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  • iPad Pro 2018 Review Roundup: Is it Worth the Money?

    iPad Pro 2018 Review Roundup: Is it Worth the Money?

    The iPad Pro 2018 is here, and the reviews are rolling in. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the new iPad is actually worth the price tag. Well, we’ve got the roundup you’ve been looking for! From new features to returning peripherals, here’s what to expect from the iPad Pro 2018!

    iPad Pro 2018 Review

    Digital Trends

    The Specs

    First things first: the iPad Pro 2018 is an absolute beast from a technical standpoint. Much like the iPhone X set a new bar for smartphones in 2017, the iPad Pro is really the bar for tablets. The A12 Bionic chip that powers the tablet is a marvel, multitasking and running at blistering speeds. The massive, gorgeous AMOLED screen really has to be seen to be believed. If you haven’t seen the newest generation of Apple screens you won’t understand just how gorgeous this display is.

    The 2018 iPad Pro also sports the front-facing, depth-sensing equipment to power Face ID. There’s no home button and no fingerprint scanner, so your only option for biometric scanning is Apple’s excellent Face ID. It works great in landscape or portrait mode, in high or low light and in whatever surroundings. If you’ve used the iPhone X, you know what to expect here. Really, this iteration of the iPad could have been named the iPad X.

    The presence of that depth-sensing front-facing camera array also means that Memoji and Animoji both work on this iPad. Really, if you just think of this as a giant iPhone X, you won’t be far from the truth.

    Design

    And, much like the iPhone X, this iPad has hardly any bezels. The screen is huge compared to the body, leaving a scant amount of excess around the edges of the screen. In fact, the 12-inch model is noticeably smaller in profile than the 2017 version with the same screen size. This design is clean and attractive and really fits the iPad’s existing design ethos. While the sleek, rounded lines of the iPhone line might look odd at this scale at first, they really grow on you.

    Aside from these minor touches, however, the iPad Pro hasn’t changed too much. The lack of a home button does make the device much cleaner in appearance. It’s easy to tell that this is a new era of Apple product design at a glance. Again, the comparisons to the iPhone X come easily. That goes for the lack of a headphone jack, too, sadly.

    That’s right: there’s no proper headphone jack. The only port on this year’s iPad is a USB-C port. We were surprised to see that there was no Lightning port this time, but that’s a good thing. It makes finding conversion dongles much easier. It also means you’ll need to invest in Bluetooth or USB-C headphones for use with this device. Which is sort of a bummer.

    Peripherals

    The star of the show here, much like with the Microsoft Surface line, is the Pencil. The Apple Pencil was an excellent addition to the iPad ecosystem and remains a must-have. For whatever baffling reason, though, the Pencil from previous hardware generations doesn’t work on the 2018 iPad. What’s harder to believe, though, is that the new Pencil doesn’t even work on older iPads. This wouldn’t be as big a deal if the Pencil came with the iPad, but it doesn’t. In fact, it’s priced at a rather steep $129.

    That said, this new Pencil is awesome. It has more drag on the screen, which makes it feel like a real pencil. It magnetically snaps on the side of the iPad, which is also how it charges. It reminds us a lot of the Surface line of tablets and how its pen snaps on. It works wonders for artists.

    The folio keyboard is back, and, like the Pencil, costs a lot. It also doesn’t come with the iPad, and it starts at $179 for the 11-inch iPad. The 12-inch model costs a staggering $199. That means you’ll be spending a lot on an iPad, given that the 11-inch model starts at $799 and the 12-inch starts at $999.

    Bottom Line

    This year’s iPad line is absolutely astonishing from a tech perspective. The question remains, however, if this awesome tech is fully worth the high price tag. The iOS ecosystem is a bit stifling and doesn’t lend itself well to replacing full-scale laptops. The lack of a mouse makes editing text a bit of a pain, and that goes double considering the keyboard “trackpad” experience is so hit-and-miss.

    Maybe Apple will deliver with more robust apps to help make the iPad a bit more attractive as a Mac alternative. As it stands, however, the iPad is only really a good investment for creatives who really want to draw on an Apple-branded tablet. Until then, it’s a bit too expensive for the casual user.

  • Top 5 Luxury Cars ..That Won’t Break the Bank

    Top 5 Luxury Cars ..That Won’t Break the Bank

    Everyone loves getting to drive a nice new car. There’s something about being behind the wheel of a luxury car that’s just so… luxurious. Not everyone can swing the huge payments to own a nice new car though.

    What’s a good compromise for someone who wants a nice ride but doesn’t want to take a long time to pay it off? For such discerning individuals, we have our top ten luxury cars that won’t break the bank!

    2018 Acura ILX

    The ILX is a great choice for those who want a luxury ride but still want to have a practical vehicle. This vehicle has some pretty sweet amenities for its low price tag. While base models cost about $29,000, they also have keyless entry and ignition and heated front seats. they also sport dual-zone climate control, for when the driver and passenger feel comfortable in two different temperatures, and automatic LED headlights to help cut through hazardous weather conditions. For those who want a bit more, they can also opt for some safety features like adaptive cruise control and front collision mitigation. The ILX can also be equipped with navigation, leather upholstery and satellite radio.

    2018 Audi A3

    The next car on our list, the elegant Audi A3, starts at around $33,000. And it does more than just look pretty: it has some stellar luxury features. The A3 comes standard with forward collision mitigation, helping make sure you keep your nice new luxury car out of trouble. It also ensures a comfortable ride, with heated front seats and leather upholstery, and even a panoramic sunroof! If you want even more, you can opt to add on blind spot monitoring to even further keep your A3 (and yourself) safe, and even parking sensors. To round it all out, you can even opt for Apple CarPlay mirroring, letting you use your phone as your car stereo!

    2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

    Mercedes-Benz, a well-known name in the world of luxury cars, offers the CLA-Class as a more affordable entry option to their range of vehicles. While you’ll only pay $33,695 for base models of the 2018, you’ll get the full Mercedes-Benz luxury experience. Some of the base features are pretty high-tech and impressive. For instance, it comes stock with drowsy-driver sensors, forward collision mitigation and rain-sensing windshield wipers. If that’s not enough for you, it even sports dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth! Add-ons include LED headlights, heated seats and adaptive cruise control. You can even opt for blind spot monitoring if you’re like me and forget to check those every time!

    2018 Volvo S60

    An extremely elegant car, and a great buy for $35,095. The S60 is a looker and boasts an incredibly comfortable ride to boot. Base models have low-speed collision mitigation, which is great when driving around town. They also have xenon headlights, leather upholstery and sunroof equipped standard. Oh, and don’t forget the Wi-Fi connectivity. Pretty cool, right? You can also opt for rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and navigation.

    2018 BMW 3 Series

    The 3 Series is the most affordable of BMW’s luxury cars, but it feels anything but “affordable.” This decadent ride is smooth, responsive and just plain fun to drive. You can grab a base model for $35,895, and that equips you with push-button start, dual-zone climate control and rain-sensing windshield wipers. You even get Bluetooth connectivity! If you want a more upgraded experience, you can also opt for a sunroof, among other awesome options.


  • Best Ski Resorts In the United States

    Best Ski Resorts In the United States

    Planning your next vacation? Why not head to one of the best ski resorts in the world! Today we’re looking at some ski resorts that you absolutely must go visit to make the most of your winter vacation! Nothing beats the rush of moving downhill at a high speed! The wind in your hair, the snow under your skis, it’s really just a great time!

    Best Ski Resorts

    Aspen Mountain

    Aspen is an iconic ski town, and many famous people enjoy skiing there. It’s a symbol of status to go skiing at this iconic resort! Aspen Mountain is well-known for the wide variety of slopes you can find with just a single ticket price. There are four distinct ski regions, Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. The four regions are connected by a shuttle system, and your ticket gives you access to all four. That’s a pretty good deal!

    The various slopes are great for skiers of all skill levels. Aspen Highlands are great for people with lots of experience. Some of the best skiing in Colorado can be found in Aspen Highlands, thanks to the great snow and awesome terrain. If you’re a more middling skier, you’d be better off hitting Buttermilk or Snowmass. These slopes are more well-geared for an intermediate-level skier.

    The town of Aspen itself is a great place for resort hang-outs. There’s tons of nightlife, DJs and things to do in town. It’s a little pricey compared to some ski resorts, but it’s easily one of the coolest places to come ski. If you’re looking for a bit of glitz to go with your powder, you’ve got to visit Aspen! It’s a great town and it earned it’s reputation by being a cool place to visit.

    Vail

    Vail’s not a perfect ski resort: it’s got a lot of polish but can feel somewhat inauthentic. However, don’t let that undercut just how awesome the slopes themselves are. The runs are wide, well-maintained and exhilarating. There’s plenty to see for both beginners and experienced skiers, so it’s well-worth the crowds and somewhat cheesy corporate polish to check the place out.

    Vail is one of the largest skiing areas in Colorado, making it an ideal place to visit if you’re newer to skiing. The European-style village towards the base of the mountain is picturesque and charming, but quite pricey. In fact, everything in Vail is pretty pricey. That said, it’s one of the most visited ski resorts in the US, so the price isn’t out of nowhere.

    There are also a lot of crowds when it comes to Vail. On the one hand, that can be a good thing! There’s plenty of people to hang out with! On the other hand, it can make the slopes feel a bit overcrowded, and it can be hard to get elbow room in town.

    In spite of all that, Vail remains a fantastic destination. The terrain is wide and varied, offering something for everyone. Snow falls in great quantities, especially during the winter months, so there’s going to be plenty for you to ski on. The resort got as popular as it is for good reason, so it’s worth visiting if you’re looking for a high-end skiing experience and have a bit of money to spend!

    Jackson Hole

    If you’re looking for some of the best slopes in the world, leave the kids at home and head to Jackson Hole. This resort sports some of the downright meanest terrain in the US, making it a must-stop resort for experts. In fact, a full half of the mountain is rated for experts only. If you’re an intermediate skier, you’re probably better sticking to the forty percent of the mountain rated as intermediate terrain. Beginner-friendly terrain, you might have guessed, makes up a paltry ten percent of the mountain’s terrain.

    Jackson Hole is also an interesting resort in that Winter is its off-season. If you’re looking for a high-end experience that has less crowds and more gnarly slopes, head to Jackson Hole. There is a bit of nightlife in nearby Jackson, which is about 20 minutes from the lodge. This makes it less extravagant than places like Aspen. However, that might not be a bad thing for certain visitors. If you’re looking for a lodge where you can focus on the pure act of skiing, look no further than Jackson Hole.

  • World’s Best Luxury Cruise Lines

    World’s Best Luxury Cruise Lines

    Is there anything better than a cruise? Think about it: you’re in the ocean, on a luxury boat, enjoying a drink and lounging by the pool. Today, we’re looking at some of the world’s best luxury cruise lines! Time to start planning your next vacation!

    World’s Best Luxury Cruise Lines

    Oceania Riviera

    The Oceania Riviera is one of the best luxury cruise lines for food-lovers. Outfitted with seven gourmet restaurants, it’s hard to top their offerings when it comes to cuisine! There’s an Asian cuisine restaurant called Red Ginger that you can visit, as well as a French restaurant named Jacques. If you like steaks, you can visit Polo Grill for a traditional meal!

    There’s also a restaurant called Toscana, which offers fine Italian food. If you’re in the mood for something classic, you can go to La Reserve and try a seven-course meal that includes wine pairings. There’s also the Grand Dining Room and Privee, both of which offer luxurious dining experiences.

    The Oceania Riviera also offers cooking classes at an onboard cooking school. The Bon Appétit Culinary Center offers a great range of classes to teach you how to make delicious food! If you’re in the mood for painting, instead, you can head to the Artist’s Loft and take some classes on that instead!

    Cruising on the Oceania Riviera starts at $1,600 for their Caribbean cruise. There’s also a la carte pricing for a lot of their meals and experiences on-board. As such, it can get pretty pricey for certain experiences. That said, if you’re looking for a great food cruise, this is the one for you!

    Viking Star
    The Viking Star is a luxury cruise ship with some very awesome amenities. These include an open, spacious feel on the deck and very roomy cabins. The cabins have small touches like USB ports near the beds and heated floors as well as major upsides like verandas.

    The ship sails out of Miami and makes several stops in Cuba. This is a great opportunity for those who wish to visit Cuba and try things like Cuban cigars. Cuban cuisine is also unique, and many Americans haven’t gotten to try it!

    The food options on the Viking Star are numerous: there are two international restaurants, The Restaurant (catchy) and World Café. There’s a Norwegian restaurant (no, really) called Momsen’s, as well as an Italian place called Manfredi’s. The highlight is the Kitchen Table, where you pay extra to pick out food with the chef while at port and help them make the gourmet meal you’ll be having that evening.

    The only downside, in our opinion, is that the cruise doesn’t have a casino onboard. For some people, that’s a good thing, as they don’t want to be tempted! All said, though, the Viking Star is a great experience. Cruises out of Miami start at $3,000.

    Regent Seven Sea Explorer

    An absolutely extravagant cruising experience can be had on the Regent Seven Sea Explorer. This downright regal ship is adorned with masterworks of fine art from stem to stern. That includes pieces from masters like Picasso, making this almost as much of an art museum as a cruise. Marble and granite adorns the floors of the interior rooms, making the cruise feel downright lavish.

    Every single cabin on the Explorer is a suite. If you’re cruising with them, you’re cruising in style. The suites are gorgeously appointed, and each one looks like a top-of-the-line suite from a movie.

    If you’re looking for a cruise with great food options, you’re in luck, as the Explorer has them. There’s a pan-Asian grill called Pacific Rim that serves a number of favorites. Prime 7 is the on-board steakhouse for those looking for a classic meal. There’s also traditional French cuisine on offer from Chartreuse, another restaurant on board. There’s buffet-style food available from La Veranda during lunch and breakfast, and then it switches to a more traditional restaurant experience.

    While the Explorer doesn’t have the most robust entertainment selection, it is downright lavish. The extravagant and well-appointed suites are wonderful to spend time in, and it’s amazing to view the paintings onboard. If you’re traveling without children, you’ll likely greatly enjoy this cruise. Children, however, may be a bit bored by the cruise. Cruises on this lavish ship start around $4,300.


  • Best Body Wash for Daily Use

    Best Body Wash for Daily Use

    There’s nothing like that clean feeling you get after a good shower. Finding the right body wash for daily use can be difficult, though, since there are so many options! Today we’re looking at some of the best body washes on the market to use every day!

    Best Body Wash for Daily Use

    Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Body Wash

    People who have reviewed this Purely Northwest body wash have stated that it’s great for a number of reasons. Reviewers have stated that it’s great for cystic acne, making it a must-have for those who suffer from chronic acne. Additionally, users have noted that it’s effective at stemming infections, especially fungal and bacterial skin conditions.

    Notably, this body wash is really marketed at people with issues like eczema or athlete’s foot. That said, it’s great for daily use, especially those who suffer from acne.

    Everyone 3-in-1 Soap

    This soap lasts for a long time, thanks to its design. Reviewers have noted that just two pumps of this 3-in-1 soap can clean you from head to toe. It’s also usable as a shaving cream and is marketed at people of all genders. You can shave your legs, face or whatever else, as it doubles as a shaving gel. That’s not to mention it works great as soap and shampoo!

    It’s also marketed as being cruelty-free, which is a great bonus. It also has no synthetic colors or dyes and doesn’t have any fragrance. It leaves a slight clean smell, but it doesn’t linger.

    Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

    People with chronic dry skin have reviewed this body wash very highly. They’ve stated that it has a great fragrance and works wonder for dry, flaky skin. This is especially important in the colder months, as the air is so dry and damaging to sensitive skin.  It’s got a creamy, almost lotion-like texture, and helps to heal dry skin.

    The bottle is rather large for its price, and it’ll last you for a while if you use the recommended amounts for washing. While it doesn’t have a lot of natural ingredients, its low price is a great selling point for people with dry skin.

  • Top 5 DNA Tests for Ancestry

    Top 5 DNA Tests for Ancestry

    For centuries, genealogists have relied on oral and written records to trace their family trees. But around the year 2000, the age of genealogical DNA testing was launched. This provided genealogists and family historians with an opportunity to use well-established scientific methods to prove relationships and ancestry.

    Ready to take an ancestry DNA test to better understand your family’s past, but aren’t sure which one to choose? You’re not alone. Several excellent DNA tests for genealogy are now available for a reasonable cost, but picking the right one for you can be very confusing. Which DNA test is best?

    23 and Me

    Called 23andMe as a nod to each person’s unique set of 23 chromosomes, 23andMe is the only kit in this lineup to offer health screenings aside from autosomal testing.  Fill the tube with your spit, send it back for testing, and get your results in 6-8 weeks. Results are kept indefinitely, so you can log on at any time to see or update your family tree.

    23andMe’s health tests can give valuable information about genetic illnesses, health risks, carrier status on health conditions, or traits that may run in your family — providing you with an important heads up about any checkups you may want to schedule.

    23andMe is possibly the easiest to find, sold at retailers like Target as well as Amazon and 23andMe.com. Though the starting price on these sites is $29.99, the lab fee will add up to either $69 or $169 — $10 cheaper than the base price on 23andMe’s official website, depending on if you choose just the ancestry test or add the health screening to that.

    MyHeritage

    If you’re balling on a budget and are only looking for the autosomal testing, MyHeritage could be the DNA test for you. First timers may also find this kit the most appealing as it is the most user-friendly. Swab the inside of your cheek with the provided tool, send it back for testing, and have your results in 3-4 weeks. Results are kept for 25 years.

    MyHeritage is said to be the fastest and cheapest test, usually sending results back to participants in 3-4 weeks and not requiring a monthly-paid subscription to access results. MyHeritage also pulls from 42 graphic regions, the third highest number behind AncestryDNA and Living DNA. DNA can be linked online to create a family tree, and there is an option to upload raw data — so if you’ve gotten some sort of genealogy tests done before or have outside genetics information that you’d like to use, it can easily be included in results.

    Ancestry.com

    AncestryDNA makes it easy to explore your ethnic origins but can’t differentiate between maternal and paternal lineages. This test is great for tracing your ethnic roots and finding living relatives.  Though all of the DNA services provide broadly similar results for ethnic origins, AncestryDNA presented this data in a clearer manner and placed the information in a useful historical context.

    For people seeking distant cousins or even biological parents, the company’s claimed DNA database of 10 million customers—twice the size of its closest competitor’s—increases the odds of successful matches. Unlike the other services we tested, however, AncestryDNA cannot track your maternal and paternal heritage independently or trace your ancient migration path out of Africa. Ancestry.com also is one of the most affordable DNA tests out there, usually $99 but currently offering a holiday special for only $59!

    Family Tree

    Family Tree is a data trove for genealogists with a bigger budget. It has options for highly detailed analysis of maternal and paternal lineages. But the cost for the genealogist-oriented add-ons can add up quickly. Family Tree DNA offers a more comprehensive suite of testing options than any service we evaluated, with additional tools that should satisfy genealogy buffs looking to explore their connections to early human migration or find relatives from one particular side of their family tree.

    As you would at a good sushi restaurant, however, you’ll want to watch your bill. Family Tree DNA’s à la carte approach can quickly add up; you can easily spend more than than three times the testing cost of our main pick.

    Living DNA

    Living DNA is a UK-based genomics firm that offers autosomal DNA data, as well as a breakdown of matrilineal and patrilineal lines. DNA data is gathered through a mouth swab. We liked how shipping for the test kit is free.

    If you’re looking for a DNA service that can match you to other possible relatives throughout the world, Living DNA is not the service for you. While Living DNA is beginning to build up a family match database, there’s nothing there now to work with.

    On the other hand, Living DNA’s test is quite comprehensive if you’re researching your background without regard to finding long-lost cousins. The company tests 638,000 autosomal SNPs, 22,500 Y chromosome SNPs and 17,800 X chromosome SNPs, along with 4,700 mitochondrial SNPs.

    Of particular interest to those looking backwards throughout their history, Living DNA tracks DNA to 80 geographic regions, and, for those of you with a UK family history, can even can provide an map of where your ancestors lived on the islands.


  • SmartPhone Spotlight: The Palm

    SmartPhone Spotlight: The Palm

    Palm Pilot is back. No this is not a tech throwback, this is legit. Palm is back in action after being shut down in 2011 by HP. A startup out of California now uses the Palm name, and it’s serious about breathing new life into the brand. They are releasing a new android based smartphone sidekick. It’s a back up phone of sorts? The Robin to your smartphone Batman? The new phone known as just the Palm. The Palm is a small device you carry around when you don’t want to bring your main iPhone or Galaxy along. Like to the beach or warped tour. Let take a look in to this, “The Palm”

    The Great

    • Small
    • Tiny
    • Miniscule
    • Cheap

    The Not

    • Lacks everything you need on a daily bases
    • No NFC

    The Conclusion

    It’s a backup phone that fits is the palm of your hand. It is a thin version of the iPhone 3g with slightly more power and running android. My first impression, it’s a giant smartwatch. I think I want one

     

    The Palm In Your Palm

    So lets address the elephant in the room, new Palm has nothing to do with the old palm or Palm pilot. They just got the name. That said, The Palm is a 3.3 inch LCD display with Android 8.1 OS. Palm has redesigned the interface to give it a more friendly Palm feel. The Palm is a beautiful little thing, crafted from aluminum and Gorilla Glass 3. Its has a amazingly sharp screen, with pixel density of 445 PPI. For those keeping score at home that is top of the charts iPhone XS level. The Palm is crystal clear.

    The guts are comprised of a octa-core Snapdragon 435 chipset with 3GB of RAM. Pretty unimpressive and available in any free android MetroPCS is giving away this month. This is a Verizon exclusive, but for any of you that pay attention we know all Verizon phones are factory unlocked so The Palm will be able to be used with any carrier.

    An 800mAh battery tucked away inside. Palm claims will last about 8 hours on a single charge. You can extend that battery life a bit with a feature Palm calls Life Mode, which is meant to help you disconnect when needed and focus on what’s happening in front of you. Its like enabling airplane mode.

    The Look

    With rounded edges, no fingerprint reader and only one power button on the entire thing, the Palm’s resemblance to the iPhone is unavoidable. Extremely easy to hold and use, it almost slipped out of my hands a few times. Palm wants you to buy accessories for this phone accessory like a workout sleeve or lariat. Palm will also sell you a bi-fold wallet case and a Kate Spade clutch which you wear around your wrist.

    “Creating a smaller smartphone would have been easy, but Palm is unique in that it augments the smartphone in a special new way,” said Brian Higgins, vice president of device and consumer product marketing at Verizon. “Palm and Verizon set out to reinvent something in a smaller form factor that allows you to connect with only what matters.”

    The Palm Quick Speck Look

    • 3.3-inch, 445ppi. 720p resolution
    • 12-megapixel rear camera and flash
    • 8-megapixel front-facing camera
    • 32GB local storage/3GB RAM
    • No expandable storage
    • Battery capacity: 800mAh
    • Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor
    • Proprietary optical sensor to unlock the phone, but not 3D, not secure enough for mobile payments
    • One speaker on front
    • USB-C port
    • One button power/lock
    • Gesture controls
    • Android 8.1
    • No NFC
    • Water-resistance: IP68

    The Final Thought

    It’s a backup phone that does all of the things your current phone does, just not as well. It to be used in a pinch. I really don’t know what to make of this. I have carried a backup phone for the last 10 years, and I’m enjoying not having 100% communication reliability. There has to be some fail safe to just go off grid for a moment. I will get its own number or a simple sim switch and you are good to go with your regular number. For $299 it is a pretty inexpensive phone, my just be the phone I slip in to my baggies on those long boat days.

  • Smartphone Spotlight: Xiaomi Mi Mix 3

    Smartphone Spotlight: Xiaomi Mi Mix 3

    We have the First 5g Smartphone, I said It would happen. I said it would happen before the end of the year. Here we are. WE know Chinese phone maker Xiaomi is working on one of the first 5G-enabled phones you can buy. However you’ll have to wait until next year for it. I know I know, next year. We have hard details though. Lets take our first look in to the first 5G- enabled smartphone. The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3.

    The Great

    • 5G
    • Good Power Spec
    • Snapdragon 845

    The Bad

    • Unknown yet

    The Conclusion

    Xiaomi’s Mi Mix phones are traditionally its most expensive and configurations with more storage typically cost more. It is priced great and will be our Guinea pig in to 5G. This will not be a commercial success but is much needed. Bugs, glitches and kinks galore are to be expected.

    Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 and What We Know

    Thursday at the Forbidden City we got our first 5G enabled smartphone annonced, the Mi Mix 3 is the latest addition to Xiaomi’s line of all-screen flagship phones. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, it has a 6.39-inch display like the Mi Mix with a 2,340×1,080-pixel resolution, meaning 93.4 percent of its body is screen. All the standar features are here. It has four cameras — two each on the front and back — as well as an astonishing 10GB RAM variant. That is impressive now, this time next year it will be the norm.

    Battery capacity is a less impressive 3,200 mAh, although I don’t expect great battery life. I have a feeling the 5G power will be more draining then the engineers are accounting for. While this isn’t the biggest battery we have seen, the phone does supports wireless charging. Also check out the fingerprint senso, it is right there on the back of the phone, no surprise there.

    For starters The Mi Mix 3 will come in three versions. You can get 6GB or 8GB RAM and 128GB onboard storage, or the top-end model with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It will be available in three colors: onyx black, jade green and sapphire blue. It will have a starting price point of $475 and be available early next year.

    Quick Spec Look

    • Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor
    • 6.39-inch AMOLED screen, full-HD+ display (2,340×1,080 pixels)
    • 6GB RAM with 128GB onboard storage; 8GB RAM with 128GB storage; 8GB RAM with 256GB storage; 10GB with 256GB onboard storage
    • 12-megapixel dual rear cameras
    • 24- and 2-megapixel dual front cameras
    • Rear fingerprint sensor
    • 218 grams (7.69 ounces), 158 by 75 by 8.5 mm

     

    The Final Thought

    It is sleek, simple and elegant. Make no mistakes though The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 will be clunky, it will over heat and underperform, but we are here. The future isn’t ahead its now. Remember what I told you a few months back, the 5 g network will power the wifi at the resorts on the moon. Today is the start.

  • Monday Movie Reveiw: First Man

    Monday Movie Reveiw: First Man

    Hooray, Its Monday. That means like most of you, and the rest of the free world, I got to hit the theaters over the weekend. I like to do this every weekend. I wanted to take a little bit of time to tell you my experience at the movies. Just a minute to shed a little insight and perspective on Hollywood’s latest hit. Seeing a great movie in the theater can be a life altering experience. It can also be an easy way to waste a couple of hours and 30 bucks. My hopes is that with a quick review, from this self proclaimed movie connoisseur, I can save readers a few hours. Or better yet, possibly change a few more lives. I went to First Man this weekend.

    First Man is a look at the life of the astronaut, Neil Armstrong, and the legendary space mission that led him to become the first man to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969. It is a A visceral, first-person account, based on the book by James R. Hansen, the movie will explore the sacrifices and the cost—on Armstrong and on the nation—of one of the most dangerous missions in history.

    First Man 82 % Life Altering

    Being a child born and raised on the Space Coast I fell in love with NASA, Cape Kennedy and sending stuff to space. I was 5 years old and in kindergarten when I watched live in the sky the challenger explode. Blasting people in to space with less computing power than the apple watch strapped to my wrist is a very dangerous and challenging task. Just seeing this first person account of this was amazing and awe inspiring. NASA truly achieved greatness and an accomplishment in mankind’s existence. Its something we have grown to accept and be complacent with, First Man Brings it all back

     

    Movie For Movies Sake

    Apart for the amazing content of the story, they did an adequate job of bringing it to the big screen. Im not sure if Neil Armstrong was as dull and unflappable, and emotionless as Gosling portrayed him, If he was RG did a phenomenal job. The movie drags along frequently, and I never truley got to appreciate any of the characters. I feel this was a disservice to them. Some tragic things happen to important people in this story, but due to lack of character building you move on quickly. Maybe that was the point, The Rocket must launch anyways? Needless to say this was not Apollo 13, and RG is no Tom Hanks.

    The Final Thought

    First Man gets a 82 rating. Most of that is just due to how awesome it was to blast people to the moon in the 60s. The men, the ingenuity and the sacrifice it took to do this is worth my $15 at the movies everytime. I still stand in my front lawn and watch every rocket launch. Ill go everytime they make a NASA movie.

  • 2019 Toyota Highlander Review

    2019 Toyota Highlander Review

    The 2019 Toyota Highlander is here! Since its redesign in 2014, the Highlander has been a much more desirable vehicle than its original iteration. Available as a gasoline-powered model with two engine choices or the gasoline/electric Highlander Hybrid, Toyota’s popular mid-size crossover vehicle provides something for a wide-ranging tastes.

    The 2018 Toyota Highlander ranks near the top of its class. It has an upscale interior, a powerful available V6 engine, and a comfortable ride. Is the 2019 model a continuation of this trend? Or does it return to its unlovable roots? Let’s take a closer look!

    2019 Toyota Highlander

    The Toyota Highlander is a great midsize SUV. The Highlander provides a comfortable and quiet ride. It sports a handsome interior and a long list of standard safety features. Its available V6 engine scoots the eight-seat SUV around confidently.

    Under the Hood

    The 2019 Toyota Highlander has three powertrain options. There’s 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder and hybrid options available. If you’re looking for all-wheel drive, you’ll have to go for the 6-cylinder configuration. Meanwhile, the hybrid powertrain is the best for the environment, and also helps you net much better gas mileage. In fact, the hybrid engine gets nearly 28 miles per gallon in good conditions!

    Interior

    The interior of the 2019 model is spacious and luxurious. It seats eight, with three rows of seating. The third row is mainly for kids, but adults can fit back there. It just might be a bit cramped for long trips! The Highlander sports a huge, gorgeous infotainment screen, too. Other notable interior features include tons of charging options for smart devices, understated design and premium-feeling materials.

    Overall Ride Quality

    The 2019 Toyota Highlander has great suspension and responsive steering. Prior to the 2014 redesign, Highlanders were infamous for their abysmal handling. They leaned too much, rolled over too easily and drove like tanks. The 2014 models and forward have been markedly better, with redesigned and upgraded suspension. Thankfully, the 2019 continues this trend.

    Additionally, the 2019 model has a very quiet and luxurious ride. If you like riding high in the saddle, far from the road and quiet, this is the car for you. It’s got tons of space for a big family, and it’s a great value, too.

    Bottom Line

    The 2019 Highlander starts around $30,000, which makes it a pretty great value. It’s got a luxurious and quiet ride, great handling and a high-quality interior. If you’re looking for a good vehicle for a big family, this is one to consider!