The Tech Gadgets We’re Testing This Week

Welcome to the latest installment of Staff Picks. Each week, we’ll tell you about the tech we’re currently testing — everything from cameras to hi-fi headphones, extremely large desktop monitors to smart home appliances — as well as the grail items we wish we could buy. For last week’s last selections, click here.

Sony PS4 Pro

Let me start by saying that I’m an Xbox guy, and I’m a FIFA guy. I bought an Xbox One S solely to play FIFA 17 and it was worth every dime. For the past few weeks, I’ve been testing the PS4 Pro alongside the new and improved FIFA 18. I’m reluctant to say that the PS4 Pro might just have the Xbox One S beat. The graphics on the new FIFA are stunning when ran through the PS4’s processor and graphics card. I haven’t had a chance to test out the Xbox One X, but until then, my time will be spent on the PS4 Pro. – AJ Powell, Assistant Editor

Thule Subterra Backpack 23L

Known for racks and rooftop carriers, Thule has gotten into the luggage game with their new Subterra collection and their 23L backpack is the perfect example of form and function. I love the slim profile and sleek look of the 800D nylon material. It’s not going to lug your DSLR with multiple lenses but the dedicated pockets for your laptop and tablet, as well as expandable side pockets for water bottles, interior loops for your charge cords and a padded exterior section for your phone and glasses, makes it the perfect daily driver of backpacks. – Bradley Hasemeyer, Contributor

MeFOTO RoadTrip Air

For travel photography or shooting video, the name of the game is quick and light and the MeFoto RoadTrip Air at 2.5 pounds is an ideal selection for any kit. Small enough to fit into a backpack, carry-on or camera bag, I love that I don’t need to worry about my sticks getting lost in baggage when I need to travel. The Hyperlock legs expand and collapse with a simple twist and pull. – Bradley Hasemeyer, Contributor

FIFA 18

I’m the person whose always going to buy the next FIFA, no matter if it’s actually that much of an upgrade over last year’s game. And this year’s model, FIFA 18, admittedly isn’t much of an upgrade. Career Mode is largely the same as in FIFA 17 — if I recruit a “technically gifted” youth player that only has 1/5 star skill moves, I’m going to lose it. Pro Clubs, the Xbox Live mode where I can play on a team with a bunch of my friends, is still fun. As for the actual gameplay, it’s gotten easier. The graphics are marginally better, but, really, the only reason to get this game is to get the updated teams, with more realistic player faces, and to play Xbox Live with everybody else who has switched over to the new game. – Tucker Bowe, Staff Writer

Last Week’s Gadgets

Including Anker’s portable generator, the iPhone 8 and the MixPre-3 audio recorder. Read the Story

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