Engadget’s hottest reviews roundup this week really has it all: a new pocket cam, a 2-in-1 smart grill, a pair of drones, and an expensive skinny vac. And that’s before we even get to the highly capable gaming display, which will only cost you $350. Read on for the reviews you may have missed over the past two weeks as we prepare for another list of big events next month.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4
dji/ngadget
- excellent image quality
- Better performance in low light
- onboard storage
- modular accessories
- Still only 3K in portrait mode
- No dust or water protection due to gimbal
- no optical zoom
- Not available in US
DJI’s Osmo Pocket cameras have become a staple of Engadget’s live event coverage over the past few years. They are convenient, compact and produce high quality footage when speed matters. Contributing Reviews reporter James True recently put the new Osmo Pocket 4 through its paces, concluding that “you’re getting better image quality that will pay you back over time.”
Rectec X-Fire Pro 825
Rectec/Engadget
The X-Fire Pro offers the ease of gas with the wood flavor of pellets in a single grill. Although it could have more features, the build quality is excellent and performance is reliable.
- two grills in one
- Trusted Wi-Fi devices
- Strong build quality
- Direct-Flame Searing
- small pellet hopper
- No super smoke, keep warm or other convenient methods
- Not compatible with wireless food probe
With the X-Fire Pro, Rectec set out to create a pellet grill that gas grill fans will love. The company has done just that, offering a dual-mode appliance that delivers the wood flavor you don’t naturally get from propane or natural gas. “Rectec has successfully combined the best aspects of pellet grills with a dedicated high-heat mode and individual controls that will be familiar to gas grillers,” I said. “This model offers strong build quality, reliable performance, and Wi-Fi connectivity for extended smoking sessions.”
Alienware 27 QD-OLED Monitor
dell/engadget
In a world where every piece of gaming gear is getting more expensive, Alienware’s $350 AW2726DM 27-inch QD-OLED monitor feels like a gift for gamers on a budget.
- extremely economical
- Three-year warranty with burn-in protection
- Simple, straightforward design
- QHD resolution with 240Hz VRR
- rich colors
- average brightness
- not a ton of ports
- No native G-Sync support
Is a $350 gaming monitor enough to get the job done? If you’re talking about the Alienware 27 QD-OLED display, the answer is a resounding “yes.”
Senior journalist Sam Rutherford said, “The AW2726DM may not have all the fancy features you find on more expensive monitors, but it’s an excellent example of a no-frills gadget.” “You get just enough ports, a straightforward design, and a beautiful QD-OLED panel with a solid resolution and refresh rate – all for just $350.”
DJI Lito drone and a Dyson Pencilvac
Like the Osmo Pocket 4, DJI’s latest drone is unlikely to come to the US. However, if you live elsewhere, there is plenty of performance available for less than $400. Reporter Steve Dent said, “The Lito series shows that DJI intends to dominate every drone price range and category, including the lower end.” “Despite their low prices, the new drones don’t skimp on features, offering full obstacle protection, ActiveTrack subject tracking, relatively high speeds and sharp 4K video quality – just like models that cost much more.”
If your spring cleaning could still use a jump start, perhaps a fancy, slim vacuum can work for lighter jobs. “Even with its minimalist form factor, the PencilVac is still an engineering marvel,” said UK bureau chief Matt Smith. “Its high level of maneuverability makes it easy to clean in tight corners and between furniture. I just wish it were a little more powerful.”
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