DJI MAVIC MINI REVIEW: TINY DRONE, HUGE SMARTS
YOUR BEST YEAR EVER!
TOP TRUE WIRELESS UNDER £119 Amazon Echo Buds vs the best new headphones
» Feel fitter and happier, starting today » Ace your job with the latest smart tech » Fix your commute & get more free time
123+ BRILLIANT BUYS UNDER £150
RATED
GOPRO MAX
The most versatile camera in the world
TRAVEL GUIDE
NEW!
THE BEST CHROMEBOOKS FOR WORK, HOME & PLAY TESTED
BRILLIANT 2-IN-1 LAPTOPS
Places to see, tech to pack
TOP PICKS ULTRA-WARM WALKING GEAR
Contents
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YOUR BEST YEAR EVER
Supercharge your life on every level, from fitness and happiness to work and play, with the latest tech to make 2020 your best year so far!
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STATE OF THE ART How 2-in-1 laptops can transform the way you work
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T3’S TRAVEL GUIDE 2020 Our ultimate rundown of where to holiday this year, and the latest breed of travel tech to take with you
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COMPLETE GUIDE TO CHROMEBOOKS It’s time to work smarter, not harder – and these leading Chromebooks will help you do just that
Contents BEST OF THE BEST
HORIZON 012
HORIZON TOP 10 Take a turn in Tesla’s futuristic Cybertruck, before firing up Hisense’s ace new Roku smart TV and more
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MICROSOFT SURFACE PRO X
BUILD
We have high hopes for Microsoft’s good-looking hybrid, but does X truly mark the spot, or is this more a case of style over substance?
Birdwatching and walking are brilliant activities for lowering stress levels. Combine both with this clever kit
DJI MAVIC MINI
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STYLE Classic blue is 2020’s ‘It’ colour. Here’s how to make it work for you
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We hit the skies with DJI’s latest dinky drone to see if it’s worth the hype – and to see if it really can squeeze into a coat pocket
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YOUR IN-DEPTH BUYER’S GUIDE Our giant buyer’s guide helps you find the world’s best gadgets in over 50 categories, from top tellies to DSLRs to car tech to shavers – all tested by T3’s team of tech experts!
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AND SAVE BIG MONEY Get the latest offers
AUTO If you’re in the market for a new car, and want to reduce your carbon emissions, these are the e-rides to buy
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TRAVEL We look at the biggest holiday trends for 2020, from ancestry tourism to the continued cool of modern cruises
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FITNESS & OUTDOORS Too chilly to camp? Not if you own one of these tricked-out camper vans...
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LIVING Beef up your pad’s safety with the brand new breed of smart home security tech
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GADGET GURU Perfect toast, American sports and how to keep your wallet safe
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GOPRO MAX This clever new 360-degree action cam could be your ultimate creative shooter
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NEW TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS We review four plucky true wireless newcomers, including an AirPods rival and a must-try budget set
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GOOGLE STADIA
Duncan Bell is on a mission to get fit
Get a glimpse of the future of the gaming… and for less than £120
TALKING TECH
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PLUS GET A USB CHARGING STATION!
Horizon
The best new tech heading your way Edited by Claire Davies
TESLA CYBERTRUCK £tbc, tesla.com Whether it’s making all-electric supercars or launching rockets into space, Tesla certainly knows how to grab our attention. Well, Elon Musk and co didn’t so much grab our attention with its new concept vehicle, the Cybertruck, as lift us up by the lapels and throw us squarely into the future. Looking like something imagined by a 1980s filmmaker (and no doubt some will hate its entire design aesthetic), this mean-looking four-wheeler is described by Tesla as having “better utility than a truck, with more performance than a sports car”. That’s quite some combination, and the spec sheet certainly seems to back up that lofty claim… The Cybertruck boasts the same protective stainless-steel skin as Tesla’s Starship space raider, as well as ultra-tough glass, up to 16 inches of ground clearance with adaptive air suspension, and a huge towing capacity of more than 14,000lbs. The top-end Tri Motor AWD model’s 0-60 figure of 2.9 seconds is enough to thrill sports car fans. Perhaps even more amusing is how Tesla suggests you could use this futuristic truck in an outdoors setting; in some promo shots the Cybertruck is pictured in a forest, complete with pop-up awning and tail-gate barbecue. Imagine the looks you’d get if you drove this onto a campsite in Cornwall. The Cybertruck is due to go into production in 2020, and no doubt there will be some adjustments to the design before it’s ready for public use. We also expect there to be a queue for this curious beast… unless Tesla conjures something even more futuristic by then.
TECH-O-METER
Despite having all that passenger room, the Cybertruck still manages to offer 100 cubic feet of storage. “Space for your toolbox, tyre and Cyberquad,” says Tesla, referring to the four-wheeler it’s launching to go with this mean machine
“The Cybertruck looks like it’s rolled right out of an ’80s sci-fi movie” Matt Bolton, Editor
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Top 10
LONG RANGER Tesla’s cars are known for having a good range, but the Cybertruck goes the extra few miles. The top-end Tri Motor AWD can do a reported 500+ miles off a single charge, the midrange Dual Motor AWD can manage 300+, and even the base Single Motor RWD offers 250+ miles
INSIDE STORY At the time of writing, there wasn’t much information on the car’s interior, but what we do know is that it’ll be fairly minimalist, seat six people comfortably and feature an all-new 17-inch user interface for all your ICE, navigation and driver customisation needs
IMAGE SOURCE: TESLA
BUILT TO OUTLAST The Cybertruck sports a tough exoskeleton made from Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless steel that, Tesla says, “eliminates dents, damage and long-term corrosion”. Tesla armor glass, a polymer-layered composite to absorb and redirect impact force, covers the windscreen and windows
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Horizon
T3’s tech chef thaws out your problems and cooks up solutions
KEN REEVES, WEST LOTHIAN
Toast. Give me good toast, Guru Listen, reader. Guru is not your personal chef, alright? You cannot just come to GaGu’s kitchen and use his toaster. After all, Guru Towers is not a cafe. But as the famous phrase goes, give a man some toast and he’ll leave crumbs everywhere; give a man a toaster and he’ll finally get out of your kitchen. In other words, it’s toaster time. Now, when it comes to making good toast you have many options available. The Heston Blumenthalendorsed Sage Smart Toaster (£170), with its mechanised slots and peek-at-your-in-progress-toast button, is also superb for crumpets.
ILLUSTRATIONS: STEPHEN KELLY
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If you insist on eating annoyingly long artisan breads that look too big to toast anywhere other than under a grill, try a Graef Long Slot Toaster (from £100). And if you’re feeling fancy, buy a Magimix Vision (£129). This slick two-slice toaster enables you to watch your bread brown as it toasts. Yes, GaGu sure knows how to thrill you.
ABOVE Bread is evil and deserves to be given a good burning… then eaten with lashings of butter
If you’re feeling fancy, buy a Magimix Vision. This two-slice toaster enables you watch your bread brown as it toasts
Post-toasting, do as you’ve seen Guru do when you were peering through his windows looking for toasting tips and use a toast rack – Kilo’s six-slice Glass Base Toast Rack (£18) looks great and catches crumbs, so that things don’t get soggy. Though why you would be leaving your fresh toast in there that long is pure madness. Finally, some secrets from Grandma Guru’s legendary breakfast book: toast thick bread hot and fast for a crunchy outer and soft inner. Butter generously, then season with a sprinkle of salt. Now go away, and leave Guru to toast in peace.
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Your best year ever
YOUR BEST YEAR EVER
Get 2020 off to a roaring start with our pro selection of tech and tips to help you enjoy a better life at home, at work, and during every moment in between Words: Alex Cox, Claire Davies
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Your best year ever
GET FIT WITH EASE When it comes to overhauling your fitness, the best advice is to start small and be consistent. These gadgets can help you get there, one step or crunch at a time… 2
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GTECH EBIKE SPORT
Cycling is a fun way to boost your cardio levels and get fitter, but when starting out you may need extra power, especially when tackling uphill climbs. Gtech’s electric bike is ideal for this and can handle a bit of offroad too. £995, gtech.co.uk
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FITBIT INSPIRE HR
The Inspire HR fitness tracker makes tracking your exercise as basic or as in-depth as you want. It tracks your weight and personal fitness goals, calories burned, steps taken and your heart rate 24/7, and it’ll track your sleep. £89, fitbit.com/uk
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OCEAN BOTTLE
Buy one and you’ll stop the equivalent of 1,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles entering the sea. This stainless steel bottle uses double wall insulation to keep beverages hot or cold as needed. There’s a small opening for sipping, and a large one for refilling. £40, theoceanbottle.com
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FITBIT ARIA 2
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JAXJOX KETTLEBELL CONNECT
Gaining a clearer picture of your body can help you set wellness goals, then see how you’re doing in terms of achieving them. The Aria 2 tracks weight, BMI, body fat percentage and lean mass for up to eight people. £119, fitbit.com/uk
Strength training is an effective way to tone up, feel fitter and boost your cardiovascular health. This smart kettlebell features six individual weights; select weight in 6kg increments from 5.5kg to 19kg. Workouts are tracked via an app. £199, jaxjox.co.uk 3 4 T3 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
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ON RUNNING CLOUD HI
For complete beginners, walking is a good way to build fitness. The Cloud Hi walking shoes are especially good as they offer high levels of comfort, support and cushioning, absorb impact well, and have a ‘looplock’ system instead of traditional laces. £150, on-running.com/en-gb
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HOKA ONE ONE CARBON X
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NUTRIBULLET PRO 900
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JABRA ELITE 65T
The wireless Activ5 isometric-based strength training device is an easy way to boost your strength in just a few minutes each day, whether you’re sat at your desk or on the sofa. Via your phone it guides you through 100+ exercises for full-body toning. £124.95, apple.com/uk
An ideal shoe for runners with wide feet, as a spacious yet snug forefoot platform provides support and stability, holding your feet so that they don’t slide around inside the shoes. The upper mesh offers breathability, with signature Hoka cushioning on tap. £160, hokaoneone.eu/en/gb
A balanced diet is a cornerstone of wellbeing. Depending on your specific dietary needs, increasing your intake of fresh vegetables and fruit is a good place to start. Don’t enjoy eating veggies? Try drinking them instead by blending them into a nutrient-rich smoothie. £69, amazon.co.uk
Sometimes it’s hard to feel motivated to workout. If that’s the case, play your favourite fitness playlist on these voice-controlled wireless Bluetooth buds. They deliver up to five hours’ battery life per charge, and you can customise the sound in-app. £149, jabra.co.uk
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LOSE WEIGHT, KEEP IT OFF Slow and steady is the way to go, with back-up from these capable apps and gadgets
The best way to lose weight and trim fat depends on your starting point, end goal and lifestyle. Generally speaking, the best way to lose weight quickly, and to maintain that loss, is to follow a manageable plan. Achieving a consistent calorie deficit (burning more
calories than you consume) is a good way to lose weight. The NHS recommends you lose no more than 2lbs (1kg) per week; any more and you risk burning out and giving up. There are apps to help you track your progress. Via them you can look up the
calorie content of different foods and see what your overall nutrient intake is from each meal. If you have a calorie target, they’ll let you know how close you are to it. MyFitnessPal is a good place to start, as well as Lose It! and Spoon Guru. F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 T3 3 5
Your best year ever
TRANSFORM YOUR COMMUTE
However you travel to work, here’s how to get there in a speedier, easier or more relaxing fashion… and maybe even have a little fun along the way
THE CYCLING COMMUTE
IMAGE SOURCE: GOCYCLE
Cycling gets your body moving and starts your day right. By not driving a car to work you also reduce pollutants in the air and the level of traffic on the road. Plus, you get to sail past those frustrated motorists stuck in another morning traffic jam. So why do 2018 statistics show that only 1% of road traffic is made up of bicycles? Well, perhaps not all of us have met the right bike yet. The Gocycle GX (£2,899, gocycle.com) could change that. This brilliant folding electric bicycle is small enough to tuck under your desk at work. For fitness and versatility, we would opt for a snazzy commuter bike like the Canyon Commuter 6 (£1,599, canyon.com/en-gb). Hydraulic disc brakes offer enhanced safety, plus it has enough gears to cope with any big hill you might come across.
THE WALKING COMMUTE
THE RUNNING COMMUTE
If you’re hitting the streets on foot, take a little technology from the trail to ensure your toes stay comfortable and your feet breathe freely. In other words, step into Scarpa’s Cyrus GTX walking shoes (£140, scarpa. co.uk). The Gore-tex membrane will keep your feet dry on wet
When you’re running to work most days, dedicated footwear is very important, so try the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% (£239, nike.com), with enhanced cushioning and impressive energy return. We’d also be lost if we had to run without some kind of in-ear entertainment,
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commutes, and the understated brown nubuck upper is smart enough that you can get away with wearing them in a casual dress code office. If you want stylish walking shoes to wear with leggings or jeans, slip into the On Cloud Hi, pictured below (£150, on-running.c om/en-gb).
and there’s no better way to get it than with Beats Powerbeats Pro (£219, beatsbydre.com). That said, they can be a tad isolating, which may be a problem on the street; the transparency mode of the Apple Airpods Pro (£249, apple.com/uk) might be more reassuring in this instance.
State of the art
2-in-1 laptops As the line between laptops and tablets blurs, we pit three of the best hybrid models against one other Words: Christian Guyton Photography: Neil Godwin
he 2-in-1 laptop has never been better. While systems that combine elements of both laptops and tablets are nothing new, this last year has seen these ultralight devices reach new heights in both design and performance. While Microsoft might have fought to popularise the detachable keyboard with its Surface series of tablets, and Dell ventured into something unique and weird with the XPS Duo’s revolving display, it’s become clear
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that the optimum form for 2-in-1 devices is a simple convertible design, where the keyboard folds around to sit flush against the rear of the screen. This is what differentiates 2-in-1s from similar Ultrabook devices, which share the lightweight design yet tend to lack any kind of touch controls and a nifty ‘tablet mode’. What makes 2-in-1 devices so coveted? The answer is simpler than you might think: we want all the cool tech handed to us all at
once, and hybrid devices scratch that itch rather perfectly. Advancements in processors, graphical power and intelligent small-scale data storage mean that these quasi-tablets are now more powerful than ever before. They’re capable of taking on increasingly demanding tasks, and appeal to a wide range of users from creative types to business professionals. Let’s take a look at three of the best 2-in-1’s now to help you find your dream machine… F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 T3 51
2-in-1 laptops HP SPECTRE X360 13.3
PRODUCT 01:
HP SPECTRE X360 13.3 HP’s sleek answer to the growing popularity of convertible laptops P’s Spectre series of laptops have always felt like high-end products, and the Spectre x360 is certainly no exception. Bringing the hybrid tablet element to an already excellent laptop line was a no-brainer, and the new model of the x360 we’re looking at here is the best version yet. That’s due primarily to the new processor, the Intel Core i7-1065G7. So there’s faster cores and improved connectivity, and there’s something new too: Iris Plus, Intel’s new integrated graphics solution for mobile devices. Iris Plus is a huge improvement over the previous Intel UHD integrated graphics. Superior performance means that unlike older ultralight laptops, this version of the x360 is actually capable of some light gaming. It’s not going to run modern triple-A titles at higher graphical settings, but it can handle the latest indie games or a spot of Fortnite for the kids. The Spectre x360 is perfectly pitched for multitasking, with 16GB of RAM and a sizeable 1TB solid state drive. Data transfers are as speedy as they get. The x360 might be super-thin, but it still has a regular USB port that folds out of the chassis, plus two USB-C ports, a microSD reader and a standard headphone jack. This flexible connectivity extends beyond the laptop’s physical ports, too. Wi-Fi 6 support allows for higher
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Using the stylus with the x360 in tablet mode is perfect for digital artists
The HP Spectre x360 is a beautifully designed product with responsive touch controls, and lends itself very well to a range of creative tasks
speed connections, and the laptop comes with Bluetooth 5.0. The USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 3 transfer speeds, and can be connected to a monitor via the included USB-C hub with an HDMI adapter. There’s little need to, though, because the 4K OLED display is glorious. Yes, the screen is excellent; crystal clear blacks and fantastic colour density paired with a good maximum brightness. Touch controls in tablet mode feel snappy and responsive, but for those who prefer to avoid fingerprints on their screens, the x360 also comes packaged with HP’s Tilt Pen. The Tilt Pen is a two-button wireless smart stylus that lasted for over eight hours in our tests before needing to be recharged. Using the stylus with the x360 in tablet mode feels great; a perfect setup for digital artists. It’s an attractive package, but there’s a sizeable price tag: the Spectre x360 featured here costs £1,799, which is no small sum of money for a laptop, even one as wonderfully designed as this. That said, we would still recommend the x360. Simply put, this is a wonderful slice of high-tech goodness that feels great to use. F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 T3 5 3
T3’s travel guide 2020
T3’S From luxury safari experiences to cultured city breaks, we round up the best places to visit this year, plus the latest travel tech to help you enjoy your holiday Words: Alex Cox, Tamara Hinson
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Short break gems
SHORT BREAK GEMS
IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY
Craving a holiday but short on time? Don’t panic, as we’ve found the best mini-break destinations for travellers seeking short haul sweetness Heading off on a short break is an easy way to see more of the world, without breaking your bank or eating too much into your annual holiday allowance. And there are some stunning places that lend themselves to a memorable mini break. Take Lausanne (pictured), at the foothills of the Swiss Alps, for example. This pretty Swiss city, a 40-minute train ride from Geneva, is also one of Switzerland’s artiest cities. That’s thanks largely to Plateforme 10, a new arts district in the shadow of the train station. October 2019 saw the opening of its first tenant, the Musée cantonal des BeauxArts, and in 2021 the city’s Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts (the only museum in French-speaking Switzerland of its kind) and Musée de l’Elysée will relocate to the same area. Other Lausanne highlights include the Olympic Museum, with its display of original Olympic torches and collection of outfits
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worn at opening ceremonies (particularly notable is the Moschino dress created for the Turin Olympics in 2006 – the garment features a replica of the city, complete with mini mountains and chalets). Travelling on a budget? Switzerland might be an expensive country but Lausanne is one of its most affordable cities, and became even more so in late 2019 with the opening of a Moxy hotel in the bar-filled Flon district. This Marriottowned brand is known for low prices, compact (but never cramped) rooms and beautiful public areas. Currently there aren’t any direct flights between the UK and the Armenian capital of Yerevan, but this lively city became more accessible in January 2020 thanks to the launch of Ryanair’s flights from both Milan Bergamo and Rome Ciampino. A once-gritty capital that has transformed into one of Europe’s coolest cities, Yerevan has always been a hit with architecture buffs who come
to gawp at its Soviet-era monuments. No visit is complete without a wander around the State Museum of Armenian History, which provides a brilliant insight into the country’s past. Equally unmissable is the Megerian Carpet Museum and, on Yerevan’s outskirts, the thirteenth-century Geghard Monastery. Sample the nightlife too, whether it’s the subterranean micro-breweries or pounding nightclubs. One of our favourite venues is Kami Club, where you can feast on delicious cuisine while watching local rock bands. Finally, consider Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, where a flurry of new hotels are opening. These include the Hektor Container Hotel, opening in February (expect stylish rooms tucked into shipping containers) and Citybox Tallinn, opening soon. You’ll find it in the harbour district – a reminder that there’s more to Tallinn than its (admittedly stunning) UNESCO-listed old town.
Sightseeing tech
SIGHTSEEING TECH 1
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NIKON Z6
Nikon’s consumer-priced full-frame mirrorless camera packs hundreds of focus points, plenty of pixels and, most importantly, easy compatibility with F-mount optics. If you’re already weighed down by lenses and want a body upgrade, this is the one to get. £1,400, nikon.co.uk
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BOSE FRAMES ALTO
Stylish sunglasses with a twist. These Bose Frames incorporate bone conduction audio to ensure your ears stay
clear while you’re crossing unfamiliar roads, and the Bose AR tech means they can act as a virtual tour guide when you are exploring a city on foot. £200, bose.co.uk
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MERRELL ZION GTX
Exploring town and trail? Proper footwear will save your holiday from being ruined by blisters. Protect your feet by wearing breathable hiking shoes. The Zion adapt Merrell’s trail running platform for a comfy fit. They run a little big in the fit, so perhaps size down.
£130, merrell.com
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DJI OSMO MOBILE 3
Filming while walking around is not, but partner your phone with the right mobile photography gear and you’ll be capturing judder-free footage easily. DJI’s 3-axis gimbal arm makes things mechanically smooth, and puts pan and tilt controls at your fingertips. £90, dji.com
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HUAWEI P30 PRO
A beautifully designed and surprisingly powerful Android phone, sure, but that’s not why you should be carrying one on your travels. The P30 Pro’s
fast-snapping low-light camera is what really sets this apart from the rest. A true evening essential that will give you much pictorial pleasure. £750 (SIM free), huawei.com
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PANASONIC LUMIX TZ200
Whether you’re snapping a family photo or picking the detail out of a monument way off in the distance, the pocketfriendly Lumix TX200 – with a ludicrous 15x optical zoom, a 1 inch sensor and 4K video capabilities – has you covered. £569, panasonic.co.uk F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 T3 61
The complete guide to‌
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Chromebooks
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO…
Chromebooks These lightweight, cloud-based computers are gaining in popularity – here’s why you might (or might not) want to buy a Chromebook in 2020, and what to choose if you do Words: David Nield Photography: Neil Godwin
he first Chromebooks turned up in the summer of 2011, and it’s fair to say they’ve come a long, long way since then – while the core of being a laptop that focuses on the web is intact, they’re now much more capable when Wi-Fi is limited or not available at all, and their ability to run Android apps adds a whole new dimension to what you can expect from a laptop running Chrome OS. Just about any app that runs on an Android phone will also now run on a Chromebook, straight from the Google Play Store. It’s just the latest in a series of leaps for what Chromebooks are capable of and how useful they can be. Sometimes that means access to apps you wouldn’t otherwise be able to get on a laptop (like Instagram or Snapchat), and sometimes that means extra features that aren’t available on Windows and macOS (like the option to sync Netflix downloads for offline viewing). At other times, app support just means having the option of using a
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web app or an Android app when you want to do something – whether it’s Twitter, Spotify, Google Docs, or whatever else. It’s made Chromebooks more versatile, and easier to use when they’re offline.
POWER UP AND UP At the same time as Chromebooks have been becoming more powerful and versatile, web apps have been going from strength to strength too. Think about all the top-tier apps you can get at through a browser now: Spotify, Google Photos, Microsoft Word, Slack, Twitter, Skype, Plex, Netflix and many more. You may have noticed you’ve been spending more and more of your computing time inside a browser, and Chromebooks are perfectly placed to take advantage. You can do more than ever through a simple browser tab – both with and without an internet connection – and if you need alternative options then you’ve got all those Android apps to pick from. From the earliest days of the Chromebook, the question has been
why users would pick up a laptop that’s essentially a browser, when they can just run Chrome on Windows and macOS and do so much more too. In fact, it’s very much a case of less is more: if all you need is a browser plus Android app support, the security, simplicity and speed of a Chromebook leaves the Windows and macOS equivalents looking bloated and unnecessarily complex by comparison. With only Chrome installed, you don’t have to worry about installing an antivirus package or running regular updates on dozens of apps (Chrome OS updates itself in the background). It’s a lot harder to attack a computer where nothing ever gets installed and where all the apps are run from the web (though never take security for granted, no matter what your choice of laptop). Meanwhile, with everything saved to the cloud on a regular basis, there’s no need to remember to back up your work every five minutes, just in case there’s a power cut or you spill coffee all over your machine. And with only one main
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Tested
Processor Microsoft SQ1 Graphics Microsoft SQ1 Adreno 685 Screen 13-inch PixelSense, 2880x1920 Operating system Windows 10 Home Battery life Up to 13 hours Memory 4GB/8GB/16GB Storage 128GB/256GB/512GB Connectivity 2x USB-C, 1x Surface Connect port, Surface Keyboard connector port, Nano SIM, Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0 Camera 5MP front, 10MP rear Dimensions 287x208x7.3mm Weight 774g
From £999 microsoft.com
his was supposed to be the exciting one. When we looked at the Surface Pro 7, a perfectly good hybrid tablet that didn’t innovate enough on its predecessors to be exciting, we never imagined being less impressed by the Surface Pro X, its sleek, cooler big brother, released shortly after. And yet, here we are. The Pro X has shaken things up: it deviates away from the Surface series’ hard-edged design in favour of a more rounded chassis, which some might call a nod to the iPad’s design. We were excited to see the new look, knowing that the Surface Pro X also has a new keyboard and stylus (or the Surface Pen Slim, to give it its proper name), and there’s no denying that it looks like a luxe item, with its tiny rounded bezel and ultralight chassis. But as we started to test this tablet hybrid, we had a sneaking suspicion that Microsoft has traded performance for aesthetics. Let’s talk about those aesthetics first. The Surface Pro X certainly feels gorgeous. The reworked chassis is a lot
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X MISSES THE SPOT
Microsoft Surface Pro X
The outsides are shiny, but is there enough going on under the hood to impress?
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Microsoft Surface Pro X
DREAM SCREEN The Pro X’s 13-inch screen has an excellent maximum brightness and some seriously good colour clarity. Running on full brightness will significantly damage your battery life, though…
CPU COLLABORATION Microsoft teamed up with Qualcomm to produce the SQ1 chip that powers this tablet, the first ARM-based processor to be seen in a Surface device in seven years
more comfortable in the hand than older models, rounded in a way that’s more reminiscent phones than laptops. Using it in tablet mode without the keyboard attached is a dream, so we’d definitely place it high in the tablet stakes on that note. The rear of the tablet is solid aluminium, with the same sturdy kickstand we’ve come to love from older Surface models. The Pro X only comes in matte black, but that’s no bad thing as far as we’re concerned; this is an attractive piece of hardware. The snap-on keyboard has been redesigned somewhat, yet still sports lovely Alcantara fabric. It snaps up to cover the bezel beneath the screen and angle the keys towards the user slightly. Typing is comfortable, and there’s a magnetic groove for the new Slim Pen above the keyboard. As you may have spotted, the Surface Pen has been on a diet, slimming down to resemble a drafting pencil more than a felt tip. It’s lighter between the fingers and has the same button layout as the original. The slot also packs wireless
charging for the pen, which means it’s always ready for use. The only external design issue on the Pro X is the lack of a headphone jack. Removing the jack from a phone is one thing, but a Windows 10 tablet advertised for laptop-level work? That’s a terrible call.
Style over substance In the tests we were able to run, the Surface Pro X showed unimpressive but not terrible performance. Rendering tests performed around as well as an iPad Pro, but SSD data transfer speeds were below what we expect from laptop drives. Overall performance sat well beneath the larger, Intel-equipped Surface Pro 7. Sadly, we couldn’t run most benchmarking software – or most programs at all. The Surface Pro X uses a custom-designed CPU, the Microsoft SQ1, made by Microsoft and Qualcomm. That means it can’t run the conventional 64-bit version of Windows 10 most other laptops (and other Surface models) use via their Intel and AMD processors.
The snap-on keyboard has been redesigned and looks good
Instead, the Surface Pro X is an ARM-based device running Windows via a virtual processor. In essence, what that means is that despite looking and feeling identical to a normal Windows 10 device, the Surface Pro X’s OS can’t run a lot of programs made for Windows 10. This is a problem. Trying to do digital art on the Pro X initially sounded exciting, what with the new display and stylus, but the first few creative programs we downloaded refused to work. Even the Windows Store isn’t truly safe; if you’re considering purchasing this device, definitely go through the list of programs you regularly use in order to check which ones are ARM-compatible (most 32-bit versions of software should work). Software dependency varies between users, so it may be that all the software you use is available in 32-bit. Chrome and Mozilla have 32-bit versions, as do Slack and WhatsApp, though some 32-bit apps run slower than they should. The Adobe Creative Cloud suite (including F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0 T3 7 7
Best of the best
SMARTPHONES
Find the lowest prices at: t3.com/bestphone APPLE iPHONE 11 PRO
From £1,049, apple.com/uk Packing the best screen and camera on any phone, plus the fastest processor and a beautiful highquality build, and you’ve got a phone that earns its Pro name. It’s a totally polished package.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S10+
CHEAP SMARTPHONES
Find the lowest prices at: t3.com/bestcheapphone
SAMSUNG GALAXY S10E From £669, samsung.com/uk The modestly sized and pocket-friendly 5.8-inch screen on the S10e is a breath of fresh air. With Samsung’s impeccable levels of fit and finish, great software and top specs, it’s a deal.
GOOGLE PIXEL 3A
SMARTWATCHES
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APPLE WATCH SERIES 5 From £399, apple.com/uk This truly straddles the line between tech and fashion; it’s not just the bestlooking smartwatch, but its health and fitness features, always-on screen and good apps make it essential.
SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH ACTIVE
From £899, samsung.com/uk A premium build, incredible Infinity-O screen with HDR10+, brilliant rear triple camera system and blazing performance in Samsung’s slick new One UI make this the Android king.
From £399, store.google.com 64GB of storage, always up-to-date Android with no extra cruft, snappy performance and a truly brilliant camera, all in a package that defines ‘cheap and cheerful’ – it’s great value.
From £279, samsung.com Sleek and powerful, this is the best smartwatch for Android users. The screen and design are on par with the Apple Watch, while a collection of new watch faces give it a modern edge.
HUAWEI P30 PRO
HONOR PLAY
SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH
From £899, huawei.com A revolutionary 5x optical zoom (with 10x lossless hybrid zoom) meets a 6.47inch OLED screen, big battery, and ultra-fast processor for one of the smartest Android phones available.
ONEPLUS 7T PRO From £699, oneplus.com/uk This is one of the best-looking, highest-specced phones we’ve seen this year – from the pop-up selfie camera to the fantastic 6.67-inch screen, the OnePlus 7T Pro exudes quality.
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From £279, hihonor.com Pitched as a gaming phone, but it’s just an all-round brilliant Android phone that’s a stone-cold bargain. It has a high-end processor, 6.3-inch screen, good rear cameras and a fantastic design.
XIAOMI MI 9T PRO £399, mi.com/uk A phone that marries flagship-level specs with a design that’s guaranteed to turn heads. Combine that with a very appealing price and this quickly becomes a fantastic all-round package from Xiaomi.
From £239, samsung.com/uk The circular screen with innovative rotating bezel is the best way to control a smartwatch, and the slick Tizen software is easy to use. It looks good too, and a battery life of up to six days is ace.
FOSSIL SPORT From £186, fossil.com/uk Fossil’s fourth generation of smartwatches serves up what’s probably the best Wear OS smartwatch available to buy today. Capable and wearable, with good app support.
Best of the best
HYBRID SMARTWATCHES
WATCHES
Find the lowest prices at: t3.com/besthybrid
WITHINGS STEEL HR SPORT £190, withings.com Featuring a heart-rate monitor and the ability to track 30 different exercises, this is ideal for fitness fanatics. It’s water resistant to 50 metres, and the battery lasts around 25 days.
WITHINGS MOVE ECG
Find the lowest prices at: t3.com/bestwatch
Find the lowest prices at: t3.com/bestwatch500
TAG HEUER AUTAVIA
VICTORINOX I.N.O.X V
£4,250, tagheuer.com Part of TAG’s Heritage range, the Autavia was favoured by racing drivers in the 1960s. The vintage silver dial features a retro Heuer logo, and is encircled by a black aluminium bezel.
TUDOR BLACK BAY GMT
£129, withings.com Think a pricey Apple Watch is needed to take an ECG reading of your heart? This can do that, plus activity tracking and sleep monitoring, with a 12-month battery life, for a really low price.
MONDAINE HELVETICA 1
£2,790, tudorwatch.com Sporting a bold 41mm steel case and distinctive blue and burgundy bezel, the Black Bay GMT can keep track of three time zones, making it ideal for those who often travel internationally.
OMEGA SEAMASTER 300
£195, mondaine.com Mondaine is most famous for producing watches which resemble its classic Swiss Railways clock, but the Helvetica range is different. It includes activity and sleep tracking.
£5,520, omegawatches.com The 300 recalls its iconic namesake, but has been updated to include Omega’s more modern watch tech, including the anti-magnetic Master Co-Axial mechanical movement inside.
KRONABY SEKEL
BREITLING NAVITIMER B01 CHRONOGRAPH
£445, kronaby.com
£6,460, breitling.com The Navitimer is Breitling’s most iconic collection. This model boasts a 43mm stainless steel case with a transparent back, showing off the selfwinding movement.
Looking for more than a pedometer? The Sekel vibrates to alert you to notifications on your phone, and there’s a button which can be programmed with IFTTT to do loads.
WATCHES UNDER £500
£459, victorinox.com Having undergone 130 durability tests, this watch will stand up to anything you throw at it. The paracord strap hints at its adventurous heritage, and it’s great for all wrist sizes.
HAMILTON KHAKI FIELD £375, hamiltonwatch.com This is a faithful recreation of its original 1960s forebearer and is true to Hamilton’s military heritage. The 38mm stainless steel case is paired with a durable NATO strap.
TISSOT QUICKSTER CHRONOGRAPH £295, tissotwatches.com This packs a Swiss quartz movement with 1/10 of a second counters, central 60-seconds chronograph hand, and add/split functionality. The case is finished with a sleek PVD coating.
CHRISTOPHER WARD C5 MALVERN MK III £495, christopherward.co.uk This sleek dress watch retains its classic British design cues from older models, but features a new 39mm stainless steel case with Fluid ‘light-catcher’ lines and 38 hours power reserve.
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