This Week The Trend (Issue 52)
This week's picks include running shoes, USB-C cable, and smart lights.
How I’d spend $500: Tracksmith Eliot Ryder
Up until now, most running shoes could have a stylish appearance or max-cushion, but not both. The Eliot Ryder packs in 45mm of foam underfoot without the unfashionable bulk. But it's not just vanity. The Eliot Ryder is comfortable and stable, ideal for long, slow runs. I've been running in them and have been wowed in my early miles. From a generous toebox to a refined tongue, the shoe has been extremely comforting. Men's and women's sizes are available.
Value Score: Fair
On one hand, $220 is a ton of money for running shoes. The context, however, is that comparable shoes aren't a ton cheaper. My other Tracksmith shoes have lasted a long time, so if the Eliot Ryder proves as durable, then you should get a lot of use out of them.
How I’d spend $150: Philips Hue Starter Kit
I've had the same Philips Hue smart light bulbs in my kitchen for around 12 years. The lights themselves haven't missed a beat. So, if you're considering adding smart lights to your home, this four-pack of 60W (equivalent) bulbs and hub is a good place to start.
The lights are capable of a full color spectrum, as well as adjusting the color temperature. They can dim to 2% brightness. They're compatible with Apple, Google, Amazon, and other smart home platforms. So they can be controlled with voice, app, or tons of accessories, including just a regular wall switch.
Value Score: Fair
Right now, the $80 four-pack of bulbs is down to the same price as the two-pack. Hue lights do cost a premium over other options, but they're the most reliable ones I've ever tried over the last 12 years.
How I’d spend $50: Nomad ChargeKey V2
Nomad's ChargeKey V2 is one of the slickest travel USB-C cables out there. It's only about 4.5 inches in total length, but that just means it fits anywhere. I carry it as a backup. It has metal tips for durable construction. But those pieces are also magnetic, so they snap together and stay aligned. Better, the cable supports up to 240W of power and 10Gbps data transfer.
Value Score: Fair
The cable only shows 5% off right now on Amazon, but it's actually 20% off of its full $35 retail price. That's still a little pricey for a USB-C cable. But the way it's built, it should last forever.
The winning pick: Nomad ChargeKey V2
This cable is built like a tiny tank. It has a clever design that can clip onto a keyring or just sit in a tech pouch. It's perfect for charging or transferring files. While its short length prevents it from being a solution in every case, it should fill a lot of needs.
Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.
An expensive pick: Roborock RockMow X120H
As convenient as a robot vacuum cleaner is for your living room, a robot lawnmower offers a similar level of assistance outside. I saw the Roborock RockMow X120H last September, and now it's finally out in the US.
This unit doesn't need wires or other tricks to map and navigate a yard. It can do so just from LiDAR and cameras. Its four wheels and beefy suspension make it capable of navigating lots of terrain types. It has adjustable blade heights and is capable of an 80% slope climb, plus many more features all packed in.
This isn't a cheap unit, but it is $700 off its retail price right now for the US launch.
Media pick: Mayday
The summary of Mayday is that Ryan Reynolds is a fighter pilot in the '80s and gets shot down in the Soviet Union. He's befriended by an outcast and the two of them make their escape together. If it was anyone other than Reynolds in this role, I would have ignored it. But his brand of humor, the kind he brings to most of his films, might just make this one work.
Mayday will be released on Apple TV on September 4.
This week's other interesting deals and product news
- Nomad is having an anniversary sale with products up to 30% off.
- Apple's back-to-school promo is happening now. Get a $100 gift card when you buy a MacBook Air, iPad Air, or iPad Pro—or $150 gift card for a MacBook Pro.
- The Elegoo x emoji Centauri Carbon 2 3D printer is down to $429, from $489 until July 19.
- Anthropic is giving teachers in the US, K-12, free access to Claude for Teachers.
- Huckberry is having a summer sale on clothes and gear.
- Info about Google's Pixel Watch 5 coming in August leaked.
- Flighty has a new, revamped feature for better directions to make connecting flights.
- Skullcandy's newest Crusher 1080 ANC headphones are out now.
This week's published stories
- Tracksmith Eliot Ryder review [Yahoo]
- Nothing Ear (3a) review [Yahoo]
- Mophie 4-in-1 wireless charging stand review [Yahoo]
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