nickcal's stats
- Review count339
- Helpfulness votes1,319
- First reviewFebruary 22, 2014
- Last reviewDecember 17, 2025
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- Average rating4.7
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- First answerMay 23, 2016
- Last answerSeptember 7, 2020
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Flip into joy with Flip Folio, the iPad case featuring a stowable keyboard and front and back protection. You can type anywhere, any way you like~or stash the keyboard away and just relax. Find the right angle with adjustable viewing angles, plus portrait and landscape modes for iPad. Dock your iPhone, or connect to your TV for even more options. Now available for iPad Pro and iPad Air.
Customer Rating
5
A flexible iPad keyboard alternative
on June 17, 2025
Posted by: nickcal
I love my iPad, but I feel it's incomplete without a keyboard. There are plenty of options available, some more budget-friendly than others. The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad seems like the obvious choice, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Plus, I've noticed that it's nice to use the iPad without it being permanently attached to a keyboard. These are the main reasons I was excited to try out the Flip Folio from Logitech.
The Case
The case is protective and it wraps around the entire case quickly and easily. You don’t have to snap the iPad into a case it just attaches to the magnetic backing and then the cover wraps around the front of the iPad’s screen. The case provides adequate coverage and is still slim enough to be suitable to for travel.
The Fold
When you first open the case, there is a sticker on the bend of the folding cover. It shows the bottom half of the cover being folded toward the screen. It doesn’t bend easily. You really have to force it hard the first time. I didn’t believe that it was supposed to bend until I saw customer images of it bent. Once I forced the bend, it was very sturdy as a stand.
The Keyboard
The first thing I wondered about the keyboard was how it was powered. The keyboard needs four (4) CR2016 batteries for power. It comes with those pre-installed, but personally I would rather see the keyboard be rechargeable than battery-powered. There is an on/off switch so you can turn it off when it’s not in use. I do love how slim the keyboard it and the fact that it magnetizes to the back of the Flip Folio. That said, I do wish there was a travel case for the entire kit so that you don’t lose the keyboard when you are moving from place to place. The keyboard is very responsive and I didn’t have any issues with connection. I was able to connect it to both my iPad and MacBook Pro with no issues.
Final Thoughts
The Logitech Combo with Flip Folio strikes a good balance between functionality, portability, and price. While the Apple Magic Keyboard offers a premium, all-in-one experience, its cost and bulk can be drawbacks. The Flip Folio’s modular design gives you the freedom to use your iPad on its own or with a keyboard when needed. Though the fold took some effort to break in and the use of disposable batteries is a bit outdated, the overall experience is practical and travel-friendly. If you want keyboard functionality without committing to the full Magic Keyboard investment, the Flip Folio is a smart alternative.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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G522 LIGHTSPEED was designed for the future legends of gaming. Whether you~re conquering RPG worlds, shaving milliseconds from your speedrun, or just messing around with your friends, this is the headset worn when gaming legends are born. G522 LIGHTSPEED features bold lighting with LIGHTSYNC RGB, a microphone with best-in-class voice quality, and incredible audio for legendary gaming performance.
Customer Rating
5
Premium Performance with Everyday Comfort
on June 13, 2025
Posted by: nickcal
Finding good gaming headphones can be difficult - especially if you use multiple types of gaming devices. Logitech headphones have consistently been reliable for me and provided great listening experiences and the G522 LIGHTSPEED headset is no different.
To start, I tested out the wireless range and I found the wireless connection on the headset to be consistently reliable. I didn’t notice any dropouts or signal issues, even when moving around our house. The headset maintained a stable connection with its 2.4 GHz dongle.
Latency was not an issue during testing. The headset’s LIGHTSPEED wireless technology delivered a seamless experience with no perceivable audio lag. Whether watching videos, listening to music, or playing fast-paced games, the audio stayed perfectly in sync, making it a reliable choice for performance-driven users.
I used headphonetest.net to see how the G522 fared against different frequencies. Bass reproduction was strong down to 20Hz, while treble extended clearly up to 15,200Hz without distortion, buzzing, or rattling. The drivers passed both left/right channel tests and responded accurately to ear-specific tests. These results indicate that the headset delivers clean, balanced sound for both music and immersive in-game audio.
During gameplay, sounds such as footsteps and gunfire appeared precisely where expected, helping with directional awareness and enhancing immersion. This accurate spatial imaging makes the headset especially effective for competitive and narrative-driven games that rely on precise audio cues.
Beyond gaming, I tested the headset with music and various forms of media, and the overall sound quality was outstanding. The audio was rich, clear, and well-balanced, providing an immersive listening experience. Sound isolation was particularly impressive—once the audio was playing, external noise was almost completely blocked out, allowing me to stay fully focused on what I was hearing.
The headset fits securely without applying excessive pressure, and the memory foam ear cups were comfortable even during longer time periods. I also really like the lighting effects. The RGB lighting is vibrant and looks great.
Overall, the headset is a good investment especially for those who want premium features without sacrificing comfort or multi-device compatibility.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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ASUS Chromebook CX14 is made for boosting productivity and having more fun while on the move. This lightweight, ultraportable device is powered by an Intel processor with a vivid slim-bezel NanoEdge display that fits more screen into the compact chassis for easy multitasking and immersive entertainment. It~s speedy and secure, suitable for all your daily tasks.
Customer Rating
5
A Practical Chromebook for Everyday Basics
on June 3, 2025
Posted by: nickcal
I’m not a huge fan of Chromebooks, but I do recognize that they serve a very specific market. They are great for students and people who just need a simple interface for cloud-based productivity apps. It’s not designed for heavy gaming or anything graphics intensive. It can, however, run some mobile games, and is great with productivity apps like Google Docs and Sheets.
The first thing I want to state is that getting started with this Chromebook was super simple. I’ve set up several Windows laptops and this Chromebook was much easier. There wasn’t a lot of bloatware I had to work through. I just logged into my Google account and marked what I’d likely be using the laptop for. Then, it gave me the option to install different apps that went with those categories.
The keyboard has very strong, mechanical feel to it. The keys aren’t ‘squishy’ at all and because the keys have a slight texture to them, it’s easy to tell when you’ve pressed them. I did a typing test to see how accurate/fast I was with it. I ended up with 65 WPM with 98% accuracy. My typical average is 73 WPM with 99% accuracy. So, while I might have been a little slower than normal, I still found the keyboard very easy to use and great for typing. The trackpad seems to be very responsive and I haven’t had any issues with speed or control of any inputs I’ve made with it. The screen is very clear bright. It’s resolution is 1080p (full HD), which is ideal for productivity tasks because it provides a high-quality viewing experience without bogging the system down.
In addition to using the laptop for regular tasks, I also completed a Geekbench test on it. The single-core score was 457 and the multi-core score was 614. These scores are low by modern standards, but roughly in line for the CPU that is part of this Chromebook’s system.
This Chromebook is a solid entry-level device best suited for students in elementary or middle school, casual users, seniors, or anyone needing a lightweight secondary computer. It handles basic tasks like web browsing, email, video streaming, and cloud-based work in Google Docs or Classroom easily and its lightweight design makes it ideal for portable work. With just 4GB of RAM, a dual-core Intel Celeron processor, and 64GB of eMMC storage, it’s not ideal for gaming, multitasking, or any demanding work like programming or video editing. For users with modest needs and a focus on simplicity and portability, it’s a practical, affordable option.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The X870 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE supports AM5 Processors and features unparalleled performance. GIGABYTE X870 motherboards come with upgraded power design, high grade storage standards, and outstanding connectivity that enables you to optimize your performance.
Customer Rating
5
A future-proof, budget-friendly motherboard
on May 18, 2025
Posted by: nickcal
As a gaming enthusiast, I wanted to check out this GIGABYTE motherboard as a part of my new PC build. The build consists of the Corsair 4000D RS ARGB PC case, AMD Ryzen 7800X3D CPU, GeForce RTX 4070 Super GPU, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB Samsung 980 Pro SSD. I wanted to ensure I would be able to play most PC games but stay within a certain budget with room to grow in the future. That’s one thing the GIGABYTE motherboard is perfect for — future plans. Users can easily upgrade the CPU, GPU, and storage, and the updated technologies built into the motherboard make it possible to keep it longer, even if you want to upgrade other parts year-to-year.
SET UP
I found the GIGABYTE motherboard to be very easy to work with. The size/shape of the ATX board allowed for ample room to work with while running cables to other components. The SATA connectors were placed close together, which made accessing them harder once the motherboard was installed, but it wasn’t impossible to work with.
Because this motherboard has WiFi 7, I did have to use an Ethernet connection to complete updates and the Windows installation since Windows doesn’t natively support the GIGABYTE motherboard’s WiFi 7 capabilities out of the box. After the initial setup, I didn’t have any issues getting the right driver. I will likely use the PC with Ethernet most of the time, but it’s nice to have all the features unlocked from the start.
PERFORMANCE
I’ve been running this system for a little over a week now and I’m thoroughly impressed with the stability and overall performance of the motherboard. Without overclocking, I haven’t had any issues with standard computing tasks and games like Call of Duty: Warzone and Red Dead Redemption 2 (an oldie, but a goodie) run smoothly on the system alongside my 45-inch LG 2K OLED 240Hz gaming monitor.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This GIGABYTE motherboard can keep up with the pace of evolving standards and it doesn’t break the bank. It’s a great combination of performance and features for any PC build.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Hisense U6 Series is the access point for serious sports fans like you. It~s the ultimate in Mini-LED technology: hyper-real contrasts, bright lighting and rich shadows. This is the kind of TV that drops you right in the action so you can catch all the details~down to every bead of sweat on a player~s brow.
Customer Rating
5
Exceptional quality, Extraordinary Value
on May 14, 2025
Posted by: nickcal
I've worked long and hard on making my office a comfortable space. There are different sections to the room and one of them includes a very large TV. For the past six years, I've had a 65-inch 4K QLED television hanging above a stand that contains my Xbox and networking equipment. It's been a good TV, but I was ready to upgrade to something that would get me closer to an OLED experience -- as well as something larger. Unfortunately, OLED TVs larger than 65 inches get very cost-prohibitive. So, I started looking into Mini-LED QLEDs. This one from HiSense checked all the boxes for me and so far, my experience has been wonderful.
Design & Build
Since I was moving from a 65-inch TV to a 75-inch TV, I expected there to be some big differences in the dimensions and weight -- especially since my existing TV was six years old. Everything has gotten smaller and slimmer since I added that TV to my office so I was surprised to find that the HiSense TV was actually thicker than my existing one. It wasn't a huge difference, but it is defintely noticeable when you look at how thin flat panel TVs are these days. The HiSense TV is built very well. It's a solid device and even though we were extremely cautious with it as we got it installed, I wasn't concerned that the screen would get damaged simply by handling it.
Since I was moving from a 65-inch TV to a 75-inch TV, I expected there to be some big differences in the dimensions and weight -- especially since my existing TV was six years old. Everything has gotten smaller and slimmer since I added that TV to my office so I was surprised to find that the HiSense TV was actually thicker than my existing one. It wasn't a huge difference, but it is defintely noticeable when you look at how thin flat panel TVs are these days. The HiSense TV is built very well. It's a solid device and even though we were extremely cautious with it as we got it installed, I wasn't concerned that the screen would get damaged simply by handling it.
As far as installation goes, I opted to hang it on my wall in place of the existing 65-inch TV. At first I was concerned about this because the VESA mount on the back of the HiSense TV had a different placement than the existing monitor did. So I was worried that the bottom of the TV might be too close to the top of my TV stand. Since the sizes of the two TVs are similar enough, the placement of the HiSense ended up being very close to where the 65-inch TV was.
Set-up, Settings & Customization
After I got it hung on the wall, I powered the TV on per the instructions in the manual. The HiSense TV has to go through its initial setup process, which can take a while. I believe we sat and watched the HiSense loading screen and then the FireTV loading screen for at least 2 minutes. When this happened I was worried that the TV's start up would be that slow every time. Fortunately that wasn't the case. My main method for viewing content is to use my Apple TV. It was plugged into HDMI 2 while my soundbar was plugged into the HDMI eARC port. I did add my Amazon account to the FireTV interface so that I could use Prime Video natively on the TV.
After I got it hung on the wall, I powered the TV on per the instructions in the manual. The HiSense TV has to go through its initial setup process, which can take a while. I believe we sat and watched the HiSense loading screen and then the FireTV loading screen for at least 2 minutes. When this happened I was worried that the TV's start up would be that slow every time. Fortunately that wasn't the case. My main method for viewing content is to use my Apple TV. It was plugged into HDMI 2 while my soundbar was plugged into the HDMI eARC port. I did add my Amazon account to the FireTV interface so that I could use Prime Video natively on the TV.
As far as settings and customization go, I found the menus a little confusing. After watching some videos through YouTube, the picture on the TV seemed to dim and shift colors a bit. As it turned out, the Dynamic Backlight Control was the culprit. I had turned some of the lights off in my office and the TV adjusted for that without my knowing. This is something to be aware of because it can catch you off guard.
Picture Quality
I was very impressed by the picture quality. I view several 4K demos on YouTube and the picture was superior to my previous 4K television because of the inclusion of the Mini LEDs. After checking out the demos, I ventured over to Disney+ and watched the opening sequence to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 because it has a high contrast of different colors as well as text and visual effects. This is a video segment I use frequently to test out video quality. The edges of the text were clean and I didn't notice any tearing when it came to seeing bright red on a white background. Colors were vibrant and blacks were very black. This TV definitely passes the picture quality test in my book.
I was very impressed by the picture quality. I view several 4K demos on YouTube and the picture was superior to my previous 4K television because of the inclusion of the Mini LEDs. After checking out the demos, I ventured over to Disney+ and watched the opening sequence to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 because it has a high contrast of different colors as well as text and visual effects. This is a video segment I use frequently to test out video quality. The edges of the text were clean and I didn't notice any tearing when it came to seeing bright red on a white background. Colors were vibrant and blacks were very black. This TV definitely passes the picture quality test in my book.
Final Thoughts
Even though there is a small learning curve figuring out the menus and placement of different settings, the HiSense U6 TV is a great option for high-quality viewing. The TV feels like the right compromise between price and performance. It offers deep contrast, vibrant colors, and smart features that hold their own against much more expensive models.
Even though there is a small learning curve figuring out the menus and placement of different settings, the HiSense U6 TV is a great option for high-quality viewing. The TV feels like the right compromise between price and performance. It offers deep contrast, vibrant colors, and smart features that hold their own against much more expensive models.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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ProArt Display PA27JCV is a 27-inch 5K HDR monitor designed for professional content creators. This Calman Verified display boasts a wide gamut with 99% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB and 95% Adobe RGB coverage, and it~s factory calibrated to Delta E<2 for exceptional color accuracy. Built-in Auto KVM allows for convenient, effortless switching between two connected laptops or PCs using a single keyboard and mouse. To ensure brightness and color temperature accuracy, ambient light and backlight sensors automatically adjust visual settings. Plus, a USB-C port offers DisplayPort support and enables superfast data transfers and 96-watt power delivery via a single cable.
Customer Rating
4
Great for Creatives, but Not a One-Monitor Solutio
on May 5, 2025
Posted by: nickcal
As a creative professional, I've struggled with finding the best possible monitor to cover all my needs. I usually have my MacStudio connected as well as a gaming tablet. So, for gaming, I want a high refresh rate and for photography and video editing, I want premium color accurancy. For both activities, I need the highest possible brightness level to help with fine details. My current monitor is a 4K display and while it's been fantastic, I've been interested in upgrading to a 5K display. There are a handful of options in the market, but some are extremely pricey. This ASUS ProArt has very similar specs to more expensive competitors, but is it ideal for my purposes?
Refresh Rate Since I would like to have at least a 120Hz refresh rate for gaming, the 60Hz refresh rate that this monitor has is less than ideal. That said, the 60Hz refresh rate is more than adequate for photo and video editing. I don't do a lot of motion graphics work, but if I did, a higher refresh rate might be beneficial for that type of work, too. For basic non-gaming use, 60Hz is great. At this time, there are no 'true' 5K monitors that offer more than 60Hz refresh rate for consumers.
Bezel In general I like the look of the ASUS display, but there is one annoying feature -- the bottom bezel. There is a very thin bezel around the top and sides but the bottom of the screen has the ASUS logo and the control buttons on it. While it's nice to be able to see the buttons on the front, to me, it's distracting and honestly, just plain ugly to have that size of a bezel on the bottom. I would much rather see something more subtle.
Colors and Brightness This is one area that I really pay close attention to. I plugged my MacBook Pro into the ASUS monitor while my MacStudio was plugged into my 4K display. The 4K display's colors appeared richer and had truer blacks than the ASUS monitor appeared to have. While the ASUS monitor was brighter, it ended up feeling a bit washed out. That said, I think it's important to point out that the ASUS monitor is designed for accuracy and prescision while my 4K monitor is an OLED panel and is meant for that 'wow factor'.
Connectivity
As far as connection ports go, the ProArt offers three options — DisplayPort 1.4 (1), HDMI 2.1 (1), and USB-C, which also provide 96W power delivery. ASUS only included a USB-C and HDMI High-speed cable with the monitor, so I used the HDMI cable as my primary connector. It worked fine, but I did notice that the ProArt didn’t scale icons and text as well as my 4K monitor did.
Final Thoughts
The ASUS ProArt is a solid display choice for creative professionals. It has great color accuracy and comes calibrated from the factory. For me, since I have multiple purposes for my monitor, I will likely use this as a secondary monitor when I need to do color correction on photos or videos.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience unparalleled gaming freedom with the Turtle Beach Kone II Air wireless ergonomic gaming mouse. Its exceptional battery life lets you play for weeks uninterrupted, lasting up to 350 hours via low-latency Bluetooth or up to 130 hours using high-performance 2.4GHz wireless. Designed with ergonomic precision, it fits comfortably in medium to larger hands, accommodating various grip styles such as claw, palm, or fingertip plus additional grip tape is included for enhanced control. Take command of your gameplay with Easy-Shift [+] duplicator technology, expanding its 7 buttons and 4D scroll wheel into 21 customizable functions. Glide seamlessly through content with the multi-function 4D scroll wheel, offering both free-spinning and tactile scrolling options, along with fully customizable tilt controls. Engineered for speed and durability, its TITAN Optical Switches ensure precise and reliable clicks over a 100 million click life cycle. Equipped with the advanced Owl-Eye 26K optical sensor, enjoy superb tracking performance from 50 DPI up to 26K DPI with 650 IPS (16.5m/s), complemented by pure, heat-treated PTFE glides for smooth mouse movements. Customize your gaming experience with dual-zone RGB illumination and charge effortlessly with the ultra-flexible PhantomFlex charging cable and USB-C-to-A adapter. NVIDIA Reflex compatibility further enhances your gaming prowess, delivering sub-25ms response times for lightning-fast reactions and enhanced aim precision.
Customer Rating
5
A fantastic gaming mouse
on April 21, 2025
Posted by: nickcal
Right from the start, I was incredibly impressed with the Kone II Air mouse. The packaging for it is easily identifiable and details of the mouse are included. The mouse comes with grip tape, a quick start guide, a 2.4Ghz wireless USB receiver and USB-A adapter, and a USB-C to USB-A charging cable. Even though the Kone II Air came in a pretty package, it really impresses with its performance. So far, the battery life is what I expected it to be.
Build Quality
The build quality is solid. It’s very lightweight but doesn’t feel cheap. The material has a matte finish, but doesn’t seem to retain fingerprints or oils from hands easily. The wheel turns easily and it’s easy to reach all the buttons on it without straining my hand or fingers. I like the placement of the RGB effects. There are a lot of mice that have RGB lighting, but the placement is such that you can’t see it if you are using it. The mouse seems durable and it’s very comfortable to use.
Ergonomics & Comfort
The mouse is definitely designed for right-handed users. It does, however, support palm, claw, or fingertip grips well (I tried all three). It seems to be well-suited for long gaming sessions. I played for a couple of hours and didn’t notice any major strain on my hand. It’s a medium to large sized mouse and it’s shape is conducive to standard use as well as gaming. It does not have a place to add additional weight to it.
Connectivity & Compatibility
The Kone II Air can be connected through Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz dongle, or wired through a USB-C connection. It connected quickly and effortlessly using any of the options. I used it with my PC Gaming Laptop as well as a secondary laptop and even a tablet. The USB receiver can be stored underneath the mouse, which is perfect for traveling.
Gaming Performance
The mouse has been incredibly responsive. I love the way the buttons feel and I haven’t experienced any lag with it. There was very minimal lift off distance and button input was snappy. The polling rate of this mouse is 1000Hz and I could definitely tell when I was gaming. The scroll wheel gives you the option of free-spin or notched scrolling. The wheel does tilt and it acts as a button, too. You can also change the DPI at will while using the mouse. This has helped me immensely as I game and just use the mouse in general.
Software
The Turtle Beach Swarm II software is easy to install and simple to use. Everything is on one scrollable page, and it walked me through a quick update for both the mouse and receiver right after setup. Within a few minutes, I had my DPI levels set, firmware updated, and RGB lighting turned off (except for the battery indicator, which I kept on).
You can adjust just about everything—DPI, polling rate, lift-off distance, debounce time, angle snapping, and more. One feature I really like is Easy-Shift[+], which lets you assign a shift button to unlock secondary functions for the rest of the buttons. It also supports automatic profile switching and RGB syncing with other Turtle Beach devices. I didn’t run into any bugs or issues while using it.
Overall, the Kone II Air is a fantastic wireless gaming mouse that checks all the right boxes. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and packed with features that actually make a difference whether you’re gaming or just getting things done. The multiple connectivity options, solid build, responsive buttons, and customizable software all come together to deliver a premium experience. If you’re looking for a reliable, ergonomic mouse with excellent performance and customization, the Kone II Air is absolutely worth considering.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Turn everyday tasks into something special with Vivobook 14, your essential tool for getting things done easier, anywhere. It~s completely user-friendly too, with its 180~ lay-flat hinge and physical webcam shield. Make all your days more enjoyable with Vivobook 14!
Customer Rating
4
Decent machine and budget-friendly
on April 6, 2025
Posted by: nickcal
Summary: It’s a dependable entry-level laptop with a few standout features, ideal for light users who don’t need cutting-edge performance. Wouldn’t recommend it for creators or multitaskers—but for the price, it delivers where it counts. Also, it comes with its own charger and while it does have a USB-C port on it, it’s not for charging.
This laptop is a good solution for students or casual users looking for a budget-friendly device. It’s very lightweight and its form is compact — even for a 14-inch laptop. The display is very clear and even though it’s only 250 nits, the screen seems plenty bright for most tasks. The case does collect fingerprints quite easily and while it is designed to be budget-friendly, it does sort of feel cheap.
While this is a decent laptop for most standard tasks, it’s not going to be good for advanced gaming or photo/video editing. One of the more unique features of this particular laptop is the inclusion of a number pad on the trackpad. There is an on/off function button (press+hold until the light comes on) and then the trackpad turns into a number pad. It’s a little clunky to use for long-term projects, but it does work if you are more comfortable using that layout than the number keys. It also preserves the smaller format of the laptop.
While this is a decent laptop for most standard tasks, it’s not going to be good for advanced gaming or photo/video editing. One of the more unique features of this particular laptop is the inclusion of a number pad on the trackpad. There is an on/off function button (press+hold until the light comes on) and then the trackpad turns into a number pad. It’s a little clunky to use for long-term projects, but it does work if you are more comfortable using that layout than the number keys. It also preserves the smaller format of the laptop.
It did seem to take a very long time to do the initial updates. I got the laptop out of the box, plugged it in, and then started it up. After I connected the WiFi and a Microsoft account (required), the laptop took nearly 2 hours to finish updating. I wasn’t a big fan of the fact that are forced to register it with ASUS before you can complete startup. I believe that should be suggested but optional.
In true ASUS/Windows fashion, there are a lot of processes running at initial startup. I opened Task Manager and saw there were anywhere from 197-208 processes running just after I finished the initial startup. At that point, the only application running was Task Manager. This amount of tasks took up 58% GPU.
The speakers were actually quite impressive. I watched several videos and thought the highs and lows were very crisp and powerful. Sound effects were strong and well-balanced with musical tracks. Volume was incredible. I never even turned it up to 100% because most of the things I watched were audible at around 38%.
The keyboard is very comfortable to type on. The keys seem very responsive and I didn’t seem to have any missed keystrokes. The keys are well-spaced out for a compact laptop, but aren’t too far apart.
When measuring this ASUS laptop against other similar machines using benchmarking tests, I got the following results.
Geekbench: Single-Core Score 1164, Multi-Core Score 4860
Cinebench: CPU MultiCore Score 4384
These scores are slightly higher than expected with Geekbench Single-Core and close to other Intel i3 (13th Gen) processors on Cinebench, but slightly lower than typical Multi-Core scores on Geekbench (~5600). This was the comparsion when looking at the Intel Core i3-1315U, which is designed specifically for mobile/laptops. When you look at the benchmark scores between the 1315U and the 13100 process models, which are designed for desktop use, the Multi-Core score for the ASUS laptop is significantly lower than benchmark results. That is expected though since desktop CPUs have more thermal headroom and cores running at higher base/boost clocks.
One other benchmarking test I ran was Geekbench AI, which shows how well your system handles machine learning and AI workloads. Since more and more programs are utilizing AI-based systems, I thought this would be relevant to show. The scores I received for this ASUS laptop were normal for the i3-1315 processor, but much lower than Apple Silicon or mid-to-high tier CPUs, which are better integrated with GPUs or Neural Processing Units. This laptop is capable of running AI-enhanced features such as noise reduction or smart suggestions, but isn’t particularly optimized for heavy AI workloads. So using something like ChatGPT or CoPilot should run fine.
Finally, I ran a network speed test. I have the ASUS laptop connected to our 5G wireless network. I had a secondary laptop connected to the same network to use as a comparison. Our network is powered by a direct AT&T Fiber connection (1Gig). While the speed test results (280.67 Mbps DOWN / 273.94 Mbps UP) were solid, they weren’t as fast as the other laptop. A big part of this could be be cause the ASUS laptop is using WiFi 5, while the other laptop is using WiFi 6E, which supports higher speeds and lower latency. Another reason could be because of the background tasks running on the ASUS (telemetry and other services can throttle network tests).
Overall, this is a solid budget laptop. Benchmark and AI test results confirm it’s not built for heavy workloads like gaming, video editing, or advanced AI tasks, but it performs reliably for web browsing, office work, and content streaming. If you’re looking for a no-frills, capable machine for basic computing, this Vivobook gets the job done.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Professional-grade wireless gaming headset featuring 50mm graphene-coated drivers, 2-Mic AI Noise Cancellation and Active Noise Cancellation. Engineered with input from professional esports athletes.
Customer Rating
4
Versatile headphones, but lacks sidetone for micro
on March 12, 2025
Posted by: nickcal
I'm primarily a mobile gamer. I play Call of Duty: Mobile regularly and have been using a tablet/external monitor setup for quite some time. I'm always on the lookout for the best possible experience with gaming setups and these Alienware headphones looked like a great addition.
COMFORT
The first thing I typically look for with headphones is comfort. If they aren't comfortable, I'm not going to be able to use them. The Alienware headset has very soft ear cups and the padding on the headband is sufficient enough to provide comfort. I've been very happy with how comfortable the headphones are. The only concern I have is if will overheat with the vegan leather coverings.
The first thing I typically look for with headphones is comfort. If they aren't comfortable, I'm not going to be able to use them. The Alienware headset has very soft ear cups and the padding on the headband is sufficient enough to provide comfort. I've been very happy with how comfortable the headphones are. The only concern I have is if will overheat with the vegan leather coverings.
ANC
This is a feature that is very important to me because I try to use my headphones for multiple uses. Even though these are 'gaming' headphones, I used them for listening to music and even for conference calls. ANC really helps me to concentrate while I'm working from home. The ANC feature on the Alienware headset works really well. When I turned it on, I couldn't hear myself typing on my keyboard. Transparency worked well as it cancelled out a lot of ambient noise, but still allowed me to hear my surroundings. Turning off ANC altogether was showed me that the ear cups did a great job of sound isolation -- even without the ANC. The only strange thing is that when ANC is turned on there is a bass boost effect that happens. It enhances the sound quality, but it's a bit odd that bass boost is a result of turning on ANC.
This is a feature that is very important to me because I try to use my headphones for multiple uses. Even though these are 'gaming' headphones, I used them for listening to music and even for conference calls. ANC really helps me to concentrate while I'm working from home. The ANC feature on the Alienware headset works really well. When I turned it on, I couldn't hear myself typing on my keyboard. Transparency worked well as it cancelled out a lot of ambient noise, but still allowed me to hear my surroundings. Turning off ANC altogether was showed me that the ear cups did a great job of sound isolation -- even without the ANC. The only strange thing is that when ANC is turned on there is a bass boost effect that happens. It enhances the sound quality, but it's a bit odd that bass boost is a result of turning on ANC.
SOUND QUALITY
The sound quality has been superior to many other headsets I've used. Every thing has been crisp and high-quality. The only disappointment I had was trying to use the microphone. In my experience, it's much nicer to be able to hear yourself through sidetone. It keeps me from talking too loudly when gaming or on conference calls, but I didn't find this feature to be present with the Alienware headset. Other than the microphone, I was very impressed with the overall sound quality. Everything I played through the headphones -- music, movies, games -- sounded fantastic.
The sound quality has been superior to many other headsets I've used. Every thing has been crisp and high-quality. The only disappointment I had was trying to use the microphone. In my experience, it's much nicer to be able to hear yourself through sidetone. It keeps me from talking too loudly when gaming or on conference calls, but I didn't find this feature to be present with the Alienware headset. Other than the microphone, I was very impressed with the overall sound quality. Everything I played through the headphones -- music, movies, games -- sounded fantastic.
SOFTWARE
While you don't 'need' the software in order to use the headset, you won't get certain features unless you connect it. This is a pet peeve of mine because I don't like unnecessary software. The AWCC app mainly just gives you access to Dolby Atmos, but not much else.
While you don't 'need' the software in order to use the headset, you won't get certain features unless you connect it. This is a pet peeve of mine because I don't like unnecessary software. The AWCC app mainly just gives you access to Dolby Atmos, but not much else.
COMPATIBILITY
Since Alienware provided three different options for connection -- Bluetooth, 2.4 Ghz receiver, and wired, these headphones will work with nearly any type of device. I personally used them with my iPhone, iPad, Red Magic Gaming tablet, and PlayStation 5. I didn't have any connection issues.
Since Alienware provided three different options for connection -- Bluetooth, 2.4 Ghz receiver, and wired, these headphones will work with nearly any type of device. I personally used them with my iPhone, iPad, Red Magic Gaming tablet, and PlayStation 5. I didn't have any connection issues.
Overall, the Alienware headset has been a solid addition to my gaming setup. The comfort, ANC, and sound quality have all exceeded my expectations, making it a great option for both gaming and everyday use. While the lack of sidetone and the reliance on software for certain features were minor drawbacks, they didn’t overshadow the overall performance. With strong compatibility and multiple connection options, this headset is a versatile choice for gamers.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Join the millions who love and trust ecobee products with our most affordable thermostat yet: Smart Thermostat Essential. It saves you up to 23%* on your energy bills and is so efficient that it pays for itself in just six months. You'll love how easy it is to use and control, and with effortless installation, you can set it and forget it. *Compared to a hold of 72~F
Customer Rating
5
An essential part of any home
on March 8, 2025
Posted by: nickcal
I've been a fan of Ecobee Thermostats for many years. I thought the Essential would be a nice update to my older unit. Overall, it's been a very reliable smart device and I would recommend it to others.
Design
The Ecobee Essential is a smaller thermostat, but it's got a sleek, modern design. It's all white and the body of it is made with plastic. The touchscreen is clear and easy to read and it's also very responsive. I like the fact that the screen is black while everything else is white. It's a nice contrast.
The Ecobee Essential is a smaller thermostat, but it's got a sleek, modern design. It's all white and the body of it is made with plastic. The touchscreen is clear and easy to read and it's also very responsive. I like the fact that the screen is black while everything else is white. It's a nice contrast.
Installation
Ecobee makes the installation as easy as possible by including a step-by-step Installation guide in the app. The most important step of the process is to make sure your wires are labeled correctly before you remove them from your existing thermostat. I would also add that you should make sure to cut the power to your furnace before starting. You probably wouldn't have to worry about shocking yourself, but you might blow a fuse if the wires touch. I bring this up because this is what happened in my case. I neglected to turn off the breaker to the furnace before starting and as a result I was left without the use of my furnace for a night. Fortunately, my HVAC repairman was able to get things up and running again. They helped me finish getting the Ecobee installed and ensured that my furnace was operating normally.
Ecobee makes the installation as easy as possible by including a step-by-step Installation guide in the app. The most important step of the process is to make sure your wires are labeled correctly before you remove them from your existing thermostat. I would also add that you should make sure to cut the power to your furnace before starting. You probably wouldn't have to worry about shocking yourself, but you might blow a fuse if the wires touch. I bring this up because this is what happened in my case. I neglected to turn off the breaker to the furnace before starting and as a result I was left without the use of my furnace for a night. Fortunately, my HVAC repairman was able to get things up and running again. They helped me finish getting the Ecobee installed and ensured that my furnace was operating normally.
App Setup
The app is very easy to navigate. Once you have the thermostat physically installed, the app gets it connected to your WiFi and your smart assistant if you want to go that route. I connected it to Apple Home with no problems. The Ecobee is a great addition to any home. It really helps to automate heating and air control in your home.
The app is very easy to navigate. Once you have the thermostat physically installed, the app gets it connected to your WiFi and your smart assistant if you want to go that route. I connected it to Apple Home with no problems. The Ecobee is a great addition to any home. It really helps to automate heating and air control in your home.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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nickcal's Answers
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.
9 years, 1 month ago
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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.
9 years, 7 months ago
by
nickcal