Panasonic’s Eneloop Pro AA Batteries.

These are made with Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) chemistry and have low standard discharge, meaning they can hold a charge for years.

AmazonBasics AA High-Capacity Rechargeable Batteries are a reliable low-cost alternative. They are about 30% cheaper than Panasonic cells, but last only 75% as long per charge.

The Details

Panasonic eneloop pro batteries are high-capacity lower-cycle AA battery popular with electronics reviewers and photography enthusiasts. First launched back in 2006, Sanyo eneloop batteries (since acquired by Panasonic) use eco-friendly NiMH cells designed for use with a wide-variety of products, ranging from flashlights to cameras. Up until the eneloop’s debut, rechargeable batteries were prohibitively expensive and couldn’t hold a charge for anywhere near the length of their alkaline competitors.

Eneloop changed that, but still lacked a little when compared to alkaline batteries or newer competitors. Panasonic’s upgraded option, eneloop pro, can maintain a charge for an extended period of time, with a capacity of 2,550 mAh and Low Self Discharge (LSD) technology. LSD tech is thanks to a highly-durable super lattice alloy that prolongs battery life with increased hydrogen stability that leads a stable voltage output and reduced self-discharge. Expect an eneloop pro to still have 85% of its charge after a year and 70% of its charge for ten years.

What really sets eneloop pro apart is the increased performance in high drain devices, such as DSLR cameras and ultra-bright flashlights. Eneloop pro lasts longer and omits more power in these high power consumption devices when compared to similar NiMH rechargeable batteries on the market. Simply put, these are the best choice for photographers and survivalists.

The added power comes at a payoff, however. Eneloop Pro batteries are among the most expensive NiMH batteries on the market, and last for fewer lifetime charges. Panasonic estimates that an eneloop pro can be recharged 500 times, but number is even lower in reality. Compare that to Powerex’s Imedion AA, which boast 1000 recharges.

Another Option

AmazonBasics offers pre-charged high-capacity NiMH batteries for an affordable price. They are rated at 2400mAh, giving them a longer run-time than similarly priced competitors. They are ideal for everyday uses in low drain devices, like TV remotes and electronic alarm clocks.

Wirecutter found that AmazonBasics did not perform as well in high power devices, such as flashlights and digital cameras.

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The Cowon Plenue 1 portable MP3 player is diamond-carved out of a solid slab of aluminum, making it impressively durable. In addition to its durability, it’s equipped with the world-renowned Burr-Brown PCM1792A Audio DAC, allowing it to deliver awesome sound quality that any audiophile would love.

The Details

I’m a true audiophile (a guitar player, in fact) who wants music to resound in his ears and brain with clarity, power, and instrument separation. I’m also someone who loves to engage in certain outdoor activities like running and hiking. My wife and I do a good amount of traveling, too. What that all means for me is that I’m prone to exposing a quality portable MP3 player to getting banged or dropped and damaged. With that end in mind, my research tells me that the answer is the Cowon Plenue 1.

Carved out of a solid slab of aluminum using diamond-cutting CNC (computer numerical control) machining technology, the Plenue 1 is highly durable with its full metal body, anodized finish, and half-an-inch thickness. Additionally included with the device is a leather carrying sleeve for further protection. If I’m looking for a high quality portable music player with the most impressive durability and ruggedness, the Plenue 1 is my choice.

This is not at all an inexpensive MP3 player. It sells in the U.S. for about $900. However, the Plenue 1 is equipped with the world-renowned Burr-Brown PCM1792A Audio DAC which allows it to be one of the best of the best high-fidelity portable music players money can buy. According to the manufacturer, the PCM1792A “is a monolithic CMOS integrated circuit that includes stereo digital-to-analog converters and support circuitry in a small 28-lead SSOP package. The data converters use TI’s advanced segment DAC architecture to achieve excellent dynamic performance and improved tolerance to clock jitter.”

The Plenue 1 gives you wide file support, being able to play 24bit/192kHz PCM (WAV & AIFF), DXD (352.8/384kHz), and DSD128 (5.64MHz) formats. The device has also got 128 GB of memory which can be doubled. Reviews and testimonials about this portable music player’s sound quality are overwhelmingly outstanding.

Nothing is perfect. In addition to the hefty price tag that it carries, critics point out the Plenue 1’s absence of streaming support and third-party apps. Moreover, there are complaints about the awkwardness of the user buttons (not raised enough, not finger-friendly, easy to hit by accident) and there being less than 9 hours of battery life at full charge.

Nevertheless, for its durability and its awesome hi-fi sound, the Cowon Plenue 1 is worth the big bucks.

The Cowon Plenue 1 is available from Amazon for about $900.

The post The Ruggedest Audio Player appeared first on Reactual.

• The Best No-Frills iPhone/iPad Dock: Twelve South HiRise Deluxe ($55)
• The Best Apple iPhone/iPad Dock with Speakers: Bose SoundDock Series III ($250)
• The Best iPhone/iPad Dock Clock Radio: iHome iDL46 Lightning Dock Clock Radio ($90)

The Best No-Frills iPhone/iPad Dock: Twelve South HiRise Deluxe

Pros: Elegant design, doesn’t block microphone or speakers, adjusts to fit most cases

Cons: Not compatible with Apple 2-meter Lightning cable

Twelve South’s HiRise Deluxe streamlined pedestal docking station complements the elegant simplicity of Apple’s iPhone and iPad. The metal stand, although not heavy, is sturdy and stable. It’s available in three finishes – gold, black, and silver – to match your devices. In addition to charging, the pedestal elevates your device for hands-free use, which is perfect for those who want to Skype, FaceTime, or simply prop up the device to more easily read a recipe. The design also doesn’t block the device’s microphone or speaker, allowing for un-muffled calls and clear audio.

Perhaps one of HiRise Deluxe’s best features is its machined-finish rear-support dial, which moves the rear-support beam back and forth, allowing users to create the perfect fit for each device from iPhones and iPads to Apple TV remotes and other Lightning-compatible products, such as SteelSeries’ Nimbus gaming controller. The adjustable rear support beam also allows for the docking station to be used with most device cases.

The HiRise Deluxe is available from Amazon for about $55.

The Best iPad/iPhone Docks with a Speaker: Bose SoundDock Series III

Pros: Excellent sound quality, AUX input for non-iOS devices

Cons: No Bluetooth

With high-quality products like the SoundDock Series III, it’s no wonder that Bose won PC Magazine’s 2015 Readers’ Choice Award for speaker docks for the third year in a row. In addition to charging an iPhone or iPod, the SoundDock Series III packs superior sound in a small, streamlined package. The relatively small unit (approximately 7 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and 6.5 inches deep) doesn’t take up too much space, and can easily fit on a table, countertop, or shelf. However, similar to other Bose products, the SoundDock Series III uses a proprietary acoustic design and digital signal processing to produce clear, loud, and rich sound despite its small footprint.

The SoundDock Series III also comes with a remote, allowing the user to turn the system on and off, adjust the volume, and navigate playlists from anywhere in the room. Although the system was designed for the Lightning iPhone and iPod models, it offers an auxiliary input in the back to connect to other non-iOS mobile devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

The SoundDock Series III is available from Amazon for about $250.

The Best iPhone/iPad Dock with a Clock Radio: iHome iDL46 Lightning Dock Clock Radio

Pros:  Sturdy, easy user interface, good sound, can charge two devices at once 

Cons: Display too bright at night, bulky

Although the need for a bedside clock radio has waned over the past few years in favor of simply using a smartphone, many people still prefer the classic look and functionality of a bedside clock docking station. In that regard, the iHome iDL46 docking station does it all, including charging up to two Lightning devices at the same time, an FM radio with six preset stations, and an alarm clock with programmable snooze and nap times, gradual wake and sleep features, and dual weekday/weekend alarm settings.

In addition, the device is equipped with a backup battery, ensuring the clock and alarm will continue to function in a power outage. However, at over 9 inches long and 6 inches deep, many users may feel that this unit is somewhat bulky for a bedside table.  Additionally, it was noted in other reviews that the display was too bright at night, even on the lowest setting.

The iHome iDL46 is available from Amazon for about $90.

The post The Best iPhone and iPad Docks of 2016 appeared first on Reactual.

I’ve owned a Vers dock for about three years, I’m pleased with the sound of the speakers. The reproduction is clear, and the sound certainly fills a room. Vers says the thick wooden enclosure allows to the dock produce a richer sound than a dock constructed with plastic.

Vers also aims to be an environmentally responsible manufacturer — they are a Carbon Free partner,  Energy Star partner, and participate in the e-Stewart recycling program. You can read about the company’s mission here.

All Vers sound systems carry a one year warranty against defects relating to materials and workmanship.

The Vers iPod dock is available from Amazon for about $200.

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