Opinions on $99 Lenovo WMR headset...

[vidslo]

I've been waiting for some time now to get a VR headset for playing elite, and FWIW I don't have any other games I'm planning on using VR with. I've been eyeing the Oculus Rift, but for $399, it's not a small investment when you consider that the market is still growing. Adding in the SDE and limited FOV, I'm still not sold that it's completely worth it.

I've also been keeping an eye on the Pimax 8K, and given the recent reviews on the machine it'd take to run reasonably, I won't be there for a while.

I came across this deal: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...0a20001ww_explorer_mixed_reality_headset.html

I've read mixed reviews on the Lenovo, but they haven't been horrid. However, the price point is excellent, but my main question for those that have tried the Vive/Rift vs the Lenovo headset, is the additional $300 (or more) worth what you get?

And if it makes any difference on my PC specs, I've got a GTX1080 and Ryzen 2800x.

Thanks!

 

[Chromezero]

For $99 it's worth giving it a try. My buddy just bought one but I haven't heard his opinion on it yet. He's used my Vive a couple times so he'll be able to give some comparisons.

 

[vidslo]

For $99 it's worth giving it a try. My buddy just bought one but I haven't heard his opinion on it yet. He's used my Vive a couple times so he'll be able to give some comparisons.

Thanks. I did some more searching of the forums/reddit/etc and decided to pull the trigger. For $99, it's hard to pass up.

 

[Chromezero]

To be honest, I've considered buying one for myself due to the lower weight and higher resolution, when compared to the Vive. Plus, I like the idea of being able to quickly flip the lenses up, when I need to see something on my desk. For room-scale stuff, the Vive or Rift is the obvious choice but for E or other seated games, the Explorer might be the way to go if that's all you plan to do.

 

[vidslo]

To be honest, I've considered buying one for myself due to the lower weight and higher resolution, when compared to the Vive. Plus, I like the idea of being able to quickly flip the lenses up, when I need to see something on my desk. For room-scale stuff, the Vive or Rift is the obvious choice but for E or other seated games, the Explorer might be the way to go if that's all you plan to do.

Yeah, that's what I'm hoping, figure I'll use this as a relatively low cost entry into VR and pay attention to how the Pimax 5k turns out with my sort of setup.

 

[sgurr]

HI vidslo, I'd typed a longer reply and then my tablet deleted it :/

In short I got one from the same place and love it running with a 970 at VR Medium in Elite, odd stutter but nothing too bad.
All menu text is very readable with the Explorer resolution, although the sweet spot is small.
You'll have a better experience with your 1080 (if it fits you, no manually adjustable IPD)

Felt like an idiot trying to get it working though, couldn't find a simple guide. Just in case
- plug in headset, Windows Mixed REality should just install. Close it down.
- Run Steam, install Steam VR and then the Windows Mixed Reality app in Steam. Reboot
- Install and run DrKaii's excellent EDProfiler found here: https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php/262552-EDProfiler-A-New-Display-Switcher-Robust-Settings-Profiler-Switcher-Detector!. Use this to start the game with your chosen settings.

I hope you like it, my jaw was on the floor.

o7

 

[vidslo]

HI vidslo, I'd typed a longer reply and then my tablet deleted it :/

In short I got one from the same place and love it running with a 970 at VR Medium in Elite, odd stutter but nothing too bad.
All menu text is very readable with the Explorer resolution, although the sweet spot is small.
You'll have a better experience with your 1080 (if it fits you, no manually adjustable IPD)

Felt like an idiot trying to get it working though, couldn't find a simple guide. Just in case
- plug in headset, Windows Mixed REality should just install. Close it down.
- Run Steam, install Steam VR and then the Windows Mixed Reality app in Steam. Reboot
- Install and run DrKaii's excellent EDProfiler found here: https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showt...r-Robust-Settings-Profiler-Switcher-Detector!. Use this to start the game with your chosen settings.

I hope you like it, my jaw was on the floor.

o7

I don't know my exact IPD, but it's somewhere around 61-62 so I should be pretty happy with it. I actually have Steam VR already installed as I've tried out VR using my google daydream headset, Pixel 2, and running riftcat. Far from ideal, not super playable, but it gave me a rough idea.

I've also been running Dr Kaii's EDprofiler for quite some time now and love it, so I'll just have to switch it over to the VR settings and tweak till things run smooth.

Appreciate the feedback! o7

 

[Sylveria]

I own one, although I paid a bit more than $99 for it.

I like it, it's a nice entry headset to VR, and I'm looking toward getting the Pimax 5K+ later when it's matured a bit. For the price you pay for a WMR headset (except in EU/elsewhere perhaps...) it's a no-risk option to explore what VR has to offer, instead of sinking $500+ into something you may not like and eventually have buyer's remorse over later.

I did quite a bit of research into the WMR options before I bought mine, and although it lacks the IPD adjustment slider, it's overall the best option of them IMO, being light yet sturdy (as long as you take care) has many of the options most have, etc. The only downside I've seen yet is the audio is a bit lacking, but onboard audio generally tends to be that way. (I have a SB Omni I use for sound anyway, so it's pretty much a non-issue for me)

Overall, I'm completely satisfied with mine, and definitely looking forward to "graduating" to a dedicated HMD later when the market has matured a bit more, especially with more mainstream titles being offered and the price/value is a bit more consistent. Right now, it's still considered "bleeding edge" and prices/features are representative of that. Reminds me of the days when we still had 50 MB hard drives in most computers and prices were astronomical in comparison to today.

 

[sgurr]

I don't know my exact IPD, but it's somewhere around 61-62 so I should be pretty happy with it. I actually have Steam VR already installed as I've tried out VR using my google daydream headset, Pixel 2, and running riftcat. Far from ideal, not super playable, but it gave me a rough idea.

I've also been running Dr Kaii's EDprofiler for quite some time now and love it, so I'll just have to switch it over to the VR settings and tweak till things run smooth.

Appreciate the feedback! o7

Ah, you know more than me then, nice one and hope you enjoy.

Could you let me know how you get on with the 1080? I'm planning on upgrading the gpu soonish and haven't been able to figure out I if the 1080 will allow max settings or not. I'd like to make the best of the explorer but don't want to go overboard. Thanks

 

[vidslo]

Ah, you know more than me then, nice one and hope you enjoy.

Could you let me know how you get on with the 1080? I'm planning on upgrading the gpu soonish and haven't been able to figure out I if the 1080 will allow max settings or not. I'd like to make the best of the explorer but don't want to go overboard. Thanks

I'll be sure to let you know how it works! I've been running my 4k monitor on max settings with my 1080 for a while now and love it. It's going to be a step back in terms of resolution/etc, but just seeing how VR is with the Riftcat and my phone, I can see where VR can become addicting with this game.

I'll play with my settings as much as I can to see what it takes to keep ~90 fps with the Explorer. I'm expected to get it around the 8th of Oct, so if you don't hear back from me after that, just shoot me a PM.

 

[sgurr]

I'll be sure to let you know how it works! I've been running my 4k monitor on max settings with my 1080 for a while now and love it. It's going to be a step back in terms of resolution/etc, but just seeing how VR is with the Riftcat and my phone, I can see where VR can become addicting with this game.

I'll play with my settings as much as I can to see what it takes to keep ~90 fps with the Explorer. I'm expected to get it around the 8th of Oct, so if you don't hear back from me after that, just shoot me a PM.

Thanks vidslo, I will [up]

I own one, although I paid a bit more than $99 for it.

I like it, it's a nice entry headset to VR, and I'm looking toward getting the Pimax 5K+ later when it's matured a bit. For the price you pay for a WMR headset (except in EU/elsewhere perhaps...) it's a no-risk option to explore what VR has to offer, instead of sinking $500+ into something you may not like and eventually have buyer's remorse over later.

I did quite a bit of research into the WMR options before I bought mine, and although it lacks the IPD adjustment slider, it's overall the best option of them IMO, being light yet sturdy (as long as you take care) has many of the options most have, etc. The only downside I've seen yet is the audio is a bit lacking, but onboard audio generally tends to be that way. (I have a SB Omni I use for sound anyway, so it's pretty much a non-issue for me)

Overall, I'm completely satisfied with mine, and definitely looking forward to "graduating" to a dedicated HMD later when the market has matured a bit more, especially with more mainstream titles being offered and the price/value is a bit more consistent. Right now, it's still considered "bleeding edge" and prices/features are representative of that. Reminds me of the days when we still had 50 MB hard drives in most computers and prices were astronomical in comparison to today.

Nice to hear I made a good choice. Even with the limitaions of my 970 I'm really pleased with it.

 

[[VR] Muskoka]

Currently have a Rift, but at $129 Cdn I'd love to try this. My big concern is the absence of Ipd adjustment. My Ipd is 68, and from what I'm reading this headset is fixed at 63? I know if I set the Rift to 63, I wouldn't be playing for very long. Shame, the price is very enticing, perhaps that's why.

 

[Sylveria]

Currently have a Rift, but at $129 Cdn I'd love to try this. My big concern is the absence of Ipd adjustment. My Ipd is 68, and from what I'm reading this headset is fixed at 63? I know if I set the Rift to 63, I wouldn't be playing for very long. Shame, the price is very enticing, perhaps that's why.

If you've already got a Rift you'd really gain naught that you don't already have, other than a flip up visor, lighter HMD and increase in resolution. (perhaps a few other things)

The WMR line is basically designed to be a much more affordable VR solution, but it does have some other minor annoyances- such as LOS with the controllers, etc.

Definitely not recommended for current VR users unless you've got the cash to blow and accept the limitations.

 

[Sweet&Dandy]

If you've already got a Rift you'd really gain naught that you don't already have, other than a flip up visor, lighter HMD and increase in resolution. (perhaps a few other things)

The WMR line is basically designed to be a much more affordable VR solution, but it does have some other minor annoyances- such as LOS with the controllers, etc.

Definitely not recommended for current VR users unless you've got the cash to blow and accept the limitations.

flip up visor, better res and lighter... those are some pretty decent selling points no?

 

[Avago Earo]

If you've already got a Rift you'd really gain naught that you don't already have, other than a flip up visor, lighter HMD and increase in resolution. (perhaps a few other things)

The WMR line is basically designed to be a much more affordable VR solution, but it does have some other minor annoyances- such as LOS with the controllers, etc.

Definitely not recommended for current VR users unless you've got the cash to blow and accept the limitations.

IPD can be adjusted within the WMR software, ranging from 59 to 67. It does work as other people that have tried my LenovoX have cofirmed.

 

[[VR] Muskoka]

IPD can be adjusted within the WMR software, ranging from 59 to 67. It does work as other people that have tried my LenovoX have cofirmed.

Interesting, what limited stuff I've read so far said the software adjustment didn't work at all (for some), wasn't accurate enough (?), still blurry image after adjusting, hence my concern. Now you've got me wondering/interested again, 67 would work fine. Any gain in resolution is welcome, and the price is very reasonable.

 

[Avago Earo]

Interesting, what limited stuff I've read so far said the software adjustment didn't work at all (for some), wasn't accurate enough (?), still blurry image after adjusting, hence my concern. Now you've got me wondering/interested again, 67 would work fine. Any gain in resolution is welcome, and the price is very reasonable.

I've read similar accounts too. All of the people that tried mine had IPD's that fell within the Lenovo's limits. I used an Android app (there's one that costs a few quid) to measure them.

Initially, I experienced some blurriness due to not putting the HMD on correctly. You need to place it on your face with the head band's hinge open, then lower the hinge until it's snug and the picture clear before tightening it. Also, the cable that runs along the side should be pulled back through the headband's cable clips (where it freely runs to allow the mask to be flipped up), as this can make the lower part of the mask pull away from your face. It all sounds a hassle, but after a while it becomes second nature and is just a matter of feeding the cable with your right hand to get rid of any slack.

 

[Sylveria]

flip up visor, better res and lighter... those are some pretty decent selling points no?

Indeed they are- which is why I noted them... however, I did go on to say unless you've got the cash to blow and accept the limitations, too. WMR controller LOS is a big one, it does affect those who like roomscale games- for the purposes of playing Elite with HOTAS/HOSAS it doesn't matter quite as much. (I park the controllers as soon as Elite is launched)

IPD can be adjusted within the WMR software, ranging from 59 to 67. It does work as other people that have tried my LenovoX have cofirmed.

This is true. And while most fall within that range, there are others who may not. Problem is you won't know it until you try.

Sure for the money, it's not bad at all. That said, I've also got a piece of hardware I purchased for another purpose which turned out to be a total loss, as it was quite limited in scope- but I thought I'd have more use for it. It's been collecting dust pretty much since I bought it and I've used it maybe 3 times. (if it wasn't beyond the return period for the product, I'd have done so long ago) So I'm rather cautious when I advise anyone of purchasing a product based on my own subjective opinions.

Also of note: WMR software is also subject to change, and Microsoft is currently controlling updates, too.

 

[Sylveria]

Interesting, what limited stuff I've read so far said the software adjustment didn't work at all (for some), wasn't accurate enough (?), still blurry image after adjusting, hence my concern. Now you've got me wondering/interested again, 67 would work fine. Any gain in resolution is welcome, and the price is very reasonable.

There's also a few other things you can do to improve resolution/fix blurriness, such as ensuring AA is turned off, etc. If the IPD values work for you- great. Again, I don't automatically assume what's good for me is good for everyone, however. If you have the cash to spare (or don't mind the hassle of trying to return it if it doesn't work for you) then great.

 

[Sylveria]

I've read similar accounts too. All of the people that tried mine had IPD's that fell within the Lenovo's limits. I used an Android app (there's one that costs a few quid) to measure them.

Initially, I experienced some blurriness due to not putting the HMD on correctly. You need to place it on your face with the head band's hinge open, then lower the hinge until it's snug and the picture clear before tightening it. Also, the cable that runs along the side should be pulled back through the headband's cable clips (where it freely runs to allow the mask to be flipped up), as this can make the lower part of the mask pull away from your face. It all sounds a hassle, but after a while it becomes second nature and is just a matter of feeding the cable with your right hand to get rid of any slack.

This is another really good point- fitting it properly does make all the difference. Also the foam liner has a tendency to move around a bit (nose area specifically) and at first when I was putting it on, it would pinch my nose so I couldn't breath properly. Having the HMD centered makes a ton of difference in that "sweet spot" location for resolution/sharpness.