrid briefcase is part of the downtown collection, inspired by the "spirit" of lower Manhattan (NY). The briefcase is able to hold up to 15.6" laptop's in its padded laptop compartment, an additional pocket for a tablet + two front access pockets. The bigger front pocket has the pen and card holders. The smaller pocket has a zippable compartment in front for various things like cell phones... as seen in the video above (pretty spacious). I actually put a game controller in that compartment.

When it comes to the price of this hybrid briefcase... no need to brace yourself, it's only $49.99. This doesn't feel like it's over or under-priced... they nailed this one, even if it would've been super safe at $59.99 based on its versatility. It comes in two colors, grey and black... but I like the grey just a bit more. When it comes to durability... it doesn't feel like this bag would just fall apart, but... at the same time, I wouldn't overfill it either. It's not one of those bags that I see being overfilled anyway (without looking deformed), but if you want to pack it up... go with what works for the body of the bag. Use the right size laptops, forget trying to stuff a game console in it... unless its a Nintendo Switch and leave it at that. Take care of it... and it should be good for the long haul, I even recommend having multiple bags for different occasions... because adventures vary. Did I forget to mention that this briefcase has a 5 year (limited) warranty?

Overall, I think Solo's Hybrid Briefcase Backpack is a very nice useful bag. It feels comfortable in my hand and on my back, and if you want to use the shoulder strap... you have that option too. No only does it allow you to free up your hands, but it looks good with various dress codes... and the price is right. Two thumbs up.

Design 5

Quality 4

Comfort 5

Price 5

4.75 out of 5 Cool Points

Brought to you by the... Baby Fu Clothing Co!

This product was provided for review by Solo New York!

Windows 10 Subpar edition?

This one is for the PC gamers and Windows PC users open to reading criticism about Microsoft, so take a seat fan boys and girls! - Yang

Some of you might read the title of this post and believe i'm going to lay in a nice chunk of negativity on the Windows 10 S. You'd be right(!), but... it's not all bad, so keep on reading.

I have a laptop running on Windows 10, but it's not a Surface Laptop... or at least a laptop that allows for digital pens to be used. That's one of the things I admire about the Surface... minus the screen size (I prefer a bigger screen). I say that to say that if it had a bigger screen I probably would've went with a Surface if the price was right... but if I were to get a new lappy this year... it probably wouldn't be running Windows 10 S. I'll explain what I mean by... probably.

If the price is right on a laptop running Windows 10 S with... the right specs and features that... interest me, I'd probably bite with the aim of getting the Windows 10 Pro. My reason to buy wouldn't include a lot of the crap Microsoft mentioned about the Windows 10 S... because that stuff exists in the Windows 10 OS running on my system now.

"Every Windows 10 PC includes built-in enterprise grade security with Windows Defender." - Microsoft

I'd advise not to buy under the assumption that Windows 10 S is somehow more secure. Buy knowing that it's going to be LIMITED to apps available in the Windows App Store and get the pro if you don't want what (kinda) feels like the... second coming of the Surface RT.

A plus of Windows 10 S succeeding is the increase in apps... which should increase the number of quality ones. Should as in... it better, and I see the most affordable ones assisting in that department (which may take on Chromebooks), but... try to avoid paying a lot if you plan on sticking with this version. That would be a waste in my opinion.

A really cheap option with some pretty good specs is probably the only thing that would get me to bite, and it wouldn't be a stretch to go Pro(... aka unlock the gate of what it should be in the first place). I really look down on the more expensive Windows 10 S devices though... because all laptops that pass a certain price point should be Pro. I'm talking $300 and up (maybe even $400 minimum... to be nice).

Unlike Chrome OS... Microsoft's OS didn't have those closed doors (aka Windows App Store only) that they're requiring additional money to bypass now. Hardware companies are the ones that hold the power... they just aren't wielding it on this front, to merely fight for what's right.

• $189 Windows 10 S laptop that gets the job done for emails, surfing the web and other basic tasks... cool (add another $100 to $150 if I can use a digital pen).

• $999 - $2199 for an official Windows 10 S Surface laptop that Microsoft doesn't even have the decency to upgrade to Pro (even at that price point)? Hell... to the capital N-O! I can get better for less... that allows me to use Chrome browser, Steam, Origin, uPlay, etc.

So don't take away from this that i'm hating on Microsoft. Take away from this... things to look out for, especially if you were under the impression that the Windows 10 S was the latest and greatest OS from Microsoft.

This post is especially important for the gamer's out there expecting to just pick up and go with an existing game library on something other than purchases from the Windows App Store (via Windows 10 S).

Now that you know (if you didn't know already)... game on!

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