Gaming laptops are often bulky and expensive, but here’s one that bucks the trend both ways: the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is slim, powerful, and available at a fantastic price. Right now, you can get this mighty laptop for $1,250 at Best Buy, which is $350 off its original $1,600 MSRP. This laptop sports a fantastic AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and 16GB of RAM, which means you’ll breeze through any game you want to play. The 1TB SSD should also be more than enough for whatever photos, videos, documents, and games you want to store. The cherry on top of this cake, however, is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, which will let you play your games with incredible visuals at near-max graphics settings. The 2880×1800 screen with 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness are also winning features that lend to you having the most stunning visual experience. When we reviewed the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, we loved just about everything about it, giving the laptop a solid 4-star rating. We found it to be light, compact, sleek, and powerfully performant: “If having a gaming laptop that’s barely even noticeable in your backpack sounds enticing, then it’s hard to overlook the 2024 ROG Zephyrus G14. If offers both extreme portability and mighty performance. But, based on its middling battery performance, you’ll still want to carry a charger with you on your gaming journeys.” Need a formidable gaming laptop that won’t weigh you down? Snag this Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 for $1,250 at Best Buy while you still can! This Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is $350 offBuy now at Best Buy Read...

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At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros GPS and magnetic mount Very good front captures up to 1944p (4:3) Interior captures with infrared Supports roll-your-own LTE for remote monitoring with optional module Cons Interior captures are a bit grainy at night Our Verdict The Vantrue Nexus X2 is an affordable front/interior dash cam with good to very good captures, GPS, and the ability to add LTE cloud capabilities (your account) down the road via an adapter. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Vantrue Nexus 2X dash cam Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Nexus 2X is a dual-channel (front/interior) GPS-enabled dash cam with very good front captures and good interior cabin video. It comes ready for LTE connectivity for remote viewing and tracking via an auxiliary module (only available in the Americas) that Vantrue sells as an option. You must provide the SIM card and the service, which means slightly more hassle than with some LTE dash cams, but a lot more choice. What are the Vantrue Nexus X2’s features? The Nexus X2 is a 4.5-inch long, roughly cylindrical (with several squared faces) entity that’s about 2.5-inches at it’s deepest (the forward lens body). The interior camera is captive but rotates roughly 45 degrees up and down so you can adjust the interior coverage. The left side of the camera is home to the Type-C power connector (with captive auxiliary port power cable) and an SD/TF card slot. The right side is bare. I was expecting a separate connection for the LTE, but the LTE unit connects to the power cable and passes through to the main camera. It too features a sticky mount so you can affix it near the dash cam. If your not familiar, LTE-enabled dash cams allow you to check the status and location of your vehicle remotely, via the GPS and feed from the camera. Basically, it turns the unit into a GPS-enabled web/earth cam. The obvious power/save button, the 2-inch display, and the rotatable interior camera of the Nexus 2X. The Nexus 2X features a 2-inch color display on board with four buttons underneath for activating features and changing settings. It’s not touch, but the menus and options are logically laid out and generally easy to access. There’s also an orange power (long press)/lock video(short press) button obviously situated to the side. The color and location make the button very easy to spot and access when you’re in a hurry. I prefer it to the red that many vendors use, which is often so dark as to not stand out properly. Of course, you could also simply make use of the Nexus 2X’s voice control and utter the phrase “Vantrue, lock video.” Easy-peasy. The Nexus X2’s sticky mount is one of, if not the best in the business. It’s beefy and solid-feeling, mates easily with the dash cam magnetically, and adjusts in all directions. Not by a lot, mind you, but easily enough to obtain the perfect orientation for the front camera. Both the forward and cabin cameras use a Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 sensor. The front sports 165 degree field-of-view opticals, and 150 degrees in the interior. Maximum resolution for the front camera is 1944p (the default, which we used, is 1440p) and 1080p for the interior. The Nexus X2’s sticky mount is one of, if not the best in the business. The Vantrue LTE module for use with GSM in the Americas. The Nexus 2X features integrated GPS, which worked well once it engaged. It took about a minute to hook up, and unlike the recently reviewed Wolfbox X5 — didn’t automatically set the time zone and time. Vantrue’s been around long enough to learn this trick. Come on now… On the other hand, connecting via Wi-Fi was quick and painless (it’s not always!). The Vantrue app is handsome, and found the camera right away (after I chose the type). Oddly enough, I was also able to connect to the Vanture Nexus 2X using Viofo’s app, which I confusedly opened the first time. Hey, there are too many dash cam vendors whose name starts with “v” — give me a break. The Vantrue app connected to the Nexus 2X showing the album, settings, and live view page. Other features include a parking mode (all cameras have this these days), time lapse (low frame rate) video, audio noise reduction, and the ability to sync time from your phone. That’s nice, but of course if Vantrue would just read the darn GPS info, it wouldn’t be necessary. Gripe aside, Vantrue allows you to tailor the Nexus 2X experience pretty much to taste. How much is the Vantrue Nexus 2X? The Nexus 2X by its lonesome is listed at $219.99, but sells on Amazon for $199.99. That’s not half-bad for a classy dash cam with very good captures and LTE capability. The LTE module itself lists for $149.99, but Vantrue currently sells the complete camera-and-module package for $269.99. Of course, you also need to factor in the cost of your LTE subscription. As mentioned, the Nexus 2X currently supports GSM services only in North and South America. How are the Vantrue Nexus 2X’s captures? The short answer is that the Nexus 2X delivers very good day and night front captures, and good interior day and night captures. There’s a noticeable difference between the external 1440p and the internal 1080p, but the latter is still of high enough quality to grab some detail out my MX-5’s small back window. Uniquely for Vantrue, the Nexus 2X didn’t seem to need the polarizing filter that improves the daytime capture quality of many of its dash cams. Vantrue sent one, but I never used it. The downside to polarizing filters can be darkening night time video, forcing you to remove it or basically wear your sunglasses at night. There’s a bit more detail available in the optional 1944p mode (the second image to follow), but it has the same horizontal 2560 resolution, which works out to a squarer 4:3 aspect ratio. Some may prefer the 2560x1444p shown below, which offers the more modern 16:9 ratio we’re all accustomed to. The 16:9, 1444p front video that the Nexus 2X defaults to. Here’s that 4:3, 1944p video I spoke of. You’ll need to scrutinize it to see the very slight uptick in detail. The 1440p front night capture below shows very good detail and largely true color. Yes, there’s a light nearby (which appears far brighter than it was), but my headlights weren’t on at this point. This is a very good capture for the circumstances. A Nexus 2X night capture at 1440p. Detail is excellent. I’m a study in concentration in this 1080p interior day capture as I head around the corner of our local “Slow” street — San Francisco’s dubious attempt to put pedestrians, bicycles, and automobiles all on the same band of asphalt. And people do walk down the center. So why exactly did they invent sidewalks? The interior night capture below shows enough detail to suffice for legal purposes. Should I be so foolish as to ride-give in a two-seater. Overall, I was more impressed with the Vantrue’s video than I expected. It’s not as detailed as the 4K/5K dash cams we’re starting to see, but it’s darn good for 1440p and 1080p — and for once a Vantrue didn’t need the optional polarizing filter. Zero complaints. Did I mention the color was good, the stabilization excellent, and artifacts minimal? It also handled headlight flare very well. Enough said. Should you buy the Vantrue Nexus 2X? If you want good captures, and LTE connectivity that lets you choose your own service — the Nexus 2X is a good choice. Actually, it’s the only roll-your-own-LTE dash cam I’ve tested, so put it at the head of that category for sure. Even without LTE it’s a worthy choice, if not quite as good as the Miofive S1 Ultra. Read...

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At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Compact and lightweight Looks like a headphone and can be used just as well as one Plush and comfortable earcups The cups swivel and the headband is adjustable The volume wheel allows for precise control Cons Hybrid listening mode needs a second to let sound in There’s no chat mixer wheel Lacks a dedicated boom microphone Our Verdict The HyperX Cloud Mix 2 can be used just as easily as a headphone and as a gaming headset, and is highly portable. That makes it ideal for the gamer with a busy lifestyle. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today The HyperX Cloud Mix 2 has deep appeal for me because it’s the kind of headset I can use anywhere at any time. Why? Because despite its on-ear controls, Active Noise Cancellation, and premium sound, it’s both compact and lightweight and its headphone aesthetic looks great in any environment. The Mix 2 is also extremely comfortable and has excellent connectivity. Gamers looking for deep functionality like a dedicated boom mic and game chat mixer wheel won’t find it here, but for portability and versatility this headset really can’t be beaten. If you’re a casual gamer and you need something to match your busy lifestyle, this headset will fit like a glove. HyperX Cloud Mix 2 design and build If ever there was a versatile gaming headset suitable for just about any kind of listening, this is it. There are no obvious gaming traits that stand out in the Mix 2’s design, no RGB lighting or boom microphone. Instead, these cans display discrete black-on-black logos and an on-ear microphone that sits flush against the earcup’s outer rim. The headset’s build is flexible and durable. It sports a strong metal frame, swiveling cups, and an adjustable headband. The plush leatherette coverings are just the right thickness to prevent overheating, and the top cushioning keeps comfort levels high. If you just want tons of comfort and control in a headset that is so headphone-like you can use it anywhere at any time, then look no further — the Cloud Mix 2 is ideal… The Cloud Mix 2 is a petite size, measuring just 8 inches from top to bottom. The earcups are also small, measuring a mere 3.5 inches at their longest point. This compactness allows it to pack away into a slim hard case that takes up just a sliver of a backpack. One tip though: You will want to keep it cased when you’re not using it to prevent the exposed wires near the yokes from being severed. As well as being so versatile, the Mix 2 serves up equal dollops of comfort. The black leatherette earcup coverings are just the right thickness to prevent your ears getting hot. The Mix 2 totally nails clamp pressure too, with just the right amount of grasp. Indeed, you can wear this headset for many hours without getting the uncomfortable feeling some bulky headsets give you. So, if you’re thinking of working through long playlists or staying put for long gaming marathons, you can! HyperX Cloud Mix 2 compatibility, connectivity, controls The Cloud Mix 2 has good cross-platform connectivity. It connects to PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and mobile devices, so it can be your sole headset if you don’t own an Xbox. Connectivity consists of low-latency 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, or you can use Bluetooth. Everything you need is packed into the headset’s case — a dongle for the Wi-Fi and a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging and a USB extension adaptor. Additionally, a 3.5mm cable lets you plug in an old-fashioned analog cable. The Cloud Mix 2’s controls are evenly split between the left and right earcups. On the left is the power button, mute button, a USB-C port, and the 3.5mm jack. The right houses the volume wheel, ANC button, and a multifunction button. The latter allows you to control your media or answer and end phone calls at a second’s notice. I found the controls quite easy once I mastered the different press combinations that activated things like hybrid listening mode, or media controls like play, pause, or skip tracks. The right earcup houses a multifunction button with which you can control your media or answer and end phone calls.  Dominic Bayley / IDG Special mention goes to the volume wheel, which had a tight friction that makes micro adjustments very easy. This allowed me to get the perfect volume setting each time. HyperX Cloud Mix 2 performance The Cloud Mix 2 may have pint-sized earcups, but it has a big sound presence. In my testing, I was impressed by the power of the game music and effects like rings, pings, pops, and chimes beamed into my ears The audio sounded just the right distance away, neither too far nor close. The sound quality was also very refined. There was a distinct absence of the kind of distortion I hear sometimes when I switch from Wi-Fi mode to Bluetooth mode. To be sure, this headset sounded clear and crisp playing all kinds of media. I listened closely to how the frequencies played out, and in default mode the Cloud Mix 2 was strongest across the mids and treble frequencies. It dropped bass admirably too, although lower tones did play second fiddle to higher tones. That suited me to a tee, accentuating my go-to games that were riddled with medium-to-higher tones. For instance, the frantic throng of the music and realistic swipes and slashes of swords and staves in Black Myth: Wukong made the action a whole lot more frenetic. Music was equally enjoyable. Instrumentals in the treble zone floated above the rest of the audio while vocals occupied more of a middle ground, sounding natural and unstrained. That said, the sound from the microphone was less impressive. It had a veiled quality at times, which a dedicated boom microphone might have avoided. The ANC worked well to keep noise at bay too, but it blocked sources further away better than those close by. It subdued the low groan of a leaf blower outside my house, but not the knock of my coffee cup against my table. Dominic Bayley / IDG As well as ANC, the headset has a hybrid listening mode, which allowed me to hear environmental sounds like family members talking. This worked well most of the time, although I did find the headset’s algorithm needed a second to drop out the audio source in the earcup closest to the direction the sound was coming from. This meant I lost a little of the first part of what was being said to me. What I loved most about the Cloud Mix 2 was its portability. It’s a lot smaller and more portable than other headphone-like headsets like the Razer Barracuda Pro, which makes it lighter to carry and easier pack away. Consequently, it became a permanent fixture in my travels between work and home, where I put it to good use for gaming, music, and or podcasts. To be sure, passengers on my morning bus ride would never have suspected that I’d just finished up a session of Black Myth: Wukong and was now making my way through my song playlist — it really was that discreet. The battery life is also excellent. HyperX says you can expect approximately 110 hours of playtime between charges. I didn’t drain the battery in my playtesting, but it was still going strong after 27 hours of intermittent use, which is a promising result. HyperX Cloud Mix 2 software I made settings changes to the Cloud Mix 2 in the Ngenuity software app. I was pleased to see that the app found my headset first go, and that it had five readymade presets that covered most of my audio requirements. I could also adjust the master volume and the mic volume and toggle control of the ANC on or off. The app also gave me the option to create or export my own profiles, although upon trying to do this there didn’t appear to be any equalizer with which to adjust frequencies. I’m not sure why that was… whether the Cloud Mix 2 just doesn’t support this feature, or if the app required further updating. Either way, its absence limited my personalization options with the Cloud Mix 2. Should you buy the HyperX Cloud Mix 2? With its clear and refined sound, excellent controls, and a full smattering of connectivity options, the HyperX Cloud Mix 2 makes a great headset for causal gamers. If you need a mixer wheel and boom microphone for your gaming, then this headset won’t suit you. But, if you just want tons of comfort and control in a headset that is so headphone-like you can use it anywhere at any time, then look no further — the Cloud Mix 2 is ideal. Read...

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