Features

Is the Peloton bike worth it?

Fitness does not come cheap

Published

July 22, 2020

Nicole Scott

Getting a Peloton is more than just getting a bike; it’s joining a community. When you first start talking to someone who has the bike, they always talk about how irrationally in love they are with it. Now that I have it, I finally understand why.

After all, the bike isn’t just for taking classes and Peloton isn’t just another fitness company. Peloton is a technology company that’s creating communities and experiences that enable you to get the most out of your workouts. All of these, however, come with a pretty hefty price tag.

Peloton versus a gym membership

The bike costs EUR 2230 (US$ 2245) and an additional EUR 39 (US$ 39) a month for the classes and digital services.

Think of it like this: The digital services are like what you would pay for your monthly gym membership, and the cost of the bike is your sign up fee. If you look at it as a 3-year commitment, it ends up around something like 102.89 a month.

If you compare it to a high-end spin studio it starts to look cheap. BeCycle in Berlin, for example, offers 12 classes a month for EUR 200, and 16 for EUR 239. SoulCycle in London offers 30 classes that can be used over 12 months for around EUR 700.

It’s clear the way SoulCycle expects you to take their classes as something you add to your fitness routine a few times a month. The cost of 30 classes over the year with SoulCycle is the price of unlimited classes with Peloton, and you can do more than just spinning with the latter.

If you start to think of Peloton as a long term fitness commitment, the pricing no longer seems outrageous.

Four things that make Peloton worth it

Well-rounded classes that go beyond the bike

With Peloton, you get access to hundreds of on-demand classes and a dozen or so live classes a day. Peloton might have started with just cycling but they’ve added dance cardio, sleep coaching, running, meditation, walking, and strength training. They even have yoga classes — some of which cater to expecting mothers.

Social aspect

New research shows exercise can be contagious, and social pressure is a fantastic motivator. With Peloton, you can schedule rides with friends or join group classes — live or on demand. You can also connect with friends to see how often they ride.

Built for competitive people

The leaderboard on the right hand side pushes you to pass the next rider, and this is by far my no. 2 motivator.

Ugly sweat brings the drama

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not too proud to be a sweaty mess in public. But working out at home also means I can bring the drama. Often I find myself falling over and gasping for air like I’m JLaw in Passengers trying to breathe in that floating water bubble. If we’re talking about worth, the ability to be extra dramatic at home is priceless!

Two girls, one Peloton

Both Carol and I have a Peloton bike at home so we thought it was worthwhile to give you two takes on the same question. Is it worth it?

Nicole

If you’re like me and have a 20-euro monthly gym membership, it’s going to take a lot more than comparing Peloton’s pricing to a high-end fitness studio that I wouldn’t have paid for in the first place.

If you’re someone who has the self-discipline and already goes (or used to go, before quarantine happened) to the gym multiple times a week, Peloton is a good alternative. It’s a high-end fitness studio in your home. The best parts of having your own gym at home is not wasting any time travelling to the gym and the workouts and instructors are varied enough that you won’t get bored.

If you’re someone who thinks that getting a Peloton would be like buying the willpower to work out, you also won’t be disappointed.

In a separate article, I talked about living in a 38sqm flat during lockdown and still managed to find excuses NOT to work out. At the end of the day, even though I struggle with consistency, I’m in better shape now than I was over the past year of having a cheap gym membership and supplementing it with ClassPass.

Having a Peloton bike at home is great because you constantly see the bike. It’s like getting constant reminders that you’re not working out. This is what I’ve come to realize — it’s not that I’m not working out enough; it’s that I would feel guilty about not working out.

If this sounds terrible to you — which it should — don’t worry. Half of the time this guilt is replaced with motivation and a desire to get on the bike and get stronger.

The only way for me to stomach paying that much for a bike is to convince myself that it’s essentially a gym membership. After five months with it, I’m not even sure that I could go back to any other way of working out — especially since gyms are high risk areas and I’m just overly cautious.

Carol

As someone who grew up skinny, working out was never part of my routine until I discovered spinning back in 2014. Through spinning, I learned that fitness doesn’t have anything to do with your dress size and that working out can actually be fun. It’s not the most affordable choice for workouts, but the music and the endorphin rush always left me with such a high.

I have to admit I was never a fan of the physical high fives and the loud classmates who love to go “Wooh!” throughout the class. They made me hyper aware of how much I’m struggling through the pushes and how much of a mess I look during the whole ordeal. Palm sweat on palm sweat with strangers always gave me the heebie-jeebies even before social distancing was a thing.

Having a Peloton at home brings all the things I love about spin class and leaves the things I hate about it somewhere else. I can enjoy the music, add some extra dance moves if I want to, and even sing along without worrying if I get a little too loud over that Sia song. I even started answering instructors as if they could hear me, screaming how ready I am for the ride and throwing in my own “woohs!” into the mix.

Before the pandemic, I was already really happy over the fact that I have the bike at home. Time is money and having the bike at home has given me more free time since I don’t have to make my way to and from the spin studio I frequent here in Berlin. While spin studios tend to go all out in their facilities, nothing beats showering or taking a long hot bath after a workout.

When the pandemic hit and gyms in Berlin were shuttered, I was just so thankful to have the Peloton at home. It’s a common misconception that Peloton is just for spinning and I made sure to get into the other workouts they offer while we were spending most of the time at home. During this time, I committed to doing at least one thing with the Peloton app every day.

It doesn’t even have to be a heavy sweat session. It could just be a good stretch or even a short time allotted for meditation. So even if you’re not a big fitness junkie. Trust me, it’s worth it. I’m so far from being in the upper half of the leaderboard but the fact that I get to burn most of what I ate during the day and work on relaxing my mind before bed has been such great help for my whole well-being.

Since the restrictions have been relaxed and the weather has gotten so much better, I started going out more and one of the challenges, as Nicole said, is sticking to your commitment to work out. But seeing the bike at home really makes for a great reminder. If you’re someone who always has a full calendar, someone who’s busy at work, and is in need of a way to get fit and forget the world for a little bit then this is something for you. My husband and I both feel the guilt over missing a day of working out. Not because of anything else but the fact that we missed out on doing something we enjoy.

Is the Peloton worth it?

Of course it is, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to you to make the most out of it.

Let us know in the comments what you’re looking forward to when you get your bike! See you on the leaderboard soon.

Features

Why choose the MSI Claw?

Is it the gaming handheld for you?

Published

April 18, 2024

GadgetMatch

The MSI Claw is the latest gaming handheld from a major PC and laptop brand. The competition in this emerging gadget segment is tighter than ever. So, what is it about the MSI Claw that can scratch your gaming itch? Here’s a quick list.

Best grip in the game

One quick glance and it’s hard not to compare the claw with another popular gaming handheld. But a closer look and actually holding the thing will reveal that its grip easily feels better.

It has a slightly deeper groove that makes it easier to hold. So, MSI’s “Grip and Game” tagline isn’t all talk. Its design truly does provide one of the better feeling handles among its competition.

The overall design makes sure it’s made for extended gameplay sessions. The buttons are where you expect them to be. That includes the four mini buttons on the upper edges of the screen. These are the View, MSI Center M, Menu, and Quick Settings buttons.

In addition, the face buttons and d-pad all feel great. The face buttons, in particular, feel comparable to those of regular console controllers.

The rest of the buttons and triggers have a very satisfying tactile feel. It also uses Hall Effect technology to get rid of any stick drift issues.

Up top, you’ll find the power button, MicroSD Card slot, Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port, audio jack, and the volume buttons. These are intuitively placed and just makes sense given the overall design approach.

As cliché as it sounds, you’ll really think you got your money’s worth once you hold, touch, press, and grip the MSI Claw.

Dragon Vision

Now, MSI isn’t really calling it that but I thought it sounds pretty cool. A big part of the whole gaming experience is the display. Balancing resolution and frame rates is always tricky but the MSI Claw does it convincingly.

With this gaming handheld, you get a 7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Looks great on paper and it’s even better in real life. It’s the sweet spot in terms of both size and performance. There’s enough here to immerse you all while delivering a satisfying level of crisp and smoothness.

It’s comfortable to view whether you’re on the couch, on a desk table, or lying down getting a quick game in before you get some shut-eye.

Battery Life

At 53Whr, the MSI Claw has a 36% larger battery capacity than its contemporaries and promises 50% more play time.

MSI claims “elevated performance with extended endurance” using the Claw with faster charging capabilities.

These percentages are hard to measure in real life usage. What we can say for certain is that you get the expected performance and playtime typical of a handheld. That’s a little under two hours for graphically demanding titles, and close to four hours on less demanding ones.

The charging claim is legitimate. The MSI Claw juices up faster than most other handhelds, going from 20% to 100% in about a little over a K-Drama episode (roughly a little over an hour).

MSI Center M

Any self-respecting gaming handheld has its own software to make navigating the thing more manageable. While its direct competitors have an armoury crate and a space, MSI went with Center M.

The best part about MSI Center M is it puts your installed games front and center. Right when it launches, you get immediate access to the titles you have available on your machine.

MSI Afterburner is already the most commonly used app for taking a look at how your machine is performing while you play. That functionality is built-in to the MSI Claw. You can access it view the Quick Settings buttons.

Layout and functionality-wise, the MSI Center M is certainly one of the better Gaming Handheld softwares available right now.

Competitive Performance

A defining trait of the MSI Claw is that It’s the first gaming handheld to be powered by Intel Core Ultra. With it comes Intel XeSS tech. What it does is leverage AI upscaling to boost the fps of select titles.

As of launch, 50 notable games are supported. That number will certainly grow throughout the device’s lifespan. Some of the titles include Hi-Fi Rush, Dying Light 2, Forza Horizon 5, Call of Duty Warzone 2.0, Returnal, and many, many more.

Naturally, results will vary depending on the game mode you’re using. But in general, AAA games get anywhere between 10% to 45% better frame rate performance with Intel XeSS.

For our part we played TEKKEN 8 and the recently launched Horizon Forbidden West. Both graphically demanding games played relatively well on the MSI Claw. Frame rate performance on TEKKEN 8 is crucial and we got a relatively consistent fps, never dropping below 40.

Horizon Forbidden West is a much more graphically demanding game. We were able to run it in Medium Settings and while it doesn’t look as incredible, it still played relatively well with a frame rate surprising for a gaming handheld.

Extras

MSI made sure that if you wanted to, you could get some extra stuff with the MSI Claw. Its separately sold accessory set includes the Claw Travel Case, Nest Docking Station, Claw Lanyard, and Claw Keychain.

On paper, the MSI Claw lists its ergonomic design, AI Engine, and App Player as distinct advantages over its competition.

Whether it’s the Gaming Handheld that matches your needs is still ultimately up to you. If you have the opportunity to test drive the device, we suggest you do so. That might just solidify your purchase decision.

Price and availability in the Philippines

The MSI Claw will be available in three configurations in the Philippines. There are priced as follows:

MSI Claw A1M-075PH (PhP 45, 995).

Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 135H
512GB NVMe PCIe Gen4x4
LPDDR5 16GB, dual channel
Intel® Arc™ Graphics

Claw A1M-076PH (PhP 50, 995).

Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H
512GB NVMe PCIe Gen4x4
LPDDR5 16GB, dual channel
Intel® Arc™ Graphics

Claw A1M-077PH (PhP 53, 995).

Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H
1TB NVMe PCIe Gen4x4
LPDDR5 16GB, dual channel
Intel® Arc™ Graphics

Ongoing Promotion

You can still get your own MSI Claw with exclusive bundled freebies 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃 until 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒!

This feature article is a collaboration between GadgetMatch and MSI Philippines.

Accessories

Marshall Major V: Reasons Why I Love It

After a month of using

Published

April 17, 2024

GadgetMatch and Michael Josh Villanueva

I’ve got a new favorite pair of headphones.

They look good, sound good, last long, are compact and portable.

Most of all? They are from a brand that I truly love.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Here’s are V Major reasons why I love the new Marshall Major V!

Features

Fortify your home office or business setup with these devices

For the work-from-home go-getters

Published

April 15, 2024

GadgetMatch

Image generated using Copilot designer.

If the 21st century taught us something, it’s that fad trends don’t last but legitimate ones stick.

The concept of working from home is an idea deemed impossible before. Thanks to technology, though, it has become a practical alternative for professionals nowadays.

The pandemic magnified its potential even further over the past few years. Working or managing small businesses from your own place has proven to be convenient. It saves you time and money from having to commute or travel to a traditional workplace. It’s also easier to communicate nowadays with various devices and apps. Even ordering food or sending something somewhere has also become a breeze with transport apps.

It’s a trend that won’t go anywhere. For those planning on sticking to staying at home, these devices will give them enough leverage for a “future-proof” setup at the comfort of their own spaces.

Laptops

You cannot go wrong with the Lenovo Yoga laptops. They’re versatile and powerful, and should serve more than enough for light to medium tasks and overall productivity.

They’re powered by Intel Core processors and have ample memory and storage for multitaskers. Yoga laptops also have OLED screens for a crystal-clear view.

For the more budget-conscious professionals, the ASUS Vivobook line is very reliable for most office work software and basic multimedia needs. They come with powerful processors as well, and a multitude of features for your needs.

Of course, the MacBook Air with Apple Silicon is a go-to choice for those inclined on getting Apple devices.

Smartphones

If you’re the ultimate workhorse, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, OnePlus Open, and OPPO Find N3 are among the best recommendations.

Although they come with higher price tags, these devices ensure that you will have a smooth and seamless experience on your fingertips, whether it’s taking and editing photos, going on quick video calls, or organizing documents and other files.

There are also all-rounders like the HONOR 90 5G, OnePlus 11, and OPPO Reno10 Pro and solid mid-rangers like the POCO M-Series, Redmi Note series, and realme’s numbered series.

These more affordable phones can still deliver what is expected of them, especially for those who simply need a phone to aid them but do not necessarily have to literally rely on it for everything.

Epson CO-FH02 projector

It doesn’t hurt to have an extra screen at home. For those looking to consume digital content on a bigger scale, the Epson CO-FH02 projector provides an expansive view. This versatile lifestyle device can also be a realistic backdrop for presentations or livestreams, instead of just merely sharing the screen.

What’s great about the award-winning projector is it beams full HD resolution images, up to 3,000 lumens of brightness, and up to a 391-inch size. It suits many different scenarios and complements your space.

There’s also a handful of connectivity options for different devices. What’s great about the CO-FH02 is it has an Android TV 2 Dongle and Chromecast built-in. The dongle enables wireless connectivity, while Chromecast built-in technology lets you stream content right from the projector, making the viewing experience a breeze, minus all the annoying cables and wires. It’s surely a reliable tool to have, and doesn’t break your wallet.

Epson L11050 Printer

Meanwhile, the Epson L11050 Printer is an excellent choice for both small business owners or those simply needing important files to print. Unlike ordinary printers, the Epson L11050 can print documents up to the A3+ size, giving the printer a distinct advantage over other models.

The printer has a page yield of up to 4,500 pages for black and 7,000 pages for colored. It delivers fast and high-quality printing of up to 30 pages per minute in black and white and 20 for colored. Moreover, it has a large, 100-paper capacity so users won’t have to open it often to refill sheets. Users may also connect wirelessly using the Epson Smart Panel app for a more efficient printing process from your device.

Aside from the convenience it offers in delivering its purpose, the ink tank printer also contributes to a more sustainable world. It is powered by Epson’s Heat-Free Technology for lower energy consumption and lower carbon emission. And with Epson’s EcoTank technology, business owners will also simply have to refill the containers instead of disposing of cartridges. The spill-free process not only saves them operating costs, but makes the printer a sustainable choice as a result.

Epson DS-C330 Scanner

To complete your Epson setup, the Epson DS-C330 Scanner is a portable sheet-fed document scanner that is an absolute space-saver.

One simply has to insert the document they need scanned and the tool will do its work in just a few seconds. The scanner can work on hardcopy files up to legal paper size, even envelopes, IDs, and passports. It has a fast and efficient scanning rate of up to 30ppm and 60ipm, respectively.

It also comes with Vertical Path and Straight Path scan modes too. This means users can seamlessly select between the path modes so the scans come up desirably. With wireless connectivity, files can be saved instantly too. That saves time for uploading documentary requirements or helping customers save their own copies.

As the DS-C330 is also made from up to 34% recycled plastic, you are assured that you are minimizing environmental impact. It is the sustainable choice as far as scanners are concerned.

acerpure Cozy F1

Of course, where there is work, there should also be comfort. The acerpure Cozy F1 is a space-saving modern air circulator that uses an energy-efficient DC Motor and 3D AirFlow technology.

It has 12 touch-activated speed settings, and can project air for up to 15 meters away so it can reach every corner of a large room.

It’s also low-noise so users do not have to worry about getting distracted or bothered when keeping it cool and focusing on their everyday tasks.

Dyson V12s Detect Slim Submarine

After a day’s worth of hard work, it’s ideal to keep your workplace clean. Not only does it reflect yourself, but having a space that’s conducive for productivity always gives you the extra edge.

With the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Submarine, users get a compact and powerful stick cleaner that washes floors and surfaces from start to finish, using clean water.

The tool’s advanced vacuum system allows it to intelligently pick up dust and other debris. The multi-stage filtration system, meanwhile, ensures that even the smallest particles get picked up, leaving your spaces clean and healthy.