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.

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Is the Surface Laptop Go 2... Worth the Buy?

 

While working on a pending project... I got a little sidetracked eyeing the Surface Laptop Go 2. The first version turned my head, but what features do the Surface Laptop Go 2 have that make it worth the purchase?

Let's jump in.

Before I speak on anything else, I have to point out the fact that the laptop has a 12.4" PixelSense touchscreen... which isn't the biggest. So if you were looking for a bigger laptop... keep looking, but... if you were looking for a laptop on the smaller side... this will likely be the smallest quality option you will find. By the way, even if I own other laptops, a well-equipped smaller laptop wouldn't turn me off if it has specific factors I'm looking for. I'm not always in the mood to handle a larger laptop... and I know a number of people in that boat... and one of the perks of this laptop is that it only weighs in at 2.48 pounds... making it the lightest surface laptop thus far.

The Surface Laptop Go 2 comes in Platinum, Sage, Ice Blue, and Sandstone. Platinum has more of a professional touch in my opinion, but the Sage + Sandstone models look nice also. The Ice Blue is... cool (and blue is my favorite color), but... I would love to see this one in a different shade of blue.

This laptop features a full-size keyboard and rocks a 10-point multi-touch screen. 

Before I forget: The 12.4" PixelSense display has the same resolution of 1536 x 1024 (148ppi) screen... as the original Laptop Go.

One thing I'm not crazy about with the entry model... is the RAM and the memory (yikes). 4GB? That's a no-no, I think they all should be 8GB to give the actual laptop justice and bump the storage up on the others. 128GB SSD comes with the entry and mid-range models. 256GB SSD could be for the mid with more for the higher end. I know that some of you don't use as much storage as some of us so aim towards your needs (I can use up 128GB within a few hours). Looking at the price, I'd say if you plan to get your hands on this at all... grab the mid-range at least but it's only $50 less than the best model sooo... consider the best option.

By the way, Microsoft showcases Xbox Game Pass on this laptop, but... that would only make sense with the games playable with lower specs or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate which gives you the ability to play from the cloud. I mention this for the parents who may see the games and assume this is a gaming laptop.

For Artists:

I would say that the Surface Laptop Go 2 is also a missed opportunity for artists who want a 2-in-1 for drawing... but that's a segue into getting a Surface Go 3 (if you don't mind the keyboard attachment cover). I was just thinking of the Surface Laptop Go 2's best model at least having the ability to be folded back so that it can be drawn on. It's light, you can use it as a laptop, and it could've been an awesome drawing tablet alternative that you could fold back and use a Microsoft Surface Pen on. It's easy to shrug that off though... because you can get the Surface Go 3 with 8GB RAM + 128GB SSD for less than the entry Surface Laptop Go 2. The entry for the SG3 is $399.99, adding a keyboard attachment/cover would still land you at about $70 less (though you're looking at 4GB RAM + 64GB eMMC storage).

You can always connect an external drawing tablet, but... I'd suggest the Surface Go 3 for artists, while those looking for a small(er than average) laptop to consider the Surface Laptop Go 2.

Additional specs are as follows:

One Touch sign-in w/ Finger Print Power Button (excluding the base model)
Quad Core 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor 2.42 - 4.2GHz
Firmware TPM 2.0 (for security purposes... like with Bitlocker)
Windows 11 Home
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 1-month trial (cloud gaming, but don't forget your controller)
Ambient light sensor
1 USB-C port
1 USB-A port
3.5mm headphone jack
1 Surface Connect port (for your charger and Surface Dock connection)
720p HD f2.0 camera (front-facing)... though the best version should've been 1080p
Dual far-field Studio Mics
Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Audio Premium: I haven't had the opportunity to sit down and experience the Omnisonic speaker like that... so I can't really tell you where they land on the cool point meter, but they're utilizing Dolby Audio Premium. Dolby Audio Premium delivers a virtual surround sound experience... so if these speakers deliver in quality... the software will do the rest.
WiFi 6
Bluetooth 5.1
Battery life (up to) 13.5 hours

I personally wouldn't drop the coin on the Surface Laptop Go 2... but if I did, I'd go for the best version. That said, realistically, it doesn't have what I'm looking for... and I wouldn't want it to collect dust because of that. If I had a specific project that required me to travel frequently, I'd add this to a comparison list... but I think the specs would lose out to the competition (even under the same brand).

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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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Xencelabs Quick Keys Remote... Reviewed!

Many thanks to Xencelabs for sending over this product for a review. My opinions are my own. That said, let's jump in... after this quick unboxing.

Look who finally arrived to the party! The Xencelabs Quick Keys Remote showed up ready for some plus-one action to compliment the Xencelabs Pen Tablet! Is it useful? Let's find out!

Build: Like the tablet, I want to start off with the build. Right off the bat the first thing I notice when I held this remote in my hand was that... it's definitely solid (weighing in at 5.3oz exactly). The pen case weighs 3.5oz more... but it houses several things including the rubber grip that holds those items.

The same material can be found on the quick keys remote + its underbelly, and I appreciate that. It's not a variety of materials to try and break the mold, the product design does that. I likes, and I will get back to the underbelly in the next section.

The build also includes the physical dial with a dip to better spin it on top + the grip around the dial, it feels great and it doesn't have that loose feeling. I really like how it feels, its quality. There is also a button in the middle of the dial to change modes, which leaves no second guesses on whether it was pressed or not because it's nice and clicky. 

There is also an outer ring that changes different colors around the dial. The LED ring isn't just there to look pretty... even if it's eye-catching, but I will also get back to this in the next section.

The build also includes... the Quick Keys buttons (duh of the day), and a SET button on the face of the remote which have a lighter click (they also have bumps and dips on certain buttons). Outside of the other things on the face of the remote, I had to save the best for last, which is the OLED display (baby)!

Looking at the competing remotes, I have no problem with them... they are what they are and I'm sure members of the Xencelabs team had a hand in making a few of them (as veterans of the industry), but this is the first I saw with a display. Thoughts to be continued in the next section!

The head of the remote has a USB-C connector, while at the foot of the remote you have the Power button, the Power indicator + the Connection indicator. I can't ignore what's to the left of the remote either, which is the Kensington Nano Lock slot, so not only will you be able to secure your tablet but... also the remote. Something else you're able to see on the sides of the remote are the dips that run down the side, which allow for it to be held better.

Usefulness: I had to include this section in the review, especially for those of you considering the Xencelabs Quick Keys Remote as an add-on. This is my very first time using a shortcut remote with any tablet... so I had to get adjusted to using one. I'm still getting adjusted to it, but mainly in terms of remembering my settings... and deciding ultimately on what my settings will be.

I would generally just bounce from option to option in a software toolbar as I create, but this truly eliminates that once you know what to do. 

Another Duh of the day: This decreases production time once you get the hang of it. It's like having dual analogs on a game controller, you can use one, but... It's so much better with two. Having the ability to zoom, rotate, undo, redo, and so on... with your other hand while working your Xencelabs thin pen or 3-button pen with the other, just feels... right.

Going back to the underbelly of the remote, I like that it has that full rubber grip... because it prevents the product from slipping while trying to use it. It also works as a nice grip when holding the remote in your hand (think of a cellphone case that gives you a better grip on your phone)... which allows you to easily spin the dial with your thumb and press the buttons. The dips you see running alongside the grip not only match the tablet's design but also increase the grip on the remote.

The buttons seen above can be easily identified once you get adjusted to the way they feel and what settings you've set. They all don't have the same bumps and dips, which is great, so you can identify them based on the way they feel versus looking at the screen when it isn't needed. That's not to say that the screen would be neglected because you have 8 keys with 5 different sets per key, so you will need to check out the screen which you switch things up from set to set (using the SET button).

By the way, that LED ring is sweet because it looks nice but it's not simply a cosmetic touch. The LED ring let's you know which mode the physical dial is on, and those colors are decided by you... as seen in the Xencelabs Quick Keys Remote UI.

I say all that to say... it's comfy, and the OLED display eliminates guessing games. By the way, I haven't charged the remote since the initial charge (you'll find out why in the next section).

By the way, I appreciate that all the products are under one digital roof.

In the Box + Specs: The Xencelabs Quick Keys Remote includes the following:

Max Programmable Shortcuts: 40 shortcut key options available

Hours per charge: 25 - 53 hours (1.5 hour charge time)

Display: OLED Display (text displayable vertically and horizontally)

Dial: Up to 4

Connectivity: Wireless or USB-C

Limited warranty: 2 Years

I wanted to include what you can expect in the box... since yours will be in a box:

Xencelabs Quick Keys

Dongle

USB-C cable L / USB-A to USB-C Right Angle 9- Degree

Carrying Case

Quick Start Guide

Warranty Booklet

Price: The Xencelabs Quick Keys Remote comes in at $89.99, which is a damn good price. This is a professional art tool equipped with an OLED display, on top of the other kick-ass features that decrease productivity. I don't want to hate on the other options out there (I don't), but I don't want the guessing games either... when I can actually see the quick key. Time is money, so having such a thing that you can also with a lock + a 2-year warranty, I call it a win.

Before I forget, you can bundle up and get the Xencelabs Pen Tablet (Medium) Bundle because... that comes with the Quick Keys Remote. I'm including this because with everything included in the bundle, it's still lower in price than the Wacom Intuos Pro (Medium)... so I hope this gives you a more informed decision.

Build 5

Usefulness 5

In the Box + Specs 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points

Check out our review of the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium here:

https://sdgtent.sdgtstudio.com/2021/03/xencelabs-pen-tablet-medium-reviewed.html

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