nickcal's stats
- Review count294
- Helpfulness votes1,294
- First reviewFebruary 22, 2014
- Last reviewSeptember 16, 2024
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- Average rating4.7
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- First answerMay 23, 2016
- Last answerSeptember 7, 2020
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Keep an eye on your home or business day and night with Arlo Pro 3. With no wires, you can install Pro 3 in minutes and view video directly from your phone. Spot unique details with color night vision, and see more in dark areas with the integrated spotlight. The advanced lens provides superior image quality, a wider field of view, and allows you to auto track and zoom on moving objects with clarity. Receive notifications when your camera spots people, vehicles, animals, or packages, and view live video or recorded clips directly from your phone, with 3 months of included Arlo Smart.* Hear and speak to visitors clearly with two-way audio.
Customer Rating
5
A great option for security camera
on October 8, 2019
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
Security is vital in this day and age. I don’t think a week goes by where I don't see a story on the national news about someone who was helped by a video doorbell. I’ve had a video doorbell as a part of my security system for many years now and as nice as it is, it’s helpful to also have a few strategically placed WiFi cameras throughout my home. I find that Arlo’s system is the most user-friendly robust option in the market and their newest system -- the Arlo Pro 3 is a nice step up from their previous generation of cameras.
Arlo provides a lot in the box including the Arlo SmartHub, Pro 3 Wire-free Cameras, their rechargeable batteries, the SmartHub power adapter, ethernet cable, mounts, the camera charging cable, and camera power adapter. Even though all the pieces in the box can seem intimidating, it’s a relatively simple system to set up. You first connect the SmartHub to power and your internet source using the provided ethernet cable. Then you download the Arlo app and follow set-up instructions for the system. You will also have to insert the batteries into the cameras and ensure they are charged.
You can place the mounts wherever you would like. Arlo also includes the mounting hardware for the mounts. The one thing that strikes me as odd with the mounts is that Arlo only provides one of each style of mount. Since I got a system with 2 cameras, I found it odd that I wouldn’t be allowed to mount them both the same way. The cameras attach to the mounts using either magnets or by being screwed into them. With my Arlo Pro 2 system, I actually just found places to mount the cameras using the magnets, which is another option. The only downside to this is that the camera can be easily removed from its mount -- and even stolen.
The app does walk you through the set-up of the SmartHub quite simply. Once you connect it to power and the internet, it will likely have a firmware update to complete. I had to do this step and it took approximately 5-7 minutes. Once the hub is set-up, you can start adding cameras. One of the things I was most excited about with this hub is that I was able to add the Arlo Pro 2 cameras to it as well. This was a great benefit to my household since it meant that we wouldn’t have to keep both hubs connected. I didn’t have any issues with connecting the old and new cameras. The hub automatically recognized the new ones and I only had to press the ‘sync’ buttons on the older cameras in order for the hub to connect to them. All in all, it took about 30 minutes to have the entire system set-up -- that includes firmware updates.
Another change that Arlo made with this system is how the cameras charge. The Arlo Pro 2 cameras used Micro USB, which I typically feel is outdated technology these days, but Arlo changed it to be a proprietary magnetic charging cable that is unique to this system. I would much rather see the cameras charge using something more universal like USB-C. I don’t like unique charging cables because if they get lost you have no way to charge your device.
Video quality is amazing. I used one of the cameras to monitor our puppy while he was in his playpen. He’s a crafty little guy and knows how to get out of tight places so we keep a close eye on him when we are in a separate room from him. The Arlo Pro 3 camera was an ideal option since it gave us a perfectly clear image of him. These cameras work great not only for monitoring entryways and spaces but also for places like nurseries.
I love these cameras because of the easy set-up and the quality video it provides. They are incredibly flexible in how you decide to use them and that makes them an ideal choice for many different uses. Arlo is my go-to when it comes to wireless cameras for my home.
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Accelerate recovery after an intense workout with this Theragun G3 percussion massager. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 60 minutes when fully charged for longer sessions. With multiple massage heads and two speed settings, this Theragun G3 percussion massager allows you to target each muscle with the appropriate intensity for faster results.
Customer Rating
5
Helpful for chronic muscle pain
on September 17, 2019
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
I struggle with pain on a daily basis. About 20 years ago, I had to have two ACL reconstruction completed on my left knee in a matter of a year and a half. The repair made it possible for me to have use of my leg again, but it also left me with some extensive scar tissue that ends up causing me pain every day. I’ve been through physical therapy and numerous doctors’ exams to find out that the pain is being caused by arthritis. The best thing doctors can do for me is prescribe various medications, but I have found that I actually get better results with massage therapy. The only problem is that masseuses are pricey and I need something that can work for me at home, too. The Theragun handheld massage device is a great option for my needs.
I have actually tried another percussive massager so I knew that Theragun was going to work for me. The first thing I noticed was the shape of the Theragun. It has a unique triangular handle that works really well if you need to use the device solo. I found that I can hold onto it easily and be able to hit areas of my back that I can’t with other similar devices. The Theragun is a bit noisy, but because it helps my leg pain so much, I’m willing to overlook the noise.
There are only two speeds -- Theragun signature speed and the sensitive area speed. I actually found the sensitive area speed to be great for most treatments and I only used the more intense speed when I was in particularly bad pain. Theragun includes four interchangeable heads. They are easy to install or remove from the device. I was really happy to find that the device is rechargeable. It unfortunately does not charge using a USB-style cable. That would be great because that would mean it would be one less cable I would need to carry with me when I travel. Out of the box, the device didn’t have much of a charge, but it recharged pretty quickly.
I did download the app so that I had access to the full manual and tips on the best way to use the Theragun on different parts of the body. I really like the travel case that comes with the device. It is heavy-duty and has an easy to carry handle. Plus it’s large enough to store its charger and attachments in. I’ve been really happy with how well the massager has been working for me and what it means for my overall health.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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Give your food a crispy finish with this SharkNinja 8-quart deluxe pressure cooker and air fryer. The nine programmable functions let you cook a variety of dishes at the touch of a button, while the reversible rack provides a convenient alternative when cooking for smaller groups. This SharkNinja 8-quart deluxe pressure cooker and air fryer features a ceramic-coated pot and crisp basket for a nonstick finish.
Customer Rating
5
One of a kind kitchen appliance
on September 2, 2019
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
A couple of weeks ago, my family decided to start looking after our health better than we had been. This journey of a thousand steps started with evaluating our food choices. Once we determined that we needed to eat primarily at home instead of going out so much, we started using our crockpot more. A couple of times my fiancé forgot to get it going and at the last minute, she had to run to the store for food that wasn’t frozen. Enter this amazing device. Since it can cook food much quicker than a conventional crockpot and because it serves so many different purposes, I instantly fell in love with it.
The Foodi Deluxe is actually 9 kitchen appliances in one and it makes for a very nice option to cook with on a regular basis. Getting started with it is very, very easy. For starters, Ninja includes a quick start guide that has a ‘cheat sheet’ of sorts included for those (like me) who haven’t ever used a pressure cooker. There is a trial run of sorts that you can run where you simply run some water through a short pressure cycle. That way you get the hang of the process of using the pressure cooker. I found this invaluable because it taught me two things. First, you learn how the steam is supposed to escape at the end of the pressure cooking cycle and second, I found out our dog is terrified of that sound.
Space is at a premium in our kitchen. So, I absolutely love that the Foodi Deluxe gives us an opportunity to box up the other devices that are taking up valuable counter space and only use the Foodi for our cooking needs. The first real meal I cooked with this was BBQ chicken. This is an entree that we typically make in a slow cooker. With the slow cooker, we place 3-4 frozen chicken breasts into the slow cooker with a bottle of BBQ sauce and let it cook for around 6 hours. The chicken comes out moist and can easily be shredded, but it takes forethought to remember first thing in the morning that has to be placed into the slow cooker. When the Foodi Deluxe was unwrapped, one night after my fiancé got home from work (around 4:30 in the afternoon), we did the same process for the BBQ chicken, but we used the Foodi pressure cooker option instead of the slow cooker. The chicken was done in 30 minutes and it actually tasted better than when we make it in the slow cooker.
I’ve been a fan of Ninja blenders for a long time, but the new Ninja appliances that are being released are really beyond compare. The technology behind them is amazing and I’m incredibly happy that I can eliminate so many large items from our kitchen counters now.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience legendary performance and sound of ASTRO Audio V2, with the convenience and freedom that comes without wires. The A50 Wireless + Base Station for Xbox One/PC delivers premium acoustics, ergonomics, comfort and durability that gamers demand. The all-new Base Station provides clear, low-latency voice communication, while making headset pairing and charging simple. The ASTRO Command Center software allows Pros and Live streamers to tune every input and output parameter of the A50 precisely for their specific setup. Experience absolute audio immersion with the A50 Wireless + Base Station.
Customer Rating
5
Best Gaming headset I’ve used on the Xbox One X
on August 14, 2019
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
I’ve used all sorts of headsets for the Xbox over the years and I thought I was sold on a different brand until I tried these A50s. I suffer from a high-end hearing loss so where most standard gaming headphones would sound great to most people, I end up missing a lot of nuances. These headphones get the job done!
The ASTRO A50 Wireless Headphones are provide absolute immersion into your gaming experience. The bundle I have comes with a base station for charging and wireless transmission from your gaming system to your headphones. The headphones provide Dolby Headphone Surround Sound. They are engineered with spatial placement for a three-dimensional audio experience. They are fully wireless and have a 15+ hour battery life. The A50 will automatically shutoff when inactive and power on when it detects motion (i.e. if you pick them up and place them on your head).
The microphone is a precision mic. Flexible and durable it offers clear, low noise communication and is optimized for gaming on the major gaming platforms (Xbox One, Playstation 4, PC and Mac). The mic’s boom arm operates the mute/unmute function. A simple flip upward mutes the mic and when you pull it down, it unmutes. In addition to the simple mic operation, you have the ability to adjust the ratio of game audio to voice chat. There is an Astro Command Center that is available for download for free that allows you to customize mic levels, EQ settings, and even share audio settings with other gamers.
Getting started with the A50s wasn’t too difficult. In order to update the firmware you will need to download the Astro app — Astro Command Center. To connect to the software, you will need to plug your headphones in using a USB cable. You will need to make sure the base station is switched to “PC Mode” and then click the “ok” button on the prompt that states “A firmware update is required”. Once the update has finished you switch the base station back to “Xbox” and plug it back into the gaming system. With the Astro Command Center you also have the option to change settings for the devices.
I connected them to my Xbox One X to start my first gaming experience with them. The first game I played with the A50s was Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. I was just blown away. The sound quality was wonderful and for someone who has normal hearing, these are probably such a game changer that it’s almost like cheating when playing against others. For me, I am hearing other players footsteps and gunfire from the direction it’s coming from. This is something I’m not used to being able to hear so it was like a wake-up call for me. The ASTRO A50’s are insanely good.
So how about comfort? When I play I play for hours at a time, I’m not getting any headaches or sore ears. The ear cushions are super soft to the touch and they connect by magnets to the headset so they can be replaced super easily if they wear out or get damaged.
These have been the best gaming headset I think I have ever owned. I don’t think I have ever been this happy with any other headphones…ever. I have some wonderful ANC headphones I love for music but even as great as they are, I have never been as happy to use them as I am the A50s. The A50s have honestly been a game changer for me. Are these worth buying? Absolutely. ASTRO has made incredible gaming headphones that are built well, feel great, and most importantly sound amazing!
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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Keep your carpets in pristine condition with this HOOVER ONEPWR Spotless GO cordless carpet cleaner. The lightweight design simplifies cleaning on stairs and upholstery, while the 4-inch scrubbing tool removes stubborn stains. This HOOVER ONEPWR Spotless Go cordless carpet cleaner comes with a 2.0 Ah rechargeable battery for prolonged cord-free usage.
Customer Rating
5
Great for spot cleaning and small jobs
on July 14, 2019
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
About two months ago, we introduced a new puppy to our household. As you can imagine it’s been a never-ending battle trying to get him house trained. It’s not the little guy’s fault really. He tries, but he’s a very small dog so he needs to be let out more often than our larger dogs did and we are trying to get used to that. There are inevitably times when he gets excited after playing and we aren’t watching his cues close enough so he has an accident. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, he goes to one spot on the carpet in our living room. We do the dry/clean with spot cleaner routine, but he obviously still knows where that ‘spot’ is. Thankfully, we just introduced the Spotless Go to our house and found that’s it’s more convenient than other carpet cleaners like rug doctor.
First of all, I want to state that this perky little vacuum is not going to replace a full carpet cleaner. It is great for spot cleaning and dealing with pet accidents, but for deep cleans, you will want to turn to a full-size cleaner. This machine is really intended for quick, easy cleanups. Set-up is easy. You fill up the cleaning reservoir, plug in the battery pack, and press start. I was hoping this would remove the need for me to clean by hand when pet accidents occur, but unfortunately, there is still some of that that needs to happen. You have to pretreat the carpet with the spray cleaner and then agitate the area before running the vacuum with tough stains.
The vacuum does spray the area with cleaner and pull moisture out, but there are no moving, scrubbing brushes in the vacuum head so if it’s a long-standing stain, you might need to move up to a more pro-level cleaner. It is recommended that you only use Hoover-brand cleaners with this machine, which can be a drawback for some people even though Hoover’s cleaners are quite good, there are a lot of options out there that might work better in some situations. When you use the machine on new accidents, it works well removing odors and doesn’t cause much if any color loss.
One of the biggest perks to me of this vacuum is that it keeps me from having to pull out our awkward rug doctor. It’s heavy, corded, and just a mess to deal with sometimes. The Spotless Go operates on a battery and is very easy to clean up. While the Hoover has a larger holding tank, it will still fit into a bathroom sink and it’s easy to rinse out. The battery doesn’t have the best battery life and I was only able to get 10-15 minutes of continuous cleaning time out of it. But, if you are just spot cleaning, as the product suggests, you should be able to get 3-4 uses out of it on a single charge. Since I have other battery-operated vacuums in the house, putting the Hoover on charge isn’t really a chore for me. The fact that I don’t have to deal with a cord while I’m cleaning is amazing.
The Spotless Go isn’t designed to be a ‘replacement’ for full carpet cleaners. It is meant to provide an option for machine-based spot cleaning when accidents occur. This vacuum is convenient and in my opinion, worth the purchase if you have a home with pets. It’s much easier than having to pull out the big carpet cleaner and because you can grab it at a moment’s notice it is going to keep those stains from becoming longterm residents in your house.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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Produce documents with sharp, detailed text using this Epson EcoTank all-in-one color printer. A 2.4-inch color display and a simple interface offer easy operation, and Wi-Fi connectivity lets you print and scan remotely. This Epson EcoTank all-in-one color printer produces up to 15 high-quality pages per minute and has a 150-sheet input tray that minimizes refill-related downtime.Prints up to 15 ISO ppm*, up to 8 ISO ppm* in color.
Customer Rating
5
Machine provides hassle-free operation
on June 28, 2019
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
I have a real love-hate relationship with printers. I grew up in the world before computers were a main fixture in homes so I remember the manual-feed dot matrix printers that were a hassle to deal with. Now, printers can do everything -- print, scan, fax, copy, and more. Even though printers have evolved into all-in-one workhorses for home or office use, they still have one fatal flaw -- ink cartridges. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sent something to print only to have the machine tell me that it’s out of magenta or cyan. That means a trip to the local office supply store to spend more precious dollars on a consumable.
I really do try to limit how much I print because I try to be environmentally conscience and not create more paper, but I inevitably end up having some items that simply must be on paper. With that in mind, I’m really glad that Epson, my personal choice for printing needs, has an affordable EcoTank option in its WorkForce printer line-up. This printer features ‘cartridge-free’ printing, which is a huge benefit to me.
The printer arrived in a large Epson branded box. It had a lot of information on the outside of the box and the box makes the printer seem larger than it actually is. I have another Epson business-grade printer that is much larger than this model. That said, it does weigh around 16 pounds. There is a lot of packaging around the machine to keep it safe during transport. Once you remove all of it and the printer from the box, you will see that there is quite a bit of blue tape stuck to the outside of the machine. It’s in place to keep all the different compartments closed while it’s packaged. That tape peels off easily and doesn’t leave a sticky residue.
Once you get all the tape removed, you will need to install the ink. This is where it gets interesting and is different from any other printer I’ve ever used. The ink comes in bottles that you end up emptying directly into the printer. There are four bottles that it comes with -- black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. I have to admit that I was nervous that the ink might get spilled as I tried to pour it into the printer, but as it turns out, the ink doesn’t start dispensing until the bottle is inserted into the ink filling port. Once the ink is poured into the printer, you can power the machine on and begin the initializing. This process takes about 10 minutes and is pretty noisy. Once it’s finished, you will walk through a series of printed images to determine the alignment of the printer. After the alignment is confirmed, you can set up the printer for WiFi printing.
The interface with the printer is very easy to walk through. It has a smaller 2.4” LCD display which is used to access the different menu options of the machine. While it’s about half the size of the larger Epson printer I already had, the display is still easy to read on the ET-3760. The screen is not touch sensitive and has a keypad next to it that you use to navigate through the menus.
The first thing I did was to connect the printer to our WiFi since I plan on using it wirelessly most of the time. After the printer finishes its initial power cycle and automatic set-up, you can find your WiFi network and enter your password to connect the printer for wireless printing. Some printers have made me reconnect wireless capabilities every time I use the machine, but this Epson has stay connected and was super simple to get connected to WiFi.
The first thing I did was to connect the printer to our WiFi since I plan on using it wirelessly most of the time. After the printer finishes its initial power cycle and automatic set-up, you can find your WiFi network and enter your password to connect the printer for wireless printing. Some printers have made me reconnect wireless capabilities every time I use the machine, but this Epson has stay connected and was super simple to get connected to WiFi.
I printed from my MacBook Pro and iOS mobile devices. Epson provides packaged software for download on their website, but it’s not necessarily needed for Mac users. I downloaded the package, but my fiancé didn’t and he was still able to connect. Connecting to the iPhone and iPad were easy as well since the printer connects to the WiFi network. If you want to print from your phone, you simply select “print” from the options menu on printable items on your phone and then select the machine from the printer menu. We printed from different points in our house and never had an issue with the printer capturing the item we were printing.
Print quality from the ET-3760 is solid. Text prints out crisp and images are bright and full of color. In comparison to the ET-8700 that I already had, I would say the 3760 does just as good of a job -- even with larger print jobs. As far as speed goes, I thought the 3760 printed quickly and was in line with its specs. To test its speed, I created a document filled with Lorem Ipsum text. The document was 15 pages long with text from the top of the page to the bottom. There was a 1-inch margin all the way around each page. I made the document 15 pages long since the specs of this printer call out 15ppm for its speed. So, I timed the printing using the stopwatch on my iPhone and tapped start at the same time that I clicked print on my computer. From start (sending the document to the printer) to finish (the printer pushing out the last page and spooling down), printing 15 pages of black text took just over 1 minute to complete (1:04). While this speed may not be adequate for some businesses, I believe it’s perfectly fine for home/school projects.
Even though there are some more advanced options in the marketplace for small businesses, this printer is a great option for home and school projects. It prints really well and performs according to its specs. I’m very excited about this cartridge-free printing option for home use. While it’s initial cost is high, not having to deal with replacing cartridges every couple of months is worth the initial investment in my book.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Acer Nitro 5 Laptop: Experience immersive multimedia with this Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop. The 8GB of RAM and Intel Core i5 processor support multitasking, and the 512GB solid-state drive offers quick data access and ample storage. This Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop features an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card that renders crystal-clear images on the 17.3-inch Full HD display.
Customer Rating
5
Mid-level gaming laptop with good power behind it
on June 27, 2019
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
I’ve been a gaming fan for years. I’ve never really been a huge fan of the Windows operating system, but I do appreciate its prowess in the PC gaming world. I’ve largely been a console gamer, but when gaming systems started expanding their offerings to PC-based gaming, too, I took notice and decided to give PC gaming a try again. Of course, in order to try it out I had to acquire a PC gaming computer and I fell into being able to test out the Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop.
Even though this laptop is designed for gaming and that’s why I got it, I did want to make some comments about basic computing tasks since many people use their computer for multiple uses. This particular laptop is enormous. It’s got a 17.3-inch screen which is great for gaming, but it’s a little bulky to carry around as a daily commuter. I do like it for things like entertainment (watching videos, etc.) and for video or photo editing. The extra screen real estate is perfect for that sort of work.
I do like the feel of the keyboard, but found that when I was typing a lot, there were some missed keystrokes. Moving from a mechanical keyboard (I typically use an external mechanical keyboard connected to my MacBook Pro) to the membrane-like keyboard on this laptop was quite a change. I do really enjoy the red backlighting of the keys. It makes it very easy to do work at night and the red light is a lot easier on my eyes than white light or even some RGB keyboard light. It’s a nice, vibrant, but muted tone of red so it does a nice job of helping the keys show up, but not be distracting.
Because I felt that the typing difference was considerable between the Acer laptop and the mechanical keyboard I was currently using, I decided to complete a typing test to see how quickly I was able to type on the laptop versus the mechanical keyboard. As suspected, I average 64WPM on the Acer keyboard and 75WPM on the mechanical one.
Another issue I had with general use was that the longer I worked on the laptop, the more my wrists would start to hurt. The laptop has a very thick base where your wrists rest and it made it difficult for me to work for extended periods of time -- especially when I was doing things like typing. It just wasn't very comfortable to work on.
As far as performance goes, I thought the Acer did well. I didn’t have any issues with how it ran or have problems with it completing tasks I asked of it while I was working. To measure the performance of the CPU and GPU, I used two different benchmarking tests -- Geekbench 4 and NovaBench. I do want to point out here that the Acer Nitro 5 17-inch only has an Intel i5 processor installed. Many high-performance gaming laptops feature the 9th Generation Intel Core i7 instead. There are other models of the Nitro 5 that do feature the i7 processor, but not this particular one. Normally, I would provide the Geekbench results and compare them to similar machines that have been measured using the same benchmarking test. Unfortunately, when I searched through the results, I could not find any machines that had been tested that used the exact same processor. The Acer Nitro 5 (17-inch) ended up with a single-core score of 4536 and multi-core score of 12854. It also returned an OpenCL score of 121849.
Next, I ran the NovaBench test on the Acer laptop. This test does provide users with a comparison score (a percentile ranking) of where your system falls in comparison to other computers in the NovaBench database. The overall score of the Acer with Novabench was 2069 and ranks in the 70th percentile for CPU score and 87th percentile in GPU score. I also analyzed the Baseline Comparison score to rank the Acer against “budget laptops,” which was identified as a computer with an Intel Core i5-7300U and Intel HD Graphics 620. The Acer was ranked 169% higher overall than the budget laptop specs.
Another test I ran was a speed test of the hard drive. This model of the Acer Nitro 5 has a 512GB PCIe SSD as it’s main hard drive. Depending on the brand of the hard drive and the current state of your storage, you can expect to get up to sequential read/write speeds up to 2100MB/s and 1500MB/s on average. I used CrystalDiskMark to test out the hard drive speed of this particular laptop and the test results were 1705MB/s read and 1186MB/s write. While this wasn’t exactly up to par with the average specs I researched, I am still happy with the overall results.
One thing I do want to point out here is that while this laptop is specifically designed for gaming, it is a mid-range gaming laptop and shouldn’t be expected to live up to high-performance gamers and those who are semi-pro when it comes to gaming. It is a really nice performance bump from a Windows machine that is built primarily for productivity. That said, I did play a first-person shooter game through Steam in two different environments to test out the actual gaming experience.
The game I chose was Team Fortress 2. While it’s not ‘cutting edge’ as far as game play, it is still a fast-paced action-adventure game with lots of movement and color. So I thought it would be a good testing option. The first time I sat down to play it, I was on a couch with the laptop in my lap. I did not have an external mouse and was forced to use the trackpad to play. While I didn’t have any issues with the laptop handling the game, it was very difficult to react quickly while using the trackpad. I recommend attaching a mouse for navigation purposes, which is what I did for the second test. I placed the laptop on my desk and connected a compact Bluetooth mouse and started the game up again. It was much easier to play through a few rounds with a mouse than without one. Aside from that, the gaming experience was great. The volume on the speakers was loud and I never had any lagging problems.
The Acer Nitro 5 is a really nice laptop for beginner gamers. I think that more experienced gamers would find that it’s a little subpar from more elite gaming laptops. That said, I think this computer does a really nice job with regular tasks and the power behind it is enough to enjoy some entertainment in your downtime.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Transfer large files and output Ultra HD video with this Belkin Thunderbolt 3 cable. The maximum transfer speed of 40Gbps rapidly transmits data, while 100W of power delivery let you charge most compatible laptops. This 2.62-foot Belkin Thunderbolt 3 cable offers plug-and-play functionality for simple use, and the ability to daisy-chain up to six devices provides easy workspace customization.
Customer Rating
5
High speed, premium cable meets expectations
on June 12, 2019
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
One of the reasons that I upgraded my computer a couple of years ago was because I wanted to take advantage of the high speed connections that Thunderbolt 3 provides. My laptop is equipped with 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports that can accommodate data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps as long as it has a compatible cable. I’ve been very selective about the cables I use and have only found a few third-party options that I like. This one from Belkin is at the top of that list.
The cable is sells in a standard branded box. On the front, you will see the details of the cable including it’s length (0.8m/2.6feet) and top potential data transfer speed (40Gbps). Some Thunderbolt 3 cables are only capable of transferring at a rate of 20Gpbs, but this particular one can achieve full Thunderbolt 3 speed if it’s connected to devices that allow it. The back of the box has a lot of terms and conditions outlined in fine print along with a table that shows the cable’s compatibility with other cable types (USB 2.0, USB 3.0 , Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort, Power). This cable will provide power delivery up to 100W, too. The only thing included on the inside of the box is the cable itself and a multilingual booklet that outlines safety information and FCC regulations.
After unboxing the cable, I examined it for durability. While the cable is flexible, it is also quite thick. The cable does measure 0.8m (2.6ft) as described. In comparison to another third-party Thunderbolt 3 cable I had on my desk, the Belkin cable is a little heavier. The casing does seem to be premium quality and the ends are reinforced so they don’t fray after repeated use.
One of the tests I always run when I am testing out cable speeds is Blackmagic Disk Speed Test. I happen to have an external Thunderbolt 3 hard drive that I could use to test the speed of the cable. One thing that’s important to remember with Thunderbolt 3 cables is that even though they can achieve speeds up to 40Gbps, they won’t have that chance if the device they are connected to is only capable of transferring data at 20Gbps. That is why I choose to use the Thunderbolt 3 hard drive for testing because I know it can transfer at higher rates of speed.
The Disk Speed Test showed a write speed of 1852.9 MB/s and a read speed of 2363.2 MB/s. The other third party cable I had handy only displayed speeds of 1421.0 MB/s write and 2347.7 MB/s read. I’m thrilled with the results this cable has provided and am even more excited that it’s a brand of cable I trust to connect my devices. In my opinion, this cable has passed all tests with flying colors.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Protect your 11-inch iPad Pro from dings, dents and scratches with this Logitech slim folio case. The textured surface helps prevent slipping, while the rubberized feet provide solid traction and elevation for improved airflow. This Logitech slim folio case has a slender design, making storing and transporting simple, and the built-in stow holds and charges a 2nd-generation Apple Pencil.
Customer Rating
4
Good addition to the iPad Pro
on June 12, 2019
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
I’m one of those people that typically prefers to use my iPad without a case or a keyboard. I just like it to be more natural feeling rather than have a bulky case on the device. That said, I do appreciate a really well-made accessory for the iPad like the ones that Logitech makes.
This keyboard case does an excellent job of providing extra functionality to the tablet. One of the first things I noticed about this case is that it was heavy. I’ve noticed this about other keyboard cases from this particular brand. It doesn’t really take away from the features it does provide, but it is a little bit of an issue for me since I don’t like adding extra weight to my tablet.
Like many iPad cases, this folio provides for three different modes -- type mode, sketch mode, and read mode -- so that users don’t have to sacrifice function for the sake of having a case on their tablet. I found it very easy to switch the case around to be able to use any of the three modes. I typically used the type and read modes the most, but my daughter really enjoyed using the sketch mode to draw using the Apple Pencil.
The case has a soft silicone feel to it, which I do prefer to something more slick. I don’t like feeling as though the case might slip out of my hands. I’ve never had a problem with feeling that my tablet was secure inside this case. It was a little tricky getting it inserted into the case, but once I did, I found that all the buttons and ports were all easily accessible.
One of my favorite features of this case was the backlit keyboard. As much as I like the Smart Keyboard from Apple, the backlit keyboard is something that’s very hard to pass up. There are three brightness levels for the keyboard, which makes it even better as a feature, in my opinion. I sometimes like to work while watching a news program with my family and at night, that can make typing difficult. This is one of the main reasons why I like the inclusion of backlit keys with this case.
The keyboard provides a very enjoyable typing experience for the user. The keys have been spaced out to be reminiscent of a standard keyboard layout. The ‘feel’ of them is very natural and I found it very easy to get used to the layout and style of the keyboard. The only thing I really don’t like about this keyboard is that it connects via Bluetooth rather than through the Smart Connector on the iPad. Normally, I would suggest that maybe the manufacturer doesn’t have licensing rights to be able to develop accessories using the Smart Connector, but this particular brand already has other devices available using that connection. Hopefully, in the future, that is a feature that will be added in.
Aside from the bulky nature of this keyboard case, I’ve been very happy with its performance. It’s enhanced the way I do things with my iPad and it’s been very easy to integrate into my workflow.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+9points
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Let the s9 handle the tough messes so that you can handle everything else —featuring PerfectEdge™ Technology, our most powerful cleaning system, and advanced features. With a single command to your Google Assistant or Alexa voice assistant like, “Tell Roomba to clean under the kitchen table,” it gets to work—when and where the messes happen. It even learns your cleaning habits and offers personalized schedules and recommendations during pollen and pet-shedding seasons. A specially designed Corner Brush and 40X the suction* pull in embedded dirt, dust, and pet hair from wherever it hides—for cleaning that fits seamlessly into your life.
Customer Rating
5
An amazing little robot cleaner
on June 6, 2019
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
I’ve always lived in a house with a dog — sometimes multiple dogs. So, I’ve always been a little OCD when it comes to keeping the floors vacuumed and free of pet hair. The only problem is that with my schedule, it makes it hard to take the time to vacuum as much as I would like to keep things tidy. My daughter has been trying to help out and vacuums a couple of times a week, but she has her own life, too, so I thought that maybe a robot vacuum would be the way to go. A couple of years ago, I tried a third-party branded robot vacuum that simply did not work the way I hoped. It constantly got lost and stuck in places that it shouldn’t have gotten stuck. So, when I was introduced to the S9 from iRobot, I wasn’t expecting much. I ended up being in total shock with how well this little robot vacuum did. It’s super cool!
The first time you use the vacuum, it makes a map of your home. This is a really cool feature, but I do wish that I had more options like being able to adjust the map more so that the vacuum would avoid certain spots where it’s prone to get stuck like underneath my couch. What would be great to see is a feature where you can map your home by controlling the vacuum like an RC car. You could drive it around remotely with the iOS app and the vacuum could create the map based on your navigation. As it is right now, my home map doesn’t look like my home. The S9 does a wonderful job, but the map it created has some weird turns.
As far as cleaning goes, the vacuum does a really good job and the deep clean function really is a deep clean. Unfortunately, the battery runs out quickly when you use the deep clean feature. I have done a few deep cleaning cycles and then used the custom option inside the app to change it to less of a deep clean so it can do the entire house in one charging cycle. I will switch back and forth depending on how badly it needs it. The vacuum does a great job at collecting dirt in corners and along base boards. Way better then I would have imagined it doing.
Removing the bin to empty the trash is super simple. The sensor does get dusty and needs to be cleaned every so often but overall, I am not disappointed with the results from my personal R2D2 unit. The changing base is a bit aggravating because I have had it move on me when my Roomba is trying to dock. We ended up using carpet tape to keep the base in place so that when the Roomba docks it never moves making sure that I have good charge at all times.
iRobot really knocked it out of the park with the S9. I have a 1485 square foot home and it does its job phenomenally well. An added perk is that having this robot vacuum means that my daughter is off the hook with vacuuming twice a week and that makes her extremely happy. What’s funny is that the robot vacuum actually does a better job than she does cleaning.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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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?
Ensure meals are cooked evenly with this Breville the Combi Wave 3-in-1e microwave. The grill, convection oven and microwave functions provide a variety of cooking options, while the Element IQ technology precisely delivers the right cooking temperature for optimal results. This Breville the Combi Wave 3-in-1 microwave features a Power Smoothing inverter for automatic adjustment of power to enable even heat distribution.
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.
7 years, 10 months ago
by
nickcal
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.
8 years, 4 months ago
by
nickcal