Digital calendars have become one of my favorite gadgets this year because they bring Google Calendar, iCal, Outlook, and other popular calendar services onto a dedicated screen. Instead of checking a phone, families can view personal and work appointments, school schedules, and other shared calendars in one place. Many models also include chore tracking, rewards, photo displays, and meal planning, making them a practical alternative to the smart displays I have used for years.
I have tried five digital calendars this year. Skylight remains a favorite for its overall experience, but some of its most useful features— including photo screensavers and meal planning—require a subscription. For shoppers who want those tools without a recurring fee, Everblog’s HomeCal 21.5-inch calendar is an appealing alternative, and it is currently discounted.
A digital calendar without a subscription
Everblog HomeCal 21.5-inch calendar
Everblog’s HomeCal offers a user experience similar to Skylight while making its features available without a subscription. Its interface includes tabs for chores, to-do lists, rewards, and meal planning. The included app lets you configure the calendar, create family profiles, and organize schedules.
The app’s photo uploader is slower than Skylight’s because it allows only one image to be uploaded at a time. Even so, avoiding a recurring fee may make that limitation worthwhile. My main complaint is the lack of a voice assistant, although very few digital calendars offer one, and models that do typically cost more.
The 21.5-inch display is large enough to show a family schedule clearly without being so large that it is difficult to place. Wall-mounting hardware is included, while the flat bottom allows the calendar to sit on a tabletop. The built-in base can wobble, however, so a more stable setup may be preferable.
For tabletop use, Everblog sells a Calendar stand for $39. A wooden frame costs $99 and can help the display blend into a room’s decor.
Current Everblog HomeCal deal
The calendar is listed at Amazon for $300, reduced by $100 from its $400 price. Everblog’s own offer is listed at $349, described as $50 off. The accessories are not currently discounted, but buying the calendar on sale could leave room in the budget for the stand or wooden frame.
Source: www.wired.com