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Reviews Archive

Archives for May 2024

Alexa’s Fire TV search has a new AI, but it needs some workAlexa’s Fire TV search has a new AI, but it needs some work
Thomas Ricker
Thomas Ricker
A quick review of the Sitpack Campster 2.

Not every chair is a gadget, but this one sure is. Its lightweight, one-piece, collapsible design packs down small but still feels rock solid when sitting on uneven ground. The Campster 2 costs $110 before adding accessories like an insulated beer holster and a cozy quilted cover.

Click through the gallery for details and more impressions.

The Sitpack Campster 2 chair on grass near a table that’s next to a pair of shoes and a dog that wants you to throw his ball.
<em>It takes about 20 seconds to set up but does require a few dry runs to loosen everything up and build some muscle memory. I could probably get that time down to 10 seconds if a bear suddenly appeared and ordered me to sit.</em>
<em>It’s pretty wide at 19 inches (48cm) across. It weighs 3.23 pounds (1.5kg), which is very light but heavy compared to something like a </em><a href="https://helinox.com/products/chair-zero-l?variant=43734336864430"><em>Helinox Chair Zero</em></a>,<em> which is half the weight but costs $50 more.</em>
<em>It is ventilated to keep cool in the summer with two integrated side pockets.</em>
<em>Relaxed sitting position.</em>
<em>Packed down into its carrying bag </em>— s<em>hoes of regular-sized humans for scale. Good for car camping or a day hike but too big / heavy for ultralight backpacking or bikepacking.</em>
<em>Yes, there’s an optional insulated beer holster.</em>
<em>From the front: Fitted with a $9.95 optional insulated bottle / can holder, a $25 optional ground sheet (to prevent sinking in sand), and a $49 optional quilted cover to help fend off a cold wind.</em>
<em>From the back.</em>
<em>The mechanical base of the single-piece chair.</em>
<em>Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) feet for use on less durable surfaces. You will 100 percent lose these in time.</em>
<em>I’m 180 pounds (82kg), and the only flex I felt assisted with comfort without the base ever feeling unstable. It’s rated for 300 pounds (120kg) in case my dog wants to jump on my lap — which he did without issue.</em>
<em>Orange means camping in 2024.</em>
<em>Sitpack Campster 2 is finally on general sale and shipping to all. Production woes slowed down deliveries to the original Kickstarter backers based on </em><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rest/sitpack-campster-2/comments"><em>feedback in comments</em></a><em> — but that’s crowdfunding for ya.</em>
1/14
It’s tall for a camp chair, which makes it suitable for taller tables. The seat is 12 inches (30cm) off the ground, with the back measuring 28 inches (71cm) at its highest point.
Photo by Thomas Ricker / The Verge
This app put my Apple Home smart devices into an interactive mapThis app put my Apple Home smart devices into an interactive map
There’s no easy 3D printer, but Bambu has won me over

Creality’s K1C goes head-to-head with the Bambu P1P.

Sean Hollister
Ventje turns VW’s ID Buzz into a very charming e-camper

The eVentje custom buildout is a worthy all-electric successor to the iconic VW Camper.

Thomas Ricker
EcoFlow’s $200 PowerStream is so clever, you might buy a $4,000 solar generator

8

Verge Score

A mini power plant that turns a standard power outlet into a solar power inlet.

Thomas Ricker
Ring’s Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam hands-on: a fuller view of your home

It’s pretty in pink, and its 360-degree view is handy. But while Ring’s new pan-tilt cam has the moves, it lacks innovation.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Google Pixel 8A review: the sensible choice

8

Verge Score

At $499 with all the essential features, Google’s Pixel phone starts making sense.

Allison Johnson
The Sonos Ace headphones are here, and they’re damn impressive
Play

The company’s app redesign fumble threatens to steal the thunder from what otherwise looks (and feels) like a strong debut in a new category.

Chris Welch
A first look at Microsoft’s new Surface Pro with Arm chips insideA first look at Microsoft’s new Surface Pro with Arm chips inside
This smart smoker makes barbecuing indoors a breeze

The GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker delivers on its promise of bringing smoking indoors, but sadly its smarts didn’t make me a better pitmaster.

Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Sony’s new PlayStation PC overlay is a simple startSony’s new PlayStation PC overlay is a simple start
Bose SoundLink Max review: size-defying sound isn’t cheap

7

Verge Score

As usual, Bose’s audio processing makes this speaker sound excellent. But for $400, it’s fair to expect more features and more smarts.

Chris Welch
I touched a prototype Asus ROG Ally X, and it felt betterI touched a prototype Asus ROG Ally X, and it felt better
Razer Blade 14 vs. Asus Rog Zephyrus G14: uncompromised value

Where the Blade comes ahead in performance, the Zephyrus wins on value.

Joanna Nelius

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