2017 Chevrolet Volt review – Roadshow

The Good Genuinely usable range on a single charge, plus stress-free hybrid motoring and the EV torque we love.

The Bad Muted handling and styling that still won’t win anyone over.

The Bottom Line Not a quantum leap, but a big step forward. The new Volt really impresses.

The first-generation Volt was a bit of a hard car to love, one of those cases where a product shoots down the middle and fails to impress on either ends of the spectrum. It had styling that looked like a very conservative attempt at being different, performance quite good in some regards and quite middling in others, and a powertrain that behaved unlike a hybrid but certainly wasn’t an EV — despite numerous marketing attempts to the contrary.

It was, in short, a bit of a tough sell for many, but those who bought into the cult of Volt tended to be pretty happy campers. For the rest of us needing more convincing, here’s the new 2017 model. It’s better-looking, better-performing, goes further on a charge and has a whole raft of new abilities that will keep you safer and more entertained when on the road.

What’s new?

For 2017, the Volt gets a 20-percent boost in battery capacity, up to 18.4 kWh. Despite that, the battery pack is actually 20 pounds lighter than before! (Viva technology.) These improvements plus plenty of other engineering tweaks result in a huge, 40-percent improvement on EV range compared to the outgoing Volt, offering up to 53 miles on a charge.

Volt’s new battery pack offers 20 percent more range and weighs 20 pounds less. Viva technology.

But the Volt’s changes aren’t restricted to improvements under the skin. There’s the new look, which brings the car more in line with Chevrolet’s other offerings. In that way it asks for a little less attention than the outgoing Volt, but it also lacks the sort of edgy appeal found in other modern Chevys, like the latest Corvette or even the new Malibu. It is, in other words, a fine but boring-looking car with a very orthodontial grin.

Many more updates are found on the inside, including a raft of new safety and convenience features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep-assist and support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Those last two earn the car major bonus points in my book, but even if you’re not the sort of person who wants to let their smartphone call the shots, the Volt’s updated infotainment system is a much faster and more compelling option than that found on the original Volt.

On the road

The best thing about driving the last-generation Volt was the throttle response. It zipped away from the line with far more aplomb than you’d expect, and I’m glad to say that genetic trait has been inherited. The new Volt, too, will squirt itself into openings in traffic with just a light twitch of your right foot, which makes this thing far more fun to drive than to look at.

This thing is far more fun to drive than to look at.

The handling, however, is pretty conventional. The Volt pitches and rolls quite a bit and is easily disturbed. The car tips the scales at 3,500 pounds, down about 200 pounds over the outgoing model but hefty for a car of this size. Still, given the bulk of that mass is positioned down low, I’d actually hoped for better handling. Steering, too, is vague. The lack of resistance makes for a relaxing drive, but the lack of feedback makes you wish the car would just drive itself.

Headroom and comfort up front is fine, offering much the same relaxed seating position as found in the old car. Rear seat legroom is ample too, but headroom back there leaves a lot to be desired. I can’t help wishing Chevy would turn the Volt into a proper hatchback, giving a lot more room in the rear for passengers, cargo, plants, dogs and whatever else you feel like hauling emissions-free.

LG LDCS24223S Bottom Freezer Refrigerator review – CNET

The Good The LDCS24223S offers plenty of room for groceries and a well-constructed interior. It also features a better warranty than large bottom freezers from other manufacturers.

The Bad Cooling performance wasn’t as sharp as we’ve seen in other models — including LG’s previous generation of the same fridge. The stainless steel is also especially prone to fingerprints.

The Bottom Line This is a decent bottom freezer that deserves consideration, but it’s not a complete slam dunk.

“Near-perfect performance.” That’s how the headline starts in my review of the LG LDC24370ST, our top-scoring bottom freezer refrigerator from last year. It was a truly impressive fridge, but this year, LG’s replacing it with a less expensive one: the LDCS24223S.

By and large, this is the same refrigerator as before. It’s the same design with the same capacity, the same energy consumption and most of the same features. The only notable difference aside from the lower price ($1,600, down from $1,800) is that the performance isn’t nearly as sharp as before. That makes the LDCS24223S less of a slam dunk than last year’s model, but it’s still a decent bottom-freezer fridge and worth a look if you’re in the market for a simple upgrade.

This king-size LG bottom freezer puts the…
See full gallery

1 – 5 of 9

Next
Prev

You’re looking at a combined 24.1 cubic feet of storage space.

Chris Monroe/CNET

Design and features

If you asked me to draw a sketch of the prototypical bottom freezer refrigerator, it would look a lot like the LDCS24223S. It’s a straightforward build that doesn’t try to set itself apart with any extra design flourishes. The result is a basic-looking bottom freezer aimed more at blending in than standing out.

Bottom freezers like the LDCS24223S flip the script on the traditional top freezer build by putting the freezer down below and the fridge compartment up top. The result is easier access to fresh ingredients, though you might have to stoop over a bit to dig through the drawer-style freezer. A drawer is the right way to go, though — bottom freezers with hinged-doors pretty much force you to kneel down on the floor every time you want to grab a Popsicle.

One other note: The stainless steel on this fridge is just as fingerprint-prone as last year’s model was. To that end, opting for a model in black or white (which, by the way, will save you $100) might be a bit more tempting than usual.

King-sized bottom freezer fridges

The fridge interior looks good and feels sturdy to the touch.

Chris Monroe/CNET

Inside, you’ll find a combined 24.1 cubic feet of storage space, 16.4 of which is allocated to the fridge. That’s about as big as bottom freezers get, but it’s not the biggest — the GE GDE25ESKSS edges it out thanks to an extra cubic foot or so of space in the fridge. Still, expect to find plenty of room for your groceries.

Speaking of the interior, it’s well-built and sturdy to the touch, with smooth-gliding drawers and spill-proof shelves that aren’t too tricky to rearrange. Feature-wise, the main point of interest is the Glide N’ Serve drawer that runs the width of the fridge beneath the crisper bins, though there’s also a shelf in the upper right corner of the door that folds flat to make room for tall items in the shelf below.

I’ll also note that the sliding dividers in the door shelves of last year’s model are gone in this new one. That’s a tiny shame — I kind of liked being able to section things off as I saw fit.

Dell AE2 Performance USB Headset Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

Dave Cheng/CNET

I was determined to like the AE2 the second I put it on. I’d like to tell you it was because of the superior sound quality or a robust feature set, but really it was because I finally found a pair of over-ear headphones that fit comfortably on my enormous head.

Thankfully, the big cups were ringed with leather pads that offered decent noise reduction, the speakers pumped out great sound and better yet, the AE2s will only run you $70, AU$95 or £49. That’s a great price, but with it comes a few caveats.

It runs off a single USB connection (no 3.5mm audio jack to be seen), so it’s strictly computer-only fare — but the SteelSeries branding should have tipped you off to that already. The Danish company is known for computer gaming accessories, and definitely shows its hand in the headset’s impressive emulated 7.1 surround sound.

You can also tinker around with the AES2’s settings via the SteelSeries engine software, which is good news if you want to play with the equalizer or simply must have the RGB LEDs programmed to flash in exactly the right pattern.

Dave Cheng/CNET

The AES2 only really stumbled when I tried to use it as a gaming headset. The low-profile mic nestled against the left cup had me curious. It staved off the usual flight controller aesthetic, but the omni-directional mic was a magnet for ambient noise. While my own voice was clear, if a little tinny, the person on the other end was easily picking up sounds from across the room. The left cup doubles as an easily accessible mute button for the mic, just in case you don’t want to share the TV preferences of anyone else in the room with your squad.

Honestly, it was a bit of a bugbear, but at a sub-$100 price it’s the kind that you’ll find very easy to ignore. The AE2 isn’t really a headset for the hardcore, but when you package over-ear leather pads, remarkable sound quality and SteelSeries engine functionality with such a low pricetag, it’s hobbyist money well spent.

Specs

• USB connector
• Emulated 7.1 Surround
• SteelSeries engine functionality
• Programmable RGB LEDs
• 40mm neodymium drivers
• Headset frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz
• Leather ear pads
• Omni-directional microphone
• $70, AU$95, £49

Dell AE415 2.1 Speaker System Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

Dave Cheng/CNET

I confess that I’d almost forgotten that desktop speakers existed. The majority of my PC audio needs are gaming related, so I’ve become used to wearing a headset. But Dell’s newest 2.1 desktop speaker set, the AE415, offers a compelling case for why headphones aren’t the only answer.

Mostly spherical in design, the two speakers and the subwoofer look far more stylish and robust than the price tag would suggest. At $69 (converting roughly to £55 and AU$100), the AE415 isn’t breaking the bank.

Before unpacking the 2.1 system, I’d expected it to use USB connectivity, but the system works through a standard 3.5mm jack. The audio quality is absolutely fine — it just seems oddly archaic.

The AE415’s design is fairly standard: Left and right satellite speakers, a decent size subwoofer and a bunch of cables. Setup takes all of around two minutes, as Dell have made it impossible to get the cables wrong.

Controls sit on the left speaker. There’s volume and power, along with additional jacks to plug in a phone or tablet and even to pop in a set of headphones and get that bass sound in your cans. It’s an impressive offering from a budget speaker. The sub itself has a dial letting you pick your preferred level of “unf-unf”, which I initially thought was the volume knob, leading to just a few minutes of confusion.

Dave Cheng/CNET

The sound is bright and clear and the speakers can really pump out some big decibels. I tried the AE415 on the Razer Blade Stealth across a few different games, some music and a few videos. Clarity was excellent across the board. For some games I needed to change the angle of the speakers a little, but honestly that’s more to do with my headphone-based expectations of gaming audio than any issue with the speakers.

If I had any initial complaints, it’s the sheer amount of cabling you end up with. The sub ends up with four different cables out the back, making for a bit of a spaghetti bowl. But there’s plenty to like here — a big sound for a low price, a solidly stylish look and a set up so simple the quick start guide is nothing but pictures.

GE GTD45EASJWS dryer review – CNET

The Good For a modest price, the GE GTD45EASJWS dryer provides relatively short cycle times and removes water from wet clothes with impressive speed. The dryer also comes equipped with moisture sensors that automatically shut the machine off to avoid overdrying.

The Bad The GE GTD45EASJWS dryer lacks steam modes and other specialty cycles. The bare-bones appliance doesn’t have a display or status lights and uses all-mechanical controls, many of which feel frail and cheaply made. Also, the dryer’s control panel is mounted in back, which rules out stacked configurations or placing the machine on a pedestal.

The Bottom Line The budget-friendly yet high-performance GE GTD45EASJWS dryer makes a lot of sense for penny pinchers, but those who expect higher quality design, controls and features should look elsewhere.

Visit manufacturer site for details.

The $650 GE GTD45EASJWS dryer is a throwback to an age before laundry appliances resembled sleek home-theater gear or digital computer systems. Judging from its all-mechanical knobs and dials (not to mention the lack of a screen or even lights), this machine could easily be a relic from the 20th century. Don’t be fooled by the GE GTD45EASJWS’s antiquated looks, though, because inside its hospital-white facade are powerful components capable of pulling moisture away from wet laundry loads in short order.

This isn’t a showcase product suitable for your dream home laundry room. For that, you’ll have to spend at least twice as much on artfully designed dryers like the $1,100 Electrolux 600 series and $1,500 LG DLEX 5000. Still, while the GTD45EASJWS dryer is devoid of trendy steam cycles or the myriad of fabric-specific modes that you’ll get with other modern competitors, the appliance’s basic abilities also mean it’s dead simple to operate. If you’re in the market for a new dryer but must stick to a strict budget, this GE model is worth a serious look.

Design and features

If I didn’t remove some of its packaging myself, I could have easily confused the freshly minted GE GTD45EASJWS dryer with a laundry appliance from decades past. This contraption cuts a classic profile meant to match traditional top-loading washing machines and has controls placed on a back-mounted panel. It contrasts the modern trend of appliance makers who now favor front-loading washers and dryers with forward-facing controls. As a result of the old-school control layout, this dryer doesn’t support pedestal upgrades or stackable arrangements to save space or create more storage in your laundry room.

The control panel harkens back to classic 20th century design.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The GE GTD45EASJWS dryer’s panel lacks LED indicators, a display, or lights of any kind. It’s downright spartan compared with the confused mess on GE’s own GFDS260EFWW model, and appears a half-century behind the cutting-edge consoles you’ll find on the Electrolux EFME617S Perfect Steam and LG DLEX 5000. The GE GTD86ESPJMC, another dryer with a rear control panel, benefits from an updated design that sports eye-catching blue LEDs, and a smoothly spinning cycle dial.

This GE GTD45EASJWS dryer’s cycle knob is anything but smooth. It takes a surprising amount of force to rotate and makes disconcerting grinding sounds while you do so. Whether the cause of the dial’s jarring motion is due to gears, sprockets or chains, turning this control feels unpleasant, to say the least.

The main cycle dial handles the dryer basics.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Garmin Vivoactive HR review – CNET

The Good A wealth of features including all-day activity tracking, smartphone notifications, built-in optical heart-rate sensor, GPS, multiple sport profiles and always-on display; can be worn in the shower and while swimming.

The Bad Bulky design. Occasional connection and syncing problems. Confusing mobile app.

The Bottom Line The Vivoactive HR’s versatile, multipurpose function and design make it one of the better smart GPS fitness watches on the market.

I’ve had a busy month. I’ve been running, cycling, swimming, rowing and hiking. And I’ve done all of this while wearing a single watch, Garmin’s Vivoactive HR. Unlike many of Garmin’s other products, the watch won’t appeal to just athletes. It’s an everyday fitness band, but with smartwatch elements. It gives Fitbit a run for its everyday-fitness money, and is a compelling solution for anyone with an active lifestyle.

The Vivoactive HR seems to be able to do it all. There’s all-day activity tracking (for things like steps, floors climbed, calories burned and sleep), smartphone notifications from your iPhone or Android device, a built-in optical heart-rate sensor and GPS for tracking a variety of activities. In addition to the ones I mentioned above, the watch can track golf, downhill and cross-country skiing, indoor cycling, indoor rowing, walking, strength training and even paddle boarding.

Hands-on with the Garmin Vivoactive HR (pictures)
See full gallery

1 – 5 of 16

Next
Prev

Even more impressive is that it can do all of this without having to be charged each night. The watch will last up to eight days, or around 13 hours with an active GPS signal. I typically got about a week, but that included five days of GPS workouts of between 40 and 50 minutes.

It’s pretty clear that I’m a fan of the Vivoactive HR. It’s a watch that active consumers will really enjoy and the $250 (£210, AU$400) pricetag is pretty reasonable (given all it does), but there a few things you need to know before you go out and buy one.

The design won’t appeal to everyone

I really liked the slim design of the original Vivoactive, but the HR model is nothing like the original. It’s similar to the Fitbit Surge, but that’s not necessarily a good thing. The watch is big and bulky, and it’s not something you would want to wear to the office, let alone a wedding.

It’s not all bad, though. The Vivoactive HR is waterproof up to 50 meters. It also has an always-on display, which is easy to read outdoors, but can look a little dull when inside.

View full gallery
Sarah Tew/CNET

Wrist-based heart rate is getting better, but it’s not perfect

The heart-rate sensor on the back of Vivoactive HR will be good enough for most people. It’s relatively accurate on easy runs and when measuring resting heart rate (it does so continuously throughout the day). It’s also a lot more convenient than wearing a chest strap.

But, like all wrist-based heart-rate solutions, it’s not perfect. I did notice a slight delay of between five to seven seconds when compared to heart rate data recorded on a Polar H7 chest strap, but that’s pretty standard for wrist-based sensors. I also found that it fluctuated when doing a hard interval workout, although it didn’t perform as badly as some other devices (like the Gear Fit 2, for example).

Acer Chromebook 14 review – CNET

The Good The inexpensive Acer Chromebook 14’s aluminum body is much nicer than the plastic competition. The matte-finish, 14-inch full HD IPS display is a great size for work and play, but still keeps this laptop’s footprint small enough for commuting.

The Bad It has no SD or microSD card slot for expanding its 32GB of storage. The keyboard isn’t backlit and shallow. Power users will want to step up to the Work version of this Chromebook or look elsewhere.

The Bottom Line The Acer Chromebook 14 stands out for its stylish design and big screen at an affordable price. If you’re looking for a classier Chromebook, this is it.

Chromebooks — laptops running on Google’s Chrome operating system — are more known for being small and cheap than for stylish design. The majority of them have 11.6- or 13.3-inch screens and are plastic, which keeps the prices low. That’s what makes the Acer Chromebook 14 all the more remarkable: Not only does it have a 14-inch screen, but it’s thin and clad in aluminum and sells for less than $300.

The Acer Chromebook 14 has a starting price of $280 (£250, AU$450) with different configurations featuring:

• 14-inch screen with either HD (1,366×768) or full HD (1,920×1,080) resolution
• Intel Celeron processor, either quad-core N3160 or dual-core N3060
• Either 2GB or 4GB of onboard memory
• Either 16GB or 32GB of storage (eMMC)

Standard for all configurations are:

• Intel integrated HD Graphics 400
• 720p forward-facing camera
• 3.4 pounds (1.6kg) and 0.67 inch (17mm) thick
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2
• HDMI-out, headphone/mic jack and two USB 3.1 ports

View full gallery

Acer’s all-aluminum Chromebook 14 sports a thin profile.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Reviewed here is the CB3-431-C5FM, a $300 configuration with a full HD IPS display, Intel Celeron N3160 quad-core processor, 4GB of memory and 32GB of storage. (Note: Pricing and configuration availability varies by region and this particular configuration was not available in the UK or Australia.) These aren’t powerful components, but it’s enough for the Chrome OS and web apps. It should also be enough to run Android apps when support is added later this year, but I won’t know for sure until then.

Under what I would consider a normal load — six to 10 open tabs while streaming music or video — the Chromebook 14 was reasonably quick and responsive. Pushing it beyond this by working in more than a dozen tabs and leaving a couple web apps running in the background while streaming music from Spotify caused the music to frequently stutter or there’d be some lag when switching and loading tabs.

Basically, power users will need more power, which Acer does offer with its Chromebook 14 for Work that has Core i-series processors, better graphics and more memory as well as a sturdier case and spill-resistant keyboard.

Acer claims a battery life up to 12 hours for this configuration (14 hours for versions with an HD screen). We hit 9.5 hours with our streaming video test, which is in line with what Acer told us to expect using wireless to rundown the battery. Playing video on the laptop, you should be able get to that 12-hour mark, but it’s safe to say you’ll get about 10 hours with mixed use.