All posts in “Gear”

How to Make Your Old Laptop Feel Like New Again

Welcome to Product Support, a column devoted to helping you get the most out of the gadgets and software you already use.

That fresh-out-of-the-box performance you get from your laptop when you boot it up for the first few times doesn’t last, unfortunately: as programs and files start to clutter up the system, and more and more software updates roll down the pipe, as the years go by you can start to see some serious slowdowns.

You don’t have to just sit back and accept this gradual slide into obsolescence though. We’ve rounded up the most effective tricks for making your laptop feel like its younger self again. Give some (or all) of these a try and it’ll be like having a brand new machine…. almost.

1. Clear out the clutter

What’s the difference between your computer when you got it and your computer now? A whole host of programs and apps, many of which you probably don’t even need any more. Uninstalling as many of them as you can should give your laptop a bit more room to breathe.

Stick to the essentials: get rid of games you haven’t played in an age, and applications you tried for a bit but then abandoned. You can easily install this software again, if needed.

The same principle goes for the extensions and add-ons weighing down your browser too — get rid of the ones you don’t really need or have completely forgotten about, and your web browsing should speed up (fewer extensions mean fewer potential threats to your security as well). Both Apple and Microsoft have extensive guides on how to scrub your system of unwanted apps.

2. Lighten the startup load

As your laptop gets older, more and more of the applications you install will want to start up at the same time as the operating system. As this list grows, and includes more things that you don’t actually need, it can seriously impact the time it takes for your computer to wake up.

On Windows, open Settings (via the cog icon on the Start menu), then choose Apps and Start-up to see a list of programs starting up with the OS. You can also launch Task Manager (search for it from the taskbar), then open the Start-up tab to disable more low-level processes. On macOS, from System Preferences (in the Apple menu), choose Users & Groups and then Login items.

Don’t go too crazy here and start removing things that could be essential services. Just take out the programs you recognize that you know don’t need to be launching alongside Windows or macOS.

Macbook-Air-Review-Gear-Patrol-slide-4

3. Make sure your hard drive has breathing room

Whether your laptop uses an old mechanical hard disk drive or a more modern SSD, it will suffer if its drive is close to full.

It’s not just that you’ve got nowhere to install apps and save files. Spare hard drive space is often used as an overflow for system memory. So when you’ve got too many programs or files open at once, Windows or macOS will temporarily park some of the data on disk until it’s needed again.

As this available overflow space runs out, the system has to do more juggling, and can start acting sluggish if you’re trying to do a lot at once. Really, the more space disk space you’ve got, the better. A portable SSD like Samsung’s 500 GB T5 can go a long way to making sure you always having breathing room.

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4. Enlist some outside help

Various laptop-cleaning applications are out there, if you know where to look, which can give you a hand with tidying up the cluttered mess that your computer has become. Wise Duplicate Finder (Windows) and Duplicate File Finder Remover (macOS), for example, can spot and erase duplicate files for you—both are free to use with paid-for upgrades available in the app.

As an all-in-one system cleaner, IObit Advanced SystemCare works well for Windows: it cleans out temporary and junk files that you don’t need, and even tidies up the Windows registry settings file that can often become bloated. The software is free to use, with a paid-for pro upgrade available for more features.

On macOS, CleanMyMac is well worth a look if you want to boost the performance of your MacBook. It can free up space on your disk drive, optimize the performance of your apps, get rid of programs you’re no longer using. The software will set you back $35, but it’s very comprehensive, and a free trial is available.

That’s not a comprehensive list, but those are some of the best options out there—be wary of installing anything from developers who aren’t well known and don’t have a solid bank of user reviews to their name.

5. Use your operating system’s built-in tools

Both Windows and macOS come with a handful of built-in utilities that can put a bit more zip back in your laptop. For example, run the Defragment and Optimize Drive tool in Windows (search for it from the taskbar), and you can get Windows to tidy up the local hard drive and make it easier for applications to use.

Another Windows app you can search for from the taskbar is Disk Clean-up. This particular tool removes files on disk that you don’t actually need—temporary files, old system update files, cached files from the web, and so on. As you select each category you can see how much space you can free up.

Over on the macOS side, open the Apple menu, click About This Mac, and then switch to the Storage tab. If you then click Manage, you’ll see a host of clean-up options for your Mac, from deleting temporary files to wiping downloaded movies you’ve watched (you can always download them from Apple again).

On both macOS and Windows, make sure all the latest software updates are downloaded and installed (either Update & Security from Settings in Windows, or Software Update from the About This Mac dialog). This makes sure you’re running all the latest optimizations and bug fixes for your operating system.

6. The nuclear option

This one is not for the faint of heart, but it is the most effective: go right back to the beginning and start again with a fresh install of Windows or macOS. Before you do this, you should make sure all your files are safely backed up somewhere else, and that you can easily reinstall all your applications and games, because everything is going to be wiped.

The process is actually very straightforward on Windows. If you open up Settings (via the cog icon on the Start menu), then click Update & Security, then click Recovery, you can reset your PC. You’ll be left with a brand new version of Windows, and your laptop should run as well as it originally did.

The process on macOS is a little more involved. You need to restart your Mac, then hold down Command+R as it reboots. When the macOS Utilities window appears, choose Reinstall macOS, and follow the instructions on screen. When everything is done, your laptop will restart again.

Reinstalling Windows or macOS is so effective at making your laptop feel like new, you might want to think about doing it regularly—every few months or so. Just make sure your important files can be quickly restored afterwards (tools like OneDrive on Windows and iCloud on macOS are making this easier all the time).

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The Voyager Station will be the first space hotel when construction begins in 2025

Sadly, travel will never be like it used to if the pandemic does not end soon. As some regions enforce lockdowns once more until the vaccine completely rids the world of the 2019 novel coronavirus, we’re stuck here debating where to go next. Thanks to the Gateway Foundation and the Orbital Assembly Corporation, we have the Voyager Station to dream of.

Those with a fear of flying or heights, in general, should sit this one out. Why, you ask? Well, because this journey requires a lot of guts to sit inside something that uses rocket fuel to achieve lift-off. Yes, this is a step on your way to one heck of an accommodation.

Moreover, it comes with a view that’s to die for. The Voyager Station made its debut in 2019, but the low Earth orbit structure will begin construction in 2025. It’s mind-blowing that what was once the stuff of science fiction is now becoming reality.

When the space hotel finally reaches completion in the years to come, it can house up to 400 guests. Aside from rooms – in the form of pods – the Voyager Station will have options for its those who visit. Restaurants, recreational facilities, theaters, are just a few of what the developers plan to install.

Reusable rocket technology like the ones from SpaceX should keep costs down overall. The folks behind this monumental endeavor still have a lot to share about the Voyager Station. For example, weightlessness shouldn’t be a problem as an artificial gravity system will keep your feet firmly planted. We can’t wait to learn more about this groundbreaking project.

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Images courtesy of Gateway Foundation

The ARB Slide Kitchen Levels Up Your Outdoor Cooking Station

Cooking options are limited when you’re out in the great outdoors. There are portable cookers and other camping gear that do the job when you want to whip up something easy and simple. But if you have the ARB Slide Kitchen, you can definitely feed a family.

This is a fully-contained kitchen set up for your SUV or truck. As its name suggests, it slides out from the back of your vehicle and flips open into a backcountry cooking station. It sets up and packs in 15 seconds and stays in place without the need for a support leg.

A built-in slam latch drawer handle lets you pull out the slider and bring out the kitchen-grade stainless steel benchtop. The bench then locks into place and a red locking tab swings out the stove and sink. The ARB Slide Kitchen features a fully-retractable over-extension roller design for complete vehicle clearance.

This fully-functional outdoor kitchen even provides space for storing small items below the benchtop while at the end is an aluminum powder-coated drawer for cooking and eating utensils.

What makes the ARB Slide Kitchen simply amazing and reliable as an outdoor kitchen is its cooking capacity. It is equipped with a Thetford Argent 3 burner MK3 stove which comprises one large 2.5kW rapid burner and two smaller 1.25kW burners with flame-out tech. The stoves come with a tempered glass lid as a protective covering. Then there’s the 12L collapsible silicone sink to clean food, dishes, or wash hands. It comes with a dish drying base and can hold a max weight of 15kg.

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Images courtesy of ARB 4×4 Accessories

Forgot Which Side the Gas Tank Is On? There’s a Shockingly Easy Way to Know

close up of car fuel gauge with red needle

EujarimPhotographyGetty Images

Forgetting which side of the car your fuel tank is on can be one of the most embarrassing automotive faux pas you can make. Making it worse, it’s a mistake you have to stew in, blushing as everyone watches you awkwardly return to the driver’s seat, drive around the pumps to reorient your vehicle, then try to get back out and fill up as though nothing happened. It’s a Larry David level of awkward.

And don’t think it can’t happen to you. Sure, you might know your trusty ride by muscle memory, but what about if you’re renting a car? Borrowing a buddy’s vehicle? Buying a new car? Or what if, hypothetically, you’re a car journalist driving around a new test car every week and never remember to check before you get in the car for the first time?

Making it worse, automakers have never reached of a consensus about which side to use.Manufacturers like Ford or Nissan are tank-side agnostic, an individual vehicle’s packaging to determine which side to fill the fuel on. Volkswagen told Jalopnik that it puts fuel fillers on the right side of passenger cars for safety reasons; it sells mostly left-hand-drive cars, and filling up with a jerry can on the left would leave the owner standing in traffic.

(Some economists have proposed the gas tank side conundrum as a case study for equilibrium. Essentially, if manufacturers tried to standardized the tank on the right side, right-sided pumps at gas stations would be clogged, which would then incentivize some manufacturers to put fuel fillers on the left for a competitive advantage, putting us back at the state of affairs we have now.)

Whatever the reasons are for gas tanks being on different sides, there is a surprisingly easy way to tell which side your tank is on — even easier than looking at it beforehand and remembering, in fact.

Every new combustion car, even those with fancy digital instrument displays, has a fuel gauge. You know it’s the fuel gauge because there’s a little icon of a gas pump.

vw arteon instrument display

VW

Naturally, your eyes skim over that little icon to figure out where you are between E and F. But if you look closely at the fuel pump icon, there’s a tiny arrow pointing to the left or right. That arrow tells you what side of the car the tank is on.

vw gas gauge
That little triangle? That’s your savior.

VW

Yes, it’s that easy.

Now, you probably feel extra-foolish for not realizing about that arrow all of these years. But, hey, you’ll never make that mistake again. And it’s a great knowledge bomb to drop in a sibling if you’re in the car when they park on the wrong side of the pump.

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Save an Extra 20% on an Awesome Light Jacket for Spring

Spring is just around the corner, and as colder temps ease into warmer ones, with them comes mud season — the time when all of the snow melts and turns everything from grass, to dirt roads, to your favorite hiking trails into a sloppy mess. Mud season (or shoulder season as it’s also known) can be difficult to dress for. Temps can be freezing cold or balmy and breezy, often in the same week. A light jacket is crucial, and while that may sound silly, not all are created equal. Right now, Backcountry is offering an extra 20 percent off some awesome light jackets that are chock full of technical materials and features. Some standouts from the sale are the Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody, Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket and Backcountry’s own Stretch Rain Jacket. You won’t be sorry you added one to your wardrobe.

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Lululemon Just Restocked Its Popular Face Masks

Chances are, anyone reading this doesn’t need me to remind them how imperative it is to wear a face mask during the ongoing global pandemic. At this point, an updated out-the-door checklist of face mask, keys, wallet, and phone comes as second nature.

A year into our new normal, it feels like everyone is making face masks these days. This includes cult-loved activewear brand Lululemon, whose wildly popular face masks are finally back in stock today, March 1.

Lululemon Double Strap Face Mask 3-Pack

lululemon.com

$28.00

Distinguishing Lululemon’s face masks from other active lifestyle-friendly face masks is the adjustable two-strap design and comfortable feel. (We’re talking comfy on one’s skin and around the ears.) Given the track record Lululemon’s face masks have for quickly selling out, now’s a wise time to stock up on the reusable masks that Men’s Health argues is the best face mask out there.

Made from Ultralu, an ultra lightweight fabric used in the brand’s sport bras, Lululemon’s face masks boast a four-way stretch, moisture-wicking technology, and fast-drying capabilities. (All of which also allow for a comfortable, smooth feel.)

What’s more — and why shoppers would be wise not to procrastinate — is that aside from having a breathable feel and being well-suited for indoor and outdoor exercise, Lululemon’s masks are surprisingly affordable. The brand is currently packaging its masks in sets of three for only $28, which comes out to only $9.33 per mask.

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All the Watches You Missed from the 2021 Golden Globes

Sadly, there was no red carpet at this year’s socially distanced Golden Globe Awards event. However, that didn’t stop keen-eyed watch aficionados from scoping the wrists of celebrities as they gestured and accepted awards via webcam. Some dressed up for the occasion, others wore sweatshirts at home— but as always, there were some interesting watch choices.

So, without further ado, the nominees for best watch choice for the 78th Golden Globe Awards are:

Leslie Odom Jr.: Bulgari Octo Roma

odom

Courtesy

bulgari

Bulgari

Leslie Odom Jr. played Sam Cooke in the film One Night in Miami and wore a Bulgari Octo Roma for the award ceremony. He was nominated for “Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture” and “Best Original Song — Motion Picture.” The Bulgari Octo Roma he wore is based on a classic Gerald Genta design with a complicated case and eight-sided bezel.

Price: $7,350

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Nicholas Hoult: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Large Duoface Small Seconds

hoult

Courtesy

jlc

Courtesy

Nicholas Hoult was nominated for “Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy” for his role in the Hulu comedy series set in 18th century Russia, The Great. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is a classic choice for swanky events like this. The Duoface models are more complicated than the classic Reverso, and feature a different dial on each side of the reversible case in order to display two time zones.

Price: $21,300

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Nicole Kidman: Omega De Ville Trésor Moonshine Gold

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Nicole Kidman via Instagram

watct

Courtesy

Nicole Kidman was nominated for “Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television” for her role in HBO’s The Undoing. The Tresor line offers Omega’s most elegant and gala-appropriate models, and the particular version Kidman wore features the brand’s “Moonshine Gold,” 38 full-cut diamonds and a quartz movement.

Price: $24,300

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Sacha Baron Cohen: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional

sacha

NBC

omega

Omega

Sacha Baron Cohen won “Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy” for his Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. The actor and his films might be controversial, but his watch choice is safe, down-to-earth and conventional. The particular model he wore (on his right hand) is the latest Moonwatch upgrade with the excellent 3861 movement and other enthusiast-oriented details.

Price: $6,300

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Lee Isaac Chung: Rolex Datejust

lee

NBC

rolex

Rolex

Lee Isaac Chung wrote and directed the film Minari, which won “Best Motion Picture — Foreign Language.” Holding his daughter while accepting the award via Zoom, a Rolex Datejust was clearly visible on his wrist. An iconic watch in any form, Chung’s DJ featured a two-tone case with a gold dial and smooth bezel — rather than the familiar fluted option.

Price: $13,150

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And the winner for best watch choice for the 78th Golden Globe Awards is:

Eugene Levy: Omega Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon “Meteorite”

eugene levy

NBC

omeag

Omega

Eugene Levy was nominated for “Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy” for the TV comedy Schitt’s Creek. Part of a series of interpretations of the classic Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, the Grey Side of the Moon is produced in grey ceramic with gold highlights and a meteorite dial. This is definitely the kind of watch choice he didn’t simply phone in, and it reflects a relatively eccentric but mature taste.

Price: $15,600

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Nike Secretly Just Updated One of Its Fastest Running Shoes

Talk about sneaky. While the rest of the world was distracted by, well, everything, Nike closed out February by quietly releasing a new version of its top marathon running shoe: the ZoomX Vaporfly Next%.

The carbon plate-enhanced running shoe has been ubiquitous at marathons around the world since its release in 2019. That’s partly because its proven speed has made it a top choice of those hoping to set records, but also because its highlighter green and pink uppers are impossible to miss. The Next% 2, however, is all white with black accents and a tiny hit of orange.

Color isn’t the sole update Nike made to its revolutionary running shoe, though. The designers tweaked the engineered mesh upper to make it more breathable, reinforced it at the forefoot to prevent it from wearing out quickly and added padding to the tongue to ease pressure from tight lacing. The ZoomX foam sole with its incorporated carbon fiber plate remains unchanged.

Here comes the bad news: if you slept in over the weekend, you’re out of luck, because the ZoomX Vaporfly Next% sold out as fast as it arrived. Nike does have plans for a wider release of the shoe in an aqua color on March 25, though, so mark your calendar. (Or, pony an extra $50 for the even faster Air Zoom Alphafly Next%, which is still available in all sizes.)

Price: $225

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Knoll’s Hipso Desk Is the Ultimate Home Office Upgrade

Commercial office designers and design firms spend countless hours and countless more dollars perfecting the ergonomics of workstations — scrutinizing over every detail. It’s why you often find sit-stand desks and adjustable monitor arms in office settings. Promoting movement and ergonomics in your home office should be just as high of a priority as it is in commercial offices. Luckily, Knoll makes it easy with its suite of home office necessities that are not only a gold standard for ergonomics, but are also stylish and refined.

For the ultimate home office setup, start with the Hipso Height-Adjustable Desk, then pair it with the Sapper Monitor Arm, ReGeneration chair and Tip Table Lamp from Muuto. To learn more about why the Hipso should be the keystone of your home office, read on below.


hand pulling at tab of knolls standing desk

Knoll

man standing at his knoll desk

Knoll


1.

Style to Fit Any Space: The Hipso’s desktop is available with either square corners or radiused corners, with four and three different finish options respectively. It also comes with either a white or black base, so you can fully customize it to your space.

2.

A Flexible Solution: It’s also available in three different sizes, so there’s a streamlined solution no matter how big or limiting your space is. And even if your floor is uneven, Knoll thought of a solution for that too, with leveling feet that offer up to a half-inch of adjustment.

3.

Dual Motors for Even Lifting: With dual motors that lift smoothly and evenly, there’s no need to worry about operating the Hipso while you have all of your work essentials on top. You can load the Hipso up with a max of 265lbs as well, so go ahead and run four monitors, a laptop and top it off with a hefty lunch.


Price: $585+

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Gear Patrol Studios is the award-winning branded content agency of Gear Patrol based in New York City.

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These Insanely Handy Storage Bags Will Change the Way You Do Leftovers

Looking for more of the best deals? Check out Today’s Best Deals, where we collect the best savings, discounts and promotions every day.


Sure, Ziploc bags and Tupperware do a fine job of keeping food fresh for a few days after cooking. But Stasher is rethinking food storage in a way that will change the way you pack lunch, store leftovers, reheat food, cook and clean.

Since their debut in 2016, the self-sealing platinum silicone bags have garnered widespread recognition, including Red Dot and Global Innovation awards. Stasher’s airtight bags are microwave-, freezer- and dishwasher-safe and suitable (if not ideal) for use during sous-vide cooking — reusable up to 3,000 times, or over eight years of daily use.

Right now, you can save up to 25 percent on a whole host of Stasher sizes and colorways. The 9.9-ounce size is perfect for half-used lemons, the four-pack small bundle is 21 percent off and the Stand-Ups can fit meal leftovers.

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Yearbook by Seth Rogen

The famous comedian and actor has come out with a book of essays. Yes, read that line again. Yearbook is a collection of funny essays based on true stories in Rogen’s life. The book covers…

The post Yearbook by Seth Rogen first appeared on Cool Material.

Razer Kiyo Pro Webcam

Face it, you typically look pretty frightening during Zoom calls and streaming webcam videos. Although we can’t physically make your face better, at least the new Windows-only Razer Kiyo Pro can help improve situational matters.…

The post Razer Kiyo Pro Webcam first appeared on Cool Material.

Celebrate 25 years of Pokémon with the exclusive Zavvi x Pokémon collection

Game Freak, the developers behind the smash hit monster-catching game series are celebrating its 25th anniversary right now. To the delight of fans, surprise announcements for New Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, and Pokémon Legends Arceus were made. Meanwhile, the Zavvi x Pokémon collection is perfect for those who want to show their support through fashion.

For years, Nintendo – the publisher behind this global gaming pop culture sensation — really knows what we want. Aside from the regular stream of merchandise, anime, movies and other tie-ins, some folks love to mix the IP with fashion.

The products under the Zavvi x Pokémon label all look stylish with just enough details that will appeal to both kids and adults. Don’t deny it, because once you’re hooked it’s for life. There are a lot of options to choose from in this special product line.

As with any collaboration, there are limited-edition offerings to commemorate the beloved RPG franchise. Meanwhile, for the Zavvi x Pokémon, we have the Pokémon Box Collection. This special release includes four items: A black hoodie, black baseball cap, black embroidered socks, and a white cosmetics bag.

Then there’s the 25th Anniversary Pokémon Mini Collection. This box packs a black hoodie, a white sweatshirt, and a yellow t-shirt. Finally, we have the Pokémon Pikachu 25th Black Adult Signature High Top, which is an awesome pair of kicks to keep or wear. Each piece in any of the bundles all features Pikachu with the number 025. We hope the Zavvi x Pokémon collection will have more to add in the future.

Check it out

Images courtesy of Zavvi/The Pokemon Company

The 2022 Acura MDX is a Big, Fancy, Fun-to-Drive Honda Crossover

When you’ve been a car journalist for a while, you can tell when a manufacturer is erecting a smokescreen with a new car. Obfuscatory language stands out like a sore thumb; the mantras about the car come off too rehearsed; the first-drive experience feels a bit too curated. It’s not hard to hone in on what the carmaker doesn’t want to talk about. You can also learn to detect the precise opposite — when a manufacturer knows they have an absolute worldbeater of a new car, especially in a segment where they make big money.

That’s how Acura clearly feels about the new fourth-generation MDX crossover.

How do I know? Acura held a Zoom call for the myriad journalists who would be testing the new midsize luxury SUV. During the video chat, the brand’s employees proclaimed the car as the brand’s new flagship, and had engineers spend nearly an hour running through a 60-slide PowerPoint detailing every single thing they improved for the new model.

Acura was so confident about the new MDX, in fact, that they brought me to some of the curviest roads southeast Michigan has to offer (admittedly, they’re not that curvy) and invited me to pit against not just the outgoing MDX, but also rivals from Audi, Lexus and Volvo. They were practically daring me to find fault — and truth be told, there wasn’t much to be found. The 2022 Acura MDX shows that Honda’s technical precision remains a wonderful thing.

What We Like

The new Acura MDX looks dramatically better than its predecessor. The exterior is sportier and more athletic, stretching 2.2 inches longer and wider alike, but not all in the same places; a long hood means more than four inches has added to the dash-to-axle ratio. Like the new TLX sedan, its profile reads like a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle.

The interior gets a nip-and-tuck as well, ditching the double screen situation from the last generation. My A-Spec trim managed to pull off red leather seats without any hint of “Dad’s trying to look young” vibes, which is a feat in and of itself. And Acura doesn’t make you choose between extra seating or captain’s chairs in the second row; the middle seat can fold into a center console or be removed entirely.

The MDX made a leap forward on the driving front, too. My tester had Acura’s oddly-but-aptly-named Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which is one of the best torque vectoring systems, period. On top of that, for 2022,Acura upgraded the MDX’s handling, ride quality and body control with a new double-wishbone front suspension, a much stiffer chassis, bigger brakes, wider wheels and tires, and improved electric power steering.

The MDX also uses a new 10-speed automatic transmission that Acura developed in-house, tuned for quicker acceleration than the old unit thanks to a lower first-gear ratio and smarter highway downshift programing.

Put it all together, and you get an three-row family SUV that’s ideal for bombing down bendy back roads, but still transitions nicely to the highway driving and school runs you actually use it for.

Watch Out For

Acura gets a lot out of its engine here, but the naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter V6 making 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque over from the previous model. Like most units propelling three-row family mobiles, it’s nothing special — though, a bit discordantly, you do get a lusty engine growl in the cabin. (Fortunately, Acura has a hotter Type S model coming with a livelier turbocharged 3.0-liter V6.)

The style and performance upgrades didn’t help the fuel economy. In AWD spec, the MDX gets the exact same figures as the 2020 model in EPA testing: 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. In practice, it’s hard to meet even those numbers; I averaged around 19 mpg combined over two days, and that was with a lot of placid freeway cruising.

Other Options

“Luxurious-but-not-opulent three-row crossovers starting around $50,000 with all-wheel-drive” is a crowded segment. Direct rivals for this car include the Audi Q7 (base price: $54,950), the Volvo XC90 ($49,000), the Lexus RX 350L ($48,000) and the Cadillac XT6 ($47,995). The first three, it should be noted, are near the end of lengthy model runs. (Lexus may have a more formidable competitor coming soon, too.)

The Genesis GV80 (starting at $48,900) is all new, and around the same price…but you need to level up to the $65,050 3.5T AWD Advanced+ trim to get third-row seats.

Verdict

The MDX makes a strong case for itself. If your school run involves a canyon road, it should be on your short list of three-row crossover; if you’re all about that VTEC life, have outgrown a TLX and don’t mind spending this amount of money on a car, it’s a great buy.

There’s just one problem: the Kia Telluride. The reigning World Car of the Year is around $15,000 cheaper in every spec; it’s arguably just as good looking, feels about as luxurious in top-shelf form, and you can load one up for the same price as a base MDX. That said…it’s certainly not as much fun to drive.

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2022 Acura MDX SH-AWD A-Spec

Base Price: $46,900 ($57,100 for SH-AWD A-Spec)

Powertrain: 3.0-liter V6; 10-speed automatic; all-wheel-drive

Horsepower: 290

Torque: 267 lb-ft

EPA Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway

Seats: 5

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What Running Gear Should You Spend Your Money On?

When the coronavirus pandemic began, gyms and fitness studios closed. But people didn’t stop exercising; they just did it differently. Many of them laced up their shoes and went outside for a run, some for the first time (or the first time in a while, at least). The phenomenon was visible; paths and trails suddenly seemed crowded, even as we spent more time at home and less in public spaces. A running boom was occurring, proclaimed media outlets, local and national.

The stats back them up. The popular fitness tracking app Strava recently published a report based on data from its 73 million users that reveals nearly twice as many people logged outdoor runs in the spring of 2020 as in the same period in 2019. The app amassed more than two million new users per month throughout the year.

A separate study by RunRepeat surveying nearly 13,000 people found that it was moderate and average runners who increased their mileage the most. It makes sense. Running is the most approachable type of fitness activity, requiring nothing more than a pair of shoes, some clothing and a sidewalk/path/dirt road/street. If you can’t go to the gym, where else do you go?

New runners and recommitted runners will quickly find that this spartan image of running is surface-level only — the running gear rabbit hole is as deep as that of any other activity. Nike makes a $275 running shoe, for instance, but even singlets can go for three digits. Knowing what to buy, how much to spend, what to spend a little extra on and what to keep basic isn’t always clear. Here’s our best, expert-augmented advice for investing wisely.

Don’t Cheap Out on Shoes.

Perhaps it’s obvious, but the first thing you should spend money on is your shoes. “Your feet are the primary piece of equipment for runners, so it pays to outfit them with high-quality gear,” says Cory Smith, founder and head coach at Run Your Personal Best and running gear reviewer for Gear Patrol, Outside and Gear Institute, among others. “There’s a huge difference between an $80 and $140 pair of shoes. Often the cheaper running shoes use lower quality, less durable foam.”

But that doesn’t mean you should buy the most expensive pair on the wall, either. Those $275 Nikes are the very same that Eliud Kipchoge wore to run the first sub-two-hour marathon in 2019; you don’t need them for laps around your neighborhood, and probably not your first go at a half marathon, either.

“It’s worth investing in a shoe that really makes your foot feel good,” advises Ashley Mateo, a running coach, marathoner, writer and gear tester.

Even Nike believes this, which is why it recently released the Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%, which has similar tech but is better suited to daily training (read our review of the shoe here). For $200, even this shoe is at the high end of performance that casual runners may not benefit from. Something like the $120 Air Zoom Pegasus 37, a best-seller for the company, may be more appropriate. (We’ve reviewed that one too.)

Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%, $200

Nike

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37, $120

Nike

Nike’s lineup is just one example; every running shoe brand offers models varying in fit and features to suit different running habits. “Go to a running store, get properly fitted/get your gait analyzed, and get a shoe that’s going to support your body in the most efficient, comfortable way,” says Mateo. Let fit and function guide your purchase, not price.

Socks Are an Affordable Upgrade.

Smith recommends pairing your shoes with high-quality socks. Running-specific socks offer targeted cushioning and compression, long-lasting durability, blister prevention and even odor control. A premium pair goes for around $15, so buying some is the most budget-friendly way to upgrade your running kit. Once you do, you’ll never go back to the basic cotton kind that comes in packs of six.

Try Balega’s Silver No Show socks ($15) for cushion and anti-stink tech, or Feetures’s Elite Ultra Light Quarter ($16) for compression in a lightweight package.

Balega Silver No Show, $15

Balega

Feetures Elite Ultra Light Quarter, $16

Feetures

Premium Apparel Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive.

You can get through a run in a cotton t-shirt and whatever athletic shorts you have lying around. The regulars who log laps around your neighborhood don’t do it in stretchy, sweat-wicking t-shirts and lightweight, Lycra-enhanced shorts for style, though, and affordable options do exist.

For example, Gear Patrol highly recommends Lululemon’s Metal Vent Tech Short Sleeve, which costs $78, but Patagonia’s Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt is equally awesome (and still far superior to cotton) for $45.

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Short Sleeve, $78

Lululemon

Patagonia Capilene Cool Lightweight Shirt, $45

Patagonia

Shorts come in a similar price range. At the high end are examples like Tracksmith’s $68 Session Shorts, which are lightweight, stretchy, odor-resistant and include a pocket for your phone that’ll keep it from bouncing around. Those same features are available in The Graves PX Shorts by Path Projects for $47, thanks to the company’s cost-saving direct-to-consumer model.

Tracksmith Session Shorts, $68

Tracksmith

Path Projects Graves PX Short, $47

Path Projects

Should You Buy a GPS Watch?

The first pricey accessory you might find yourself considering adding to your running kit is a GPS watch with a built-in heart rate monitor. Pros and amateurs use these to guide and track training progress, but, given that they can cost hundreds, does an everyday runner need one?

Smith says no, and Mateo agrees. “Yes, it’s super fun to track everything from your VO2 max to altitude adjustment to vertical oscillation, but certain watches can run up to $900,” she points out. “That’s insane. If you must track, all you really need to know is your pace, distance and total time.”

You can do that the old-fashioned way, with a watch, notebook and a little help from Google Maps. Alternatively, there are plenty of run-tracking apps available for free that have GPS tracking via your phone but won’t provide heart rate info. MapMyRun, Strava, Nike Run Club and Runkeeper are a few examples.

One Last Thing: Ignore the Hype.

Just because a particular shoe or brand is splattered all over Instagram and magazine pages doesn’t mean that buying it will lead to a better running experience for you. “Don’t buy anything just because someone else told you to buy it,” Mateo concludes. “Running is so specific to the individual; your anatomy and mechanics are in no way comparable to another runner, so buying something just because of the hype is a huge mistake people make.”

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How to Identify Original Omega Watches

Omega watches are world-renowned for their quality and craftsmanship. They’re also a huge status symbol for anyone wearing one.

Unlike other watch brands, Omega watches exude quiet confidence – a sense of self-awareness and stability. Because of this, con-artists around the globe are constantly trying to find ways to make copies to sell on the black market. Most copies are easy to spot due to how difficult it is to replicate the outstanding durability and craftsmanship of Omega watches.

The most copied model is the Omega Seamaster series, and, to the untrained eye, it might be difficult to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s not.

However, if you know what to look out for, you’ll never be fooled again! So, here are the biggest giveaways of a fake Omega watch.

Dials

One of the biggest giveaways of a fake Omega is the dial. Believe it or not, some con-artists seem to forget how to spell Omega. So, make sure you can see O-M-E-G-A before handing over any money.

Omega Logo

On an original Omega, the logo will not be directly engraved onto the dial. Rather, it will be attached as a separate piece of metal. If you hold the watch under a strong light, you will be able to see if the logo has been engraved or not.

Hands

Pay close attention to the hands. Due to the master swiss craftsmanship of any Omega, the minute hand should move at a smooth, fluid pace. If the hand is stuttering along, you can be sure that the watch is a fake.

Lumes

Every Omega comes with light-reflective lumes which allow you to tell the time in the dark. Some fakes still have lumes, but the quality will not be as good. If you’re unsure, hold your watch under a light for 15-20 minutes, and the lumes should still be glowing for at least half an hour afterwards.

Omega Serial Number

Every Omega ever made comes with a specific seven to eight-digit serial number unique to each watch. Check online to make sure that your serial number corresponds to your watch. Omega has also changed the engravement position in years gone by, so make sure your serial number is in the right place.

Unique Features

Lots of Omegas have special features that are unique to that model. Do some research on the watch you’re looking to buy to make sure all the features match up.

I hope this guide helps, and make sure you take the proper time when buying an Omega. These watches are lifetime accessories and they’re not often cheap, so make sure you aren’t being sold a fake.

Images courtesy of Omega SA

What Will Apple Announce at Its Next Event? Here’s What We Could See

Typically speaking, every March, Apple holds a big event where it announces new products — and we expect the March of 2021 to be no different. In 2019, we got Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and its first credit card, the Apple Card. In 2020, Apple introduced new versions of its MacBook Air and iPad Pro. What will this year’s spring event bring?

Well, we’re almost done with February, and while hard confirmation of a spring Apple event hasn’t cropped up yet, there’s good reason to suspect Apple’s got another spring event in the works. In the meantime, we’ve rounded up the latest rumors floating around the web. We almost certainly won’t see all of these at an upcoming event…but they’re all possibilities.

We might get a new iPad Pro and iPad mini

The most likely new hardware announcements will affect the iPad line, as Apple is expected to announced new iPad Pros and a new iPad mini. Don’t expect drastic redesigns, however.

The biggest change is expected to be to the two iPro Pro models. TechRadar is reporting that they’ll get a new-and-improved display with mini-LED technology, which should deliver OLED-esque levels of brightness and contrast, but without the potential issue of burn-in. The iPad mini could have smaller bezels and a slightly larger display.

Both the iPad Pro and iPad mini will likely get the M1 chip treatment, which should give them huge performance and efficiency boosts.

…or a more affordable external monitor

According to Bloomberg, Apple is working on an external monitor that’s a more affordable alternative to its high-end Pro Display XDR. Apple currently doesn’t make a so-called “affordable” external monitor, but it has recommended LG’s UltraFine line of external monitors for years — this new monitor could replace those.

This rumor has only been furthered by the fact that, according to MacRumors, Apple has removed LG’s UltraFine 4K and 5K displays from its online store across Europe. This March event might be too soon for Apple to announce this new affordable monitor…but who knows?

AirPods 3 are probably in the works

It’s been widely reported that Apple is working on new-look AirPods with a more compact design (meaning shorter stem) and swappable silicone eartips like the current AirPods Pro — and 52audio has just leaked apparent photos of these so-called “AirPods 3” that seem confirm these rumors. The photos also show a charging case that looks like a more-compact version of the AirPods Pro’s existing case.

A (finally) redesigned iMac

The iMac has looked pretty much the same since 2012. Sure, Apple has upgraded the display and guts a few times, but the design has remained largely unchanged. (Even the more pro-grade iMac Pro that was announced in 2017 looks almost identical to iMac — it’s just in a darker “space gray” finish.)

But that’s expected to change in the near future. Apple could release a redesigned iMac with a larger and near-bezel-less display. Other features likely will include Apple’s M1 chipset and potential support for Face ID, though a recent Bloomberg report says that might be pushed back.

We’re still waiting on AirTags

It’s been rumored that Apple would be announcing its “AirTags” for almost two years now. These would essentially be Apple’s version of what Tile has been doing for years: tiny Bluetooth trackers that attach to your things — your wallet, backpack, keys or bike — and allow you to easily find them through the Find My app. (Of course, we thought Apple would have announced these AirTags by now.)

An updated Apple TV isn’t out of the question

Apple released the fourth-generation Apple TV (now called the Apple TV HD) in 2015 and the subsequent Apple TV 4K in 2017 — and the two models, which look basically identical, have been largely untouched since. It’s unlikely that Apple is going to give us a completely redesigned streaming box, but it could release a new-and-improved Apple TV that’s more powerful and comes with a Siri remote that’s compatible with your iPhone’s Find My app. (I’d love a more portable streaming box, but that might be asking too much.)

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11 New Things to Keep Your Fitness Regimen Amped Right Now

Welcome to the second month of 2021. It may feel like the fourteenth month of 2020, especially if you’ve been working out on your outdated living room carpet since this time last year or running your regular four-mile loop in a clammy mask (maskne is all too real).

Even with normalcy’s plodding yet eventual approach, now might be a good time to change things up. Get a yoga mat to lay over that rug, and replace your mask. Or check out pro trainer Joe Holder’s new MasterClass on fitness and wellness fundamentals, which includes three workouts and classes on biomotor skills and food hacks.

Or simply revel in the month’s best new fitness gear releases from the comfort of your couch.

Reebok Nano X1

reebok nano x1 shoe

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The self-proclaimed “official shoe of high-intensity everything” is a gym shoe that can take on any workout, thanks to new tech as well as some that Reebok pulled over from its running line. The shoe comes in two variants: Grit and Knit. The former has a super-durable upper while the latter’s is softer. Both have a redesigned toe, supportive heel and Reebok’s Floatride Energy Foam, which it brought over from its running shoes.

Price: $130

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Nike ZoomX Invincible Run

nike zoomx invincible run shoe

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A year ago, Nike released the React Infinity Run, a running shoe it designed not to break records but to prevent injuries. The ZoomX Invincible Run is that shoe’s follow-up. Its foam is softer (and is the very same that Nike uses in its super-fast Alphafly NEXT%), and the entire sole expands out beyond the shoe’s profile, creating a broad platform that aims to be supportive for long training runs.

Price: $180

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SKLZ Athletic Intelligence

sklz athletic intelligence

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SKLZ’s latest products aim to pump up the mind along with the body. The initial line, which consists of a color-coded catching trainer and an agility ladder, works with an app called SwitchedOn that has a library of drills you can access from your phone. Cue the training montage that ends with you making the game-winning catch at the company softball game.

Price: $30

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Ten Thousand Recover Kit

ten thousand recover kit shirt and sweats

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With recovery being seen more and more as the key to optimal performance, it’s no surprise that Ten Thousand made a set of sweats to match its sharp line of training gear. Both the crewneck and pants feature a double-knit cotton-poly-Spandex fabric that won’t pill and comes with a permanent anti-stink treatment.

Price: $98

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New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11

new balance fresh foam 1080v11 shoe

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New Balance’s high-mileage running shoe’s latest iteration comes with structural upgrades like a more-supportive and breathable knit upper and a close-fitting heel. There was no need to change the midsole foam, which is sufficiently cushioned but doesn’t suck the energy out of your stride.

Price: $150

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Under Armour ColdGear Sportsmask Mock Long Sleeve

under armour coldgear sportsmask mock long sleeve

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Under Armour’s Sportsmask is one of the most comfortable and breathable face masks for running, biking and working out that we’ve tested. No wonder the company made a long-sleeve training shirt with one built right in.

Price: $80

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Protekt Liquid Supplements

protekt liquid supplements

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When Protekt co-founder and pro big-wave surfer Mark Healey set out to develop a line of hydration supplements, he focused on clean ingredients first. That’s why the energy mix uses caffeine from green coffee beans instead of more dubious concoctions and why all the formulas — energy, hydration, rest and immunity — are free of sugar and artificial dyes.

Price: $20

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Polar Verity Sense

polar verity sense

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There’s a lot to like about Polar’s updated standalone heart rate monitor. Primarily, a 20-hour battery life, 16 megabytes of data memory, a mode for swimming, a knit strap that’ll keep the sensor right side down, and the high heart rate accuracy that makes the company a favorite of data-crunching athletes.

Price: $90

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Tracksmith x Taylor Stitch

tracksmith x taylor stitch

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What happens when a detail-oriented style brand and a style-minded running brand team up? Pretty much exactly what you’d think: they produce a tight collection of clean apparel made of fabrics that are optimized for jogging, lounging and everything in between.

Price: $58+

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Mizuno TC11

mizuno tc11 red shoe

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Mizuno built this training shoe on a midsole enhanced with its COB technology, which consists of pod clusters that allow the wearer to better feel and connect with the ground, aiding balance. The TC11 also features a knit upper and a four-millimeter heel-to-toe drop.

Price: $145

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TriggerPoint Channel Roller

triggerpoint channel roller

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To complement its best-selling Grid foam roller, TriggerPoint released a specialty roller that can target specific zones with the combination of its recessed channel and even EVA foam surface. The channel provides a haven for sensitive areas like the spine and IT band while massaging nearby muscles.

Price: $45

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5 Cool New Running Shoes You Need to Know

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Lighter, faster, more stable — running shoes keep getting better and better.

LEARN MORE

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Nerf Unveils Smaller Projectiles That Reloads Fast and Shoots Harder with the Hyper Line

Now you can shoot foam projectiles for days without the need for reloads. Hasbro is back with another amazing upgrade to its line of recreational shooters with a faster and easier reloading blaster, the NERF Hyper.

This consumer-demanded line shoots harder and reloads faster so you don’t lose out on the competition. This is a performance-oriented blaster at its highest to date with a system that allows up to 100 rounds in seconds via 50 or 100-round canisters. This much capacity in a pistol-sized plaster is an amazing feat and it’s all thanks to the projectile size.

The NERF Hyper Line uses smaller foam projectiles so they take up little space in the canisters. The small size also allows for great distance coverage: they shoot harder up to 110 feet per second.

Hasbro has yet to announce a release date but there are three NERF guns in the line. First up is the $30 NERF Hyper Rush-40, a single-shot and 40-round pistol that fires on spring action and pull-back motion. Then there’s the $40 Hyper Siege-50, a pump-action shotgun design that holds 50 projectiles. It has slam fire too and fires as fast as you pump.

The flagship design in the NERF Hyper Line is the $70 Hyper Mach-100, which obviously holds 100 projectiles. That’s more than enough for a day’s worth of game. This shooter is a breeze to use as it is fully automatic and runs on D batteries and shoots out foam balls.  The loading capacity and harder shoots aren’t really what makes this line stand out. It’s the capacity-to-size ratio that makes it impressive. You can fit 100 Hyper rounds in the volume where you could only previously house 25 NERF Rival rounds.

Learn More Here

Images courtesy of Hasbro

LEGO is teasing Porsche fans with this 2-in-1 911 Turbo/Targa Creator set

Earlier this week, we shared a glimpse of Porsches new take on its EV platform – the Taycan. Not that there is anything wrong with the all-electric sports sedan, but we know you want options. Thus, the German carmaker is expanding the lineup with the Turbo S Cross Turismo. The sad truth is that not everybody can fit these rides into their budget. Thankfully, we can settle for a 911 Turbo/Targa set from LEGO.

While fans consider those under its Technic product line as the most detailed and sophisticated option for hobbyists, Items from their Creator catalog are equally as impressive. In fact, its most recent release was a 9,036-piece scale model of the Colosseum.

For the Porsche 911 Turbo/Targa, LEGO is also not taking any shortcuts. While it won’t match the Roman amphitheater’s scale and number of bricks, it makes up for it with mechanical touches. Out of the box, you have 1,458 pieces to work with, so handle with care.

Depending on the configuration of your choice, you can build it as a Porsche 911 Turbo or Targa. Unlike regular LEGO sets, there are minimal studs left visible upon completion. From what we could see, these are mostly on the bumpers of the vehicle. The rest of the body are smooth surfaces and curves.

Inside the cockpit, you can interact with the steering wheel, seats, gearshift, and emergency brakes. Lift the rear engine cover to view the naturally aspirated flat-six engine. For the convertible setup, you can remove the roof and store it under the front hood. Even the Porsche badging is presented accurately. LEGO never ceases to impress as the 911 Turbo/Targa Creator set shows.

Buy – $149.99

Images courtesy of LEGO