Alan Martin

The £65 Suri Core 1.0 retains many of the Pro 2.0’s key features, including a pressure sensor, wireless charging, a two-minute timer, travel lock and recyclable plant-based brush heads. Its compromises are a slightly weaker motor, marginally shorter battery life, a bio-circular plastic handle instead of aluminium and no compatible travel charging case. Testing found cleaning performance comparable to the more expensive Pro 2.0, though both Suri models are less powerful than several rivals. The reviewer considers the Core 1.0 the best Suri choice for sustainability-focused buyers, while noting that Odonta PowerPlus offers better affordability and Laifen Wave Pro and Spotlight Pro provide more powerful cleaning.

A longtime participant reflects on completing hundreds of parkruns and describes a recent run in Tokyo, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere, international mix of runners and challenges posed by heat and humidity. A faster-than-expected finish, local details such as drink machines and cultural differences, and encouragement for newcomers emphasize the accessibility of parkrun anywhere in the world.

Portable neck and handheld fans were tested for power, noise, battery life, comfort and build quality. Models from John Lewis, Fine Elements, Diveblues, Jialexin and Shark performed well in different categories, with the Shark ChillPill standing out for versatility. High‑power options such as JisuLife and Dyson offered strong airflow but were loud and costly. The review highlights trade-offs between cooling strength, noise and battery performance, and notes the environmental impact of disposable fast tech, recommending proper recycling for worn-out devices.

Advice for getting started with parkrun emphasises accessible running habits, including choosing comfortable shoes and clothes, using a basic running watch, and building up to 5km with training apps. Practical tips include registering for parkrun, bringing a barcode, checking for cancellations, attending the first‑timer briefing and pacing sensibly. The piece highlights parkrun’s welcoming culture, availability across multiple countries, suitability for children, and reliance on volunteers, encouraging hesitant newcomers to participate confidently.

Shark’s ChillPill handheld fan offers three cooling modes, strong battery life and innovative features, outperforming rivals in flexibility and endurance but at a high price. Its misting and cold-plate attachments provide effective relief, though each has practical drawbacks, and the device’s shape and noise levels reduce overall convenience. The cost escalates with optional accessories, making the fan difficult to justify for many buyers. Dyson’s competing Mini Cool offers more power but is louder and less adaptable, while budget alternatives from John Lewis and DiveBlues deliver strong value for significantly less.

The handheld Dyson HushJet Mini Cool delivers exceptional airflow for its compact size but is significantly louder than expected, especially at higher settings. While its design, accessories and performance are impressive, its nearly £100 price and intrusive noise limit its appeal. Competing handheld fans offer quieter operation, longer battery life or added versatility at lower prices, though none match Dyson’s power output.

Across 18 months of testing 29 electric toothbrushes, models were compared on cleaning ability, features, battery life and value. The Laifen Wave Pro was judged the best overall for combining sonic and oscillating actions, while the Odonta PowerPlus led on affordability and the Spotlight Sonic Pro excelled as a balanced all-rounder. Suri 2.0 provided the strongest sustainable option, Philips’ Sonicare Smart 9400 delivered top-tier performance at a premium price and the Oral-B iO3 offered the best oscillating clean. Additional models were evaluated for specific needs such as battery life, sensitivity and whitening. Guidance from a dental expert reinforced the advantages of electric brushes, offered usage tips and explained differences between sonic and oscillating technologies.

A writer reflects on excessive smartphone use and describes a successful strategy for reducing it using the Brick device, which adds friction to accessing distracting apps. Experts highlight the behavioural conditioning behind phone addiction and emphasise the benefits of returning attention to offline experiences. Locking specific apps helped the writer feel calmer and more focused, recovering significant time previously spent on mindless scrolling.

Experts in addiction and psychotherapy outline practical ways to cut smartphone overuse, from monitoring habits and scheduling screen‑free periods to reducing notifications, greyscale settings and physical distancing from devices. Additional tools such as gamified apps, magnetic lock devices, feature phones and digital‑detox‑oriented smartphones offer further support. Cold‑turkey retreats may help short term but require sustained behavioural changes afterward. The guidance emphasises conscious phone use, incremental habits and environmental adjustments to counter compulsive scrolling.

Several water flossers were tested for performance, usability and design, with the Waterpik Ultra Professional named the best overall, Operan’s irrigator highlighted for value and Philips’s Cordless 3000 leading the cordless category. Additional models from Ordo, Spotlight and Icy Bear were evaluated with mixed strengths and drawbacks. Dental experts note that water flossers can help with oral hygiene but should not replace traditional interdental cleaning. Key considerations include tank size, pressure settings, charging options and waterproof ratings.

Experts outline how to extend the lifespan of toothbrushes by avoiding frequent battery charging, maintaining proper cleaning and storage habits, and using gentle brushing techniques to prevent bristle damage. They recommend responsible disposal methods, including recycling programs for plastic or electric brush components and composting bamboo handles. While electric and manual bristles wear at similar rates, electric brushes offer replaceable heads but raise environmental concerns due to lithium-ion batteries. Sustainable manual options exist, though experts note electric brushes remain more effective for cleaning.

Refurbished electronics are presented as a cost‑effective and environmentally friendly alternative to buying new devices during Black Friday. Industry experts advise focusing on reputable sellers, strong warranties, clear refurbishment processes and avoiding older devices that no longer receive security updates. Certified refurbished marketplaces are contrasted with riskier peer‑to‑peer purchases, and data is provided showing substantial reductions in e‑waste, carbon emissions and raw material use when choosing refurbished technology. Consumers are encouraged to consider the long‑term viability of devices, avoid overly cheap options and responsibly resell, trade in or donate old tech to extend product lifecycles.

Shoppers are urged to plan ahead for Black Friday by creating a focused wishlist, setting firm budgets and monitoring prices with tracking tools to ensure discounts are genuine. Early promotions, retailer price guarantees and membership-only deals can offer value, but buyers are advised to check reviews, verify return policies, and avoid impulse purchases. Sticking to reputable sellers helps reduce scam risks, while refurbished options and responsible disposal or resale of old items can minimize environmental impact.

Modern MP3 players are gaining renewed interest as some listeners look for alternatives to streaming, citing nostalgia, better audio quality, and a desire for music ownership. Audiophiles and casual buyers alike are turning to dedicated players to escape algorithm-driven platforms and improve sound performance. Devices range widely in price and capability, with options such as the Snowsky Echo Mini offering strong value. Older MP3 players are admired but impractical due to outdated storage and compatibility. The newsletter also includes lifestyle recommendations on beauty, fashion, and daily habits for autumn.

MP3 players are experiencing a modest resurgence driven by nostalgia, sound quality preferences and a desire for owned music collections. Testing 15 models across budgets, Alan Martin identifies standout performers, with the Activo P1 judged best overall, the Snowsky Echo Mini leading the budget category, the FiiO JM21 excelling at mid‑range pricing and the iBasso DX180 topping high‑end options. Additional models offer strengths in portability and workouts but fall short of the main picks. Refurbished iPods present risks due to modifications and outdated features. Differences between cheap and expensive players primarily relate to build quality, DAC performance and connectivity, while the choice between lossless and lossy formats often depends more on hardware capabilities than file type alone.

The updated Suri 2.0 electric toothbrush introduces wireless induction charging, a pressure sensor, quieter performance, and improved accessories while retaining its sustainability focus through recyclable plant-based heads and low-impact materials. Although still less powerful than some competitors such as the Spotlight Sonic Pro, the new model addresses durability issues with previous chargers and enhances usability with features like a travel lock and upgraded case. Higher pricing and added e‑waste from the mandatory case are noted drawbacks, but the toothbrush offers a more refined and eco‑conscious option for buyers prioritizing sustainability.

Tests multiple water flossers to compare power, tank capacity, handling, and usability, drawing on expert opinion that they help but are less effective than traditional flossing. Notes wide variation in pressure, design, and convenience, and identifies a preferred model based on comfort and versatility rather than power. Concludes that water flossing offers some benefits and contributed to stable dental feedback during a hygienist visit.

Testing electric toothbrushes with expert advice reveals that models with pressure sensors, timers and sensitive settings offer the best results, with proper brushing technique proving more important than price. Electric brushes generally outperform manual ones for most users, and maintaining good oral hygiene requires correct angle, gentle pressure, slow movements and replacing brush heads regularly.

Guidance on essential items for new cat owners highlights the value of sturdy carriers, high-quality food, microchip-enabled flaps, engaging toys, effective litter management, insurance, and hydration solutions. Recommendations emphasize reliability, ease of use, and health benefits while cautioning against unnecessary or ineffective products such as automated litter trays, supermarket flea sprays, and cat beds that pets typically ignore.