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
- Helpfulness votes64
- First answerSeptember 12, 2016
- Last answerAugust 6, 2021
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- Best answers4
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Gaming Laptop. Enjoy everyday gaming with this ASUS notebook PC. The AMD Ryzen 9 processor and 16GB of RAM let you run graphics-heavy games smoothly, while the potent NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics produce high-quality visuals on the fast 15.6-inch 165hz QHD display. This ASUS notebook PC has 1TD SSD that shortens load times and offers ample storage.
Customer Rating
4
Easily Best Bang for Buck w/ a Few Limitations
on March 4, 2021
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
The Asus Zephyrus G15 503R is the perfect balance of power and speed for anyone looking at a slim mid-tier gaming laptop but it has its limitations as a result. At this price point, it punches well above its weight class and this level of performance dollar for dollar is unequaled. With that being said, decisions were made. Aesthetics are slightly more aggressive. Reminiscent of last year's G15, with nicer angles and better venting for cooling. A lot of the issues from last years model have been addressed and improved. Build quality is good with a hybrid magnesium and aluminum chassis resulting in minimal flex in the body but the lid is flimsy and mostly plastic. The ergoLIFT hinge is the best in the business and allows for better ventilation and more ergonomics with keyboard tilt without questionable resistance or slippage. The keyboard is as close to perfect as one can get and easily one of my favorite laptop keyboards used to date. It is quiet and tactile with a nice click and single zone RGB lighting (all colors and effects but one color at a time) which is an added bonus. It has above average sounding top firing speakers, a gaming panel offering up to a WQHD 165Hz/3ms, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD storage, and a 90WH battery that supports fast charging in under 1.5 hours using the supplied power brick. Under the hood, you get an AMD Ryzen™ 9 5900HS 3.3ghz 8-core CPU and GeForce RTX™ 3070 MaxQ 8GB GPU! I/O offers an excellent selection of ports from USB-C 3.2 with Display Port 1.4 and power delivery, and USB-A 3.2 GEN2 ports. RJ45 for LAN, WiFi6, HDMI 2.0b, 3.5mm headphone jack, and micro SD to round things out. You can expand storage via a PCIe GEN3 M.2 slot as well.
LIMITATIONS
I will also say this powerhouse laptop is handicapped by a few decisions made by Asus in the design department though. As a gaming PC, this has lots of promise and can handle game you throw at it. However, for powerful professional tasks like video editing and 3D rendering, it will work but you cannot upgrade it like you would think. You will quickly come across the first limitation being the RAM and the decision to solder 8GB to the MoBo. Anything over 16GB, you will lose dual channel and take a hit in the performance department. I/O is quite excellent but if you are left handed you will not like it since everything is on the left side but lefties are used to being forgotten, we just adjust. I would have like to see USB 4.0 and PCIe 4.0, but for this price I understand. I don't know why we don't get HDMI 2.1 in 2021 but just another decision that limits your ability to connect better monitors. The display is a matte 15.6” LED with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 a refresh rate of 165Hz @ 3ms! This display is excellent and it easily has one of the best panels on a laptop but only offers barely over 350nits. It is color accurate to 100% of sRGB and D3 Pantone certified. You can calibrate it as well using the Armory Crate software. The touchpad is impressive as well with a larger glass area that is responsive but this could be a negative for people with larger hands.
I will also say this powerhouse laptop is handicapped by a few decisions made by Asus in the design department though. As a gaming PC, this has lots of promise and can handle game you throw at it. However, for powerful professional tasks like video editing and 3D rendering, it will work but you cannot upgrade it like you would think. You will quickly come across the first limitation being the RAM and the decision to solder 8GB to the MoBo. Anything over 16GB, you will lose dual channel and take a hit in the performance department. I/O is quite excellent but if you are left handed you will not like it since everything is on the left side but lefties are used to being forgotten, we just adjust. I would have like to see USB 4.0 and PCIe 4.0, but for this price I understand. I don't know why we don't get HDMI 2.1 in 2021 but just another decision that limits your ability to connect better monitors. The display is a matte 15.6” LED with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 a refresh rate of 165Hz @ 3ms! This display is excellent and it easily has one of the best panels on a laptop but only offers barely over 350nits. It is color accurate to 100% of sRGB and D3 Pantone certified. You can calibrate it as well using the Armory Crate software. The touchpad is impressive as well with a larger glass area that is responsive but this could be a negative for people with larger hands.
GAMING
Playing games, the onboard RTX 3070 MaxQ easily handles any game I tried on their highest settings. Everything I tried was over 90fps. A tremendous amount of heat is given off during gaming. Below is my temperature readings after just 30 minutes of gaming but thermals are not an issue with the new cooling pipes and fan array. Rarely did the CPU or GPU go over 82 degrees. Below are a few of my framerate results.
Playing games, the onboard RTX 3070 MaxQ easily handles any game I tried on their highest settings. Everything I tried was over 90fps. A tremendous amount of heat is given off during gaming. Below is my temperature readings after just 30 minutes of gaming but thermals are not an issue with the new cooling pipes and fan array. Rarely did the CPU or GPU go over 82 degrees. Below are a few of my framerate results.
o Fortnite = 93fps
o Shadow of Mordor = 123fps
o Call of Duty: WarZone = 91fps
o Shadow of Mordor = 123fps
o Call of Duty: WarZone = 91fps
BATTERY LIFE
While gaming at 75% brightness, fans on performance mode and keys backlit on the first setting, I got about an hour and a half of battery life. While having the screen at minimum brightness, no backlit keyboard, fans on silent and web-surfing and word-processing, I was able to get about 10 hours and 37 minutes with iGPU mode on. Total recharge time was impressive at about 1 hour and 25 minutes.
While gaming at 75% brightness, fans on performance mode and keys backlit on the first setting, I got about an hour and a half of battery life. While having the screen at minimum brightness, no backlit keyboard, fans on silent and web-surfing and word-processing, I was able to get about 10 hours and 37 minutes with iGPU mode on. Total recharge time was impressive at about 1 hour and 25 minutes.
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREATNESS
o 8GB soldered RAM. This was a TERRIBLE decision but in line with their history in the ROG Zephyrs lineage. This decision limits your laptop performance to 16GB in dual channel but you can add up to 32GB for a total of 40GB RAM in single channel mode. As a content creation laptop this may cause you to look elsewhere in the lineup for more expensive options with dual removable slots, but as a gamer you should be just time in most cases. It could be a choice to save money, space saving for the slim chassis, or planned obsolescence on Asus's part.
o 8GB soldered RAM. This was a TERRIBLE decision but in line with their history in the ROG Zephyrs lineage. This decision limits your laptop performance to 16GB in dual channel but you can add up to 32GB for a total of 40GB RAM in single channel mode. As a content creation laptop this may cause you to look elsewhere in the lineup for more expensive options with dual removable slots, but as a gamer you should be just time in most cases. It could be a choice to save money, space saving for the slim chassis, or planned obsolescence on Asus's part.
o No Full SD Card Slot (micro SD instead). There are many cameras out there using full size SD cards and you can get some pretty fast speeds these days, but microSD was chosen. Most phones do not support these anymore so I don't know who Asus had in mind here when they made this call. Content creators could use their camera cards to edit from directly. Another missed opportunity by Asus to stand out. It is a gaming laptop but it is a video editing beast also.
o No webcam. I can see the case for both sides here as a business professional and a gamer. If you are a gamer, you will probably have a dedicated camera setup you use and the decision was probably made to cut the web cam for cost savings. There is plenty of space in the bezel so I can't see that was the reason. If you are looking for a business/work laptop, you will need a webcam for teleconferencing during these times. I have to carry a webcam in my bag and not having a web cam during these times could be a deal breaker for some. Including one would have made this the perfect laptop and it was a missed opportunity for this laptop to shine.
o No touch integration. Again, I can understand the reasoning here but it would be nice to have. As a gamer, I wouldn’t want to be cleaning fingerprints all the time. It would probably mean either a more expensive laptop or a sacrifice in the display panel quality so things are just fine the way they are in my opinion. It isn't a big deal for me even though I have been using touch display in all my laptops for the past 5 years. I often find myself touching the screen but that quickly changed and I adjusted. This could also be a deal breaker for some since some people require it for work to allow for signing documents or just want the convenience of not using a mouse.
o Dicey fingerprint reader performance. The power button fingerprint integration in theory is a great idea but the execution is erratic at best. When it does work, it is fast and streamlines the login process using Windows Hello. Until now, it usually didn't work well but after a few firmware updates since owning the PC, performance has improved but still not perfect. I get about 75% reads now but 25% or so prior to the updates from Asus.
o Speaker response at low frequencies. The speakers sound great for ANY Windows option out there but the lows and bass feels hollow and weak. Sound profiles need to be reworked but I think the drivers are just not capable of deep full "subwoofer" performance. They have a 6 speaker array with "subwoofers" but I don't feel they are the best in class.
o PCIe Gen 3.0 rather than PCIe Gen 4.0. Asus could have been wowed the crowd by including PCIe Gen 4.0 on this laptop. Releasing new tech in 2021, I would expect Gen 4 for M.2 drives. Nevertheless, the included M.2 drive from SK Hynix is fast enough for anything you need to do.
THE VERDICT
The ROG Zephyrs G15 503 is THE SWEET SPOT between performance and bang for your buck. You could pay $800 more for higher RAM and an RTX 3080 but it isn't going to give you the returns due to the power limitation of 100W on the GPU. Whether you plan on using this for gaming, work, video editing, or all three, you’re going to very very happy with this purchase. It is priced appropriately at $1799 for all you are getting. With the impressive build quality, impeccable screen with high-refresh rate and resolution, almost perfect RGB keyboard, incredible processing power, the amazing RTX 3070 GPU, and the best hinge in the business… THIS IS A BUY! Meet my new DAILY DRIVER.
The ROG Zephyrs G15 503 is THE SWEET SPOT between performance and bang for your buck. You could pay $800 more for higher RAM and an RTX 3080 but it isn't going to give you the returns due to the power limitation of 100W on the GPU. Whether you plan on using this for gaming, work, video editing, or all three, you’re going to very very happy with this purchase. It is priced appropriately at $1799 for all you are getting. With the impressive build quality, impeccable screen with high-refresh rate and resolution, almost perfect RGB keyboard, incredible processing power, the amazing RTX 3070 GPU, and the best hinge in the business… THIS IS A BUY! Meet my new DAILY DRIVER.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Unleash the power of AI~ with the Epson RapidReceipt RR-70W mobile business scanner. Driven by Epson ScanSmart AI PRO technology, you~ll quickly and intelligently convert scanned information into smart digital data ~ making your documents AI-ready for Microsoft Copilot, Apple Intelligence, ChatGPT workflows and more. Going beyond simple document capture, the RapidReceipt RR-70W mobile scanner utilizes an extensive data model of various invoices and receipts to quickly turn stacks of unorganized paperwork into categorized digital data that easily integrates into financial applications such as QuickBooks and TurboTax~. The lightest wireless mobile single-sheet document scanner in its class~, the RapidReceipt RR-70W helps increase your productivity with scan speeds up to 15 ppm~ and the ability to create searchable and editable PDFs. Plus, this portable scanner can be charged via USB or battery for added convenience. One of the smartest investments you can make for your business, the Epson RapidReceipt RR-70W mobile business scanner, powered by ScanSmart AI PRO, enables you and your business to stay organized and efficient by unleashing the power of AI.
Customer Rating
3
High Quality Scanner w/ Limits (Especially Mobile)
on February 11, 2021
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
The Epson RR-70W is an excellent portable scanner and does a great job at digitizing and organizing your invoices, receipts, and other important documents using the bundled software. The device itself is a small lightweight and decently built of plastic with no real seams you need to worry about or flexing as a point of failure. The battery is a nice thing to have allowing you to be truly portable using the Espon ScanSmart app. You can scan via the app and that is about it. In the app you are extremely limited. There is no option to crop or do anything to the scan aside from zoom in to it. There is only one-sided scanning with is really sad for this price. Before you start using this, be sure to charge it for around 3 hours and set it up using a PC first. There is a firmware update that needs to be done to bring it up to date for Firmware 1.10.
I don't know if it is because the included software or what, but it is a bit overpriced for the functionality it provides. There are other scanners out there for less that offer more functionality with a battery as well. In this price point, I would also expect an SD card slot, dual sided scanning, and a more robust mobile app. The overall scan quality is ok after tweaking the settings when using the computer but the default settings are just average at best. It lacks contrast and detail but for just a quick scan of a receipt it does well. The software is where this really shines. You are provided with an Adobe Acrobat reader alternative that you can edit and create PDFs with that has no subscription fees. EpsonScan Accounting Edition does an excellent job scanning, reading data from the scan, and importing into your favorite mainstream software for accounting. Overall this is a powerful scanner with a high price tag that is extremely limited as a mobile scanner.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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The JAXJOX Kettlebell is a six-in-one digital adjustable kettlebell ranging from 12-42 lbs. Select your weight with a touch of a button.
Customer Rating
3
Space Saving with Some Trade-offs
on January 21, 2021
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
I really wanted to like this but it seems you need to buy into the WHOLE JAXJOX ecosystem to fully benefit from the app and on-demand workouts. Using only the KettlebellConnect 2.0 (KBC2.0) you are extremely limited in the app. You have to watch it on your phone which interrupts the workout especially when switching levels and exercises. Setup was rather quick after reading the instructions. Weights go in descending order from bottom to top (5 to 1) prior to putting the KBC2.0 itself on top. They are interlocking and only go in one way so you can not have a mistake. Once the KBC2.0 makes contact with the base it will start charging. It is recommended the base and KBC2.0 both have their batteries charged prior to use. Simply select the weight via two buttons on the base or you can use your app on your phone and you are dialed in and ready to go after the beep.
After connecting to the app, which was super simple, you need to subscribe to get a free trial of the on-demand workout videos to get the full JAXJOX experience. However, this is not necessary so you can workout. My main gripe with the app is that it lacks the ability to cast it to your TV. The content wasn't really engaging to me since I found myself just working out on my own after a while. You can hear the instructors breathing heavily into the mics and I couldn't get into it. Trying to use my phone on the floor then a nearby table/shelf definitely made it disengaging as well. When working out it was difficult to see what was going on using my Note 20 Ultra (which is a BIG screen). During the workouts, the real-time tracking missed reps occasionally and didn't log my data into the history, however, it only did it within the actual workout video I completed. There was no history to see for the day in a snapshot view which made me feel this isn't ready for primetime. During my workout, I found myself often thinking about the plates possibly coming out after hearing the rattling inside BUT they never did. It is solidly built but will take some getting used to with to ignore the sound of moving metal plates inside.
Here are my thoughts:
- It's rather large in comparison to regular kettlebells which is a two-edged sword. This may limit the effectiveness of exercises for shorter people. It is a little bigger than a gallon of milk not including the top handle so it can be cumbersome for some. During some of the workouts like squats, lunges, or any action between the legs makes for a rather close call to banging it on the floor or other man parts. On the other hand, the space saving design frees up space so you don't have 6 different weights laying around. This is a compromise so if you are short it could be something to take into consideration.
- Wow… no charge block included in the box!? WHAT?!?! Another company that goes the way of Apple? You buy a new item and immediately need to hunt down a charge block to get started? The instructions state, "Plug the charging cable into the AC adapter". This prompted me to look in the box again and at the instructions to see if I was supposed to have an adapter. A simple (not included) after the instruction would not cause the user to look for one. The pictures of "What's in the box" do not show an AC adapter included. A CLEAR indication one is not provided is necessary. Other concerns are… how do you know if you are using the correct charge block? What if you use one that puts out TOO MUCH power? Maybe that info should be provided because I am sure if someone puts a powerful AC adapter and fries the internals it would not be covered under warranty.
- The design/placement of the charging port in the base is suspect and an accident waiting to happen. With it so close to the floor, choosing a standard USB-C cord with no right angle or other protection against pushing it up against the wall or a casual trip from your kids is just a broken USB port waiting to happen. I would recommend another cord or unique cable design that offers protection from damaging left to right impacts.
In all, there is a lot to like here with a few trade offs. The app needs a lot of work, the space saving design is a plus, but it is a bit too big for shorter people which could cause issues with form or just make exercises ineffective overall. This is one you need to try at home but save your receipt in case it doesn't work out for you. I cannot recommend this to everyone but if you want a space saving option, this could be for you.
In all, there is a lot to like here with a few trade offs. The app needs a lot of work, the space saving design is a plus, but it is a bit too big for shorter people which could cause issues with form or just make exercises ineffective overall. This is one you need to try at home but save your receipt in case it doesn't work out for you. I cannot recommend this to everyone but if you want a space saving option, this could be for you.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Dell Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo enhance daily performance and productivity with this keyboard mouse combo that fits into virtually any workspace. Easily switch between 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth connectivity.Multi-OS compatibility. Tested and certified to work seamlessly with Dell systems.Programmable shortcut keys/buttons with customizable keyboard tilt.
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
The Dell KM7120W set is a nice entry level keyboard for those looking for an alternative to the factory included peripherals included in a complete office PC setup. The aesthetics are nice and it seems overall well built but it will not blend with many color schemes out there. It is a grey and silver two-tone setup which looks modern and sleek. It has both Bluetooth and RF (USB receiver) supported for up to 3 devices that are easily switched with the press of a button.
Setup was almost instant after putting in batteries and the USB receiver into the computer. I just turned it on and it did everything plug and play. However, it did act weird with connectivity issues out of the box. Windows automatically downloaded and installed the Dell Peripheral Manager app from the Windows Store which prompted me with an update after I had to search for the Dell app in order to access it. In all there was 3 firmware updates needed for it to work smoothly and that took a whole 10 minutes to complete. When it was the mouse's turn to update, I had to click the left button twice to activate it. The software allows you to assign actions to F1-F12 on the keyboard and the 2 side keys and scroll wheel on the mouse. I was able to use this set for my Note 20 Ultra in Samsung Dex mode via Bluetooth which was really cool since it provided me a complete desktop experience on my mobile phone without the USB needed.
I'm not a fan of the mouse shape and it feels really light and cheap. The keyboard also feels light and cheap but thanks to the batteries it offers a little heft. Connectivity seems solid and I haven't had any issues with delay. The keys feel like typical Dell scissor keys which means they may pop off like other keyboards I've used in the past. The keys are tactile and mushy like most cheaper keyboards out there. In all, it is a nice setup for those who aren't really picky and any office, school, and home PC will benefit from the streamlined operation this offers. It's a nice entry level setup and the price is right for the value it brings.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Caf~ quality beverages at home with the Bella Pro Series Capsule Coffee Maker and Milk Frother. Save time, money and customize your morning experience. Easy to use with programmable buttons to brew a single or double shot. Enhance your espresso and make a latte or cappuccino with perfectly textured milk ready in 90 seconds, hot or cold. Powerful 19 bars of pressure with a 1050-watt heating system provides rich and aromatic flavors. Quick 40-second preheat time so you can go about your day. Large 22-oz. removable water reservoir for added convenience and removable drip tray for a variety of cup sizes.
Customer Rating
4
Who needs Starbucks now? C-19 Essential
on November 24, 2020
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
If you are used to the K-Cup single use experience that is low maintenance and gets a your morning dose of caffeine done in a short amount of time, this is for you! If you are especially looking for a little more caffeine than a cup of coffee or want a barista experience at home, look no further! Everything comes well packaged and secured in the box with everything you need EXCEPT a sample. You will need to do some homework just to find the pods. I will save you some time here… USE NEPRESSO ORIGINAL pods and you will be in business.
I recommend Bella do something with their box showing which pods are compatible. Even just putting a small piece of paper with the pod info will be helpful. Nespresso should create a simpler way to identify the pods… maybe a single letter or number system so the consumer can find them easily. With a little coaching and online research, I found it. No samples in the box to give you an idea of what you are looking for either. It is not clearly marked on the packaging which pods to buy or where to search for them.
The machine looks beautiful and well built taking a minimalist approach from design down to the user experience. Little to no assembly is required for this machine out of the box. Just take the water reservoir, fill it, and place it in it's spot. Take a pod and set it, after the lights stop blinking click the size you want and you are done. If you are interested in the frother, you will get your milk ready during this time. I actually recommend doing the milk first during the preheat so you have everything ready!
Here is a quick rundown of important things to know. This machine has 19 bars of pressure with a preheat time of 45 seconds. The frother gets your milk ready in as little as 90 seconds either hot or cold. The trash basin holds up to 10 cups before needing to be emptied. Use Nespresso Original Line System pods. Remove your drip cup if you want to fit larger more normal sized coffee mugs found in the US. In short, this is a good machine that gets the job done and will be in service for many years to come in my home!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience fast, reliable Wi-Fi 6 for your connected home. eero 6 uses the power of Wi-Fi 6 to support faster speeds to every corner of your space, increase your internet~s efficiency, and reduce network congestion compared to prior Wi-Fi standards. eero makes it easy to expand your system as your needs change. With cross-compatible hardware, you can easily add eero products in minutes. Best of all, you can say goodbye to dead spots and buffering. eero~s mesh wifi technology optimizes for your space~so you can confidently stream 4K video, game, and video conference across your home.
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
The Eero 6 is a fantastic option for those who are looking to eliminate dead spots in their current Wi-Fi setup. Not an IT administrator? No problem, this is for you. Why buy a new router? With Wi-Fi 6, you get access to faster dual-band Wi-Fi with coverage up to 5,000 sq. ft., speeds up to 500 Mbps, and support for 75+ devices simultaneously. It blends well into any room with its minimalist design and small footprint.
Things come nicely packaged and easy to setup. You get an ethernet cord and everything you need to power your nodes in the box. Plug in the router first then follow the in-app instructions… easy as that. After the app configures your network, add the other two nodes, and you are fully covered in solid reliable Wi-Fi in minutes LITERALLY. Everything was app based and literally is done with a few taps on your screen within minutes. There are 3 devices in this kit with two being satellites and one the router.
There are also features for the advanced users who use port forwarding and other settings to tweak. There is a beta release of WPA-3 encryption via eero Labs in app if your device supports it. There are built-in security and content filters along with Antivirus for those interested in an AIO hardware solution. There are profiles for devices to control things in groups and schedule usage times. The built-in Zigbee hub is an added value so you can avoid another smart hub in your network. Signal strength and connection stability are simply amazing but I did run into slow speeds at times due to poor traffic steering. I noticed it doesn't steer traffic well to 5GHz after initial connection. After you are connected to the network and you move to another node it doesn't steer you back to 5GHz it goes to 2.4GHz. Also, to get band steering you need to enable it in the eero Labs beta options.
Bright spots
+Fast and easy setup for anyone with only a few minutes to spare and limited IT knowledge
+Alexa integration
+Zigbee hub integrated
+Detailed by device data stats
+Profiles for controlling devices and securing them
+Fast and easy setup for anyone with only a few minutes to spare and limited IT knowledge
+Alexa integration
+Zigbee hub integrated
+Detailed by device data stats
+Profiles for controlling devices and securing them
Possible Improvements
-MIMO 2X2
-No web interface, only app setup
-No option to hide SSID
-No USB ports or ethernet ports
-No dedicated backhaul on 5GHz band
-MIMO 2X2
-No web interface, only app setup
-No option to hide SSID
-No USB ports or ethernet ports
-No dedicated backhaul on 5GHz band
The Verdict!
I highly recommend spending a little more to get the eero Pro version just because of the ethernet ports. If your network needs are fairly simple and you don't want to play with network settings and like solid connections… this is for you!
I highly recommend spending a little more to get the eero Pro version just because of the ethernet ports. If your network needs are fairly simple and you don't want to play with network settings and like solid connections… this is for you!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The AU-Flex ANC is the first of Ausounds' High-Fidelity earphone. Delivering the performance of a wired in-ear, the soundstage of a thousand-dollar over-ear, and designed with sustained metals and lightweight aluminium, the AU-Flex is a herald of mobile hi-res future. Engineeered with a unique Hybrid Planar Magnetic driver that delivers a wide and accurate soundstage only found in planar technology.
Customer Rating
4
Excellent sound with compromises
on November 14, 2020
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
The AUSOUNDS AU-Flex ANC neckband headphones are a mind-blowing introduction to AUSOUNDS. They came well packed in a sleeve type box/tray presentation with all pieces secured. These will please audiophiles who will sacrifice over-ear options for a more portable and reduced footprint. The build and design reminds me the original neckband headphones but they spent money on the parts that matter (i.e. speakers and battery). Things are kept simple with the user interface and it has a very minimalist design. Setup is fast and easy while providing a premium product from the soft neckband silicone material to the planar drivers that produce the sound. These are my go to headphones for the office and I recommend them to any business professional who wants great sound in a lightweight portable package. This is a great all day audio solution offering amazing call and sound quality with a few compromises like no app, HiRes iOS codec, or simultaneous BT connection. For me, at this price point an app is automatic in 2020 and I'd say expected. All other competitors offer an app with their headphones and I am hoping this is just in the works and will be released at a later date. Otherwise, this is almost flawless execution!
Inconveniences and challenges encountered
The BIGGEST inconvenience for me was having to re-pair when moving between my phone and laptop or tablet. Simultaneous connections are expected by many in this day and age. While driving, I found the ear phones got tangled when releasing the seatbelt. While moving around, the neckband tended to lean more towards the right side leaving weight distribution to be an issue for the active crowd. When playing with my kids, the would get tangled and caught in their hands.
As you can see, there is a market for TRUE wireless but these are a great compromise. The fact there is no app is a problem for me and I worry how firmware updates will be delivered. They would definitely benefit from an update and I don't know how well AUSOUNDS will support their products from a software standpoint. I hope an update in the works to fix connectivity issues with Android. On my Note 20 Ultra, all connections after initial pairing were 50% active. What I mean here is that call audio was enabled but the media audio was not. I had to disconnect BT and reconnect the BT connection for the AU-Flex ANCs every time I turned them on to use them to hear a video or music.
The BIGGEST inconvenience for me was having to re-pair when moving between my phone and laptop or tablet. Simultaneous connections are expected by many in this day and age. While driving, I found the ear phones got tangled when releasing the seatbelt. While moving around, the neckband tended to lean more towards the right side leaving weight distribution to be an issue for the active crowd. When playing with my kids, the would get tangled and caught in their hands.
As you can see, there is a market for TRUE wireless but these are a great compromise. The fact there is no app is a problem for me and I worry how firmware updates will be delivered. They would definitely benefit from an update and I don't know how well AUSOUNDS will support their products from a software standpoint. I hope an update in the works to fix connectivity issues with Android. On my Note 20 Ultra, all connections after initial pairing were 50% active. What I mean here is that call audio was enabled but the media audio was not. I had to disconnect BT and reconnect the BT connection for the AU-Flex ANCs every time I turned them on to use them to hear a video or music.
Room for Improvement
I would like to see an app with EQ and other settings to tune monitor mode, better connectivity with Android OS, HiRes iOS audio codecs, and also retractable ear buds to reduce tangling. The inability to link to two devices simultaneously is a MUST! Users will have a phone and either a tablet or laptop expecting This is otherwise PERFECT execution in my opinion by AUSOUNDS.
I would like to see an app with EQ and other settings to tune monitor mode, better connectivity with Android OS, HiRes iOS audio codecs, and also retractable ear buds to reduce tangling. The inability to link to two devices simultaneously is a MUST! Users will have a phone and either a tablet or laptop expecting This is otherwise PERFECT execution in my opinion by AUSOUNDS.
Fit and Comfort
The ear buds fit perfect in my ears. I can wear them all day and forget I have them in until I have to talk to someone. I love in ear headphones because the passive noise isolation it offers is the best option to hear clearly all detail in sound. There are 3 sizes of ear tips to choose from and the ear loops are soft and flexible. They stay where you put them and do not move, however, the neck band is the only annoyance. The neckband will move around, especially at the gym if you get a sweaty neck, and sometimes will lean toward the right side probably because it is heavier. The earbuds are low profile and don't stick out your ears too much which I like. At the gym, these will be a pain if you are working the bench press, doing sit-ups, or any exercises that have changes in vertical direction or fast horizontal movements.
The ear buds fit perfect in my ears. I can wear them all day and forget I have them in until I have to talk to someone. I love in ear headphones because the passive noise isolation it offers is the best option to hear clearly all detail in sound. There are 3 sizes of ear tips to choose from and the ear loops are soft and flexible. They stay where you put them and do not move, however, the neck band is the only annoyance. The neckband will move around, especially at the gym if you get a sweaty neck, and sometimes will lean toward the right side probably because it is heavier. The earbuds are low profile and don't stick out your ears too much which I like. At the gym, these will be a pain if you are working the bench press, doing sit-ups, or any exercises that have changes in vertical direction or fast horizontal movements.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life on these lasts me about 3 calendar days before I have to charge them. It will announce in a robotic voice when battery is low and you can see battery life in the BT settings. I'd say in my case, these are on about 6 hours a day mostly for calls and a few of those hours listing to multimedia. For me, battery life is more than enough to get through a heavy all-day of use and will easily make it to night time. They charge up in about 2 hours via USB-C. The little flap that protects the USB-C charging port worries me because if it snaps your port will be exposed to the elements.
Battery life on these lasts me about 3 calendar days before I have to charge them. It will announce in a robotic voice when battery is low and you can see battery life in the BT settings. I'd say in my case, these are on about 6 hours a day mostly for calls and a few of those hours listing to multimedia. For me, battery life is more than enough to get through a heavy all-day of use and will easily make it to night time. They charge up in about 2 hours via USB-C. The little flap that protects the USB-C charging port worries me because if it snaps your port will be exposed to the elements.
Sound quality
I must say I was surprised with the sound quality of this pair of headphones! I really like the clean bass and highs but the mids could be turned up a bit IMO and the highs down a little. Don't get me wrong, the out of box experience is WONDERFUL but I would like to tweak things. Since these fit in your ear canal, it channels everything into your ear to hear details you would miss in other headphones. These are definitely sculpted with bass and highs in mind and you will love the sound out of these. Clarity and power are the themes here! I would only wish these had a bit more juice in the loudness department but it is plenty. Things hold up well throughout the loudness range but at higher volume the highs are a bit too much and lows are more pronounced. Overall, this is a well tuned audio experience.
Noise cancelling is above average slightly with monitor mode needing to be louder. Voices still come through but low rumbles found in trains, busses, and motors reduced to almost silence. There is a slight hiss but this is normal for ANC headphones.
I must say I was surprised with the sound quality of this pair of headphones! I really like the clean bass and highs but the mids could be turned up a bit IMO and the highs down a little. Don't get me wrong, the out of box experience is WONDERFUL but I would like to tweak things. Since these fit in your ear canal, it channels everything into your ear to hear details you would miss in other headphones. These are definitely sculpted with bass and highs in mind and you will love the sound out of these. Clarity and power are the themes here! I would only wish these had a bit more juice in the loudness department but it is plenty. Things hold up well throughout the loudness range but at higher volume the highs are a bit too much and lows are more pronounced. Overall, this is a well tuned audio experience.
Noise cancelling is above average slightly with monitor mode needing to be louder. Voices still come through but low rumbles found in trains, busses, and motors reduced to almost silence. There is a slight hiss but this is normal for ANC headphones.
Call/Mic quality
Call quality is impeccable! Callers didn't even know I was on the phone and noise cancellation is excellent in call. It picks up your voice extremely well with high quality mics and cancels out the surrounding areas well. Voice memo recordings will amaze you especially in loseless codecs! Audio for calls comes through both ears
Call quality is impeccable! Callers didn't even know I was on the phone and noise cancellation is excellent in call. It picks up your voice extremely well with high quality mics and cancels out the surrounding areas well. Voice memo recordings will amaze you especially in loseless codecs! Audio for calls comes through both ears
Android Experience
Audio quality is the main advantage to using these on LDAC supported Android OS devices while the biggest drawback was the connectivity issues when connecting to my Note 20 Ultra. Every time I connected it after the initial pairing, it would default only to "Call Audio" leaving the "Media Audio" option disabled. After tapping the "LDAC" and "Media Audio" options, it is non-responsive. The fastest way to fix this is to disconnect and then reconnect the AU-Flex headphones to get it to work. LDAC is excellent and as a result offers the best audio quality and experience, in my option, if your device supports it. Apple devices do not have a HiRes codec supported by the AU-Flex so you will get SBC quality sound. In summation, the best audio out of these headphones is obtained through the Android experience. There is no app which is unfortunate as we will need an update to make the Android experience more seamless. There are no EQ options as a result of no app which means you will be stuck with how these sound. There are in app EQs in some streaming apps but AUSOUNDS needs to step it up in the app game.
Audio quality is the main advantage to using these on LDAC supported Android OS devices while the biggest drawback was the connectivity issues when connecting to my Note 20 Ultra. Every time I connected it after the initial pairing, it would default only to "Call Audio" leaving the "Media Audio" option disabled. After tapping the "LDAC" and "Media Audio" options, it is non-responsive. The fastest way to fix this is to disconnect and then reconnect the AU-Flex headphones to get it to work. LDAC is excellent and as a result offers the best audio quality and experience, in my option, if your device supports it. Apple devices do not have a HiRes codec supported by the AU-Flex so you will get SBC quality sound. In summation, the best audio out of these headphones is obtained through the Android experience. There is no app which is unfortunate as we will need an update to make the Android experience more seamless. There are no EQ options as a result of no app which means you will be stuck with how these sound. There are in app EQs in some streaming apps but AUSOUNDS needs to step it up in the app game.
Apple Experience
Connectivity and stability is best found in the Apple experience however includes a hit to the audio quality due to only supporting SBC and not LDAC. The audio sounds good but if you hear LDAC on these headphones you will not be satisfied. SBC and LDAC supported with LDAC not in iOS and as a result, sound quality is slightly reduced. In short, if you want the best connection, Apple time and time again offers the best.
Connectivity and stability is best found in the Apple experience however includes a hit to the audio quality due to only supporting SBC and not LDAC. The audio sounds good but if you hear LDAC on these headphones you will not be satisfied. SBC and LDAC supported with LDAC not in iOS and as a result, sound quality is slightly reduced. In short, if you want the best connection, Apple time and time again offers the best.
THE VERDICT
These are definitely a by and are a heavyweight contender for the neckband headphone crown! If this style is your thing, these deserve a HARD look. Although not perfect, I can wholly recommend these to business professionals and workers who want to enjoy working through the day in the best soundstage that can last you all day.
These are definitely a by and are a heavyweight contender for the neckband headphone crown! If this style is your thing, these deserve a HARD look. Although not perfect, I can wholly recommend these to business professionals and workers who want to enjoy working through the day in the best soundstage that can last you all day.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Charge two devices simultaneously with our Dual USB-A Car Charger. This compact charger offers faster-than-standard charging speeds and an LED indicator to let you know when it~s connected to a power source. A cable is included, so you can get charging right away.
Customer Rating
4
Decent Charger with Good Cable
on November 9, 2020
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
To me, this doesn't offer much different in terms of functionality versus any other dual charger for out there. I measured each port using a high quality USB tester. The results were underwhelming for the amount of hype about 24W here. I never saw 2.4A or 2A for that matter. The highest output was 1.597A checking my iPhone 11 Pro Max and Samsung Note 20 Ultra never reached a high rate of charging. I tried various cables to see if that was the bottleneck and nothing changed. On my Note 20 Ultra, it signals the type of charge it gets and it never even displayed the words "Fast Charging". However, I did confirm output on both ports was equal. It simply works - if you are just looking for a reliable charger with protection this is for you.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Dial into great sound for your desktop with Z407 Bluetooth computer speakers. Get immersive sound with a down-firing woofer that adds ~boom~ to your sound, and digital signal processing that keeps clarity across the sound spectrum. Stylish oval satellite speakers lay horizontally or vertically. Position them however you like to curate your space. Control it all with the Bluetooth-enabled wireless control dial. Adjust bass and volume, skip and pause tracks, from up to 20-meter line of sight range. Connect with Bluetooth, micro USB, or 3.5 mm inputs.
Customer Rating
5
GREAT AUDIO and BEST VALUE
on October 27, 2020
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
The Logitech Z407 is a bluetooth speaker system that offers bluetooth, USB, or 3.5mm AUX for connectivity. Everything comes well packaged and easy to setup. Plug it in the wall, place the sub under your desk, place your satellite speakers and run the wires to connect using the simple color coded audio jacks. It comes with a small wireless controller that seems to operate on bluetooth. The range on the connection is roughly 30ft so you are free to control the sound and bass levels remotely. Setup is quick and easy which you should be up and running in less than 5 minutes. Most of the time will be spent deciding on which way you want to connect your PC and vertical vs horizontal speaker placement. This is a great way to add BLUETOOTH AUDIO FUNCTIONALITY to YOUR OLDER PC!
With its aesthetically pleasing and space saving design with vertical or horizontal options, it closely follows the minimalist Logi gray design language. It's all graphite gray plastic construction that feels cheap to me, but the sound quality is quite shockingly good. You notice the weight distribution of the speaker in relation to the speaker overall making it heavier on one side. You get good sound and decent build here for sure. The dial feels REALLY flimsy and cheap as well, but again this setup is all about the balance of form and function. Did I say I love the dial!
After trying all three connection options, I decided for my setup to go with micro USB (which is not included) on my PC for the best sound. 3.5mm works well but I noticed a slight hiss that I didn't hear with the USB. Bluetooth sounds great with minimal distortion. These speakers do not support any HiFi codecs, but still sound great. I couldn't find any literature anywhere stating what codecs are supported with these speakers.
The sound quality is excellent and offers room filling sound with a wide sound stage based on speaker placement. The speaker system is rated at 40w RMS with an 80w peak and it sounds great! The subwoofer offers deep clear bass for movie watching or gaming on your PC. Highs and mids are crystal clear and have clear separation but these are very bass heavy in my opinion. Without a way to adjust bass if you lose your dial it will be annoying. After reducing the bass level to about 50% (no way to tell since it lacks any indicators) it sounded a lot better to me. Voices are very boomy so adjust to taste. Overall, I can't complain as these sound great for what they are.
Room for improvement
-No software to interface with the speakers using USB and PC. I would have liked some sort of software with EQ and dial customizability options. No way to adjust bass without dial.
-No software to interface with the speakers using USB and PC. I would have liked some sort of software with EQ and dial customizability options. No way to adjust bass without dial.
-No USB cable in the box. To me, if these are PC speakers a USB cord should be supplied instead of the 3.5mm cord in this day and age of no headphone jacks.
-Feels cheap and lightweight for the price being all plastic. Hopefully you don't have paper stacks or other heavy things on your desk that could push off the speakers. If they fell, I would worry about them but we are all careful with our things … right? I hope they make a higher quality version with upscale materials of this speaker because the flimsy plastic dial is just made for function.
In summation, these deserve a hard look in this day and age of telecommuting and home schooling environments. It is for business professionals, students, novice gamers, and learning environments.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Perfect for busy days, this sleek, stainless steel Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker with Rapid Brew System brews a delicious cup of coffee very quickly. The Strong Brew Selector makes a bolder cup of coffee when you want one, with the touch of a button. Intuitive Brew Later programming makes it easy to schedule brewing ahead of time, so you can wake up to a fresh cup. This convenient coffee maker also comes with a handy coffee scoop for measuring grounds. Even more helpful features include Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause for a cup mid-brew, an easy-view Water Window to prevent overflow, a coffee Freshness Timer, 2-hour Auto-Shutoff, a Water Filtration System, and a Lift & Clean Filter Basket.
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
The Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Rapid Brew System is a value buy if you are in the market for a coffee maker. At this price-point, it is in a competitive space that is really about features. This does NOT come with a reusable filter screen so your only option out of the box is to buy paper filters. It DOES with a water filter for the coffee maker itself that is replaced every 30 days via a reminder dial. In my opinion, filtered water does make a difference with coffee taste, but I have an under cabinet water filtration system for filling my pots so the small filter isn't for my case. After a brew, the grounds are nicely filtered with a almost nothing untouched due to the spread pattern. With family, we usually get about 6 large mugs out the 12-cup pour, with a little bit left to make a small cup. Coffee comes out fast, but I cannot say I have measured any noticeable speed differences without doing a full head to head with other brands in my home. Smooth full bodied coffee is what you get here.
Aesthetically, it is nice looking with an almost entirely plastic build that features stainless steel accents to fit in with any modern kitchen design. Coffee brewing buttons are laid out nicely and with settings nice and straight forward. The water reservoir features a "wide-mouth" design to avoid spills with a hinged spout to avoid splashes. The integrated bumper kicks the spout back into place when you prepare to brew for added ease of use. There are all typical set it and forget it settings like auto on/off and a clock to use.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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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.
Is it possible to save frequently used locations and just call them by name when routing?
As of 11/22/17, this is a NO. This is one of my biggest gripes with this. If this is a GPS unit, why can we save places and use the Alexa voice assistant to navigate there hands-free.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Complete your cleaning routine with this Shark IONFLEX vacuum. Its 2x ION power pack system includes two LiIon batteries to provide backup power and longer run time, and it bends to reach floors under low-lying furniture thanks to its MultiFLEX technology. Convert this Shark IONFLEX vacuum into a handheld vac to clean ceilings and small corners.
How long does each battery charge last during use?
These are approximations but are close to all cordless models on the market. What sets this one apart is the fact you can change packs and keep working.
Hand vacuum only in "Max Power" mode: approximately 11 minutes
Hand vacuum only in "Extend Runtime" mode: approx. 23 minutes
Floor mode in "Max Power": approx. 12 minutes
Floor mode in "Extend Runtime": approx. 20 minutes
Carpet mode in "Max Power": approx. 11 minutes
Carpet mode in "Extend Runtime": approx. 14 minutes
Hand vacuum only in "Max Power" mode: approximately 11 minutes
Hand vacuum only in "Extend Runtime" mode: approx. 23 minutes
Floor mode in "Max Power": approx. 12 minutes
Floor mode in "Extend Runtime": approx. 20 minutes
Carpet mode in "Max Power": approx. 11 minutes
Carpet mode in "Extend Runtime": approx. 14 minutes
7 years, 11 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Surround yourself with robust audio performance in a slim package with this LG ultra-slim soundbar. Compatible with the latest LG televisions, the compact soundbar pairs seamlessly to deliver an immersive audio-visual experience. The 4K high resolution audio on this LG ultra-slim soundbar lets you hear the action in every scene.
Can this sound bar be used with warless rear speakers? If so has anyone done this?
No. Just a wireless sub and the soundbar work together with no opportunity to expand the system.
8 years, 1 month ago
by
nkpstudios
Record high-definition video footage and crisp still images with this Sony AX100 4K flash memory camcorder that features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly transfer files.
Can you record in 1080 instead of 4k if needed?
Record high-definition video footage and crisp still images with this Sony AX100 4K flash memory camcorder that features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly transfer files.
can I use a xlr microphone in this camera
Yes if you buy a XLR to 3.5 stereo.mono minijack cord.
8 years, 1 month ago
by
nkpstudios
Record high-definition video footage and crisp still images with this Sony AX100 4K flash memory camcorder that features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly transfer files.
Will this camera allow me to record live on Facebook??
Not out of the box or via apps. You will need to do a search for how to record on FB Live using camera into a computer.
8 years, 1 month ago
by
nkpstudios
Record high-definition video footage and crisp still images with this Sony AX100 4K flash memory camcorder that features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly transfer files.
Tri pod mountable?
Record high-definition video footage and crisp still images with this Sony AX100 4K flash memory camcorder that features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly transfer files.
Does this camera have a touch screen and does it have night vision
Yes, this can be found under specifications on the website.
8 years, 1 month ago
by
nkpstudios
Record high-definition video footage and crisp still images with this Sony AX100 4K flash memory camcorder that features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly transfer files.
Does this camera have a light to record at night
Yes, there is an infrared light built in that provides recording in complete darkness. You don't get color, just a greenish white recording.
8 years, 1 month ago
by
nkpstudios
Record high-definition video footage and crisp still images with this Sony AX100 4K flash memory camcorder that features Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize blur. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly transfer files.
The specifications state that the focusing is manual. I want to clarify what this means. Does it literally mean that I have to turn some knob every time I want to focus?
This camera allows for manual focus using the focus ring or you can tap the screen to focus on areas of interest. This also has full automatic focus which is also available for those who don't want the professional manual controls. This camera offers something for everyone. I love it.
8 years, 1 month ago
by
nkpstudios