Beat the Heat with Sony’s Reon Pocket Pro: A Review
Córdoba is known for its extreme heat during the summer months, with temperatures soaring higher than Charmander’s birthday. The city boasts stunning attractions like the Mezquita-Catedral , Medina Azahara , and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos . As the only city in the world with four UNESCO World Heritage sites, it also holds the distinction of being the birthplace of aviation. However, when it comes to enduring the sweltering heat, many locals have devised various strategies: some escape to Fuengirola (often referred to as Córdoba II), while others ensconce themselves in front of fans or air-conditioned rooms. Others might even call a friend with a swimming pool , under the pretext of a long-overdue catch-up. For myself, I decided to tackle the heat in a unique way—by testing out Sony’s Reon Pocket Pro , a personal thermal dissipator.
Worn under the shirt, the Reon Pocket Pro’s placement is important for optimal performance | Image: Xataka
What is a Thermal Dissipator? At first mention, it sounds peculiar—almost as odd as hitting the gym with an exoskeleton. In essence, the Reon Pocket Pro is a portable thermal device designed to cool or heat the area of the body it contacts, which is the upper back, just below the neck. It is definitely not a portable air conditioner but offers a unique approach to personal climate control.
How Does It Work? The device has two independent thermal modules at its rear that alternate between cooling and heating based on the selected settings. A small fan draws heat away from the body and releases it from the top, ensuring a steady sensation of comfort. As one thermal plate reaches the set temperature, it deactivates while the other takes over, allowing for a continuous feeling of coolness.
These plates function independently, adjusting temperature as needed | Image: Xataka
How Do You Put It On? The device must be positioned with both plates against the skin while keeping the air vent slightly above the shirt’s collar. There’s a version for shirt-wearers, which includes an adapter. The device is designed to curve with the body’s natural shape and employs flexible tubes that fit snugly around the neck, remaining hidden underneath clothing. It’s subtle but noticeable.
Ensure the air vent is positioned properly for optimal use | Image: Xataka
Is It Comfortable? Comfort varies. It’s manageable when walking or sitting upright, despite weighing around 200 grams. However, if you recline or lie down, it becomes challenging to wear. Noise is not an issue; even while typing at my desk, I hardly noticed the fan.
Yet, I found the size somewhat cumbersome, and locating the right position proved tricky. Unlike a quick, on-off accessory, this device requires precise placement for effectiveness.
Comfort largely depends on your posture while wearing the device | Image: Xataka
Does It Cool? The Reon Pocket Pro operates in two modes: manual and automatic. In manual mode, users can set their desired temperature, while in automatic mode, it combines ambient temperature data via a small accessory known as the Reon Pocket Tag to determine optimal conditions. However, the sensor tends to work best in outdoor settings; when tucked into a pocket, accuracy may diminish.
Reon Pocket Tag | Image: Xataka
Upon first wearing the device, the cooling sensation near the neck begins almost instantly. As time progresses, thanks to the alternating thermal modules, the feeling of coolness remains consistent. Indeed, it cools, but the effect is localized—the area directly beneath the device feels chilled, akin to placing an ice pack against your back. In heating mode, it offers a warm, comfy feeling reminiscent of therapeutic heat pads.
Battery Life is a crucial factor. When set to a medium cool temperature, the device lasts nearly a full day, which is sufficient for a typical workday. However, higher temperatures will drain battery life faster. While using heat mode consumes more power, it’s not a feature I tested extensively during my review days. Charging takes roughly three hours.
Conclusion: While the Reon Pocket Pro provides an immediate cooling sensation that can be delightful, it does not entirely eliminate the discomfort of heat. The upper back remains cool, but other areas of the body are still exposed to the relentless sun and high temperatures. The device can enhance comfort when combined with a fan, yet its localized cooling action may not suffice for everyone. Priced at €229, it poses a financial consideration and may be best suited for environments where temperatures frequently climb uncomfortably high, such as overly warm offices or crowded public transport. Overall, it has innovative potential, but it often falls short of completely replacing traditional cooling methods like air conditioning.
* Prices may have changed since the last review
Images | Xataka
For more on staying cool this summer without relying on air conditioning, check out this insightful article by Xataka: According to this doctor, 30 seconds is all you need to stay cool during summer without air conditioning.