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xTool P2 review

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The xTool P2 Laser Engraver is one of the most comprehensive laser engraving solutions that I have seen. Sure enough, there is the formidable Glowforge, but with all the additions and ease of use of the xTool P2, it easily stands above its competitor as one of the best laser engravers when it comes to simplicity and ease of use.  When the xTool P2 arrives there is a little setup time and you should anticipate a good hour to make yourself familiar with the machine and find all the bits and pieces you'll need to get started such as purified water. This isn't just filtered water, you'll need to buy it from your local DIY store, but it's cheap and readily available. This water is mixed with anti-freeze that's then poured into the coolant system; if you have any doubts about the quality of this machine, those are quickly dispelled in the first hour as you set up and get to know your P2.  (Image credit: Ali Jennings) Once panels are refitted, and the lid close...

Garmin Forerunner 965 review: That AMOLED screen brings it all together –watch out Apple

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Garmin Forerunner 965: One minute review This is the watch that takes one of the best Apple watch features and adds it to Garmin – that stunning AMOLED display. Yet, this manages to offer at least five days more battery life than almost any of the other competition with the same display. To be clear, this model comes as a screen upgrade following the release of the very similar Forerunner 955, nine months before. So while the upgrades from that to this aren't huge, it's worth noting that the model was a near-perfect jump forward anyway. Add this screen and it's a real heavy hitter. Garmin also released the Forerunner 265 alongside this model, also packing an AMOLED screen but at a lower price point. For anyone who wants one of the best multisport watches you can buy, the 965 is – as you can see from the star rating – where it's at. As such the price is representative of what you get, meaning it's high. For what you get this justifies that cost, as this review...

Nanoleaf Ultra Black Shapes review: Nanoleaf’s most chic smart light panels yet

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One-minute review Nanoleaf has fast become a popular brand, producing some of the best smart lights on the market. In particular, its ranges of wall panels and lines have been allowing smart lighting fans to unleash their creativity and design their own illuminating wall art.  The standard Nanoleaf Shapes range includes three different form factors; Canvas, Hexagons and Triangles, and with the release of the Nanoleaf Ultra Black Triangles last year, and Hexagons this year (UK and US only as of writing), its Ultra Black Shapes lineup is now following suit. For this review, I tested the Hexagons. Offering simple setup and installation and great app controls, the Nanoleaf Ultra Black Shapes are a quick, easy, and effective addition to any room; but with the starker black coloring, I’d say they best suit an office, studio, or rooms with darker walls. (Image credit: Future) Despite the dark backdrop, the lights are surprisingly vibrant and bright; although not enough to t...

HP Dragonfly G4 review: the perfect travel laptop for professionals

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HP Dragonfly G4: One-minute review A perfect laptop may not exist, but the mighty HP Dragonfly G4 sure comes pretty damn close.  One of the best thin and light laptops of 2023, this HP notebook is a bit of a rarity, being a business laptop that doesn’t feel bulky or business-y for that matter. In fact, it takes on an Ultrabook approach, with its thin and light form factor, sleek and stylish design, and battery life that will outlast your own. And it does that so well I would consider this among the best Ultrabooks I’ve tested.  That makes it the best laptop to take with you on business trips or if you’re traveling for a long period and need something with a lot of power.  The Dragonfly G4 also has very few faults. There are only two flaws I could think of – the subpar speakers and the missing SD card slot, and neither of those are deal-breakers.  That near-perfection will cost you a lot of money, however. Like many business laptops and Ultrabooks, this one ...

DreamFoam Essential mattress review: A budget-friendly mattress to fit anywhere

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DreamFoam Essential mattress: Two-minute review The DreamFoam Essential mattress, from parent company Brooklyn Bedding, is a basic, all-foam bed-in-a-box with some important distinctions. Formerly known as the Brooklyn Bedding Chill mattress, it doesn't trap heat like many foam mattresses do.  What really sets this mattress apart is the wide variety of sizes from which to choose. The thickness you choose determines the firmness for the DreamFoam mattress. There are five different options, ranging from six to 14 inches, which translates to a range from 'firm' to 'medium-soft'. Most notably, there are 22 different mattress sizes available, many of which are especially for RV or boat spaces. (Image credit: Future) My husband and I slept on the 10-inch thick, queen-sized mattress for three weeks. In my testing, I found the DreamFoam's motion isolation to be good, which is important for couples. Despite having different sleep preferences – I'm a side ...