Engadget’s hot reviews have it all this week: a new pocket cam, a 2-in-1 smart grill, two drones and an expensive vac. And that’s before we even get to the high-end gaming monitor that will only set you back $350. Read on for updates you may not have missed in the past two weeks as we prepare for another slate of big events next month.
DJI Osmo Pocket 4
DJI/Engadget
The Osmo Pocket 4 is still the best pocket vlogging camera you can buy. With excellent image quality, enhanced photos, great stabilization and pro D-Log mode, it’s incredibly easy to record everything from simple vlogs to near cinematic quality video. High level of portability and extended battery life make this a convenient camera for whatever you shoot.
- Excellent picture quality
- Improved low light performance
- Internal storage
- Modular accessories
- Still only 3K in portrait mode
- There is no dust or water protection for the gimbal
- No visible zoom
- Not available in the US
DJI’s Osmo Pocket cameras have become a staple of Engadget’s live events over the past few years. They are convenient, compact and high quality video production when it matters. Reviewer James Trew recently put the new Osmo Pocket 4 through its paces, concluding that “you get better image quality that will pay you back in the long run.”
Recteq X-Fire Pro 825
Recteq/Engadget
IX-Fire Pro offers the freedom of gas with the taste of wood pellets in the same grill. Although there may be other features, the build quality is very good and the performance is reliable.
- Two grills in one
- Reliable Wi-Fi devices
- Solid build quality
- The direct heat of the flame
- Small pellets
- No big smoke, stay warm or other useful methods
- Not compatible with wireless food probes
With the X-Fire Pro, Recteq set out to create a pellet grill that will appeal to fans of gas grills. The company has done just that, offering a dual-mode device that delivers a woody flavor you don’t naturally get from propane or natural gas. “The Recteq has successfully combined the best features of a pellet grill with a dedicated high heat mode and a variety of controls that grillers will be familiar with,” I said. “This model offers solid build quality, reliable performance and Wi-Fi connectivity for extended smoking sessions.”
Alienware 27 QD-OLED monitor
Dell / Engadget
In a world where every piece of gaming gear seems expensive, Alienware’s $350 AW2726DM 27-inch QD-OLED monitor feels like a gift to gamers on a budget.
- It’s incredibly affordable
- Three-year warranty with burn protection
- Simple, straightforward design
- QHD resolution with 240Hz VRR
- Rich colors
- Medium brightness
- Not a ton of ports
- There is no native support for G-Sync
Can a $350 gaming monitor offer enough to get the job done? When it comes to the Alienware 27 QD-OLED display, that answer is a resounding “yes”.
“The AW2726DM may not have all the nice features you find in more expensive monitors, but it’s a great example of a poorly made gadget done well,” says senior journalist Sam Rutherford. “You get ample ports, a sleek design and a great QD-OLED panel with solid resolution and refresh rate — all for just $350.”
DJI Lito drones and Dyson PencilVac
Like the Osmo Pocket 4, DJI’s latest drones are unlikely to make it to the US. However, if you live elsewhere, there are plenty of options available for under $400. “The Lito series shows that DJI aims to dominate all types of drone prices and categories, including the low end,” said journalist Steve Dent. “Despite their low prices, the new drones are not lacking in features, providing full obstacle protection, ActiveTrack head tracking, high speed and sharp 4K video quality — just like the more expensive models.”
If your spring cleaning could still use a jump start, maybe a fancy, small vacuum would do the trick for the easy job. “Despite its small form factor, the PencilVac is still a marvel of engineering,” said UK office chief Matt Smith. “Its high mobility makes it easy to clean in tight corners and between furniture. I wish it had more power.”
