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TravisJ
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- Review count132
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- First reviewNovember 6, 2016
- Last reviewApril 20, 2024
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- Average rating4.8
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- First answerOctober 28, 2017
- Last answerNovember 20, 2018
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Outclass the competition with ultra-smooth frames and crisp details, this AMD FreeSync Premium compatible display has what it takes to keep up with you. Speed meets looks with a fun, yet refined design unlike any other so you can enjoy it in and out of the game.
Customer Rating
5
Rich Colors, Smooth 240hz Refresh Rate
on May 8, 2023
Posted by: TravisJ
This monitor is great for 2k gaming with very fast refresh rate. With the OMEN gaming hub you can adjust monitor settings without fighting with buttons on the back, and I love the color depth and smooth performance.
Features I like:
For me, HDR is one of the best innovations to display technology. While I enjoy color accuracy and getting bright colors to pop, they stun the eyes when it’s against a pitch-black background. This isn’t the best HDR you can get, as it’s HDR 400 specification and on the lowest end of the spectrum, it’s still hard for me to recommend a modern monitor without at least that. This is especially true for any game that supports HDR or watching movies or videos.
The 2k IPS panel supports 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3. When you’re talking about a 2k monitor that also does 240hz, you get a buttery smooth, rich color view. I’ve tinkered with two different settings which I feel like you get the most out of. The first is windows native HDR setting which is supposed to use system settings to control the picture quality of the monitor. The other is the native picture setting, which I feel like gives a richer color profile. Personally, I’ve turned off the windows HDR setting for most use cases as it can sometimes mess with games. For example, I was getting very high contrast out of Destiny 2 while games such as New World, looked just fine.
The sound is a bit different than what you’re probably used to in a monitor. It’s actually loud and gets uncomfortably loud before it begins to get distorted. Probably not what most are used to in a monitor. I don’t think it replaces a good set of desk speakers or headphones, but if you’re looking for a sound solution without taking up any extra space or spending any more money, these will work. You get to choose from a few sound profiles (Music, Voice, Video) but I would have liked to see a bit more customization on this feature.
Plenty of I/O including a USB hub. This is a nice to have, but being VESA mount compatible is nice. I use a desk mounting system to free up desk space so it’s a must for me. Two HDMI 2.0 and a 1.4 Display port makes sure you get throughput whether you’re using one or the other. I use both a gaming desktop and a thunderbolt dock for a work PC so having multiple inputs is a must.
Using the HP OMEN gaming hub allows you to go in control all the customizations. Volume customizations, picture mode, settings including response time, adaptive sync and brightness, FPS and crosshair overlay, and finally some basic control over the monitor backlight are all included. Unfortunately, you also get all the other features of the gaming hub, which I wont use and just becomes bloat. I usually start up the software, make my changes, then close it out when I’m done. This isn’t a stab at HP as theirs is cleaner than most with a decent “System Vitals” system monitor which I did like, but I didn’t need it with the monitor.
Needs Improvement:
Just being a picky, but I would have liked for it to be a little bit brighter. It does well in a dark room, but I usually game in the afternoons when it’s still light out, so the extra bit helps. USB C would have been a nice additional to the hub or as an additional input. More and more peripherals are moving to USB C and it’s an easier input to find and plug in the bottom of a monitor. Additional control over the sound profile (proper Equalizer) would have been a plus. On the topic of sound, I did use the recommended way to play audio (through the USB cable) and while you could notice a small improvement, it wasn’t vastly different in my opinion.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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CoreCam Pro Spotlight Camera offers easy-to-install completely wireless security. Featuring amazing 2K HD video in a modern design, it’s the perfect solution offering smart, convenient, and affordable surveillance. Secure it with the included screw-in mount to watch over any area from any angle. Mount the camera indoors or outdoors as the weatherproof design is built to withstand rain, snow and heat. CoreCam Pro has a powerful spotlight so you can see in the dark up to 26ft (8m), with impressive infrared night vision that kicks in automatically! There’s even Night2Day Color Night Vision. Sleep comfortably knowing the CoreCam Pro Spotlight Camera is looking out for you. Have a presence at your home with 2-way audio, giving you peace of mind while you’re away. You can check in on loved ones in need of care, communicate with delivery people remotely, even scare off intruders from your phone. Equipped with Swann’s True Detect, warm objects such as people, cars, and large animals trigger videorecording and push notifications straight to you. The sensor spotlight illuminates activity and alerts intruders. Use voice commands via Alexa and Hey Google to see what’s happening hands-free! CoreCam Pro has free storage allowing you to store thousands of clips onto the included 32GB MicroSD card, with greater storage available in Secure+ Member Plans. Expand your security by adding more Wi-Fi cameras and multi-camera Swann surveillance systems and manage them all using the Swann Security App! Secure to the core with long battery life for extra convenience, let the CoreCam Pro Spotlight Camera look out for your family and property. It’s security made smarter, from Swann.
Customer Rating
4
Security Where Wires Can’t Go
on December 18, 2022
Posted by: TravisJ
If you want to monitor an area where wiring isn’t practical or just want the freedom to monitor any area without the hassle of wiring, the Swann CoreCam Pro checks the boxes.
Out of the box you get a manual, Swann security stickers, the camera, charging cable, and mounting hardware. The camera attaches to the mount using a thumb screw and the mount includes 3 anchors and screws so that you can attach just about anywhere. On the bottom of the camera you can fold back a weather resistant silicone flap to access the SD card, on/off switch, and charging port, which is unfortunately USB type micro B.
Setup was easy. I used the smartphone app, scanned the QR code on the back of the camera and followed the instructions. Once the camera connected, I was able to access it’s features from the app. For testing and orientation purposes, I first set the camera in my kitchen, mostly to see if I could catch which cat likes to jump up on my countertop when we’re not home. The first thing I noticed was the camera catches motion. Each time it began recording a clip I would get a notification on my phone and watch. I could be in the kitchen making dinner or grabbing a glass of water and would receive constant pings that motion was detected. This is good if you want to get notified of motion, not so good to specifically monitor people in a busy people area. I turned on do not disturb feature within the app to temporarily stop the notifications.
As for camera function and quality it works pretty well. The camera has good quality and records decent videos. I wouldn’t say you’re getting iPhone/Samsung quality video, but it does well enough that I can clearly make out people and objects. Night vision uses infrared imaging to record night videos and it does a good job of capturing motion in the dark. The LED light is bright enough that it illuminates 15-20ft of my yard which I think is reasonable since it isn’t a flood light. The speaker is loud enough that you can hear it outside the home. It’s not louder than a car alarm but it’s loud enough to deter someone who doesn’t want to bring attention to themselves.
The app is probably the weak point of this device. From the app you’ll be able to change the camera settings, how long the light or siren stays on, go to live view, or change detection settings. Under detection settings the text for motion detections instructs changing settings from low to high for detection sensitivity, but the actual setting reads close, medium, far, and max. I’m making some educated guesses that close=low but it was confusing at first and still unclear. It has the same verbiage for person detection.
If you close and open the app back up, you sometimes see that the camera is “Authenticating” which sometimes gets hung up. Sometimes you can click the camera while it’s authenticating and you get all the settings, sometimes you don’t. I’ve been able to skirt around this by closing and relaunching the app. Also live view sometimes gets hung up when saving settings and navigating back to live view. It will show the thumbnail but clicking on the picture doesn’t always take you to the camera and you’ll sometimes just get a spinning wheel as it “thinks” about showing you live feed. Since the app is how you directly interact with the camera and view its footage in real time, it does play a large part in user experience.
If you close and open the app back up, you sometimes see that the camera is “Authenticating” which sometimes gets hung up. Sometimes you can click the camera while it’s authenticating and you get all the settings, sometimes you don’t. I’ve been able to skirt around this by closing and relaunching the app. Also live view sometimes gets hung up when saving settings and navigating back to live view. It will show the thumbnail but clicking on the picture doesn’t always take you to the camera and you’ll sometimes just get a spinning wheel as it “thinks” about showing you live feed. Since the app is how you directly interact with the camera and view its footage in real time, it does play a large part in user experience.
In my opinion, the good outweighs the bad if you’re already in the Swann ecosystem or need a high-quality wireless security camera. You can quickly setup and deploy these cameras with included hardware since they’re wireless providing quick surveillance. Hopefully the software can be improved overtime and owners can enjoy a seamless experience and a newer model with USB-C would be welcomed.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Bitdefender - Premium Security (10-Device) (1-Year Subscription) - Windows, Mac OS, Android, Apple iOS [Digital]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6519/6519144_sd.jpg)
Detect and block web attacks, ransomware and other cyber threats with this digital edition of BitDefender Premium Security software. A 1-year subscription with VPN support for up to 10 devices helps secure network traffic. Compatibility with most Windows, Mac and Android operating systems makes this BitDefender Premium Security software ideal for multi-device protection.
Customer Rating
5
Fully Featured End to End Security
on December 17, 2022
Posted by: TravisJ
There is a lot to choose from when it comes to PC security. The choices have gotten smaller over the years as some key players have improved their toolset and optimized the software to be less of a security anchor and more of a security sail. Bitdefender, which I’m using for the first time, has been a pleasant surprise in it’s lower resource use and security recommendations on what I felt was a fairly secure laptop.
Pros:
- Application is fast and intuitive to navigate.
- Checks for insecure windows settings and automatically corrects them.
- Has compatible password manager for many browsers/devices.
- System scanner is lightweight on resources and runs in the background without being intrusive.
- Autopilot feature gives recommendations on being more secure.
- VPN is decently fast for everyday tasks such as browsing, shopping, email, video.
- Includes other tools such as system optimizer, safepay browser, parental controls
- Profiles settings depending on what tasks are being performed (work, gaming, battery saver, etc.)
- Application is fast and intuitive to navigate.
- Checks for insecure windows settings and automatically corrects them.
- Has compatible password manager for many browsers/devices.
- System scanner is lightweight on resources and runs in the background without being intrusive.
- Autopilot feature gives recommendations on being more secure.
- VPN is decently fast for everyday tasks such as browsing, shopping, email, video.
- Includes other tools such as system optimizer, safepay browser, parental controls
- Profiles settings depending on what tasks are being performed (work, gaming, battery saver, etc.)
Cons:
- Password manager was a bit hard to find at first, requires master password too often.
- Have to use web UI to manage computers/subscription instead of the installed app.
- Password manager was a bit hard to find at first, requires master password too often.
- Have to use web UI to manage computers/subscription instead of the installed app.
I’ve been a big fan of paid antivirus software for a while. The difficulty is finding software that doesn’t completely overrun your PC, provides great protection with minimum amount of resources, works without being annoying. Bitdefender so far seems to do all of this while living quietly in the corner of my taskbar. After installation you run a “Device Assessment” which checks the security of your device. Right away it found a few security recommendations, mostly due to windows settings. One involved turning off where the PC would automatically log back in after a windows update. The other was website risk assessment adjuster was enabled so that you could change a websites risk assessment, therefore making protections for a more risky site less effective. Both were quickly fixed.
During my full system scan it found an issue with an email attachment. This one was a bit annoying since it was discovered in an Outlook Data file but it couldn’t delete the affected email. Which is understandable, I wouldn’t want it to just delete emails without me looking first anyways, but it failed to give me any details on what attachment to look for so I could manually find and delete it from my inbox. I would assume it’s likely in spam or junk, but I’d like to clear it anyways.
Bitdefender is also loaded with side tools I normally expect with security software to battle the most common issues users face. Privacy, ransomware, firewall, VPN, password manager, safe browser, parental controls, optimizer, and several others. All work pretty well. The VPN was fast enough for day to day browsing, shopping, reading news. It offers split tunneling, internet killswitch, and download speeds around 120-130 mbps with upload speeds around 30-40 mbps. Latency is also a little high on the VPN but most folks won’t notice it.
I also played around with the password manager which I had mixed feelings about. First setting I found that hinted at password management was the Wallet feature. Along with saving bank information, autofill information, and notes, it also acted as a password manager. Later I was able to find the stand-alone password manager which is much more intuitive. I was able to easily import my passwords from my other password manager as well as install on a supported browser. I was glad to see FireFox support. Autofill, saving and updating of password changes all happen intuitively, I did find it annoying how often I had to use my master password to get back into the manager when browsing. I thought I had adjusted some settings that would reduce this, but alas, I found myself logging back in. This is probably the safest way to use a password manager, but I’d like to have at least more options on when it times out.
There’s not really much to not like about Bitdefender. It has a high level of security and the few cons are really personal quirks about the level of security they take their applications rather than actual issues with the app. I wouldn’t hesitate at all to recommend this to a friend or family member.
I also played around with the password manager which I had mixed feelings about. First setting I found that hinted at password management was the Wallet feature. Along with saving bank information, autofill information, and notes, it also acted as a password manager. Later I was able to find the stand-alone password manager which is much more intuitive. I was able to easily import my passwords from my other password manager as well as install on a supported browser. I was glad to see FireFox support. Autofill, saving and updating of password changes all happen intuitively, I did find it annoying how often I had to use my master password to get back into the manager when browsing. I thought I had adjusted some settings that would reduce this, but alas, I found myself logging back in. This is probably the safest way to use a password manager, but I’d like to have at least more options on when it times out.
There’s not really much to not like about Bitdefender. It has a high level of security and the few cons are really personal quirks about the level of security they take their applications rather than actual issues with the app. I wouldn’t hesitate at all to recommend this to a friend or family member.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Devialet Dione is the latest embodiment of Devialet’s engineering and acoustic expertise: an intensely immersive sound bar that’s equally advanced and intuitive. Seventeen autonomous high-end drivers deliver dynamic midrange and crystal-clear treble, while eight built-in SAM®-powered subwoofers remove any need for additional equipment, making Devialet Dione a truly all-in-one soundbar. Devialet Dione is powered by a suite of patented Devialet technologies that render it exceptional: SPACE™ provides a distinctly enveloping specialization effort, while AVL™ equalizes sound levels in real time. On the aesthetic front, an incomparable thinness-to-performance ratio and iconic central ORB®️ that adapts to whatever in-home placement you choose. A plug-and-play way to enjoy a vivid, cinematic viewing experience in a 3D, 5.1.2 configuration.
Customer Rating
5
Truly a Luxury Audio Experience
on November 24, 2022
Posted by: TravisJ
Sound bars are usually a good way to boost your TV’s bland, built-in speakers. I never really thought it would have me hearing sounds I never knew were in the shows we watch or make look out the window when a movie has thunder in the background. Truly delivers a premium experience to your ears.
You’ll want to make sure your tv has ARC or eARC HDMI port. This allows you to connect the soundbar via HDMI and allow other HDMI devices to play audio through the soundbar. Also, setup uses an Android or iOS app, so a smartphone or tablet is needed for optimal setup. You can also connect with the included optical cable, but HDMI ARC seems to be the preferred method.
You get (almost) everything you need in the box. More on that in a bit. There is a full-size cardboard cutout with mounting position and wall anchor cutout. Along with the soundbar, they include an HDMI and optical cable, some spacers for wall mounting, rubber feet to stick to the back, and obviously a power cable. One thing you’ll find missing is wall mounting anchors and screws as well as a remote. A few screws and wall anchors seem like a low expense addition to make sure you have everything you need for that clean wall mount look. I am, however, forgiving of the remote since my remotes easily control the volume of the soundbar as well as the app being very intuitive. I’d probably lose it anyways.
Following the included manual, it was easy to get it on the wall and setup for first use. I was puzzled with the preferred orientation as it leaves the cutout for I/O on the bottom where soundbars are usually mounted below the TV. The work around it seems is you can run them underneath as the mounting spacers leave some room for the cables. I used Bluetooth and WiFi to get the soundbar setup and connected to the app. As with most connected devices, I immediately checked to see if there were any firmware updates and installed them. It did so conveniently quick. Built in microphones will help with a sound calibration that helps optimize the sound based on the acoustics of the room your setup in.
After installation I had to let my wife get back to her show before I could test a range of noises and immediately you could tell the difference. Even in a food competition show, I was hearing the people more clearly, picking up on some of the shows background tones and low suspenseful rumbles when the show wanted to emphasize the drama. It was clear my sound experience wasn’t as good as it could be. So a bit later I started running it through its paces like I do with any new sound device.
Usually, the first is a Dolby Atmos rated video or movie. With Atmos 5.1.2 surround sound, you can hear the channels at play. The room fills with sound as you hear the blades of a helicopter or the low rumble of a jet passing overhead. The bass at the right pitch had things rattling on my entry-way table that I didn’t know would rattle. The best way to describe it is luxury sound. One of my favorite things to listen to is thunderstorms. You get the soothing static sound of the rain, the low rumble of thunder from far away and can hear it as it approaches. Even more aggressive thunder, that sharp cracking of intense lighting, followed by low rumbles. For me this is one of the most natural sounds you can replicate on an audio device. It just fills the room and surrounds you.
The app that you can download will allow you full control over the soundbar. Aside from adjusting volume, you can change various settings to adjust the sound. There’s a setting for bass reduction to tone down some of low bass sounds, room calibration which uses built in microphones to calibrate room sound. You can also turn off the microphones if your privacy conscious. If you want certain sound profiles for per source settings, you can change that too. I do occasionally run into an issue where my app doesn’t connect automatically. However, I believe this could be an issue with my WiFi network settings where it randomizes MAC addresses. Another small detail I noticed was the LED lights turn off when you’re not tapping the buttons, so they don’t distract from whatever your watching.
There isn’t anything not to like about Devialet’s Diode soundbar. Anything I could say would be nitpicking. I really enjoy the unique design and high build quality. If I was going to knock some points off it would be the lack of a remote, whether I use it or not, the option would be nice. As well as including drywall anchors for wall mounting but I can understand wanting to avoid the liability of doing so.
There isn’t anything not to like about Devialet’s Diode soundbar. Anything I could say would be nitpicking. I really enjoy the unique design and high build quality. If I was going to knock some points off it would be the lack of a remote, whether I use it or not, the option would be nice. As well as including drywall anchors for wall mounting but I can understand wanting to avoid the liability of doing so.
In closing this is an absolute amazing sound bar. They truly had the customer in mind and pulled out all the stops to delivery luxury sound for the modern home.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Keep your screen ultra-protected from the hardest falls with the Insignia NS-14MARGLS2 Anti-Reflective Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 14 Plus and 13 Pro Max (2-Pack). Made of thin, .33 mm tempered glass, this screen protector will fit most cases and will fully protect your screen with edge-to-edge coverage. It has anti-reflective technology that provides extreme clarity in strong outdoor light and eliminates other lighting impacts. Its 9H hardness rating protects your screen from everyday accidental falls and won’t affect the sensitivity of your touchscreen, granting you total control so you can continue playing games, scrolling online and more. It also includes everything you need for easy application, ensuring a bubble-free appearance. Improve the way you protect and view your screen with this Insignia glass screen protector.
Customer Rating
5
Solid Build and Easy Application
on November 3, 2022
Posted by: TravisJ
No problem recommending this screen protector. First thing I noticed when I took them out of the box was they felt “heavy”. My most recent screen protector experience had very thin, flimsy glass. With Insignia’s screen protector, it seemed thick enough that it will hopefully actually protect the screen underneath. Came very well packaged and crystal clear.
In the box you get two sets of the following: a package containing the screen protector and a package containing, wet and dry wipes, cloth wipe, and a dust sticker. Also there is a guide that clips onto your phone for very easy alignment. The packaging is easy to open and I like how the packaging is designed to repackage and store the spare screen protector if you don’t need the 2nd one right away.
Application was very easy, although instructions weren’t super descriptive. I’ve put on a screen protector or two so I didn’t feel it I needed them detailed, but plenty of first timers out there who may need more guidance. You do the wet wipe, which sometimes in cheaper kits aren’t very wet. That wasn’t a problem with Insignia. Go back over it with the dry wipe, then use the microfiber cloth to buff out any residue left on the screen. The last step for me is using the sticker to remove any dust that falls between the final wipe down and actually applying the screen protector. Next comes the guide.
The guide isn’t anything special but it worked really well for me. Snap it onto the front of the phone, making sure it’s secure. After peeling off the backing, I aligned the top of the screen protector where the notch is with my notch on my iPhone and made sure it was flush with the alignment tool. I didn’t push too hard against the top but I wanted to make sure when I dropped it down it didn’t move. I let it down slowly and dropped it into place and gave the middle a little push and watched the adhesive spread. Use the microfiber cloth to smooth out any air bubbles and your done.
I’m the kind of person who starts over with the 2nd screen if the first one doesn’t drop down almost perfectly. Didn’t have to do that. I’ve used several different alignment tools and screen protectors and simplicity and patience is sometimes the best method. The cutout is very precise. I love a new screen protector as your finger just glides across the glass with almost no friction. No issues with glare or at least not any more than my phone’s screen. One thing I noticed that others may find useful, I had some minor scratches on my screen. Only noticed when the screen was off. With the screen protector, the adhesive “fills in” the micro scratches so I don’t notice them anymore. It’s not going to work miracles, but it hid my tiny little imperfections.
I’ve got nothing negative to say about the product. Instructions could be a bit more detailed but the screen protector works really well, very easy to apply, and they give you everything you need to get a perfect application.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience the benefits of Wi-Fi 6E with the fastest system eero has ever created.* This eero Pro 6E system (3-pack) supports network speeds up to 2.3 Gbps (a gigabit wired and 1.6 Gbps wireless) and coverage up to 6,000 sq ft. Experience gigabit+ speeds for more of your wifi needs—from VR/AR, to 8K streaming to using the latest Wi-Fi 6E mobile devices.
Customer Rating
4
Very Fast Wide Coverage WiFi 6e
on October 25, 2022
Posted by: TravisJ
This triband Wireless 6e router uses the latest in wireless technology to provide a low congestion 6ghz band signal to allow for faster and cleaner connections to your router to assist in offering the fastest speeds on your local network. Eero makes it so that anyone, no matter the tech level, can purchase and connect this mesh system, as long as they can download an app and follow directions.
I loved the unboxing experience of this router. With 3 units, everything is packaged very neatly inside the box so you can grab one at a time and go through the setup process with each. The first step is getting the app and setting up an Eero account. Then follow directions for adding a router to your home network. It’ll guide you through the steps of disconnecting your old router and connecting your new one to your modem. Once complete, you can then use the app to set up additional units providing a wide range of wifi coverage across your home or property.
My modem fairly centered to the living room but I wanted to expand wifi out to my front yard and garage. When adding the additional access points, I didn’t have any connection problems and was able to get good signal putting one in my bedroom (using only wireless internet connections and a power cable) and another in my garage. I didn’t want to fall back on my wireless connection while looking up how-to videos in my garage, so this was ideal.
This is what I call an “app managed” router. This seems to be a more popular approach, but it simplifies the setup and management process for those who are not quite as savvy with adjusting technical settings of their home network. This is a plus and a minus in my book. On one hand, it makes things much easier for the majority of people, on the other hand, it also restricts you from fine tuning your network to your liking or wireless environment. With that being said, it’s very easy to see what is connected to your router as well as the ability to group different items to make parental controls and monitoring a walk in the park.
I made a completely new network with the setup of this router so I could add each item one by one and group them based on function or type. For example, smart home devices, PCs, and personal devices (phones, tablets, watches) all got grouped in their respective categories. Although I do not have kids, I could see where this would be useful if you wanted to create groups for individual children for game consoles or phones to limit screen time.
As for customization, it doesn’t leave you completely in the dark. You can still do, what I now consider a standard features, port forwarding and DHCP reservations. You can also adjust your DNS server, turn on or off your UPnP, as well as a feature called client steering which makes sure you’re on the router with the strongest signal and therefore likely the fastest connection. There’s also “Thread”, which is a low power wireless standard that devices can connect to. The device also has Zigbee built in so if you’re Smart home is built on this standard, you can use the eero as a hub.
Performance seems right in line with what I expect with a clean 6ghz wireless signal. My PC which is one of my few 6e devices, negotiates at 2.1 gbps at the highest, but averages around 1.2 to 1.4 gbps. This is, on paper, FASTER than a wired connection. The reality is, depending on if your device is WiFi 6e capable and distance to your router, you may or may not see those speeds. BUT I will say, using fast.com to test my speeds, under the best conditions, I was hitting my advertised speeds (1 Gig Fiber) from my ISP which is very impressive considering I’ve only seen these speeds under wired connection (940 download and 800 upload on Eero wireless router). As for local network file transfers, well I have a windows PC as a server, and lets say SMB isn’t the fastest file transfer protocol, but I transferred a file across the network at 74 MB/s average. This was from a NVMe drive to a HDD, which is a common setup for network file backup.
Another added bonus is if you want to wire your devices to the access points, each one comes with 2 ethernet ports. If you have a device that’s ethernet only or want to spread out wired devices so it doesn’t crowd the desk, this makes that convenient.
The biggest downfall of this router is the subscription based parental controls and monitoring. Instead of building these into the product like other routers, eero has opted to get a few more bucks out of you by charging $99.99/year for these features. You don’t have to make the purchase, and the router works fine without them, but there are routers available that include this in their purchase price without a subscription.
Another thing I would have liked to have seen would have been a QoS feature where I can prioritize traffic on the network by device. This is great for streaming or gaming devices where it’s network traffic is important to be prioritized to sustain the quality of picture and latency. It’s hard to see this labeled as “Pro” and not have some of these features. Hopefully this can be added in the future with a firmware update.
All things said, I’m happy with this product, but there’s room for improvement. I have no complaints about the setup process, performance, or coverage. If you don’t have a technical savvy person in your home but need the coverage, you’ll find this is easy to setup, deploy and enjoy.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Charge your devices simultaneously and efficiently with this Best Buy essentials BE-MQ231W23 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger with Apple Watch Charger Holder. It’s compatible with magnetic charging and can charge up to three devices at once. Simply snap your iPhone on the stand, your AirPods on the below charging pad and connect your Apple Watch charging cable to use the built-in ring and charge them all simultaneously. The LED light assures you your devices are charging, and the included 5 ft. power adapter lets you place the charging stand where it’s most convenient to you. It’s just a charging stand – until you need a comfortable and convenient charger that has it all.
Customer Rating
5
Great 3-in-1 Wireless Charger!
on October 5, 2022
Posted by: TravisJ
This 3 in 1 wireless charger from Best Buy essentials works great and is exactly what I need to charge the Apple Trinity (iPhone, Apple Watch, Airpods). In the box you get the charging base, power adapter, and a usb a to c dongle. You’ll need to use your existing Apple Watch charger, but it easily fits into the ring. On the bottom you can pop off the panel and there’s a place to plug in to a usb type A slot (or you can use the dongle if yours is a type C). Once you get the cables managed and plug the power adapter into the base and the wall, you’re good to go.
The magnetic holder for the iPhone is very strong. I love how when I’m laying and bed and go to put it on charge, the charger “grabs” the phone. It isn’t so strong that it moves the base station, but you know it’s aligned properly. I simply just twist it away from the magnetic mount and it comes right off.
Charging my Airpods pro is even easier. You must have the wireless charging case for it to work, but there’s a rectangle cutout that you sit the case in, and charging starts right away. Charging the Apple Watch is just as easy. Align it with the magnetic charger with the watch and charging begins. The only call out for the watch is the USB port only does 5 watts of charging, so you won’t get the 7.5-watt fast charging with the newer Apple Watches. Although I did test my 7.5-watt charger and it fit in the ring just as easily and charged just fine.
I usually charge my apple watch after I get home since I wear it at night for the sleep tracking. No issues with charge speed or charging. Phone gets charged every night along with my Airpods and I wake up with both fully charged and ready to take on the day. Great Product!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Meet the CORSAIR K100 AIR Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, an ultra-thin keyboard that places outstanding performance and productivity in a sleek brushed aluminum frame. Its unbelievably thin profile – just 11mm at its slimmest point – makes the K100 AIR the stylish centerpiece of your entire desktop and workspace. Hyper-fast, tactile CHERRY MX Ultra Low Profile mechanical keyswitches deliver a responsive, satisfying mechanical keyboard experience – you will want to use the keyboard for everything.The K100 AIR offers three ways to connect to your PC, Mac, and devices for optimal, hyper-fast wireless versatility: sub-1ms SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS, Bluetooth, or USB wired. Connect to multiple devices wirelessly and switch between them with the press of a button, with secure AES 128-bit encryption. Wired mode enables CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology to transmit keystrokes up to 8x faster than standard gaming keyboards, helping you stay one step ahead of opponents during competition. The K100 AIR offers endlessly customizable lighting and workflows for total control over your setup. Four dedicated G keys are fully programmable to perform custom actions, shortcuts, and macros to elevate your productivity. The K100 AIR shines with brilliant per-key RGB backlighting, for nearly limitless customization for up to 20 lighting layers simultaneously, powered by AXON. Unlock full control over lighting, key remapping, and more with powerful CORSAIR iCUE software. With up to 200 hours of wireless battery life and all the premium features in CORSAIR’s thinnest gaming keyboard ever, the K100 AIR enables you to play elevated.
Customer Rating
5
Very Thin, Full Featured, Mechanical Keyboard
on October 2, 2022
Posted by: TravisJ
There’s a ton to love about Corsair’s latest offering for wireless mechanical keyboards. I think this is one of the thinnest keyboards I have ever used. Even so, the key switches feel great, and it doesn’t impact my ability to type quickly, and, you still get the full Corsair experience with full customization of the keyboard lighting and functionality.
The Design - the design is SUPER thing and there’s a lot to love here. The keyboard has a really nice-looking brushed aluminum key base with a textured hard plastic bottom. The two pieces come together to make a very thin but rigid full sized keyboard. The keys are spaced appropriately for me and are very easy to type on. Fingers don’t feel cramped together or forced into position. The Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile switches feel amazing. They’ve got a tactile feel and don’t sound too clicky. They’re stiff but don’t require an unnatural amount of force to actuate. If you’ve used Corsair keyboards before, then many of the button layouts will be familiar with profile switching, brightness control, and a multi function windows lock button as dedicated keys and a LED panel with illuminated indicators that let you know the status of the keyboard. I was also delighted to see 4 dedicated macro keys above the numpad which also serve as a way to switch between connection modes. Finally, media keys take up the top right part of the keyboard.
Features – There’s a lot of features packed into this keyboard which you can setup to your liking using the iCue software. Aside from what can be done without iCue (more on that later) you can set up layers and layers of RGB. Also, you can reassign keys to perform different functions, including keystrokes, macros, launch programs, and even integration into Voicemod and Elgato Streamdeck. If there’s a repetitive key combo your constantly hitting, you can assign it to quickly execute with a dedicated G-Key. Also, Corsair iCue is also one of the most widely used plugin for RGB lighting and very compatible with 3rd party lighting effects. As far as features outside of iCue software, I sometimes record macros to reduce keyboard input commands within software used at work. If things change, I can go in and re-record those macros on the fly. This makes for quick work navigating through application menus and executing commands.
Connectivity – Probably one of the most useful features for me is the ability to pair three Bluetooth devices, plus whatever the slipstream receiver is plugged into. I have a work laptop, gaming laptop, and a personal desktop as well as an iPad. My work laptop and desktop share monitors. It’s nice having one keyboard and one mouse to share between the two when I want to switch from work to play. Although not used this way as often, This keyboard is thin and light enough to throw into my backpack so I have a full size keyboard when I want to get some work done (I’ve grown to using a numpad fairly heavily). Switching between the dongle and Bluetooth takes less than a couple seconds. If you frequently switch between machines this will be a luxury.
Performance – Most people don’t consider too much about performance when talking about keyboards but a lot goes into low latency and response time as well as all the lighting layers and hardware profiles. Using what Corsair calls their Hyper Processing Technology, Axon, it can deliver polling rates up to 8,000 when wired and 2,000 using slipstream technology. I’m not sensitive enough to small delays in keyboards to personally tell a difference, but what I can tell you, I can’t the difference when it’s wired or wireless. Knowing that I’m not going to notice lag when gaming helps keep a clean aesthetic on my desktop by forgoing the wires, only needing them for a charge.
Gaming – Gaming performance is just like using a wired keyboard. As mentioned above, I can’t tell the difference with it plugged in or wireless. The difference is you don’t have the cords in your way so you can position the keyboard wherever you need to. Inputs are smooth and because it’s a full size keyboard, there’s no concerns with hitting the wrong key because keys are too close. WSAD keys are fully customizable so you can quickly see them and get your hand positioned and because each key is individually mappable, if you wanted to color code your buttons, you can do that too. The key switches feel good when gaming and are very responsive.
Other thoughts – I like how the keys at top are flush with the keyboard. It just helps add to the aesthetics. USB C charging is nice to see and should be standard on ALL electronics at this point. Dedicated on/off switch so you don’t accidently smash keys in transport. A nice little pocket for your dongle is cut out at the top, and again, should be the gold standard if your device comes with a dongle. The only thing that is concerning about this design, is I worry that, because it IS so incredibly thin, is it more prone to damage? For example, if I throw it in my backpack, and lean back against it, is it going to bend or warp? It feels very sturdy in the hands, but I know aluminum isn’t known for it’s hardness. Time will tell. Finally, I like how much you can do on the keyboard without the need for iCue, right out of the box. Preset color options using FN+1-0, keyboard macros, device connectivity, checking battery levels are all available before you ever install iCue. After iCue is installed, you can power up what you can do when your without the software with hardware profiles.
Final Thoughts – If you need a highly customizable, full sized, full featured keyboard, that is wireless, ultra low latency, mechanical, onboard macro recording, with connections to multiple devices that can switch seamlessly, I’m not sure what other boxes you would want to check. I love this keyboard and look forward to daily driving it. It may even end up being the keyboard I just use for everything.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Feel the action with 4K HDR visuals, ultra-fast 144Hz refresh rate, and Full Array Local Dimming contrast that makes game worlds come alive with detail and vibrance. Built for extraordinary gaming performance with support for Nvidia® G-SYNC® and HDMI 2.1 VRR compatibility, the INZONE™ M9 is your path to victory.
Customer Rating
5
Amazing 4k LCD Monitor with Local Dimming HDR
on September 5, 2022
Posted by: TravisJ
This monitor checks a lot of boxes that you would like to see in a gaming monitor. It has 4k resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, HDR 600 certified, as well as some aesthetic notes that should blend in well with any build. It also brings 95% DCI-P3 spectrum coverage.
The screen looks fantastic for gaming. At 4k resolution HDR videos are smooth thanks to the 144Hz display, have rich vibrant colors, and amazing fast response time of 1ms. The dimming zones really help the LCD panel do HDR close to what LED panels can do. With LED the individual pixels turn off but because LCD is backlit, the dimming zones help the screen achieve true black reaching HDR 600 certification.
The design of the monitor has PlayStation vibes. I like the black and white color scheme of the display and stand. There’s a recessed channel on the back that has a LED light that you can change the color of. The stand is adjustable up and down and you can change the tilt but there’s no side to side without moving the whole stand, or any rotation at all. It is VESA compatible, and this is how I have mounted mine without any issues. There’s two standard HDMI, Display Port, and USB C display port. There are also three USB 3 type A ports for peripherals. There’s a “joystick” on the back for adjusting settings.
You can download software from Sony that will allow you to adjust the monitor settings without having to tinker with the joystick on the back. I love this and much prefer this than having to awkwardly reaching behind my monitor. I can sit comfortably at the distance I’ll use the monitor and fine tune it to my liking. Among other things, you can adjust brightness, sharpness, cool/warm feel, response time as well as display settings based on what program is running. This is great if you have a preferred setting for editing photos or playing games. There’s FPS crosshairs and dots you can turn on that stay centered on the screen. Also you can turn on a FPS counter. There’s also adjusting of the response time as well as adjusting the LED light on the back.
As far as gaming goes, you’ll need some decent hardware to play 144Hz at 4k. I was getting around 40-50 FPS playing Destiny 2 at max settings. I ultimately tuned the in-game graphics down to 2k resolution which still looked fantastic but consistently ran at a capped 120 FPS. This isn’t a limit to the display but just a call out.
Overall there’s a lot to like on this monitor. 4k, 144Hz, 1ms Response, HDR, 95% DCI-P3, and software based menu. The only thing I would like to see is maybe a bit brighter LED light with more RGB options. Perhaps integration into Corsair iCue or similar software.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The G715 Logitech Wireless Gaming Keyboard from the Aurora Collection delivers low-key style with high-key performance so you can express yourself and play your way. Float away with its dreamy white design and comfy, cloud-shaped keyboard palm rest. With a tenkeyless layout and adjustable height, this is an ideal compact mechanical keyboard for gaming that gives you that good game feeling, all-day long. Pack it up, place it anywhere, and play your best with G715’s rechargeable 30 gaming-hr battery life (with full lighting), Logitech LIGHTSPEED wireless, and Bluetooth connectivity. Use the USB-C to USB-A cable (included) for quick and streamlined recharging. Logitech LIGHTSYNC brings your gaming to life with four responsive Play Moods that reflect your state of play in 16.8M programmable RGB colors. Get your creative juices flowing, show off your style, and even create your custom animation effects on your wireless TKL keyboard with free G HUB software.
Customer Rating
5
Wireless Keyboard with Ample Customization and RGB
on September 2, 2022
Posted by: TravisJ
I’m excited about the G715 line of keyboards. It borrows from the popular G915 TKL design language and improves on that design by adding customizable keys colors and a cover plate that you can mold around your setup color scheme.
Customization is the goal. With swappable top plate and key caps, you can extensively customize the look of your keyboard. The white base is a nice break from the typical black you see on most modern gaming keyboard, but my favorite part of the design language is the RGB lighting on the bottom side of the keyboard as well a sleuth of preset lighting effects. You can buy a set of pastel green or pink keys as well as different colored top plates. I’m looking forward to seeing additional colors added so I can do a blue/white color scheme for basketball season because why not.
Using the Logitech GHub software, you’re able to customize the RGB key colors, the RGB light strip on the bottom, as well as creating and assigning macros to the function keys. There’s a difference between what’s available depending on your connection type as far as RGB presets. I’m assuming it’s because of the processing that some of the effects require, but you’re limited to what you can select when using the Bluetooth connection as opposed to connecting the dongle.
I like the tactile feel of the key switches. I believe Logitech is calling these GX Brown Tactile switches. If you like them to be a bit clicky while still feeling a bit of resistance on the down press, these are probably the ones for you. I do think these feel a bit different than the tactile switches that were on the G915, so your milage may vary. I’m not a mechanical keyboard enthusiast by any means so absorb what you will with those opinions. All in all, I think it’s a good typing experience and gaming on it isn’t bad either. I like knowing that I have the endurance of a mechanical keyboard for years to come.
Build quality is pretty good. It is made of hard plastic and has some heft to it so it doesn’t slide around. There’s kick stands that are on the bottom and a slot to store the adapter. I’m a big fan of any device that requires a dongle, has a place to store said dongle built into the design. This also uses a USB Type C charge port. I’m avoiding any device that doesn’t have one so this is a nice addition some of the newer product lines coming out. The cloud shaped wrist rest is also neat. I do prefer something a tad bit taller because of how I’m positioned but that might be just me. I do worry a bit about the top cover plate that you can swap out being a bit thin. If this gets knocked off during transport in your backpack or is left out to the elements, I imagine it wouldn’t be hard to break.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Store more than 50 PlayStation 4 game titles on this 2TB Seagate game drive. Its USB 3.0 port provides fast loading of full-size games so you can play smoothly, and its tough aluminum enclosure protects the drive from damage. This plug-and-play Seagate game drive is automatically recognized by any PS4, PS4 Slim or PS4 Pro console.
I've gotten quite tired of always uninstalling and reinstalling my games to make room and I was thinking about buying one of these. So, since all my games are hard copy, does that matter? For example, with this, will I be able to reinstall hard copy games
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