As the reviews season heats up, the team at Engadget HQ has been diligently testing a variety of products, including laptops, desktops, earbuds, gaming handhelds, and even an ice cream machine. This time of year offers an exciting array of gadgets and devices, ensuring there’s something intriguing for everyone. Let’s dive into some of the standout reviews that you might have missed!
The highly anticipated Apple MacBook Air M4 is now available in both 13-inch and 15-inch models. Devindra’s comprehensive review highlights the MacBook Air as a nearly flawless ultraportable device. Starting at a competitive price of $999, which is $100 less than its predecessor, it’s an attractive option for many users. While there’s room for improvement in terms of port availability and screen refresh rates, the MacBook Air continues to outperform its competitors in the ultraportable category.
For those seeking more power, the Apple Mac Studio M4 Max may be the perfect fit. While the M3 Ultra configuration is the fastest option available, Steve argues that the M4 Max is the more sensible and affordable choice for most power users. If your work involves editing 4K videos, rendering 3D graphics, or even gaming, the Mac Studio provides unmatched performance. However, for less demanding tasks, the Mac mini may be a more cost-effective solution.
Thanks to the Ninja Swirl ice cream machine, creating soft serve ice cream at home is now a delightful reality. Sam was impressed with its versatility, noting that while it produces store-quality frozen treats at a fraction of the cost, the ability to make larger batches would enhance its appeal. Despite this minor drawback, Ninja’s Creami machine excels in making a variety of frozen desserts, all from a single gadget.
During a recent introduction at CES, Technics unveiled their latest earbuds, the AZ100, which continued to impress throughout the review process. The new drivers offer significant sound upgrades, and the earbuds' ability to connect to three devices simultaneously sets them apart in the market. While competitors like Bose offer superior noise-canceling features and Sony provides more modern functionalities, Technics delivers exceptional sound quality that is hard to beat.
After a rocky start with its first gaming handheld, MSI has made a strong comeback with the Claw 8 AI+. Sam asserts that this device not only redeems the brand but also offers a solid gaming experience with impressive performance and above-average battery life. The Claw 8 AI+ stands as a testament to MSI’s commitment to innovation and quality in the gaming handheld market.
In addition to the highlighted products, Engadget has also reviewed the new M3 iPad Air, which, while not a massive update, remains a recommended choice thanks to the M3 upgrade. Jess explored the game Sorry We're Closed for PS5, praising its captivating storyline featuring heartbroken club kids and demons, along with a stellar soundtrack. Meanwhile, Devindra continues his extensive reviews of GPUs, recently evaluating the AMD Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT, as well as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070. Additionally, he put the ASUS Zenbook 14 through its paces, further expanding the breadth of our reviews.
As we progress through the reviews season, be sure to stay updated with all the latest insights and recommendations to help you make informed purchasing decisions!
