nickcal's stats
- Review count352
- Helpfulness votes1,330
- First reviewApril 12, 2014
- Last reviewJuly 18, 2026
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- Average rating4.7
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- Answer count4
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- First answerMay 23, 2016
- Last answerSeptember 7, 2020
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Experience customized audio and acclaimed noise cancellation with Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II True Wireless Noise Cancelling In-Ear Headphones, featuring pioneering CustomTune sound calibration technology that intelligently personalizes the noise cancellation and sound performance to your ears. These true wireless earbuds represent a revolutionary advance in noise cancellation and deliver lifelike, balanced sound with nuance, clarity, and depth. The simple touch interface provides device-free control of music, calls and noise cancellation levels, including Quiet Mode for maximum noise cancellation and Aware Mode for keeping an ear to your surroundings. Find a secure fit for your ear shape with the included Bose Fit Kit, which contains three sizes of ear tips and stability bands, all made from soft silicone for continuous comfort. Own your uniqueness with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.
Customer Rating
5
My number 1 Listening Accessory
on September 8, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
The earbuds come packaged in a small box that has a marketing wrap around it. The cardboard wrap features an image of the earbuds, their name, and some additional identifying information. The box includes the earbuds, their charging case, additional ear tips, stability bands, a charging cable, a quick start guide, and a safety sheet.
The first thing I did when taking the earbuds out of the packaging was to size up the ear tips. Usually, manufacturers will include medium-sized ear tips on the earbuds. I've always had an issue with earbuds fitting my ears comfortably and securely. I thought the pre-installed ear tips felt a little tight so I swapped them out for the smaller ones. I would recommend this as an initial step for any earbud user since the fit really contributed a lot to the sound quality you experience.
My main use case was mobile gaming. I've been playing first-person shooter, multiplayer, online games with friends lately and I've found that this actually ends up being a great endurance test for headphones. I have actually burned up two sets of very expensive headphones while mobile gaming so finding a set of earbuds that can hang with me has been impressive. The QC II earbuds have quickly become my 'go-to' headphones for my personal gaming enjoyment.
Battery Life
The earbuds had a charge to them out of the box (around 50%) so I didn't worry about connecting them to power right away. I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to use them for several hours before needing to charge them. I have had no issue getting the 6-hour battery life from a single charge. In my spare time, I enjoy playing mobile games with friends and it's not unusual for us to play for extended periods of time. The QC II earbuds have done a great job with long periods of use.
Sweat and Water Resistant
As I mentioned, I have destroyed headphones through the course of playing games online. Part of the reason for this is that my ears actually produce a lot of heat and sweat while I game. This is why I switched from over-head headphones to earbuds while gaming. Even after the switch, I still find that sweat can collect if I have a particularly long gaming session. The QC II earbuds have done a great job with staying dry and being easy to clean up. They are only rated IPX4, which means they will do ok with minor splashes and drips but if you get caught in a downpour, you should take them out.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The QC II earbuds are powered by Bluetooth 5.3, which is the newest Bluetooth spec (released in July 2021). I've been using these headphones with my M1 iPad Pro mostly. I've had no problems with them connecting and staying connected. At the same time that I have the earbuds connected, I am actively also using a Bluetooth gaming controller. I've not had any issues with the earbuds disconnecting or cutting out on me. They are very stable as far as the Bluetooth is concerned and they are immediately recognized by my iPad when I put them in. One of the things I love about these earbuds is that I don't have any problems with other devices trying to connect to them at the same time I'm using them for gaming.
Noise Cancellation & Transparency
While noise cancellation is usually something that a lot of people want so they can isolate themself from the rest of their surrounding area, I prefer to use hear-through -- also known as Transparency or
ActiveSense -- mode so that I can hear myself talk. One of my favorite things about mobile gaming is the community of friends that I play with. We have conversations while we play and because I have hearing loss I feel like I am yelling most of the time when I'm talking with them -- unless I have hear-through mode. There are very few headphones that have this feature as a part of their noise cancellation modes. The QC II earbuds are one of them (as ActiveSense). My AirPods Pro earbuds have it (as Transparency mode), too, but I actually think it works better on the QC II earbuds. The standard noise cancellation works very well, too, but the QC II earbuds really shine with the ActiveSense mode.
Microphones
As I mentioned, I use these earbuds to carry on conversations while I play with my friends. They have commented that they can hear me very well. In fact, they say that my voice comes through just as clearly as if I were in the same room with them. The quality of the microphones in these earbuds plays a huge part in that.
The App
One of the things I like about the companion app is that it's available, but not in the way. When I first started using the earbuds I used the app to calibrate them and to make sure the firmware was up to date. I will check in with the app every once in a while to make sure that everything is the way I want it but I don't have to have it running all the time in order to get the most out of my listening experience while I'm gaming.
Sound Quality
While I've really enjoyed these earbuds for all the premium features they offer, one of the best reasons to use these earbuds is for their pure, exquisite sound quality. For several months now I've swapped between several different headphones and earbuds trying to find the 'best' sound experience. I stopped swapping when I started using the QC II earbuds. They have made it possible for me to enjoy the nuances in our game -- such as footsteps, gunfire, animation sound effects, and other subtle sounds -- as much as I enjoy listening to music when I'm not gaming. Just to make my point clear -- I've been using other premium wireless earbuds, over-ear headphones, and gaming headphones that range in price from (150-600). The QC II earbuds are a proven winner in my book.
Comfort
While I mentioned the 'fit' early in my review, I want to comment directly on how comfortable these earbuds are. In the 20+ years I've been using headphones, I've never found a set of earbuds this comfortable. They are so lightweight and fit my ear so well that I forget that I'm wearing them. I honestly still can't believe that I am enjoying earbuds this much because usually they irritate me after a short period of time and I cast them aside. I look forward to wearing these earbuds and using them on a daily basis -- for hours on end.
These earbuds are magical. They check all the boxes for me and have become my 'go-to' listening accessories for most activities. They are a fantastic investment -- especially if you enjoy mobile gaming.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+4points
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Discover the power of X! The new Philips Sonicare Power Flosser creates an X-shaped stream of water that reaches deep between teeth for a gentle, thorough clean. This X-shaped water stream, known as Quad-Stream technology, covers more surface area for a faster, deeper clean versus manual floss. Because of Quad-Steam technology, Philips Sonicare Power Flosser enables you to improve your gum health by 50% in just 1 minute per day!
Customer Rating
4
Great for good dental hygiene
on September 2, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
Flossing is an important part of good oral hygiene. It helps to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth. Flossing can also help to keep your gums healthy. Unfortunately, I've always been terrible about this dental hygiene task. Brushing has never been a problem. I just can't get in the habit of adding in flossing. My dentist recommended that I try to use a water flosser so this cordless power flosser from Sonicare seemed like a good option for me.
The assembly of the flosser was minimal. The main body was already put together and all I had to do was add the nozzle that I wanted to use, charge it, and fill the reservoir with water. The flosser had some charge out of the box, but I did plug it in for a little while before using it for the first time. The flosser comes with an illustrated quick start guide which was really helpful to me as I tried to figure out the best placement for the nozzles on my teeth.
I filled the reservoir with water and hit the on button. Water shot out and I felt that it cleaned between my teeth pretty well. I'm not sure if it did as good of a job as standard floss, but it was definitely better than not doing anything at all. The flosser is easy to use but I wish it had a little more power behind it. Flossing is an important part of good oral hygiene. It helps to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth. Flossing can also help to keep your gums healthy. Unfortunately, I've always been terrible about this dental hygiene task. Brushing has never been a problem. I just can't get in the habit of adding in flossing. My dentist recommended that I try to use a water flosser so this cordless power flosser from Sonicare seemed like a good option for me.
The assembly of the flosser was minimal. The main body was already put together and all I had to do was add the nozzle that I wanted to use, charge it, and fill the reservoir with water. The flosser had some charge out of the box, but I did plug it in for a little while before using it for the first time. The flosser comes with an illustrated quick start guide which was really helpful to me as I tried to figure out the best placement for the nozzles on my teeth.
I filled the reservoir with water and hit the on button. Water shot out and I felt that it cleaned between my teeth pretty well. I'm not sure if it did as good of a job as standard floss, but it was definitely better than not doing anything at all. The flosser is easy to use but I wish it had a little more power behind it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
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The G715 Logitech Wireless Gaming Keyboard from the Aurora Collection delivers low-key style with high-key performance so you can express yourself and play your way. Float away with its dreamy white design and comfy, cloud-shaped keyboard palm rest. With a tenkeyless layout and adjustable height, this is an ideal compact mechanical keyboard for gaming that gives you that good game feeling, all-day long. Pack it up, place it anywhere, and play your best with G715~s rechargeable 30 gaming-hr battery life (with full lighting), Logitech LIGHTSPEED wireless, and Bluetooth connectivity. Use the USB-C to USB-A cable (included) for quick and streamlined recharging. Logitech LIGHTSYNC brings your gaming to life with four responsive Play Moods that reflect your state of play in 16.8M programmable RGB colors. Get your creative juices flowing, show off your style, and even create your custom animation effects on your wireless TKL keyboard with free G HUB software.
Customer Rating
4
A fun keyboard, but would like to see added functi
on September 2, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
I’m a big fan of mechanical keyboards. They remind me of early computers and just end up feeling more robust that non-mechanical keyboards do. I do a lot of computer work. On a daily basis I spend at least 12 hours behind a keyboard so I want something that is going to be efficient to work on, fun to use, and comfortable for long periods of time.
The layout of this keyboard is ideal for me. I do enjoy having the traditional ten-key keypad to use for some tasks, but in general, I prefer having a more compact keyboard. There is a more compact layout (60%) and I’ve found that the absence of the traditional directional arrow keys is a hindrance to me when I’m working.
The version of this keyboard that I got has the brown tactile switches. As far as noise goes, they produce a satisfying click when you press them. In comparison to other tactile switches, I would consider these moderately noisy. They aren’t too loud, but they are louder than linear switches are.
I’ve found that I’m pretty efficient with the keyboard during normal tasks throughout the day. I’ve played a couple of basic games using the keyboard and it’s worked really well for that, too. The keyboard lights up really nicely. The colors are bright and users have the option of programming it through Logitech’s software.
The only complaint I really have about this keyboard is that it doesn’t come with Apple key caps or a macOS layout. I was able to remap the command and option keys through Apple’s System Preferences but I think it would have been nice if that was already integrated as it is with other mechanical gaming keyboards.
The keyboard has been comfortable to use and I’ve really enjoyed the cloud wrist rest. It’s really added to the comfort factor and I’ve actually used it with other keyboards, too. I would recommend this keyboard to people who want a fun, robust keyboard for gaming or any other productivity tasks.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
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Hear them first. With 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming and our proven hardware technology, you can detect where your opponents are and how far away. Even players hiding in shadows or behind walls and obstacles, can~t stay hidden for long.
Customer Rating
5
Exceptional gaming headphones
on August 18, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
Finding the perfect gaming headphones seems to be a never-ending saga for me. I’ve tried everything from wired earbuds to wireless state-of-the-art over-ear headphones. But no matter what I try, they all seems to fall flat. Nothing seems to fit the exact mold of what I’m looking for. This is what led me to these headphones by Sony.
I’ve always like Sony headphones and these really caught my eye because they have a wireless connection. I’ve recently found a passion for mobile gaming in addition to console and PC gaming. One of the aspects of mobile gaming that I enjoy is socialization. I used to be drawn to socializing with my Xbox friends about 10 years ago, but most of those friends moved onto different gaming platforms or we just want to play the same games anymore. I picked up my phone and started playing COD Mobile one day and I found a community again. The unfortunate thing was that I found that I really needed a solid set of headphones in order to communicate with my new friends.
I used what I had but they were designed for gaming and so there were a lot of features that I felt were lacking. So, what I started looking for was headphones that are:
• Lightweight
• Comfortable for long periods of time
• Had good battery life
• Had a great microphone
• High-quality sound
• Worked on multiple platforms
• Wireless
• Comfortable for long periods of time
• Had good battery life
• Had a great microphone
• High-quality sound
• Worked on multiple platforms
• Wireless
The Inzone H7 wireless headphones check off everything on this list. First of all, they are extremely lightweight. I have another set of headphones (not Sony) that are much heavier so it was a shock when I held the Inzone headphones for the first time. I slid them on my head and found them to be very comfortable. The foam is soft and to be honest, I don’t even notice that there is a headband because it’s so comfortable. I noticed that the ear cups breathe really well. Even after hours of gaming, my ears aren’t hot at all. This is actually an issue I’ve fought quite a bit with other headphones. I even ruined two sets of a different brand of headphones due to condensation build-up from heat/sweat. So, the heat control of these headphones was really important to me and it hasn’t been an issue at all.
The battery life has been really awesome, too. I have had a couple of 12+ hour gaming sessions where I was actively using game audio as well as the microphone and the Inzone headphones stayed with me the entire time. I am glad that they charge via USB-C. They seem to charge efficiently as I’ve been able to plug them in before bed and have them ready to go when I get up the next day.
The microphone is above average. My gaming companions have never complained about how I sound or commented on not being able to hear me. They have with other gaming headphones. I wouldn’t say it’s the best microphone I’ve used for gaming, but it’s definitely not the worst. I would rank it 7/10 for the microphone alone. The only complaint that I have about the microphone’s function is that the lift-to-mute feature doesn’t work for mobile gaming.
The sound quality is above average, too. All the ambient gaming sounds come through loud and clear and I don’t have any issues communicating with my gaming crew. Because of the shape of the ear cups and how they fit, you do find yourself isolated pretty well from ambient noises in your surroundings. The sound effect isn’t a ‘transparency’ mode style, which would be preferable to me, but it is better than being completely shut off from the outside world. I like being able to hear myself talk into the microphone just a little. Transparency mode on headphones allows for this. Some gaming headphones are so sound isolating that all sound is gone and you feel like you are in a black hole. The Inzone do not have that effect and the sound isolation is just right. It’s probably the next best thing to a true transparency mode.
As far as setup goes - I had no issues pairing the headphones with my iPhone or iPad. I simply put them into Bluetooth pairing mode and selected them from the Bluetooth menu on either device. The PS5 also had a simple setup. I just plugged the USB receiver (provided) into the USB port on the PS5. They were recognized right away (mark sure the switch is flipped to PS5) and I didn’t have any issue with their connectivity with the gaming system. Setup with a PC is similar to the PS5. You utilize the USB receiver with the switch flipped to PC. Plug it into a USB port on your computer and they should auto pair.
The 360 spatial audio setup is done through the combination of the Inzone Hub app on the PC and the 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer app on your mobile phone. You will need to use the same account for both apps so that the images you capture (yes, you need to take pictures of your ears) on your phone can connect to the PC Hub. This step helps to personalize the spatial audio profiles to your ear shape. I really like the Spatial Audio feature as I feel as though it enhances the experience quite a bit AND it sets the Inzone headphones apart from other gaming headsets. Users also have the option to adjust audio levels with the Inzone hub.
Overall, the Inzone H7 headphones are a great option for gaming. I found them to be exceptional any way I was using them.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
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Introducing the latest Inspiron 24 All-in-One Desktop with a TV-inspired design and a display which features ComfortView Plus to help reduce harmful blue light and a flicker free panel optimizing eye comfort. Redesigning the front screen experience with a narrow 4-sided border with touch option for a clean look and feel. Stay up to date with the latest AMD 15W processors.
Customer Rating
5
A very nice system; great for smaller workspaces
on July 11, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
I’ve always been a fan of Dell computers. Even though I primarily use Apple products, I’ve always really appreciated PC workstations - especially for standard productivity tasks. This Dell All-in-One was designed to provide a comfortable workstation with some moderate power behind it. Based on its specs, I wouldn’t be expecting this system to be able to handle graphic-intensive video games, but it can work really well with most other tasks.
I became a quick fan of this system after I had a smooth startup/installation/update process. I will always hope that somehow Windows machines can reduce their load times, but so far, the update process when I start up a new system is always the thorn in my side. I will say that this Dell All-in-One seemed to move through that process quicker than other systems I’ve tried. It took 20-25 minutes to get through all the updates and installations before I could start using the system.
I found that it’s a very practical option for people who need a strong option for watching videos, completing productivity-based tasks, or even schoolwork. I did not attempt to do any design-type work on it, but depending on the task, this system would probably handle it fine. I don’t see it being able to edit multiple video streams or working with a multi-layer image, but simple video edits or photo edits should work fine.
Display
The display is a full touchscreen. This has been an interesting transition for me because I frequently switch back and forth between my laptop and tablet. It’s nice to be able to enter commands on the Dell by tapping the screen rather than using the mouse sometimes. I haven’t used that function much, but when I have it’s typically been when I’ve been navigating through webpages. I have found the screen responsive and I haven’t noticed it stuttering.
As far as the resolution goes, the screen does full 1080p HD and looks really good. It would be great if it were 4K, but based on what this computer is designed for, I think 1080p resolution is more than adequate. I played the trailer for Avatar 2 on YouTube and thought it looked great.
Keyboard and Mouse
The keyboard and mouse feel like standard the standard Dell keyboard and mouse combo kit. I love that they are wireless, but would have really liked to see them be rechargeable rather than require batteries. That said, I’m glad that Dell included high-quality batteries for both peripherals so that they could be used out of the box. I like the basic feel of both of them, but do wish the keys on the keyboard were a little looser. I’m used to a mechanical keyboard and the included keyboard is just a little softer with keystrokes than I’m used to.
Speakers
The Dell All-in-One actually has pretty great built-in speakers. They aren’t studio quality, but they push out a pretty high volume and they are better than most laptop speakers. I tested them out with some YouTube videos and by listening to some streaming music. The lacked a little bit of depth, but overall, I was really impressed with them. I never had to turn the volume up past around 25%. I did crank it up to about 50% at one point, but didn’t really feel comfortable turning it up past that. It was just too loud.
WiFi/Network Speed Test
Because this system boasts WiFi6 dual-band connectivity, I decided to run a network speed test (using Speedtest by Ookla) to see what kind of connection I was getting. I compared the results to my MacBook Air, which is also compatible with WiFi6. I made sure each computer was running the test from the closest possible server and then ran the speed test 4 times. The average for the Dell was 502.25 download/12.80 Upload which was faster than the MacBook Air.
Speed/Performance
Geekbench
This is a cross-platform benchmark test that measures a system’s performance and compares it to other similar systems. This test provided a score of 1189 (Single-Core) and 3904 (Multi-Core) for the Dell All-in-One. In comparison to the most recent Benchmark tests completed with a similar processor, the Dell had the fourth lowest score in the single-core test and the third lowest score in the multi-core test.
Novabench
This test provides users with a comparison score (a percentile ranking) of where your system falls in comparison to other computers. The Dell’s overall score was 2558 and it ranked in the 89th all-time percentile.
When I reviewed the baseline comparison, the Dell had a higher CPU score (88%+) than Mid-Level Gaming PCs (Intel Core i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3500), but was lower (20%-) than High-end Gaming PCs’ scores. Because of its processor, I would place the Dell into the Mid-level Gaming PC category even though it’s not really designed for gaming purposes.
CrystalDiskMark
This test is a good option for testing the read/write speed of the hard drive. I ran this test as a single pass with a 32GB load. The results I got were 3419.76 MB/s READ x 2615.47 MB WRITE. The Dell All-in-One has an SSD as its main storage option (NVMe KBG50ZNS512G) and according to benchmark tests done with that particular SSD, the Dell’s read/write score is much stronger.
In summary, I think this Dell All-in-One machine is capable of most work tasks and probably even some gaming. For individuals or families who are looking for an above-average computer that can handle a variety of tasks, this is a good option.
Pros
Unit is compact and doesn’t take up much desk space.
Speakers are very loud.
Touchscreen is responsive.
Display has a clear, HD resolution.
Speakers are very loud.
Touchscreen is responsive.
Display has a clear, HD resolution.
Cons
Keyboard and mouse are not rechargeable.
Takes a long time to update. It took me around 30 minutes to complete the updates.
Display isn’t 4K.
The CPU performance is on the lower end of similar systems’ benchmark tests.
Takes a long time to update. It took me around 30 minutes to complete the updates.
Display isn’t 4K.
The CPU performance is on the lower end of similar systems’ benchmark tests.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+6points
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Discover the power of X! The new Philips Sonicare Power Flosser creates an X-shaped stream of water that reaches deep between teeth for a gentle, thorough clean. This X-shaped water stream, known as Quad-Stream technology, covers more surface area for a faster, deeper clean versus manual floss. Because of Quad-Steam technology, Philips Sonicare Power Flosser enables you to improve your gum health by 50% in just 1 minute per day!
Customer Rating
5
Great for good dental hygiene
on July 2, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
Flossing is an important part of good oral hygiene. It helps to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth. Flossing can also help to keep your gums healthy. Unfortunately, I've always been terrible about this dental hygiene task. Brushing has never been a problem. I just can't get in the habit of adding in flossing. My dentist recommended that I try to use a water flosser so this cordless power flosser from Sonicare seemed like a good option for me.
The assembly of the flosser was minimal. The main body was already put together and all I had to do was add the nozzle that I wanted to use, charge it, and fill the reservoir with water. The flosser had some charge out of the box, but I did plug it in for a little while before using it for the first time. The flosser comes with an illustrated quick start guide which was really helpful to me as I tried to figure out the best placement for the nozzles on my teeth.
I filled the reservoir with water and hit on the button. Water shot out and I felt that it cleaned between my teeth pretty well. I'm not sure if it did as good of a job as standard floss, but it was definitely better than not doing anything at all. The flosser is easy to use but I wish it had a little more power behind it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
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The versatile and powerful ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 Flip OLEDis an Intel~ Evo~-certified convertible laptop that~s designed for those who want to do more. Its 12th Gen Intel~ Core~ processor and all-new Intel~ Arc~ discrete GPU deliver outstanding multitasking and creative power, with ASUS IceCool Plus thermal technology for maximum performance. The world-leading 2.8K 120 Hz OLED NanoEdge Dolby Vision touchscreen has a cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 gamut, and is PANTONE~ Validated with DisplayHDR~ True Black 500 certification. It~s also T~V Rheinland-certified for eye care. The Harman Kardon-certified quad-speaker Dolby Atmos audio system adds to the cinematic experience with ultra-realistic multi-dimensional sound. For fast face login there~s an HD IR camera, and a color sensor allows automatic control of screen brightness and color temperature. You~ll love the modern new design with its classy stepped diamond-cut edges, and you~ll enjoy the productivity-boosting 360~ ErgoLift hinge and the latest ASUS Pen 2.0.
Customer Rating
4
Great for productivity; comes with excessive add-o
on June 15, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
Even though I’m primarily a Mac user, I enjoy working with Windows-based machines on occasion. It’s always great to be able to switch between platforms. This ASUS Zenbook was intriguing to me because it’s a 2-in-1 laptop and the touchscreen functionality can come in very handy if you are a content creator. This laptop is intended to be a good all-around machine and work for all types of users. I typically use laptops for productivity, but I will also use them for watching videos and listening to music.
The ASUS Zenbook is a fine laptop that can be used for many different purposes. Here are some of the high points of the device.
Display
The display is gorgeous. I watched several videos in various resolutions. 4K looked outstanding, but 1080P also looked good. The display has a resolution of 2880 x 1620, which is QHD and is considered by some as “3K” resolution. It’s between 2K and 4K quality.
This display is also a touchscreen. I am usually hesitant to use touchscreens on laptops because of how dirty the screen can get, but the Zenbook has done a good job of staying clean and surprisingly enough, the screen has remained relatively smudge-free.
Keyboard
The keys have a great soft feel to them. I’m used to a mechanical keyboard, but do prefer softer switches. Therefore, I really liked the feel of the keyboard. I did discover that my typing speed did suffer a little bit. I’m guessing that it’s because of the spacing of the keys on the keyboard. I would reach out with the pinky on my right hand for the Backspace key and hit the Number Lock key instead.
Speakers
The speakers are one of the best features of the hardware on this computer. They support Dolby Atmos. I ran the Dolby Atmos test on YouTube and it was very similar to the experiences I’ve gotten in a movie theater in terms of surround sound. The sound experience from the ASUS Zenbook is very impressive.
Speed/Performance
Geekbench is a cross-platform benchmark test that measures a system’s performance and compares it to other similar systems. This test provided a score of 1250 (Single-Core) and 9067 (Multi-Core) for the ASUS laptop. When I used the Geekbench Browser to look for similar processors, I found that the Zenbook’s score was quite a bit lower than other similar systems.
NovaBench provides users with a comparison score (a percentile ranking) of where your system falls in comparison to other computers. The overall score with the Zenbook was 2963 and it ranks in the 94th all time percentile. When I reviewed the baseline comparison, the Zenbook had a much higher score than a budget laptop (Intel Core i3-1005G1 or AMD Ryzen 3 4300U), but didn’t rank quite as high as a high-end laptop (Intel Core i9-10885H or AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS). Because this laptop is priced over one thousand dollars, I would place it into the high-end laptop category based on its price alone.
CrystalDiskMark is a good option for testing the read/write speed of the hard drive. I ran this test as a single pass with a 32GB load. The results I got were 3560.17 MB/s READ x 2637.59 MB WRITE. The ASUS Zenbook has an SSD as its main storage (NVMe HFM001TD3JX013N). The benchmarks for this particular SSD stat that a user should see around 2282 MB/s READ x 1935 MB/s WRITE. Given that data, I’m very happy with the results I got.
I think this Zenbook is capable of most work tasks and probably even some gaming. I don’t think heavy gamers would get the most out of it, but occasional gaming probably plays quite well on it. For everyday work, this laptop is an excellent choice.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+12points
18of 24voted this as helpful.
Ideal for espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos, cortados, and flat whites, the new Ember Cup, 6 oz, offers a premium coffee experience that does more than keep your coffee hot. Our smart mug allows you to set your preferred drinking temperature, so you can enjoy your expertly crafted hot drink ~just the way you like it~ from the first sip to the last drop. Ember Cup~s built-in battery maintains your precise drinking temperature for up to 1.5 hours or all day with the included charging coaster.
Customer Rating
5
Ideal for coffee and tea drinkers
on June 12, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
As a coffee drinker, I have done just about everything to keep my favorite morning beverage at a comfortable drinking temperature while I enjoy it. I was thrilled when I heard about Ember products and couldn’t wait to try them. This smaller mug is perfect for stronger beverages or when you just want a ‘touch’ of something. For example, I like having a cup of coffee in the morning, but in the afternoon, I prefer to have some hot tea. That said, I don’t like to have a large cup of tea. So, this 6oz mug is perfect for that afternoon tea time.
Set up of the mug is easy. There is no assembly required and aside from plugging the charging dock into power, the user only needs to connect the mug to the app. The user manual is included as a printed booklet with the mug, but all the languages are not separated. Each step has every language option included with that step. For me, that makes it harder to read. The English instructions are highlighted in orange, but I think it would be easier if each language was separated.
I have an iPhone and so the connection to the app was pretty much flawless. I used the original Ember mug a few years back and at the time, the app connection wasn’t very good. It worked, but not as smoothly as it does now. There is also an Apple Watch app that allows you to monitor and change your preferred temperature.
To pair the mug to the app, you press/hold the button on the bottom of the mug until you see a blinking LED below the Ember logo. The app should recognize the connection via Bluetooth very quickly. One thing I want to mention is that the app is non-specific about device pairing. It will ask you what product you have and give you three options - the mug, travel mug, or travel mug 2.
For a moment I wondered if I had selected the correct app and then I selected mug to see what would happen. It was the right selection, but it would be nice if either the specific products were listed or a dialogue box appeared letting the user know that it isn’t product-specific. This isn’t a dealbreaker for me, but it would make the user experience better.
From here, you just set up your Ember account and make sure the firmware is updated. Then you have the option to set your preferences for the device. You can change the color of the LED and your preferred drink temperature as well as if you want the temperature reported in Fahrenheit or Celsius. I think it only took me about 5 minutes to get everything set up - from box to drinking.
The mug did have a charge out of the box (about 30%) but I would recommend charging it before use. You can leave the mug on its charging dock while you are enjoying your beverage but you don’t have to for it do its work.
As I mentioned I planned on using this smaller mug for my afternoon tea. So, to test how well the mug works to regulate the temperature, I made myself a cup of tea. I have a hot pot to heat water for coffee and tea so I set that to make some hot water and got my tea leaves set in my steeper.
I poured the water into the mug and by the time I walked back to my desk, the app had already registered that there was liquid in the mug and that it was 191º. My preferred temperature is set at 135º, which is the default for the mug out of the box. The app had already started to reduce the temperature of the tea and after about 10 minutes, the drink had been reduced to the 135º setting. I took a drink at that temp and decided it was a good average warm temperature for tea.
Next, I grabbed an ice cube and dropped it into the mug. The ice cube reduced the temperature to 106º. Once the temperature had stopped dropping, the Ember mug began working to bring the temperature back up to 135º. It only took about 5 minutes for it to raise the temp to 135º. This was very impressive to me.
After about 30 minutes of working with the mug, I got a notification that the battery was low (3%), so I set it on its charging dock. I enjoy using this mug and think that if you drink warm drinks regularly, it’s a great investment.
Pros:
Packaging is subtle, but easily identified
App-enabled
Works when not on the charger
Quick connection to the app
cools and warms drink to set temp efficiently
Watch app
Cons:
Manual is not separated by language (English is highlighted in orange). This makes it harder to read.
The specific device is not available in the app.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Make cleaning your hard floors simple with Tineco~s iFloor 3 Plus. This floor washer packs an incredible amount of power into a compact size. When space is a concern, the iFloor 3 Plus is the perfect tool to have on hand. Not only will it fit into a small space, but it will replace your bulky mops and brooms. Lightweight and cordless, you can clean up any mess with little effort and scrub away sticky messes and built-up grime simply using tap water. The carefully designed brushes safely scrub hard floors, including linoleum, vinyl, marble, laminate, tile, and hardwood. Paired with a powerful suction force, the only thing left behind is a sparkling, dry floor. With 25 minutes of uninterrupted runtime, simply grab this handy wet/dry vac and get to work in any room in your home. If grimy mop water leaves you unnerved, the iFloor 3 Plus is your solution. With a dual-tank system, you~ll never push dirty water across your floors again. Instead, the cleaning tool delivers fresh water for every sweep of the floor. Powerful suction quickly removes dirty water and leaves behind a streak-free dry floor. The perfect cleaning partner for small spaces, you can tackle kitchen spills, bathroom grime, and dirty walkways in a matter of minutes. Store in a small space and grab and go anytime.
Customer Rating
4
Good total cleaning option
on June 12, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
A few years ago, we got a cordless stick vacuum for our house. We love using it in-between our robot vacuum sweeps but we still end up having to mop the kitchen floor which is linoleum. Since we’re always looking for ways to make tasks more efficient, this wet/dry vacuum seemed like a good option for our family.
When you pull the vacuum out of its box, make sure to look through all the packaging because there are additional parts included and I almost threw out the extra dry filter because it was tucked away inside some cardboard. Even though assembly is required, it’s very minimal. You have to attach the handle to the main body of the vacuum, plug the base into power, and then set the unit on the stand. Once the battery is charged, you can start using it.
According to the manual, these are the steps you have to take for operation.
Prepare for use - includes charging the vacuum for about four hours
Press the power button to start the vacuum. It’s in ECO mode by default. There is a “MAXIECO” button that switches between the MAX and ECO modes.
Before using the WET function of the vacuum, fill the clean water tank and add one bottle cap of the solution.
The vacuum does come with a lot of parts, but some of them are duplicates so that you have your first replacement roller and filter with the original purchase. I always like it when companies provide that first part replacement.
Press the power button to start the vacuum. It’s in ECO mode by default. There is a “MAXIECO” button that switches between the MAX and ECO modes.
Before using the WET function of the vacuum, fill the clean water tank and add one bottle cap of the solution.
The vacuum does come with a lot of parts, but some of them are duplicates so that you have your first replacement roller and filter with the original purchase. I always like it when companies provide that first part replacement.
As far as operation goes, the vacuum is fairly simple. You press the power button and it turns on. If there the cleaning solution is in the clean water tank, the vacuum will both mop and vacuum simultaneously. If the water tank is empty, the vacuum will still run, but obviously will not provide the mopping function. The roller will still spin, however, so you do get a bit of a deeper dry cleaning than without it.
There are two functions that I want to point out - one that I like and one that I don’t. The first is the fact that you don’t have the option to select wet or dry. You have to use both. The only way that I’ve found to vacuum only is to leave the clean water tank empty. The problem there is that you end up with blinking lights on the display, which can get annoying.
The function I LOVE is that the vacuum is self-propelled. I was shocked when I turned it on for the first time and the vacuum nearly zoomed out of my grip. I just wasn’t expecting that much power from a cordless vacuum.
I haven’t run into a battery problem yet. The manual states that on ECO mode the vacuum should run for 25 minutes. I haven’t had a single cleaning session last that long yet so I don’t know the ‘real’ life of the battery. The battery did have some charge out of the box. I did charge it some before using it the first time, but not the full 4-hours.
I have been happy with the suction power of the vacuum and the cleaning ability of the mop, however, I did notice that any sticky spots or heavy stains will not be picked up by this vacuum. I ran the vacuum in our kitchen - moving it back and forth several times on each section of the floor. I noticed that the floor did appear shiny and wet so I know the mopping function was cycling the cleaning solution onto the floor. The floor did dry quickly I did think that it felt a lot cleaner than before I used the vacuum. I did have a couple of spots where something had been spilled and left to dry that the vacuum did not clean up. That said, a couple of lighter stains were removed if I left the vacuum sitting on top of it so that the roller brush could concentrate on that spot.
I like the features of this vacuum and its ease of use, but I do wish there were a couple of things added on (a dry/wet option, a heavy stain cleaning option, etc.). I love that a base plate is included because that gives the vacuum a spot to ‘live’ in as well as keeps the roller off the floor as it dries. All in all, I think this is a nice device.
Pros:
Easy set-up/assembly
Cordless
Powerful self-propelling function
Cons:
Only picks up surface dirt; harder stains or things ‘stuck’ to the ground will require heavier cleaning
Doesn’t have a ‘dry only’ setting unless you remove the water from the tank
I would recommend this to a friend!
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QuietComfort~ 35 wireless noise cancelling headphones are engineered with world-class noise cancellation that makes quiet sound quieter and music sound better. Free yourself from wires and connect easily to your devices with Bluetooth~ and NFC pairing. And enjoy up to 20 hours of wireless listening per battery charge.
Customer Rating
3
I used to love bose then I found
on April 15, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
How Often Used:Less than once a week
I used to love bose but after my last pair, I had a hard time deciding to try these. I picked up a pair to give them a shot and found that they are nice but not as good as my AirPods Max. The noise cancellation is just not as strong and the comfort is not where it needs to be for me. My first pair of these was back in 2017 and they were great. I used them on a flight instead of my Sony's to drown out the noise of the plane. They did not do as well so I went back to my Sony I tried that next year's release hoping they had gotten better. The sound was much clearer but the noise cancellation was still not as good. This lead me to pick up the AirPods Max and I fell in love. They have been wonderful. Anyways after almost a year with the Max, I saw that Bose put out a new pair. As someone who loves Bose and has their surround sound in my home, I wanted to give them a third try. They are wonderful sounding headphones the crisp clear sounds are fantastic but the noise cancellation still is not here for me. This is saying something because I am hard of hearing as my high-end hearing is almost gone. I had a friend return these for me after trying them. I can say if you are a user of headphones and just want crisp clean clear sound then these are for you.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5
Comfort
4
Durability
4
Quality
4
Value
4
Ease of Use
5
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Life~s extraordinary moments deserve to be captured with smooth video. DJI OM 4 is a magnetic gimbal designed to complement your smartphone, allowing you to start recording right away. Ultra-compact, easy to use, and bursting with intelligent features, OM 4 is the ultimate solution for capturing and sharing your world.
Does the magnetic sticker phone attachment interfere with wireless phone charging?
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Is this an air fryer, microwave and convection oven
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
Will Google Home work with ECOBEE Thermostat?
No. Unfortunately, Google has limited functionality to only the Nest thermostat. At this time, I don't see them opening up support for third parties as they are probably trying to push it with their own hardware, but that could always change.
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Enjoy a compact tablet that fits neatly in your pocket with this Acer Iconia One 8-inch tablet. It includes a quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM that deliver powerful processing to play all your games and apps, and the 16GB of flash memory ensure this Acer Iconia One 8-inch tablet and store your files.
can i download skype
Depends on the Google Play store. If Microsoft has a version of Skype for Android then yes.
10 years, 2 months ago
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