Happy (belated) New Year and welcome to the 2019 Techaeris Q1 Editor’s Choice Awards! We started this awards program last year to highlight some of the gear and devices we’ve reviewed each quarter we thought were deserving.
We write up a lot of reviews each quarter and it’s not always easy narrowing things down so that makes
Editor’s Choice Musical Instrument: Fender American Performer Stratocaster
The Fender American Performer Stratocaster is the replacement for the Fender American Special. The American Special has been around for a while but Fender thought it was time for an update and a better price point for their American made guitar lineup.
The Fender American Performer Stratocaster is just one of the guitars in the American Performer Series of guitars. The model names haven’t changed only the hardware and sound. Models in the American Performer Series include the Jazzmaster, Mustang, Telecaster HMM, Stratocaster, Stratocaster HSS, Mustang Bass, Precision Bass, and Jazzmaster Bass.
If you’re looking to get into an American made guitar without hurting your wallet too badly, the Fender American Performer Series Stratocaster is really a great choice. Be sure to click the link below to read the full review including links to where you can purchase.
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/02/08/fender-american-performer-stratocaster-review-familiar-styling-taken-to-the-next-level/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Fender American Performer Strat review[/button]Editor’s Choice Wireless Xbox One Headset: LucidSound LS35X
Last fall, a number of companies announced they would be finally be releasing
There are plenty of console headphone options out there but few offer up the Xbox Wireless one-button sync functionality that the LucidSound LS35X do. With an attractive, slick design, fantastic sound, and great battery life, the LS35X should definitely be on your consideration list if you’re looking for a wireless Xbox One gaming headset. It’s because of those points that the LucidSound LS35X has easily earned a Top Pick of 2019 Award here at Techaeris and have taken their spot as my (current)
Editor’s Choice Not Necessarily Tech: BedStory Lavender memory foam mattress
We get a fair amount of review pitches coming through our email servers on a daily basis. While most of them are technology related, some aren’t at all or at least just loosely technology related. I can safely say that the BedStory Lavender memory foam mattress falls into the “not technology related” category.
Most of the time we skip the pitches that have nothing to do with technology. But, on occasion, one or two catch our eye and we respond. The BedStory Lavender memory foam mattress was one of those pitches. While the mattress doesn’t have any inherent techie things about it, we know even techies need to sleep, and a mattress review might help someone out.
I honestly didn’t think I’d have this much to say about a mattress and pillows. But the BedStory Lavender memory foam mattress really impressed both myself and my wife. While I slept decently on our old mattress, this mattress is extremely comfortable, and I’ve been sleeping really well since we’ve had it…save a few times I had stress-related insomnia, but that’s another story.
I highly recommend you checking out the BedStory Lavender memory foam mattress. It’s well worth your time and gives back plenty of value for money. Be sure to click the link below to read the full review including links to where you can purchase.
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/01/21/bedstory-lavender-memory-foam-mattress-review-finally-a-good-nights-sleep/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]BedStory review[/button]Editor’s Choice Midrange True Wireless Headphones: TicPods Free
True wireless earbuds are starting to come in all shapes and sizes as they are becoming more popular. Our
At US$129.99, the
If you’re looking for a solid, comfortable, decent sounding set of true wireless earbuds, the Mobvoi TicPods Free should definitely be on your list of considerations. Be sure to click the link below to read the full review including links to where you can purchase these earbuds.
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/02/17/ticpods-free-review-comfortable-gesture-controlled-decent-sounding-true-wireless-earbuds/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]TicPods Free review[/button]Editor’s Choice 27″ Consumer Monitor: Dell P2719H 27″ monitor
In our latest review, we are taking a look at the Dell P2719H which is a consumer-grade monitor that should please most users. It’s not only versatile in function but also very easy to assemble and delivers solid performance for the consumer market.
The Dell P2719H is a great monitor for consumers and businesses. The highlight over something like the Dell S2719H is the ability to adjust the height, tilt, swivel, and pivot points. This is most certainly not a monitor for creatives, photographers, videographers, or gamers. Be sure to click the link below to read the full review including links to where you can purchase.
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/01/30/dell-p2719h-27-monitor-review-solid-performance-at-a-good-price/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Dell P2719H review[/button]Editor’s Choice Flagship Smartphone: Huawei Mate 20 Pro
With a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, the Mate 20 Pro definitely looks taller and is narrower than some of its counterparts. The phone is constructed with a curved glass front and back which wraps around the sides, top, and bottom. As a result, the device is a tad on the slippery side to hold (more on that in the Accessories section below), although it does feel nice and comfortable when held with one hand.
The Huawei Mate 20 Pro features a 6.39-inch, 19.5:9 aspect ratio, 2K+ (3120×1440) curved OLED screen. The display does take some getting used to with it wrapping around the edges of the screen. When looking at the display straight on, you may notice a bit of a blue tint on the curved edges. On that note, the Mate 20 Pro sports very narrow bezels — about 1/8” on the top and 3/8” on the bottom. The phone does have the notch which dips down about ¼” and about 1 ¼” wide.
The Huawei Mate 20 Pro has a full retail price of just over CA$1300. While that is expensive for a phone outright, compared to other similarly priced flagship devices, the Mate 20 Pro definitely offers value. Be sure to click the link below to read the full review including links to where you can purchase.
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/02/23/huawei-mate-20-pro-review-one-of-the-best-flagship-smartphones-around/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Huawei Mate 20 Pro review[/button]Editor’s Choice High-End True Wireless Headphones: Master & Dynamic MW07
The Master & Dynamic MW07 true wireless earphones are the company’s entry into true wireless. True wireless earphones have risen in popularity over the past year and continue to gain traction. While there are plenty of haters of true wireless technology, there is an equal number of lovers of true wireless technology.
When true wireless earphones first came out, they were rough. Connectivity issues were rampant and they didn’t last very long on battery. Most of the early versions were from unknown companies trying to make a splash. Most of the more established earphone makers waited until some of the early bugs were worked out. The Master & Dynamic MW07 have benefited from waiting.
If you’re looking for a pair of true wireless earphones that scream design, quality, and audiophile and don’t mind paying an entry fee, then the Master & Dynamic MW07 true wireless earphones are for you. These really are fantastic sounding earphones and they look amazing as well. Be sure to click the link below to read the full review including links to where you can purchase.
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/02/11/master-dynamic-mw07-review-beautiful-true-wireless-earphones-with-amazing-sound/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Huawei Master & Dynamic MW07 review[/button]Editor’s Choice 15″ Gaming Laptop: Alienware m15
Alienware is one of those brands which is synonymous with gaming. The trend these days is to make at least some of one’s gaming laptop lineup slimmer and sleeker, almost to the point of being able to them apart from a regular laptop.
Constructed using magnesium alloy, while thinner, the Alienware m15 still has some heft to it and feels solid when lifted up. Our review unit came with the Nebula Red
Not only was our review unit powered by the 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-8750H CPU but also came with 16GB RAM and the NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1070 Max-Q design with 8GB GDDR5 video card.
For our game performance testing, we tested at the native 1080p resolution with games install on the SSD drive (unless otherwise indicated) For Heroes of the Storm, set to Extreme settings and 1080p resolution, we averaged about 105fps but saw the frame rates hit as high as 140 and as low as 55. Either way, the game is totally playable on this system on Extreme settings.
There’s no question there are plenty of slimmer gaming laptop options out there. With its advanced thermal cooling technology, sleek gaming design, and various customizable options, the Alienware m15 definitely meets the criteria for a gaming laptop. Be sure to click the link below to read the full review including links to where you can purchase.
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/02/24/alienware-m15-review-relatively-compact-while-retaining-a-gaming-look/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Alienware m15 review[/button]Editor’s Choice Affordable Over Ears Headphones: Aiwa Arc-1
The Aiwa Arc-1 headphones are the first pair of Aiwa headphones we’ve reviewed, and I was pretty impressed with how clean and crisp these cans sound.
The Aiwa Arc-1 headphones do have a few other tricks up their sleeve though. They do support simultaneous connections so you can connect two phones or tablets to them. You can only play audio from one source, but you can switch over fairly quickly with this feature.
The Arc-1’s also come with a beta feature called Qconnect. You can connect your headphones to another pair of Bluetooth headphones so a friend can watch or listen with you on your device. You just need to pair the other headphones (any brand) to the Aiwa Arc-1 headphones and you’re set. Aiwa does say that this feature doesn’t work so great with video due to the latency between the headphones and device.
Clocking in at US$179.99 the Aiwa Arc-1 headphones are priced right for what you get. I’ve used US$250 headphones that sound as good as these, so I think they have a lot of value and can hold up to headphones at higher price points. Be sure to click the link below to read the full review including links to where you can purchase.
[button link=”https://techaeris.com/2019/01/31/aiwa-arc-1-headphones-review-impressive-clean-and-balanced-sound/” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Aiwa Arc-1 review[/button]Editor’s Choice Gaming Accessory: HyperX ChargePlay Quad
The Nintendo Switch comes with two controllers and a dock. However, there are many games which offer up four or more players to game together at once. Our HyperX ChargePlay Quad review takes a look at a charging dock for the Nintendo Switch that charges and stores up to four Joy-Con controllers at once.
The HyperX ChargePlay Quad is an affordable, slick looking quad port charger and
Congratulations to our winners for taking home our Techaeris Q1 Editor’s Choice Award! Be sure to click the links and read the full reviews on all of these products. Check back in Q2 to find out what devices and gadgets make the next round of awards!
What did you think of the Techaeris Q1 Editor’s Choice Awards? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter, or Facebook. You can also comment on our MeWe page by joining the MeWe social network.
Last Updated on February 3, 2021.
