Tech Treasures: Discover the Apple Duo, Sennheiser HDB 630, Lenovo Legion Go 2 & Beyond!

Techtober might have wrapped up, but our reviews team is still diving deep into this season’s influx of new devices. Over the past fortnight, we’ve scrutinized two cutting-edge Apple products, a high-powered gaming handheld, impressive headphones, and Meta’s sporty smart glasses — and that’s just the beginning. Keep reading to find out what you may have missed, including our curated selections for the best of 2025.

Apple MacBook Pro M5 (14-inch)

The M5 14-inch MacBook Pro keeps all the features we admire in Apple’s pro machines, while upgrading to a significantly more powerful GPU.

Pros:

• Faster GPU compared to the M4
• Excellent design
• Luxurious keyboard and trackpad
• Practical port selection
• Long-lasting battery

Cons:

• No OLED display option
• Upgrades can be pricey
• $1,400 at Amazon

When it comes to this new M5-powered MacBook Pro, the dilemma isn’t its capability. The real question is whether to buy now or hold out for the forthcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. “If you need a robust workhorse MacBook Pro immediately, your options are the M4 Pro and M4 Max (which still outpace the base M5 significantly),” remarked senior reviews reporter Devindra Hardawar. “For many creatives, the M5 MacBook Pro strikes a remarkable balance between power and portability.”

Sennheiser HDB 630

Sennheiser pushes closer to open-back performance in a set of closed wireless headphones with the HDB 630, although their appearance leans more towards midrange than premium.

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality
• High-resolution streaming dongle included
• Lossless audio via USB-C
• Remarkably long battery life

Cons:

• Price tag is high
• Basic design with significant plastic elements
• Optimal audio performance requires additional setup
• $500 at Sennheiser

Sennheiser utilizes a USB-C dongle to merge the ease of wireless technology with audiophile-level sound quality in the HDB 630. However, they don’t exactly present as premium headphones, and the $500 price can feel steep. “Though the HDB 630 delivers exceptional sound, I recognize it might not suit everyone,” I noted. “If you prioritize top-tier sound quality while enjoying the perks of wireless headphones — and don’t mind some extra steps — the HDB 630 could be a valuable buy. Just remember to carry that dongle.”

Lenovo Legion Go 2

Starting at $1,100, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 offers robust performance and unmatched versatility, making it the SUV of gaming handhelds.

Pros:

• Strong performance with a massive 8.8-inch OLED display
• Detachable controllers and integrated touchpad
• Includes a protective case

Cons:

• On the pricey side, particularly the Z2 Extreme version
• Bulky and heavy
• Sensitive fingerprint sensor
• $1,100 at Best Buy

Sometimes, a flexible option beats a specialized one. Senior reviews reporter Sam Rutherford likened the Legion Go 2 to a utility vehicle, showcasing great performance on its expansive 8.8-inch OLED screen, albeit at a high cost. “Like an SUV that might only venture off-road occasionally, you may not utilize the Legion Go 2’s full capabilities all the time. Yet, when its features shine, you’ll see that there’s utility beyond mere appearances,” he mentioned. “Although the ROG Xbox Ally X offers better value, I appreciate how Lenovo’s device is designed to tackle a multitude of gaming scenarios.”

Apple iPad Pro M5 (13-inch)

The iPad Pro stands as one of Apple’s most remarkable hardware achievements, more powerful and versatile than ever, though its price leaves much to be desired.

Pros:

• M5 chip brings substantial improvements for GPU tasks
• Possibly the finest screen I’ve encountered
• Extremely thin and lightweight
• First iPad with quick charging
• iPadOS 26 showcases considerable enhancements

Cons:

• Extremely high cost
• Accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro inflate the price even more
• $1,199 at Amazon

The new M5 iPad Pro is advanced but comes at a prohibitive cost. While the upgraded chip offers notable enhancements, the screen is stellar and fast charging has finally come to the iPad, this model demands further investment in accessories. “Unless you plan to use it as your primary computer throughout the day and understand its advantages over a conventional laptop, consider opting for the iPad Air to save yourself a substantial amount,” advised deputy news editor Nathan Ingraham.

Oakley Meta Vanguard

Wraparound frames may not be for everyone, but the updated design brings unique functionalities likely to attract even casual athletes.

Pros:

• Improved battery life, speakers, and durability compared to Meta’s prior glasses
• Redesigned camera enhances photo and video usability
• Action button allows for functionality without voice activation

Cons:

• Hyperlapse features can be shaky
• Desire for more third-party integrations remains
• $499 at Meta

Meta’s sporty partnership with Oakley has resulted in a range of features that might persuade outdoor enthusiasts to swap their action cam for smart glasses. “If you’re an avid cyclist, runner, hiker, or partake in an outdoor activity of your choice, there’s much to appreciate,” senior reporter Karissa Bell noted. “The camera now offers more effective action cam-style POV footage, with enhanced video stabilization ensuring you capture and share the moments that matter.”

Other recent reviews

In other news, deputy buying advice editor Valentina Palladino evaluated the slightly revamped Powerbeats Fit while senior reporter Igor Bonifacic embarked on a gaming exploration with the Fractal Design Scape. Igor also spent time with the Galaxy S25 FE, and I took a look at Amazon’s completely redesigned Echo Studio. Additionally, senior writer Sam Chapman curated a collection of the best free VPNs and published an extensive review of Private Internet Access VPN.