Lenovo Explorer review - the most affordable VR set
Introduction |
Platform Windows Mixed Reality is becoming increasingly popular among gamers. It can be compared to a "door" to a parallel world of virtual reality, full of adventures and unforgettable sensations. Analysts at IDC presented a forecast for the development of the global AR and VR device market until 2022, predicting an average annual sales growth of 52,5% - up to 68,9 million units per year.
Today we will look at the budget VR set Lenovo Explorer, which will help you open this “door” to the virtual dimension and completely immerse yourself in the gaming world.
Appearance and delivery set |
The Lenovo Explorer set includes a VR headset and a pair of gaming controllers. To track the position in space, Lenovo Explorer does not require any external sensors or base stations (cameras); a set of integrated sensors and two cameras built into the helmet are responsible for tracking actions in space and the position of the manipulators.
I was very pleased with the design and execution of the helmet. Thick soft linings for the forehead and back of the head, as well as a very comfortable tightening fastening, with which the helmet will be firmly and evenly fixed on the head. The helmet is quite light (380 grams) and does not cause inconvenience or heaviness during long gameplay.
If there is a need to temporarily pause the gameplay, then in one motion you can lift the main part of the helmet up like a visor. Convenient if you need to make changes to system settings or launch another game. The length of the HDMI and USB3 cable is 4 meters, which is quite enough for comfortable use.
We also liked the fact that the manufacturer abandoned the built-in headphones; this affected both the cost of the set and does not limit the music lover user from using his favorite HI-FI headphones or from using ordinary cheap headphones or using stationary acoustics. A standard 3,5mm jack is used to connect headphones
A few words about controllers. |
The controllers are made of plastic that is pleasant to the touch. The ergonomics are pleasing, they sit very confidently in the hand, and have a convenient location of the controls.
For greater convenience in games, the controllers are equipped with straps for attaching to the wrist. Power is supplied from two AA elements, connection to a computer via Bluetooth 4.0 protocol.
Operating the controllers takes some getting used to, but after a while, the controls become very convenient.
Connecting a headset |
To work with VR headsets, Microsoft offers a “Mixed Reality Portal”. This is a kind of portal to the virtual world - in the form of a house standing on the seashore, where you can perform all daily tasks: launch and work with applications, play, chat on Skype, watch movies and panoramas, participate in virtual excursions and just fool around while admiring the gorgeous nature ...Who wouldn’t want to have their own home on the seashore, even if it’s virtual.
Minimum system requirements for operation:
• CPU: no lower than Intel Core i5.
• GPU: not lower than Intel HD Graphics 620, NVIDIA MXX150 / 965M
• Ports: HDMI 1.4 or DisplayPort 1.2.
• RAM: at least 8 GB
• HDD: at least 10 GB of free space.
• USB 3.0 + Bluetooth 4.0
The above configuration is optimal for virtual travel, 360-degree videos and panoramas, and all-day applications. The refresh rate in this case will be 60 Hz. Demanding players need a video card of the appropriate level, because for comfortable gameplay you need 90 frames per second for each eye.
First of all, we need to make sure that we are using Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and you need to install all updates using the auto update section in the system settings. When you first connect, the system itself will install drivers, the necessary software and check the necessary system requirements.
Connecting and setting up Lenovo Explorer does not take much time and is quite simple even for a beginner, all you need to do is follow the prompts on the monitor screen. Once the setup is complete, we get to the virtual interface Windows Mixed Reality, where you will be offered to familiarize yourself with the controls and undergo a short training on moving and using objects in the virtual world.
Image quality |
Inside the helmet there are two LCD displays with a resolution of 1440x1440 pixels and Fresnel lenses for each eye; in the summing picture in front of the eyes we get an image with a resolution of 2880x1440 pixels.
The viewing angle is 110 degrees, sharpness and brightness are at the same level. As for the pixels - they are visible only if you look closely at the picture, believe me - in dynamic game scenes this is not even felt and does not cause any discomfort.
Technical specifications |
VR helmet:
• Display: 2 modules of 2,89”, resolution 1440x1440, 90 Hz; Lens viewing angle: 110°
• Sensors: wide-angle cameras for motion tracking (2 pcs.); distance sensor; gyroscope; accelerometer; gyroscope
• Connection: Y-shaped cable with video connector and USB 3.0; 3,5 mm mini-jack
• Dimensions: 185 x 95 x 100 mm
• Cable length: 4 meters
• Weight: 380 grams
Controllers:
• Sensors: magnetometer; accelerometer; gyroscope
• Connection to PC: Bluetooth 4.0
• Power: 4 x AA batteries (included)
Steam VR |
Lenovo Explorer has SteamVR support, and connecting the headset to Steam is also not difficult. All you need to do is download and install the free content Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR and a huge base of games with VR support are in front of you. The range of games is already quite impressive and is growing very quickly.
Gaming sensations |
I would like to share my gaming experiences in such popular games as DOOM, Arizona Sunshine and Skyrim. Skyrim was completed at one time on a regular computer with quite ordinary mediocre gameplay... but with Lenovo Explorer the game took on a new life... new gaming sensations. Now, no matter what, you are one of the participants in the events - you run away from a huge dragon soaring above your head, duck your head while running under the arches of fortresses and dungeons in Skyrim.
In DOOM, now you yourself feel the force of throwing a grenade and pull the trigger of a huge shotgun, look back, turning your head at the slightest roar behind you, and wander through the corridors of the hellish base in search of demons.
I would especially like to note the most atmospheric game - Arizona Sunshine, in this zombie shooter the immersion in VR is maximum. All you have to do is walk up to an abandoned car and open the door with your hand, not a mouse click, stick your head inside and look around the interior... In a word - cool!
The gameplay becomes a hundred times more interesting and rich, because you yourself are inside the game world, and you perform all the actions, and not a computer mouse on the table...
CONCLUSION |
VR is becoming more and more popular, Steam already has enough games for every taste to play and fully experience what VR technology is. Currently, Lenovo Explorer, running on the platform Windows Mixed Reality is one of the affordable and high-quality VR headsets offered on the market.
Advantages:
• Easy and fast connection to PC
• Rapid development of the educational and gaming software market
• Incredibly immersive gameplay
• Comfortable, well-thought-out design of the helmet and controllers
• Platform Windows Mixed Reality by Microsoft
Disadvantages:
• After long games, the eyes get tired and orientation in space is disturbed.
• The price tag is still high.
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 92% [11 vote(s)]