LG G5 Modular Smartphone Review

Key features and specifications as well as consumer review of the very interesting LG G5 Modular Smartphone

In today’s review, you will see LG’s 2016 model G5 – a nice, sleek model with great screen, lots of memory and a lovely wide-angle camera. There are certain drawbacks, like the ugly software and the build quality but overall, this is a good modular smartphone option currently selling at around $350.


Key specs
·        5.3-inch IPS QHD screen
·        Snapdragon 820 processor & 4GB RAM
·        32GB onboard storage and microSD slot
·        2,800mAh battery
·        USB Type-C v3.0 port
·        Fingerprint sensor
·        16-megapixel rear camera & 8-megapixel front camera
·        Additional 8-megapixel wide-angle rear camera
·        LG UX 5.0 on Android Marshmallow

LOGITECH Z333 Multimedia 2.1 Speakers

LOGITECH Z333 - my review of the better cheap 2.1 multimedia speakers

LOGITECH Z333 Multimedia 2.1 Speakers
LOGITECH Z333 Multimedia 2.1 Speakers

LOGITECH Z333 REVIEW

Today we will review a good budget sound solution – the Logitech Z333 multimedia speakers. Currently selling at around $60, these speakers are mostly suitable for PC sound or a low-end home cinema setup. The set includes 2 speakers and a subwoofer.
The sound these speakers produces is fairly clear and deep – the Z333 delivers 80W peak power and 40W RMS sustained power. The bass is intense with the large 5-inch front-firing driver. A lot of power and a large driver are required to accurately reproduce and make you feel the low-end frequencies. By directing the low frequencies to this dedicated subwoofer, it provides the needed listening experience and allows you to hear the bass as it was recorded.

Vodafone Smart Prime 6

In today’s article we will review Vodaphone’s ultra-budget solution Smart Prime 6 – this is an under $100 phone (it’s currently priced at ~$90). As you could expect, the Smart Prime 6 is not a best performer or a looker, it’s unremarkable in mostly every way but for those shopping at the bottom end of the market it's worth shortlisting. The design is solid and not bad-looking, the battery life is good and it comes with Lollipop so despite the shortcomings in a lot of aspects, there’s still market for it.

We're at a time in smartphone evolution when budget phones are actually not all that and that means you can save yourself some money without ending up with a real clunker of a handset. The Smart Prime 6 is pretty much the cheapest way to get 4G today and you get a 5-inch 720 x 1280 pixel display, 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm processor and Android 5.0 Lollipop too. The camera is 8-megapixel shooter and there's a 2-megapixel model on the front. 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage (expandable via memory card) round out the key specs.
Design and features
The Vodafone Smart Prime 6 is well constructed and feels comfortable to hold. The back panel is gray plastic and the metaling trim around the screen adds a touch of class to the otherwise simple and boring design. The screen is somewhat disappointing – not really sharp or bright  but it is usabl, although you may need to use it on full brightness most of the time.
Button and port positions are standard, with a headphone socket on top and the microUSB connector underneath. The back is removable, but the battery isn't – flipping off the case lets you get the memory card and SIM card slots.
Maybe the best thing about this phone besides the price is that it comes with Lollipop – it feels so polished that you could almost be fooled that you’re using a much better phone. Otherwise, the performance is not brilliant – you get a 1.2GHz CPU but it works well enough. Trying to scroll down complex websites does occasionally give a noticeable lag when using the phone.
If used to a normal extent – a bit of texting, a bit of web browsing, a couple of YouTube videos and several calls for 2 days straight the Vodafone Smart Prime 6 leaves the battery at 75% which is much more than we expected. We believe that if you’re a heavy user, the Smart Prime 6 can get you through a whole day. With a low-powered CPU and a so-so screen, you'd expect battery life to be decent, but nevertheless it's good to know that the Vodafone Smart Prime 6 can stay juiced for a very respectable length of time.
As a phone that sticks to the basics, the Vodafone Smart Prime 6 actually does them rather well – calls, texts and web browsing are all neatly taken care of. The stock apps for these essential functions remain largely unchanged from their stock versions with the exception of the Messenger app for SMS that has been given a red color. The keyboard is very much stock Lollipop, too.
Camera
The 8-megapixel doesn't exactly inspire confidence, and the photos taken by the phone are pretty underwhelming, with details getting blurred and noisy. The phone struggles particularly with low light, and though there is an HDR mode to try to lighten up shadows and darken highlights it's not particularly refined. The full HD video clips are fine, too. As with budget phones as a whole, we've now reached a stage where any mobile is going to be at least passable in the camera department, and that's exactly what this is.
Overall impressions
The Vodafone Smart Prime 6 is an under-powered, ultra-cheap phone that still gives you 4G and Android Lollipop.  The screen is a bit of a let-down, though it's good enough for the money you're paying. Some extra brightness and resolution would certainly be welcome. The battery is surprisingly strong and can get you through a whole day with heavy use, so this is really more than you can expect for less than $100. The camera, which despite a decent interface and fast operation produces pictures that are very average. If you want great shots you'll need to carry a separate camera with you.
Specifications
Physical Features
Dimensions: 121.6 x 64.4 x 11.8 mm (4.79 x 2.54 x 0.46 in)
Weight: 112 g (3.95 oz)
Screen size – 4 inches, 480 x 480 pixels
Camera
2 MP front camera and 8 MP back camera
Connectivity
GPRS: Yes
EDGE: Yes
Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n, hotspot
Bluetooth v4.0m A2DO
MicroUSD v2.0
Battery
Li-Ion 1400 mAh
General
CPU: Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7
Accelerometer         
SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, IM
      Browser: HTML     
Radio: FM radio     
GPS Yes, with A-GPS     
3.5mm jack         
MP3/eAAC+ player           
MP4/H.264 player     
Photo/video editor     
Document Viewer     
Voice memo/dial/commands
Memory
Internal: 4 GB, 512 MB RAM
microSD, up to 32 GB


Vodafone Smart Prime 6 video review

Sony KD-43XD8099 Bravia 4K TV

Sony KD-43XD8099 Bravia is one of the best in the 40-50 inch 4K TV class

Sony KD-43XD8099 Bravia 4K TV review
Sony KD-43XD8099 4k LED TV
As one of the absolute leaders in modern TVs, Sony represents a titanic shift in home entertainment.

We will look at one of their 4K models – the Bravia XD8000 series, more specifically the 43-inch Bravia XD8099.

Samsung UE49KU6100 4K UHD LED TV

Samsung UE49KU6100 4K UHD LED TV - product features and specifications

Samsung UE49KU6100 TV

Samsung UE32F6400 - the KU6100 model is essentially the curved version Samsung offers for its base KU6000 model. In respect to picture quality, features and performance, the two models are pretty much the same. We will take a look at the curved KU6100 version as the curved TVs seem to be all the rage nowadays – whether it’s just for the fashionable look or Samsung’s claim for more immersive TV experience is true we cannot yet determine (nor could anyone else, for that matter, and to my eye the difference is mostly cosmetic).

HP Elitepad 1000 G2 tablet

HP Elitepad 1000 G2 tablet reviewed


Let’s take a look at one of HP’s tablets – the HP Elitepad 1000 G2 which was released in May 2014 as a successor of the Elitepad 900. This is a good build quality tablet with bright full-HD display and a large selection of available accessories. Unfortunately, the design of the tablet is poor and quite honestly, it could perform better. Currently the tablet sells at around $220 - $250.


Features

The 10.1-inch HP ElitePad 1000 G2 features an average 800p display and Intel Atom CPU. The chassis is made of high-quality aluminum which gives a solid feel. It’s 9.2 mm thick and weighs 700 g. The build quality is pretty much the only good thing one could say for the design of this tablet though. It’s been compared to an oldschool iPad design and is overall bulky and not impressive.

The display is 10.1 inch IPS with resolution of 1920 x 1200 which is a good resolution for this screen size. It’s very bright and easy to view outdoors when set on full brightness. The viewing angle is almost 180-degree and the glass is scratch-resistant with anti-smudge coating for easier cleaning. Touch input works perfectly with high accuracy.

There are cameras on the front and back of the device (2MP on the front, 8MP on the rear) which are adequate for video calling, but little else, being comparable to the type of pictures a mid-range smartphone can take.

Connectivity and accessories


Without accessories, the device offers only an audio port, power connection, and a micro SD slot. For that reason, you could consider purchasing one of HP's expansion jackets to get hold of more. They would be vital if you’re looking for extra connections and longer battery life. You can get a battery jacket for additional 20 hrs of battery and expansion jacket for additional 2 x USB ports, 1 x HDMI port + headphone jack while also adding protection.

Further connectivity options are available with the accessory dock, which turns the tablet into a convenient mini desktop setup by adding four USB 2.0, VGA, HDMI and Ethernet, while acting as a stand. Additionally, you may opt for a Bluetooth keyboard to complete the notebook feel of the tablet. In our opinion, a tablet is meant to be a portable device and if you over-accessorize it, you’re better off buying a laptop, but the options are out there so it’s worth mentioning them.

Performance and battery life

HP decided to include an Intel Atom processor in the ElitePad rather than a Haswell chip. Combined with the nippy 64GB drive, the device boots in under 10 seconds, opens apps instantly and can play 1080p video smoothly when connected to an external display over HDMI. Inside, Intel's HD4000 is used for graphics, so you'll be restricted to very light gaming. Battery-wise, without the battery jacket you can expect 13 hrs of use.

Specifications:

CPU
CPU Family:
Intel Atom 1.6 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache
Display
Screen Size:
10.1 in
Screen Resolution:
1920 x 1200 Pixels
Memory:
4096 MB LPDDR3 SDRAM 1067 MHz
Storage
Capacity:
64 GB
Type
SSD
Audio
Sound Device:
High Definition Audio with DTS Sound+
Speakers:
Built-in Stereo Speakers
Microphone:
Yes
Video
Video Card:
Intel HD Graphics
Camera
Webcam:
Integrated (Front/Rear)
Camera Resolution:
Front: 2.1 Megapixels / Rear: 8.0 Megapixels
Built in Flash:
Yes
Media Adaptor
Removable Flash Memory Media:
Card Reader
Interfaces/Ports
Headphone/Microphone Combo Port:
1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Port
Wireless Communications
Wireless System:
Broadcom (2x2)
Mobile Broadband:
4G
Bluetooth:
Yes
WWAN:
HP lt4112 LTE/HSPA+ Gobi 4G
System
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 10 Professional (64-bit)
Electrical
Battery:
2 Cell (30 WHr) Lithium-Ion Polymer
Power Supply:
10W AC Adaptor
Measurements
Width:
26.10 cm
Depth:
17.80 cm
Height:
0.92 cm
Weight:
0.680 kg


HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M177fw

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M177fw multifunction printer


Today we will review HP’s color laserjet multifunction printer MFP M177FW. This is a relatively small and compact, low-price device (around $300) and we were pleasantly surprised that for its price, it supports LAN and Wi-Fi, even cloud printing. 

The output quality is good and the price of the device itself is very reasonable, however the laser toner is on the expensive side which brings up the cost per page.

Car update: 2017 Lincoln Continental

2017 Lincoln Continental  quick video review

The all new 2017 Lincoln Continental was released couple of months ago and we only hear superlatives about this great looking limousine. The renewed version of this all-time classics is not only pretty but also quite capable vechicle - it is packed with features that make the new Continental look and feel like a premium luxury car but offered on quite a reasonable price.

I personally like the 2017 Lincoln Continental quite a lot and I think it will be a serious competitor for the Mercedes E-class and Lexus GS series as well as for some of the popular American models. Of course the Continental hasn't show up on the US market for more than a decade and it will need to prove its good qualities from scratch.

Enjoy this quick two minute video review to learn more about the 2017 Continental:

2017 Lincoln Continental video review



Cadillac CT6 test drive and video review

2017 Lincoln Continental
Reviewed by Test and Review on 02/02/2017
Rating: 4.5

LG 55EG910V OLED TV

55-inch LG 55EG910V OLED TV reviewed 


Let us introduce in this review one of LG’s flagman models – the brilliant LG 55EG910V OLED TV. The OLED technology offers picture that is better than any LCD or plasma TV. It's equally adept in bright and dark rooms, shows accurate color, and looks better from off-angle than any LED LCD. Its 1080p resolution is plenty for a 55-inch screen.

Samsung 40KU6472 40 inch LED TV

Samsung UE-40KU6472/UE40KU6472 40 inch LED TV consumer opinion

Samsung 40KU6472 40 inch LED TV
Samsung 40KU6472

Today we will take a look at one of Samsung’s 2016 Ultra HD (UHD) models – the 40-inch KU6472 (UE-40KU6472/UE40KU6472). This TV sells at around $550-$600 which is a very good price for such a good-quality Samsung.

Features
This TV is not one of Samsung’s best lookers with its simple black frame and old-looking, not so futuristic stand. However, the lack of good looks is maybe the TV’s only downside.

Lada Vesta price in Germany

Lada Vesta sales in Germany start by the end of February

Lada Vesta price in Germany
Lada Vesta is already for sale in Western Europe

I wasn't sure if I was supposed to lough when I first heard that Lada is going to sell their all new Vesta in Western Europe and more specifically in Germany or accept this news with respect to the Russian car manufacturer. Anyways, Lada Vesta is coming to the German market at around 20th of February for those enthusiasts who prefer something different than Dacia Logan but still want to keep the budget under 15,000 Euro.

Price
So, base Vesta model will be offered for around 12K Euro and it will offer all the basics like climate control, cruise control, audio system, parking sensors, multifunctional steering wheel and more.

Panasonic VIERA TX-55DS500B Smart 55 LED TV

Panasonic VIERA TX-55DS500B Smart 55" LED TV - great choice for big screen Full HD LED TV


Today we will take a look at the VIERA TX-55DS500B – a Full HD LED TV option from Panasonic. This TV comes with a large 55" LED screen and very good picture even without 4K resolution. Brightness is enhanced thanks to the Bright Panel Plus, combining LED light, panel and driving technology. This makes it an ideal choice for rooms that have lots of ambient light, allowing you to enjoy high quality entertainment clearly.


Panasonic TX-55AX630 4K TV

Panasonic TX-55AX630 55 inch 4K UHD TV consumer overview

Panasonic TX-55AX630 55 inch 4K UHD TV
Panasonic TX-55AX630

In today’s article, we will review one of Panasonic’s 4K TVs currently available on the market. The
TX 55AX630 is a good value for money 4K specimen with excellent smart features and great picture quality. It’s a great bargain – you can get the 55-inch version for $1500 and you will not be disappointed. One of the very few weak points of this TV is the motion blur – this is where it does not perform well, but overall the TV is worth taking a look into.

LG 55UH664V Ultra HD TV specs

LG 55UH664V Ultra HD TV specifications


LG 55UH664V  is a premium Ultra HD Smart TV with amazing 4K picture quality and a very nice set of features. Here are its main specs:
  • 54.6 inches (140cm) IPS ULTRA HD 4K
  • RESOLUTION 4K ULTRA HD, 3840 X 2160 PX
  • Image processing 1700 HZ
  • TUNER DVB-T2 / C / S2
  • 4K upscaling - YES
  • 3XHDMI, 2XUSB 2.0, DIGITAL AUDIO OUT, CI SLOT, COMPONENT IN,
  • WIFI, DLNA, BLUETOOTH
  • Index image processing 1700
  • TruMotion 100Hz
  • High dynamic range (HDR) HDR Pro
  • ColorPrime ColorPrime Pro
  • Dimming technology Local Dimming
  • Frame / color Metallic / Black
  • Stand / color Crescent
  • Smart TV functions
  • Operating system webOS 3.0
  • TV recording 
  • MultiView 
  • Internal browser
  • Magic Remote AN-MR650
  • Speaker System 2.0
  • Output power 20W
  • 3D (polarized):  NO
  • jack Pack
  • CI Slot CI + 1.3
  • HDMI / HDMI 4K 3 (4K)
  • USB 2.0 / 3.0 2 (2.0)
  • Tuner DVB-T2 / C / S2

Gear4 Stream 1 portable speaker

Gear4 Stream 1 portable speaker features and specs

We will take a look at one top seller in the modest realm of portable speakers – the Gear4 Stream 1 speaker that is currently selling at around $124. This speaker is fairly affordable and has plenty of wireless features, but overall unremarkable sound quality and limited bass power.

Features
·        Wi-Fi
·        Multiroom capability
·        Direct Wi-Fi connection
·        8-hour battery
·        Carry handle
·        3.5 mm aux input
·        Bluetooth
·        Tidal and Spotify support

Techwood 50AO1SB TV

Techwood 50AO1SB TV features, price info, specifications and product review


Techwood TV review

Today we want to point your attention towards an inexpensive TV that can also serve as a gaming monitor. The Techwood 50AO1SB is a very credible option specs and budget-wise. It delivers more contrast and motion clarity than most of its cheap peers. 


The TV is good value for money and provides good picture quality considering the price. There are some downsides, of course – the sound quality is poor and the SD looks rough, but overall, the price is unmatched.

Honda Civic 2017 - bigger, smarter... better!?

Video review of the all new 2017 Honda Civic

Honda Civic 2017 car video review
2017 Honda Civic reviewed in UK by Mat Watson

Honda Civic has always been very popular in UK and the expectations from the all new 2017 Civic are also very high. The new Honda looks bigger, has wider set of features and seems like a better overall package.

JBL GO - the best small portable speaker?

JBL GO and JBL GO 2 mini portable speaker consumer test and review - the best cheap portable Bluetooth speaker on the market

JBL GO portable Bluetooth speaker
JBL GO - big sound in small package

Top 3 things I like the JBL GO portable speaker
  1. It is compact - simple shape, easy to carry and sturdy enough to make it on the go.
  2. It sounds even better than it looks - it is small put it delivers powerful sound with deep (considering the compact speaker size) bass and some nice mids.
  3. It is cheap - no matter the premium brand, JBL offers the go really cheap - under $50.

Bush 49 Inch Full HD 1080p Freeview HD LED TV

Bush 49 Inch Full HD 1080p Freeview HD LED TV - big screen does not necessarily mean big price


Bush is a cheap UK brand that offers mainly consumer electronics (tablets, smartphones etc.) and home appliances. They are not largely popular outside the UK, but the range products they offer is surprisingly large – they have everything from small electronics through televisions and even large kitchen appliances.

While Bush prices are low, they always come with a fairly big warning sign as there is never enough information online for shoppers to do their research on before parting with their money. This is to say, reviews, tests or detailed specifications of their products are not readily available as with largely popular brands such as Samsung, Sony etc.

Samsung KU7500: 2016 4k UHD Smart Curved LED TV Series (UN49KU7500,UN55KU7500)

Samsung KU7500: 2016 4k UHD Smart Curved LED TV Series (UN49KU7500, UN55KU7500) reviewed

Samsung KU7500: 2016 4k UHD Smart Curved LED TV Series
Samsung KU7500: 2016 4k UHD Smart Curved LED TV Series

The KU7500 represents the “top-shelf” TV among the KU-series models and is similar in many ways to 2015’s JU7100 or JU7500 4K UHD TV models. The TV offers an excellent picture (with some slight drawbacks) and the design looks nice and refined. This is a curved TV, slim and elegant with narrow display bezels. Some consumers do prefer the curved display style and hope to get ‘greater immersion’, however it’s questionable whether or not you get any positive quality difference or not and the price is significantly higher than the respective flat screen option.