Intelligencer - The Strategist Explains It All

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As Strategist editors, we like nothing more than getting into the nitty-gritty of things — from the difference between percale and sateen, to whether you should pay an extra $50 for a MIPS bike helmet, and what actually is that nonstick coating on your skillet (and is it toxic?).

To this end, we’ve launched a new section on the site called Strategist Explains. It’s where we go deep on the terminology, trends, and ingredients that are frankly befuddling to even the most seasoned of online shoppers. So our expert reporters are here to help. For example, Katherine Gillespie, our outdoor-gear reporter, explains the difference between down and synthetic insulation — helpful when perusing the best parkas and comforters. And Jordan McMahon, our tech reporter, explains how your robot vacuum maps your house and whether it’s listening in on you. (He says if you’re willing to deal with a less efficient cleaner in exchange for more privacy, “I’d suggest a robot vacuum without VSLAM or LiDAR.”)

Read the back catalogue here — and if there’s a term that you’d like us to go deep on, we’re taking suggestions too. Email strategist@nymag.com. –Ashley Wolfgang, newsletter editor