The Buying Game (Issue 27)
This week's picks include a tiny camera, special running shoes, and a record player.
How I’d spend $500: Sony PS-LX3BT Turntable
Sony is back with a new turntable after a several-year hiatus. There are actually two new models, but I think the LX3BT is a solid option for most people to get started with or upgrade to, from a more basic model. It features full automatic operation, gain adjustment, built-in RCA cables, Bluetooth, and nearly everything you could need to start listening right out of the box.
Price: $400 (link)
Value Score: Fair
This $400 unit is coming in February, but is now available to pre-order. I’ve used Sony’s older models, which this one replaces, and it was excellent for people who want that automatic experience. You can even use this model to digitally transfer vinyl records, if preservation is on your mind.
How I’d spend $150: Reebok FloatZig Tread
I’m completely fascinated by the FloatZig Tread running shoes. They have low stack height and are designed to be used on a treadmill, which are typically much softer to run on than streets. Of course, the first thing I did with my test pair was to take them outside and see how they handled a 5K around the neighborhood. It’s to be determined on how they perform on a treadmill.
Price: $110 (link)
Value Score: Good
Even if you don’t exclusively run on a treadmill, these might be intriguing as a travel running shoe that gets used primarily in hotel gyms, or a few short miles outdoors. They’re light and should be easy to pack.
How I’d spend $50: Kodak Charmera Digital Camera
They say, the best camera is the one you have with you. So, being small enough to fit on a keychain means the Kodak Charmera should definitely be with you whenever you need to capture a memory. The tiny camera can record video or take 1,440 x 1,080 1.6MP photos. It can use up to 128GB TF memory card. And if you’re feeling creative, it has several borders and filters that you can apply to the pictures.
Price: $35 (link)
Value Score: Fine
This product is all about whether you find charm in nostalgia and creativity through limitations. It’s a toy and kind of a gimmick, but toys are supposed to be fun and played with. So, it all works out.
The winning pick: Reebok FloatZig Tread
There aren’t many running shoes on the market with a low stack height. In recent years, it’s been all foam, all the time. These could be another option for people who like more ground contact. But, with all that said, the Tread are still a solid price for running shoes. And if you are in the market for running shoes, keep an eye on the FloatZig Double, which offer a lot more cushioning for longer runs. (Those are a value too, at $140.)
Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.
An expensive pick: Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow
The Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow may not be able to climb stairs like the Roborock Saros Rover, but this new one does have a roller-style brush that self-cleans as it mops. It also has high suction, a moving mop to reach baseboards, and a capable vision system for object avoidance. I haven’t tested this vacuum and mop yet, but it’s already sitting in my entryway waiting to be used. Based on my extensive testing of other robot vacuums, I have no doubt this one will be decent. At launch, it’s $150 off, down to $850.
Price: $850 [retail: $1,000] (link)
Media pick: Masters of the Universe
Any child of the '80s should have at least a passing connection to He-Man and Skeletor. The first trailer for the live-action film is out now. The movie hits theaters this summer on June 5. It looks predictable and Marvel-esque, but importantly, it doesn't look bad. I don't know if I'd go to the movies for this, but it will be great when it's streaming on a service I subscribe to.
This week's other interesting deals and product news
- Netflix has changed how we watch movies, and Matt Damon confirms that viewers need some help making sense of movie plots.
- Google now has free SAT practice exams in its Gemini app
- Roland announced its new Go:Mixer Studio this week. The audio interface is also on sale right now for $175, down from $200.
- Sony is officially moving its TV business over TCL—with some caveats.
- Volvo announced its new EX60 electric vehicle. It will start around $60,000, though the high-end variants will get up to 400 miles of range.
- Sony released its Linkbuds Clip open-ear buds, which retail for $230.