nkpstudios's stats
- Review count233
- Helpfulness votes1,014
- First reviewJanuary 9, 2015
- Last reviewJuly 17, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.3
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- Answer count49
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- First answerSeptember 12, 2016
- Last answerAugust 6, 2021
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A gaming uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a battery backup for your PC and console. APC Back-UPS~ Pro Gaming keeps you protected, connected, and in the game.
Customer Rating
4
A Cool Take on Boring UPS for Gamers
on July 16, 2021
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
Finally, a nice-looking UPS unit that does the job without compromise! The APC UPS Gaming is a 1500VA ten outlet 3 USB battery backup and surge protector housed in a sleek and modern unit that will protect your electronic investments. With its contemporary design and build, this will blend into any gaming setup you already have. In my opinion, it is about the size of a small tower, so it will feel like part of your setup as you butt it up next to your PC. With two colors to choose from, I have the Midnight Black version, while there is also a White version for those on that side of décor.
LEDs
There are 2 LEDs that can be changed to 12 colors but BOTH must be the same color. The first noticeable LED encapsulates the big round display which acts as mood or accent lighting under your desk. With the press of a button you can cycle through the color options quickly. The LCD provides all pertinent information you'd want regarding voltage, load, battery info, current, etc. The front LED can display reactive colors depending on load, battery remaining, power events, etc., to get your attention when things are changing, leaving the rear LED as the static color you chose. My favorite light is the one on the back where you plug something in. You no longer need a flashlight in a dark area under your desk to see where to plug things in. My most significant drawback is the lack of lighting effects. If you are appealing to gamers, you know we want many different effects and require intricate patterns and customizability. This could be a dealbreaker as it is the ONLY reason this is "Gamer" vs. a regular UPS sold. There are no lighting effects like breathing or color cycle, which is a bummer. Maybe this should have waited until it was ready to launch. I am sure the next release will be able to do this since this is the first run.
Outlets and Function
The outlets hold plugs in place firmly, and I do not worry about them falling out. The power distribution of the plugs is 6-Battery/Surge and 4-Surge Only protection. The top two are for the battery, which is great to have your router and PC on top as most important. The plugs are oriented so that wall warts can be placed horizontally without interfering with plugs underneath them. There are also 3 USB ports (2-USB-A 1-USB-C) that have a total output of 15W. The highest charging I could get my Note 20 Ultra to recognize was just fast charging, which is plenty fast. You can also load the software that will shut down your PC in the event of a power outage and battery depletion using the USB serial cable provided.
Possible Future Improvements
-Add LED effects like rainbow cycle, breathing, strobe, etc.
-Allow for brightness adjustments of LED and individual custom colors
-Option to turn off BRIGHT APC logo. Quick fix is electric tape for those who can't stand it.
-Possibly work with APIs, if available, for other LED mobo makers to sync LEDs to PC w/ software.
-Add a strip of RGB somewhere on top or the side to make this more dramatic and appealing.
In all, this is more of an aesthetic price increase as there isn't any increased functionality for the extra price. If you are a gamer and have a few bucks or just want to fix that last thing that doesn't really fit your setup… this is for you! There are other options if you want to save money by going without LEDs to get the same protection.
LEDs
There are 2 LEDs that can be changed to 12 colors but BOTH must be the same color. The first noticeable LED encapsulates the big round display which acts as mood or accent lighting under your desk. With the press of a button you can cycle through the color options quickly. The LCD provides all pertinent information you'd want regarding voltage, load, battery info, current, etc. The front LED can display reactive colors depending on load, battery remaining, power events, etc., to get your attention when things are changing, leaving the rear LED as the static color you chose. My favorite light is the one on the back where you plug something in. You no longer need a flashlight in a dark area under your desk to see where to plug things in. My most significant drawback is the lack of lighting effects. If you are appealing to gamers, you know we want many different effects and require intricate patterns and customizability. This could be a dealbreaker as it is the ONLY reason this is "Gamer" vs. a regular UPS sold. There are no lighting effects like breathing or color cycle, which is a bummer. Maybe this should have waited until it was ready to launch. I am sure the next release will be able to do this since this is the first run.
Outlets and Function
The outlets hold plugs in place firmly, and I do not worry about them falling out. The power distribution of the plugs is 6-Battery/Surge and 4-Surge Only protection. The top two are for the battery, which is great to have your router and PC on top as most important. The plugs are oriented so that wall warts can be placed horizontally without interfering with plugs underneath them. There are also 3 USB ports (2-USB-A 1-USB-C) that have a total output of 15W. The highest charging I could get my Note 20 Ultra to recognize was just fast charging, which is plenty fast. You can also load the software that will shut down your PC in the event of a power outage and battery depletion using the USB serial cable provided.
Possible Future Improvements
-Add LED effects like rainbow cycle, breathing, strobe, etc.
-Allow for brightness adjustments of LED and individual custom colors
-Option to turn off BRIGHT APC logo. Quick fix is electric tape for those who can't stand it.
-Possibly work with APIs, if available, for other LED mobo makers to sync LEDs to PC w/ software.
-Add a strip of RGB somewhere on top or the side to make this more dramatic and appealing.
In all, this is more of an aesthetic price increase as there isn't any increased functionality for the extra price. If you are a gamer and have a few bucks or just want to fix that last thing that doesn't really fit your setup… this is for you! There are other options if you want to save money by going without LEDs to get the same protection.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The A6G series. Proving that good things come in big packages too. Take your pick from 85~, 75~, 70~, 65~, 60~, 55~, 50~ and 43~ screens. For 4K UHD picture quality, in the perfect size for your space. With Android TV, you can discover 700,000+ movies and shows in one place. Ask Google to control your TV with your voice. And cast your photos, videos, and music from devices to your TV easily with Chromecast built-in~. Add to that Dolby Vision HDR and Auto Low Latency Game Mode. Or as we call it, a great looking TV.
Customer Rating
5
The Standard Issue TV for ALL on a Budget
on June 28, 2021
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
Hisense just may have created the most well-rounded TV in the proper price range suitable for most customers. The A6G provides features found in more expensive panels as standard features! From the lovely design to overall system performance and snappy user experience, you get all of what you NEED in a TV for the right price. On-board audio is nice and loud but very hollow and flat in the low and mid-range frequencies. We all know we don't buy a TV to listen to factory speakers, so you will probably have to get a soundbar or use a similar solution already in your home for a more cinematic experience. The picture quality is nothing short of amazing for a panel in this price range and has excellent viewing angles. The colors are bright and vivid, and it shows off when utilizing HDR10 or Dolby Vision, but this is where you can see it is just a budget panel. This is where I find it hard to look past the light bleed issues at the edges and washed-out blacks (most noticeable in YouTube and NetFlix login screens, for example). There could be better panels out there from the same batch, and it just could be mine - there's no way to know.
Features GALORE! Dolby Vision, HDR10, 4K UHD, Google Assistant built-in, Chromecast built-in, Works with Alexa, and AndroidTV to name a few of my favorites. The design follows much of last year's models with almost no bezels and just a thin chin. The remote is the usual plastic Hisense remote you can use with a few preprogrammed buttons to your favorite streaming services. The panel is bright and glossy with excellent color in HDR. The TV speakers are loud, but the sound is hollow and lacking in the lows and mids - this is to be expected, and most of us have already bought or plan to buy a soundbar. It can be mounted on the wall or on its legs. With only 3 HDMI inputs, you will need to decide if this is your main TV, what things you want to use, and have a soundbar with arc eth
PROS
AndroidTV is fast and fluid running on the A6G.
Chromecast and Google Assistant built-in.
4k UHD with DolbyVision & HDR10.
CONS
TV Speakers sound tiny (buy a soundbar)
Light bleed around the edges, causing the picture to not uniformly lit in dark scenes
3 HDMIs only
Remote delay. The time between a button press and execution is terrible, and I find it somewhat annoying. I am hoping there is a firmware update to address this, but it isn't a deal-breaker. In my past experiences, this is something I have learned to deal with on all my Hisense TVs.
In short, you get nice 4K UHD picture quality in a modern, sleek design running TV's greatest OS, Android TV, and the greatest voice assistant to control your smart devices - that happens to have a Chromecast built-in -- that oh, by the way, has Dolby Vision HDR and Auto Low Latency Game Mode! What else will you look for all for under $500? This is the guest room TV, kids TV, or main TV many have been looking for!
Features GALORE! Dolby Vision, HDR10, 4K UHD, Google Assistant built-in, Chromecast built-in, Works with Alexa, and AndroidTV to name a few of my favorites. The design follows much of last year's models with almost no bezels and just a thin chin. The remote is the usual plastic Hisense remote you can use with a few preprogrammed buttons to your favorite streaming services. The panel is bright and glossy with excellent color in HDR. The TV speakers are loud, but the sound is hollow and lacking in the lows and mids - this is to be expected, and most of us have already bought or plan to buy a soundbar. It can be mounted on the wall or on its legs. With only 3 HDMI inputs, you will need to decide if this is your main TV, what things you want to use, and have a soundbar with arc eth
PROS
AndroidTV is fast and fluid running on the A6G.
Chromecast and Google Assistant built-in.
4k UHD with DolbyVision & HDR10.
CONS
TV Speakers sound tiny (buy a soundbar)
Light bleed around the edges, causing the picture to not uniformly lit in dark scenes
3 HDMIs only
Remote delay. The time between a button press and execution is terrible, and I find it somewhat annoying. I am hoping there is a firmware update to address this, but it isn't a deal-breaker. In my past experiences, this is something I have learned to deal with on all my Hisense TVs.
In short, you get nice 4K UHD picture quality in a modern, sleek design running TV's greatest OS, Android TV, and the greatest voice assistant to control your smart devices - that happens to have a Chromecast built-in -- that oh, by the way, has Dolby Vision HDR and Auto Low Latency Game Mode! What else will you look for all for under $500? This is the guest room TV, kids TV, or main TV many have been looking for!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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File, buff, smooth and shine nails to perfection with Tweezerman's Nail Buffer, designed for quality self-care.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent Professional Results @Home
on June 23, 2021
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
Tweezerman has made an excellent easy to follow 4 step nail block system so you can achieve professionally manicured nails in the privacy of your own home. No need to wear a mask or be uncomfortable waiting in a salon for extended periods of time. Maybe, you just want something quick you can do at home to make a difference. These blocks simply work, but remember this - you are your nail tech, so individual results may vary. You get back what you put in regarding time and results.
In my experience, I found it reasonably simple to use to go from FILE, BUFF, SMOOTH, and SHINE. They are numbered, so you can't mess up. The shine looks like a clear coat was applied, but it is my actual nail! Going on one week and the shine is still there. I highly recommend this set of blocks to anyone who wants to have nice nails.
In my experience, I found it reasonably simple to use to go from FILE, BUFF, SMOOTH, and SHINE. They are numbered, so you can't mess up. The shine looks like a clear coat was applied, but it is my actual nail! Going on one week and the shine is still there. I highly recommend this set of blocks to anyone who wants to have nice nails.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Create engaging video content with this RODE mobile filmmaking vlogger kit. An included tripod helps stabilize your device for improved picture quality, while the on-camera microLED and diffuser provide gentle illumination for capturing life-like images. This RODE mobile filmmaking vlogger kit features a SmartGrip holder to keep your smartphone in place, and the USB-C-enabled VideoMic Me-C microphone captures clear directional audio.
Customer Rating
5
Perfect Starter Kit for Cellphone Content Creators
on June 21, 2021
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
Look no further!!! If you are getting into video using your phone; this is the DAY ONE starter kit! ANYONE considering getting into vlogging, home videos, or using their phone as their first camera in content creation, this is for you. All in a single box, you won't find a better solution for audio, lighting, and stabilization to upgrade your stock handheld phone footage. It covers all the bases for increasing your baseline for the quality of your videos. In the box, you get a Rode VideoMic ME, a "dead cat" for outdoor mic work, color correcting gels with an adapter, the phone "cage" or bracket, and a ball head handheld tripod.
Your audio will instantly be upgraded on ANY PHONE that has USB-C. The included rechargeable USB-C light is perfect for fixing bad lighting and putting the focus on your face. You can color correct your light with the included filters as well for an added bonus. The handle adds an element of stabilization to your footage which is a plus. The phone bracket is high quality and the perfect "cage" for your phone. Utilizing a screw type of closing mechanism versus the spring found in cheaper phone mounts and built out of solid metal, RODE quality for sure. Simply slide your phone into the cage, plug in your mic, turn on the light, and press record - easy as that.
The audio is excellent, and you definitely will hear a more professional sound coming from your footage. The light is impressive with almost a Fresnel lens throw and 3 levels of brightness, and it mounts to any hot shoe. You can gel the light by using the included filters, which is just another professional touch for your footage. In all, you can't go wrong here with this. From the first-time video creator all the way to the seasoned professional who wants a nice portable setup to capture BTS footage and everyone in between. You won't be sorry!
The audio is excellent, and you definitely will hear a more professional sound coming from your footage. The light is impressive with almost a Fresnel lens throw and 3 levels of brightness, and it mounts to any hot shoe. You can gel the light by using the included filters, which is just another professional touch for your footage. In all, you can't go wrong here with this. From the first-time video creator all the way to the seasoned professional who wants a nice portable setup to capture BTS footage and everyone in between. You won't be sorry!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The SecureAlert Wi-Fi NVR Security System has crime-fighting features other systems dream about. With red and blue flashing lights, bright spotlights, two-way audio, and loud sirens, you can intimidate intruders and prevent crime from happening, and these features are controllable remotely in the Swann Security app. You get free local recording for up to 180 days+ onto the massive 1TB hard drive and the option to backup video to your Dropbox account. Know what~s happening at any hour with powerful infrared night vision up to 115~/35m and Night2Day gives you amazing color video at night up to 32~/10m. Swann~s True Detect heat and motion detection senses people and cars for more reliable monitoring and fewer false alarms. The 4K Ultra HD video and powerful digital zoom, the cameras let you actively watch over entrances, yards, driveways, parking lots, shop floors, storerooms, and customer service areas. With the Swann Security app, push notifications let you know what~s happening and you can even watch live or playback video on your smartphone from anywhere in the world. In fact, you can view any of the cameras on your smart TV, and speak to see hands-free via Hey Google and Alexa devices. The cameras plug into power while their video signal back to the NVR is transmitted wirelessly, so you don~t have to worry about drilling into walls and running cables anywhere. The NVR connects to your internet router via the included network cable or Wi-Fi, while the new SwannNet technology allows you to select whether each camera connects to the NVR or your home Wi-Fi, meaning you can choose whichever network has a stronger Wi-Fi signal. This gives you greater flexibility to place the cameras where they need to be, and their robust indoor/outdoor design is built to withstand rain, snow and heat, all year round. That~s the SecureAlert Wi-Fi NVR Security System ~ it~s another example of security made smarter from Swann.
Customer Rating
4
Big Features and Performance in Entry Level System
on June 14, 2021
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
The Swann Enforcer NVW-800 is an excellent and more than capable 4 channel 4 camera 4K 1TB hybrid WiFi NVR security system. You will get features found in higher-end security cameras like facial recognition and thermal sensing within an affordable and easy-to-use hybrid semi-wireless system in this small package. The cameras themselves are indoor/outdoor wireless WiFi 4K UHD cameras with good sharpness and detail. There are no BNC connections as you go WiFi for video transmission and everything is recorded internally.
Setup was pretty easy, with camera placement being the hardest part the hardest part. It's small footprint allows for hiding of the base station and seamless integration with any TV. Just find a TV or any display with an HDMI connection, power it on, connect the mouse, and start working on customizing things to your liking. The cameras are already paired so it was just a matter of plugging in. This has features for days and will be enough for most home users as well as small business users. You have to consider a PERMANENT mounting spot due to the lack of a quick-release mount or movable weighted base. Again, all these things can be overcome with creativity for some, but this will be a possible deal-breaker for others. For my 2,000 sqft home, this is more than enough range to cover me. I have front and back door covered and two levels inside my home. If you have a bigger property, you will need to get better gear or swap for higher power dB antennas. You can operate this base in wireless mode with no LAN connection to the router, or you can hardwire into the network. I believe the antennas should be more powerful because the connection can be spotty. There was an update to some of the equipment, and connectivity seems to have been improved. There is no battery backup for these either, so that is a huge downfall/weakness in security making it a single point of failure. You have to be smart about where you place power cords when exterior mounting so that intruders are unable to unplug. The requirement for power from an outlet can make things a little tricky but manageable. Image quality is excellent, and you have options to dial up to 4K UHD. More than enough for security.
NOTABLES!
- No bases/mounting for non-permanent locations like a kids room.
-Challenging connecting the power cords depending on location of camera. 40ft cords are enough in most cases but…
-Cameras have a view of 87 degrees
-Needs wireless mouse rather than corded
-App for Android TERRIBLE and crashes A LOT and pretty much useless for viewing old footage. The app for Apple provides best stability and overall experience with the most function.
+Schedule continuous recording or use only the other triggers like motion and thermal to record
+AI with Face Recognition to notify you if a person comes around and such.
+The picture quality was crisp and clear even when you zoomed in. The camera was able to pick up people, faces, cars, and motion. The cameras also have a spotlight, red and blue lights, and a speaker that can you speak thru.
+Google and Alexa Integration! "FAVORITE ASSISTANT, Show me …"
+Space for days!!!! Two weeks and not even halfway on the system with 4 cameras! No subscription needed.
+Controllable motion-activated sensor spotlights, Enforcer red & blue flashing lights, sirens & two-way audio.
In short, the Swann Enforcer Security System is a feature-rich solution that will perform for any homeowner without cloud fees. It has good image quality, excellent wireless options, and features, with minimal false alerts that will provide peace of mind for any homeowner. It's a looker for sure!
NOTABLES!
- No bases/mounting for non-permanent locations like a kids room.
-Challenging connecting the power cords depending on location of camera. 40ft cords are enough in most cases but…
-Cameras have a view of 87 degrees
-Needs wireless mouse rather than corded
-App for Android TERRIBLE and crashes A LOT and pretty much useless for viewing old footage. The app for Apple provides best stability and overall experience with the most function.
+Schedule continuous recording or use only the other triggers like motion and thermal to record
+AI with Face Recognition to notify you if a person comes around and such.
+The picture quality was crisp and clear even when you zoomed in. The camera was able to pick up people, faces, cars, and motion. The cameras also have a spotlight, red and blue lights, and a speaker that can you speak thru.
+Google and Alexa Integration! "FAVORITE ASSISTANT, Show me …"
+Space for days!!!! Two weeks and not even halfway on the system with 4 cameras! No subscription needed.
+Controllable motion-activated sensor spotlights, Enforcer red & blue flashing lights, sirens & two-way audio.
In short, the Swann Enforcer Security System is a feature-rich solution that will perform for any homeowner without cloud fees. It has good image quality, excellent wireless options, and features, with minimal false alerts that will provide peace of mind for any homeowner. It's a looker for sure!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Eliminate damp air in your home or office with the PureDry Deluxe Dehumidifier from Pure Enrichment. The unit~s sleek, portable design is the perfect size to keep your bathrooms, closets, and other mid-sized rooms free from excess moisture year round. Use regularly to maintain comfortable humidity levels and to keep your home free from irritating allergens like dust mites, mold and mildew.
Customer Rating
5
Best Fix for Humid Bathrooms & Bad Ventilation
on June 7, 2021
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
The Pure Enrichment PureDry Deluxe is a perfect way to eliminate leftover humidity in bathrooms that do not have adequate ventilation. My bathroom is 10'x12,' and the fan is not the greatest. It is the builder quality standard cheapie fan. I have been avoiding getting in the attic to change it and upgrade the exhaust to 3", but that isn't part of this review. Enter the PureDry Deluxe. It is aesthetically pleasing and blends into my modern home decor. There are only three buttons, and it is pretty straightforward.
Setup is a breeze. You plug it in and let it run. The simple, minimalistic interface has only a power button, speed, and auto shut-off timer is the three buttons. It can remove up to 20 oz of water a day, and the tank holds 1.5L. It is rated to handle rooms up to 160 sqft. An auto-shut-off will stop the reservoir from overfilling and spilling, which is a peace of mind feature. It runs very quietly and does generate a bit of heat. It does the job and is small and portable. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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VP83 LensHopper Camera-Mount Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Customer Rating
5
MUST TRY for VLOGGERS and SCRATCH AUDIO
on May 10, 2021
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
The Shure VP83 LensHopper is a perfect addition to any entry-level videographer or person who wants to step up their audio on a budget. The VP83 is solid with mostly metal and a bit of plastic build on an integrated Rycote Lyre shock mount (exclusively developed with Rycote for the VP83) to complete a lightweight portable package. It is perfect for run and gun shoots or vlogging setups. The mount reduces the shock and bounce in the mic perfectly. It can slide into any standard hot shoe and has a 1/4-20 screw thread. The single "AA" battery is rated for upwards of 100 hrs but on Lithium you can almost get double at 186hrs! It comes with a foam windscreen, battery, and mic; everything you need to record audio on-camera. I absolutely love this mic as a replacement for my scratch audio instead of the onboard mics.
Its straightforward and intuitive design is very simple and easy to use. It uses a 2 switch clearly marked interface with a +20db bumper, -10db bumper, and low-cut filter functions integrated over the spine of the mic. There is a little self-noise but not really noticeable unless you wear headphones but REALLY is pronounced with your add the +20db bumper. At that point, I would not even waste time recording with all the artifacts/noise. Due to the superior RF immunity provided by its solid build, you won't be easily susceptible that avoids unwanted audio artifacts from cellular and RF devices! The shock mount is solid and makes this a must-have for anyone looking for a cheap mic. Pick one up as your first mic and you will not be sorry.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Harness your PC's potential with the 980. Whether you need a boost for gaming or a seamless workflow for heavy graphics, the 980 is a smart choice for outstanding SSD performance ~ and it's all backed by an NVMe* interface and PCIe 3.0 technology.
Customer Rating
5
Perfect Compromise of Speed and Price
on May 8, 2021
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
There isn't much to wonder about here. Samsung is the standard in m.2 drives in my opinion and this was their release for the budget-friendly PC. The Samsung 980 series is an NVMe PCIe Gen.3 drive that consistently performed about 3000/Mbps read speed and over 2000/Mbps write speed for a fraction of what SSD drives used to cost. For under $100 you get access to excellent performance without breaking the bank. This is now my go to SSD m.2 drive for budget builds. It is easy to install and I do not have to worry about quality here. Buy one today and see what SSD is REALLY capable of for the cheap.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Life Dot 2 XR is optimized for noise cancelling~ changing its settings depending on your surroundings. On top of this it delivers thumping beats, clear calls, and a 35-hour playtime. Using the Soundcore app, you can customize your touch controls and sound profile to perfectly fit the way you listen.
Customer Rating
3
Budget ANC with Compromises and Good Battery
on April 14, 2021
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
Let me begin by saying this is my first experience with Anker audio products, and I come to these with a unique perspective. I wanted to try a "budget" pair for work instead of buying a more expensive replacement pair - I recently lost while out - just to see how the experience would be. In short, you get what you pay for when in the truly wireless earbud world, and I CAN ATTEST TO THAT! Let's start off by saying what you DO get here when you buy the Soundcore Life Dot 2 XRs (LD2XRs). You get a reliable pair of IPX5 wireless ANC headphones that sound decent but missing a lot of functionality for a "truly wireless" experience. Like I said before, it is challenging to find an actual DETAILED spec sheet on the LD2XRs ANYWHERE on the internet or even the BOX. These could be a rebrand of an existing product for a retailer exclusive without actually offering improvements on this iteration. You cannot easily find details like Bluetooth version, audio codecs supported, or speaker frequency range and driver construction. I still don't know what version of Bluetooth this is. It could be v 4.0 for all I know. I believe for the price - there are MANY other options out there with better sound quality even if you get 1-2yr old models.
If I could use only one word to describe the Soundcore Life Dot 2 XRs (LD2XR), it would be underwhelming. From their aesthetics and design to sound quality and the overall build - even the user experience comes down to a series of compromises resulting in one word, underwhelming. It feels like and looks like a recycled product (Life A2 NC) with a new name and higher price tag. The Life A2 NC page on Soundcore's website provides a little more information about what COULD be in these but STILL nothing I was looking for. What are you buying and getting for your money? Let's see what we can actually find.
Design and build feels cheap and all plastic but are solid. Battery life is excellent on these, getting me through an entire workday of 8 hours without needing to charge. Battery life is rated at 7hrs, and I can say that is easily achievable. They fit exceptionally well and do not cause ear fatigue for me. They are lightweight and offer a wide range of customization options utilizing ear and wingtips. The case is cheap plastic as well but does pack magnets to help align things easier. The LD2XRs use a touch interface that is not that great, and I will leave it at that. Touch response is hit or miss, and I often find myself activating the assistant when taking them out of my ears due to the lack of sensors to disable touch when not actually being worn. There are no actual physical buttons to interact with these, which is also a reason for their hands-free experience limitations. It would be best if you used your phone to raise the volume or you will have to give up other options since there are only four ways to interact: short Left touch, long Left touch, short Right touch, and long Right touch.
Now on to the actual LD2XR user experience. I've tested both Android and Apple experiences with these on an iPhone 11 Pro Max and Note 20 Ultra, and I can say these work well and have a stable, reliable connection on both platforms. Unboxing and pairing were easy and fast. Open the lid to reveal the Life Dot 2XRs (LD2XR), and you will see LEDs on the earbuds blink. Now they are automatically set to pairing mode out of the box. Please put them in your ears, get your device, go to Bluetooth settings, pair, and you are all set. For a better user experience offering customization, download the Soundcore app to ensure you have the newest firmware and customize your tap/hold functions. Within the Soundcore app, you have access to EQ settings which you WILL want to use. These sound bright out of the box, so for me, I turned down the highs a bit.
On to the sound… it makes sound, but how well? What frequency response do these 11mm drivers have? What are the drivers made of? What codecs are supported? What version of Bluetooth does this have, and is it LE? I don't know! You cannot find this info anywhere readily accessible. My description of the sound is this… it leaves you yearning for more clarity and range. The soundstage is small and sounds just ok. If you want good sound, these are NOT for you. If you want something to get by, these could be for you. These don't seem to have a clear separation between mids and lows. Everything feels compressed, even when listening to high-quality audio. Highs are not crisp, and everything seems to be muddled together. The bass isn't very clean, and the highs are blah. Only SBC and AAC codecs are supported with better audio coming from Apple devices due to AAC over SBC, in my opinion. Video playback does not suffer from input lag, and audio is synced with video perfectly. Noise-canceling is barely average and but it does make a small notable change, in my opinion. Most of the ANC is done passively just by having something in your ear, but you can tell there is a slight bit of noise cancellation going on.
Things I Love
+Freedom to chose between left, right, or both buds for use.
+USB-C with Fast Charging implementing a 10-minute charge for 90 minutes of playtime.
+Good fit and offers a lot of options to custom fit.
+No video audio latency found in cheaper headphones and old chipsets.
Things Needed and NOT There
-No Simultaneous Connections - only one device connected at a time. People have a tablet and a phone or even a laptop who would need to be connected simultaneously.
-No wireless charging - for the overall package provided, wireless charging would have offset where this is lacking by providing more value.
-Lack of buttons - this touch control implementation is just terrible. In my opinion, buttons would have made the experience better. NO WAY TO POWER DOWN OR ON WITHOUT CASE.
-No auto-pause/touch disable - due to lack of sensors and features, these just connect and play once you open the case. No way to power down/up.
-ANC is MEH. It is barely functional and makes a slight difference at lower frequencies, but voices and other noises are easily heard while in ANC mode.
-Link issues after power save - when leaving one in the charger or power-saving mode turns on, you must return these to the case and let the buds "reset" and be "powered on". You need to return both to the charger to get both working again since there is no way to power them back on.
-No intuitive way to pair. You need to open the case, hold the reset button on the bottom, then repair it. No button or touch combo to do this from the earbud itself.
-No way to track lost earbuds - it would be nice to have a BlueTooth disconnect and GPS from the phone at least record on a map. No way to make these play loud sounds to find them if they fell in a cushion.
-Charger - I HATE the charger. When it was designed, not much consideration was given to the orientation while wearing. When you take it from your ear and place it in the charger, your thumb is on the charging contacts of the LD2XR. You now need to do some finger gymnastics to flip it horizontally and vertically to get close enough to be magnetically set. Save yourself some time and learn to use the opposite hand and put it into the case for time savings.
In all, with the plethora of higher quality earbuds on sale from last year's tech, I cannot recommend these if I have $100 to spend on earbuds.
If I could use only one word to describe the Soundcore Life Dot 2 XRs (LD2XR), it would be underwhelming. From their aesthetics and design to sound quality and the overall build - even the user experience comes down to a series of compromises resulting in one word, underwhelming. It feels like and looks like a recycled product (Life A2 NC) with a new name and higher price tag. The Life A2 NC page on Soundcore's website provides a little more information about what COULD be in these but STILL nothing I was looking for. What are you buying and getting for your money? Let's see what we can actually find.
Design and build feels cheap and all plastic but are solid. Battery life is excellent on these, getting me through an entire workday of 8 hours without needing to charge. Battery life is rated at 7hrs, and I can say that is easily achievable. They fit exceptionally well and do not cause ear fatigue for me. They are lightweight and offer a wide range of customization options utilizing ear and wingtips. The case is cheap plastic as well but does pack magnets to help align things easier. The LD2XRs use a touch interface that is not that great, and I will leave it at that. Touch response is hit or miss, and I often find myself activating the assistant when taking them out of my ears due to the lack of sensors to disable touch when not actually being worn. There are no actual physical buttons to interact with these, which is also a reason for their hands-free experience limitations. It would be best if you used your phone to raise the volume or you will have to give up other options since there are only four ways to interact: short Left touch, long Left touch, short Right touch, and long Right touch.
Now on to the actual LD2XR user experience. I've tested both Android and Apple experiences with these on an iPhone 11 Pro Max and Note 20 Ultra, and I can say these work well and have a stable, reliable connection on both platforms. Unboxing and pairing were easy and fast. Open the lid to reveal the Life Dot 2XRs (LD2XR), and you will see LEDs on the earbuds blink. Now they are automatically set to pairing mode out of the box. Please put them in your ears, get your device, go to Bluetooth settings, pair, and you are all set. For a better user experience offering customization, download the Soundcore app to ensure you have the newest firmware and customize your tap/hold functions. Within the Soundcore app, you have access to EQ settings which you WILL want to use. These sound bright out of the box, so for me, I turned down the highs a bit.
On to the sound… it makes sound, but how well? What frequency response do these 11mm drivers have? What are the drivers made of? What codecs are supported? What version of Bluetooth does this have, and is it LE? I don't know! You cannot find this info anywhere readily accessible. My description of the sound is this… it leaves you yearning for more clarity and range. The soundstage is small and sounds just ok. If you want good sound, these are NOT for you. If you want something to get by, these could be for you. These don't seem to have a clear separation between mids and lows. Everything feels compressed, even when listening to high-quality audio. Highs are not crisp, and everything seems to be muddled together. The bass isn't very clean, and the highs are blah. Only SBC and AAC codecs are supported with better audio coming from Apple devices due to AAC over SBC, in my opinion. Video playback does not suffer from input lag, and audio is synced with video perfectly. Noise-canceling is barely average and but it does make a small notable change, in my opinion. Most of the ANC is done passively just by having something in your ear, but you can tell there is a slight bit of noise cancellation going on.
Things I Love
+Freedom to chose between left, right, or both buds for use.
+USB-C with Fast Charging implementing a 10-minute charge for 90 minutes of playtime.
+Good fit and offers a lot of options to custom fit.
+No video audio latency found in cheaper headphones and old chipsets.
Things Needed and NOT There
-No Simultaneous Connections - only one device connected at a time. People have a tablet and a phone or even a laptop who would need to be connected simultaneously.
-No wireless charging - for the overall package provided, wireless charging would have offset where this is lacking by providing more value.
-Lack of buttons - this touch control implementation is just terrible. In my opinion, buttons would have made the experience better. NO WAY TO POWER DOWN OR ON WITHOUT CASE.
-No auto-pause/touch disable - due to lack of sensors and features, these just connect and play once you open the case. No way to power down/up.
-ANC is MEH. It is barely functional and makes a slight difference at lower frequencies, but voices and other noises are easily heard while in ANC mode.
-Link issues after power save - when leaving one in the charger or power-saving mode turns on, you must return these to the case and let the buds "reset" and be "powered on". You need to return both to the charger to get both working again since there is no way to power them back on.
-No intuitive way to pair. You need to open the case, hold the reset button on the bottom, then repair it. No button or touch combo to do this from the earbud itself.
-No way to track lost earbuds - it would be nice to have a BlueTooth disconnect and GPS from the phone at least record on a map. No way to make these play loud sounds to find them if they fell in a cushion.
-Charger - I HATE the charger. When it was designed, not much consideration was given to the orientation while wearing. When you take it from your ear and place it in the charger, your thumb is on the charging contacts of the LD2XR. You now need to do some finger gymnastics to flip it horizontally and vertically to get close enough to be magnetically set. Save yourself some time and learn to use the opposite hand and put it into the case for time savings.
In all, with the plethora of higher quality earbuds on sale from last year's tech, I cannot recommend these if I have $100 to spend on earbuds.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
![Norton - 360 for Gamers (3 Device) Antivirus Internet Security Software + Game Optimizer + VPN (1 Year Subscription) - Android, Apple iOS, Mac OS, Windows [Digital]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/ae0621b0-b6dc-4fc6-8520-09d84f63df1c.jpg)
Norton 360 for Gamers, for casual to hard core gamers, Norton 360 for Gamers provides multiple layers of protection for devices, game accounts on your PC and digital assets. Powerful protection. Designed for PC gamers.
Customer Rating
4
Norton for Gamers 360 Deluxe
on April 6, 2021
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
Norton 360 for Gamers is a rebrand for the AV family. You get everything Norton 360 is known for regarding 0protection against viruses, malware, DDoS, doxxing, webcam takeovers, phishing attacks, and more. Installation and setup were fast and easy. It follows many of the typical online subscription installations. You login with your online account info, download the installation package, and activate your device. I just went to the indicated website, typed the code given to me, and it automatically downloaded the software to install. The option to install up to two other devices (a total of 3) was also seamless. To do that, just log in to your Norton account (you’ll have to create a free one if you don't already have one) on your second and third devices and download the software again. The only thing I did not like was the attempted force to auto-renew at the beginning. You can just click the "X" to get around this.
Performance and protection are solid, it detected the viruses I tested on my thumb drive without slowing the PC down with heavy resource use. Files were stopped and either deleted or quarantined as usual when executing and it caught the files during the scan prior to execution. I can say this is solid protection WHILE CONNECTED TO INTERNET as scanning is more limited without data connectivity to Norton servers. While testing performance/protection I noticed this is HEAVILY reliant on internet connectivity. You will get a "Limited Scan" notification as Norton requires the internet to run a comprehensive scan… this can be good or bad depending on the scenario. VPN worked and didn't slow down traffic too much.
User experience and UI still need lots of work. I am not a fan of the dashboard implementation. There are essentially two different dashboards needed to use the software and additional features. The normal "security" is on the main dashboard while you have to click "My Norton" to get access to the "Gamer" functionality. You can set up to default to either dashboard or "view" but will need to go to both at some point. This two window setup is quite annoying in an environment where gamers already have lots of tabs. I wish Norton and other companies offered a way to customize modules to show/hide within the program. If you want to use this just for antivirus, you should be able to disable the password manager, VPN, cloud services, etc. from showing and cluttering the experience. Most people will already be using another vendor for most of those and will not want to see a cluttered dashboard. I also understand you want to show many features as well so I get it.
STANDOUT FEATURES
-PC Notification Optimization - blocks notifications. Essentially it uses "focus mode" to block notifications like you are in presenting mode.
-Lightweight Efficient Resource Use - this strikes the perfect balance of resources and performance. There is definitely cloud computing happening here.
-PC Notification Optimization - blocks notifications. Essentially it uses "focus mode" to block notifications like you are in presenting mode.
-Lightweight Efficient Resource Use - this strikes the perfect balance of resources and performance. There is definitely cloud computing happening here.
AREAS TO IMPROVE
-Auto-Renew with CC at installation - people do not want to feel forced into "auto-renew" IMMEDIATELY after installation - classic Norton move though.
-Flatten UI/Streamline User Experience - the dashboard/program feels unfinished and not completely integrated. You need to go to "My Norton" to access VPN, Parental Controls, Password Manager, and Dark Web Monitoring only to click "open" next to Device Security to go back to the other "dashboard" or AV program. In other parts, you are sent to a web browser to view info on your Norton account page.
-"Dark Web" monitoring service - this seems to be more of a gimmick. I am 100% sure my information is out there on the Dark Web. The OPM data breach, the Targets, Home Depots, Sony data breaches, etc. this service does not show anything from some of these hacks dating back to 2006. It only shows the "My FitnessPal" password potentially being compromised back in 2019 but leaves out a plethora of other apps with data breaches. I wouldn't feel too safe with this and wouldn't advertise it as a service to provide a false sense of protection.
-Auto-Renew with CC at installation - people do not want to feel forced into "auto-renew" IMMEDIATELY after installation - classic Norton move though.
-Flatten UI/Streamline User Experience - the dashboard/program feels unfinished and not completely integrated. You need to go to "My Norton" to access VPN, Parental Controls, Password Manager, and Dark Web Monitoring only to click "open" next to Device Security to go back to the other "dashboard" or AV program. In other parts, you are sent to a web browser to view info on your Norton account page.
-"Dark Web" monitoring service - this seems to be more of a gimmick. I am 100% sure my information is out there on the Dark Web. The OPM data breach, the Targets, Home Depots, Sony data breaches, etc. this service does not show anything from some of these hacks dating back to 2006. It only shows the "My FitnessPal" password potentially being compromised back in 2019 but leaves out a plethora of other apps with data breaches. I wouldn't feel too safe with this and wouldn't advertise it as a service to provide a false sense of protection.
In a nutshell, you have Norton 360 Deluxe (for 3 devices rather than 5) and PC notification blocking (a feature Win10 offers called Focus Assist) all packaged and rebranded towards gamers using the LifeLock side of things. It works but I am only recommending it as Anti-Virus software and nothing more. Get it and you won't be disappointed!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
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Only @ Best BuyListen to music with this sweat- and dust-resistant wireless Jabra Elite headset. It connects via USB, mini-jack or Bluetooth, and a powerful microphone lets you use voice commands with your mobile device. This Jabra Elite headset reduces background noise and has a built-in motion sensor that lets you track fitness efforts.
Ohter than water resist rating, Is the fit better than the 65T.?
Only @ Best BuyListen to music with this sweat- and dust-resistant wireless Jabra Elite headset. It connects via USB, mini-jack or Bluetooth, and a powerful microphone lets you use voice commands with your mobile device. This Jabra Elite headset reduces background noise and has a built-in motion sensor that lets you track fitness efforts.
Can an owner of the original non active 65t comment on the fit and stability difference with the active version? Curious if that and the extra IP rating is worth a look, or negligible.
I have both. They fit exactly the same. The only difference between the two are the IP56 rating and the black rubberized finish on the Actives. The Actives also have motion sensors in them but you cannot feel any difference between the two. If you have $20 to spare, it is well worth buying the Actives over the Elites for peace of mind with extra water resistance and motion sensors.
7 years, 3 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Only @ Best BuyListen to music with this sweat- and dust-resistant wireless Jabra Elite headset. It connects via USB, mini-jack or Bluetooth, and a powerful microphone lets you use voice commands with your mobile device. This Jabra Elite headset reduces background noise and has a built-in motion sensor that lets you track fitness efforts.
Can I use these earbuds separately? Ex. The left earbuds for phone calls without the use of the right earbud
Only @ Best BuyListen to music with this sweat- and dust-resistant wireless Jabra Elite headset. It connects via USB, mini-jack or Bluetooth, and a powerful microphone lets you use voice commands with your mobile device. This Jabra Elite headset reduces background noise and has a built-in motion sensor that lets you track fitness efforts.
The images for this product and description are for the regular non active 65t's. Not the active. According to Jabra's website the actives only come in blue/copper and have an IP rating of 65. Specifically... what is this product?
Obviously, if you read the description this is an exclusive colorway for BestBuy. This is evident by the "Only @ Best Buy" banner under the model number. They are exactly the same as the ones posted on the Jabra website with only the color/finish being different.
7 years, 3 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Enjoy superior sound and voice quality with these Jabra Elite wireless headphones. Integrated controls let you answer calls, adjust the volume or pause music with the touch of a button, while the included carrying case doubles as a charging station. External ambient noise keeps you aware of your surroundings, while a background noise filter delivers crisp, clear voice calls. With Bluetooth connectivity, these Jabra Elite wireless headphones are easy to pair to a mobile device.
When will the other colors be available?
Titanium and Black are the ONLY options announced. If you are looking for the same look but other color, you are looking at the Elite Active 65t.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Enjoy superior sound and voice quality with these Jabra Elite wireless headphones. Integrated controls let you answer calls, adjust the volume or pause music with the touch of a button, while the included carrying case doubles as a charging station. External ambient noise keeps you aware of your surroundings, while a background noise filter delivers crisp, clear voice calls. With Bluetooth connectivity, these Jabra Elite wireless headphones are easy to pair to a mobile device.
When answering phone calls, is it stereo or mono?
If you have both buds in and turned on, it will be stereo. You can use only the right one as a mono option.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Enjoy superior sound and voice quality with these Jabra Elite wireless headphones. Integrated controls let you answer calls, adjust the volume or pause music with the touch of a button, while the included carrying case doubles as a charging station. External ambient noise keeps you aware of your surroundings, while a background noise filter delivers crisp, clear voice calls. With Bluetooth connectivity, these Jabra Elite wireless headphones are easy to pair to a mobile device.
Any idea when these will be available again?
Stay in touch with this 15.6-inch Samsung notebook computer. Its Bluetooth capability connects it to Bluetooth devices for wire-free convenience, and its built-in webcam facilitates video conferencing. This Samsung notebook computer has 12GB of DDR4 RAM and an Intel Core i7 processor for speed, and it has a 1TB hard drive to hold plenty of files.
Is the screen matte or glossy? I'd like to use it outside and in bright sun. My old HP laptop is so reflective that it is almost impossible to use outside! Hoping this one is better??
It is a glossy screen. It is highly reflective and can cause issues with outdoor use.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Everything you love about Google, for work and play. Google Pixelbook is the first laptop with the Google Assistant* built in. Its super thin, 4-in-1 design includes a long-lasting battery and 7th Gen Intel® Core™** processor. It also comes with all the apps you already know and love including Youtube, Infinite Painter, Google Play Movies, Evernote, Slack, Lightroom, Google Photos and many more***.*Google Assistant requires Internet connection.**Intel and Intel Core are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.***Availability and performance of certain apps and services may vary by region. Subscriptions(s) may be required, and additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. Pixelbook and Pixelbook Pen are optimized for selected apps and services only.
Why bother with the I7, when every review has the I5 running Chromium "ridiculously fast"? Ditto for RAM: Running small footprint apps instead of fully-fledged software begs the question, "What app needs 16GB?" The SSD upgrade I-get, but not for $700
You are ABSOLUTELY correct in your assessment. The only reason you would want to go to the i7 or 16GB is if you want to run Windows10 or Linux. As a Chromebook, the base model at $999 is OVERKILL for ChromeOS.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Keep your focus on the road with this Garmin Speak voice service device. Amazon Alexa is integrated and takes voice commands, so you can keep your hands on the wheel, and it connects to your vehicle's stereo system to provide spoken turn-by-turn directions. This Garmin Speak voice service device is compact, so it doesn't obstruct your view.
Does the GPS work if I’m out of my cellular network I drive in rural areas that sometimes has no network. Connectivity I have to rely solely on GPS satellites .
No, this uses your cell signal for some reason. Based on your scenario, pass on this.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
nkpstudios