nickcal's stats
- Review count323
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- First reviewFebruary 22, 2014
- Last reviewJuly 11, 2025
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- Average rating4.7
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- First answerMay 23, 2016
- Last answerSeptember 7, 2020
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ASUS Vivobook Laptop. Enjoy everyday activities with this ASUS notebook PC. The Intel Core i3 processor and 12GB of RAM let you run programs smoothly.
Customer Rating
4
Not a bad value for what you get
on May 21, 2023
Posted by: nickcal
Before I dig too far into this review, I want to state that I use macOS computers more than I use Windows OS computers. I have experience with both and I do find use for both operating systems but I do use macOS systems more frequently. One of the first things I noticed about the laptop is that until all of its updates were complete, it didn’t function properly. What I mean by that is that I attempted to click on the Windows menu icon and it didn’t open until I finished updates.
Set up of the computer was pretty standard. I got it out of the box, plugged it into power and hit the power button. At that point, I had a number of Windows 11 screens to walk through. You do have to have a Windows account and connection to the Internet in order to complete the startup process. If you don’t have one, you can complete the setup process for an account during the initial starting phase. Once you get through the initial setup, you will want to complete Windows Updates. There are quite a few to get through.
Display
The display has an HD resolution of 1366 x 768 which is a wide screen resolution for HD. I watched a few videos on YouTube on this laptop and feel that for an HD screen, it’s providing an average viewing experience. The images are clear, but not as clear as my iPad Pro which has a resolution of 2732 x 2048 or 2K. So, given the opportunity, I would choose to watch videos on my iPad instead of this laptop.
Physical Appearance
The laptop has a basic look to it. When I first took it out of its box, I thought it almost felt like a toy because the outside of it has a plastic feel to it. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around, but doesn’t feel like a pro-level laptop.
Keyboard
The keyboard has an average feel to it for a laptop. I didn’t really have any issues with the spacing of the keys or the responsiveness of them but my average typing speed and accuracy did seem to suffer when I took a typing test. I usually average around 73 WPM and using this laptop’s keyboard, it was 62 WPM.
Speakers
The speakers are pretty loud but they aren’t really anything to write home about. With the 4k videos I watched, the sound was hollow and way too bright in my opinion. I think they will work well functionally with daily tasks such as system sounds or video conferences but in general I would recommend using headphones or external speakers.
Speed/Performance
This laptop runs on an 11th generation Intel Core i3 processor (Intel I3-1115G4). The primary functions of this type of processor include basic computing tasks such as word processing, Internet browsing, emailing, and streaming videos. It’s not really designed to handle gaming, but it can handle less-intensive games. The processor has been around since 2010 with the 11th Gen being in production since 2020. It’s part of the Tiger Lake architecture and there have been two newer generations of the processor released since this one.
I ended up using two different benchmarking tests - Geekbench and Novabench. With Novabench, the Vivobook got an overall score of 909, which seems to be on the higher average score among overall scores from 2023 for that processor. With the Geekbench test, there were 12 other 11th Gen i3 Processors in the Benchmark chart. The Vivobook was number 11 on that list.
Final Thoughts
This is an average laptop for basic users in my opinion. It ran smoothly for me and completed the tasks I requested of it with little issues. As far as value for the device, I would say it’s a decent value. I did a search for similar laptops with close to the same specs and this laptop was the least expensive model from this retailer (excluding clearance prices). In general, I would probably not recommend this laptop because machines with better specs can be found for around the same price. That said, it’s not a bad laptop.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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JVC Marshmallow true wireless inner ear headphones with memory foam ear tips for a custom secure fit. Includes Low Latency mode for gaming and watching videos. Bluetooth version 5.3 ensures a stable wireless connection and enjoy up to 26 hours of total use with included rechargeable charging case that includes USB-C charging. Three sound modes and independent Left/Right single-ear use. Auto-pairing and auto on/off. Touch controls for music or phone calls. Sweat and splash-proof IPX4 rated, ideal for sports and fitness. Integrated microphone with voice assistant compatibility.
Customer Rating
5
Basic, simple earbuds
on May 1, 2023
Posted by: nickcal
The Marshmallow True Wireless headphones come packaged with several sets of ear caps (3 silicone, 2 memory foam), a USB-C charging cable and a charging case. To get started with them, you simply pull the tabs off of the earbuds, place them in the charging case to activate them, and remove them to pair them to your device. Because these are rated as ‘low latency’ they are supposed to be good for gaming. I tested them by listening to several tracks of music on my iPhone 14 Pro.
Comfort: The headphones are comfortable. They are very lightweight so you barely notice them. I did feel as though they stuck out from my ears quite a bit, but they never felt insecure to me. I ended up using the small silicone ear tips. I did try the small memory foam tips, but they seemed to just push the earbuds out of my ears. I’m not sure if I would be comfortable wearing these earbuds for long periods of time, but they weren’t uncomfortable for the hour or so that I wore them for testing.
Sound Quality: I found the sound quality to only be average. There is no active noise cancelling but the earbuds do a good job with basic sound isolation. I wasn’t able to hear much around me when music was playing at full volume. That said, if a music track was quiet, I could hear ambient noises creep through. I was able to hear music clearly, but the low-end was lacking. I have a playlist designed around different types of music and everything just fell flat to me.
Ease of Use: The headphones are very easy to use. They have basic touch controls embedded into the earbuds themselves with each individual earbud controlling different functions. As I mentioned there is no ANC or other special features that are built into the earbuds so you really just get play/pause, advance, volume up and down as the controls.
Value: Since True Wireless earbuds can cost three times more than these Marshmallow headphones do I would say these are a good value. They are simple, basic wireless earbuds with an average sound quality.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Give in to your free-spirited side and turn every moment into a sensory frenzy. Introducing Devialet Mania, the first portable smart speaker from the acoustic engineering company behind Devialet Phantom. A mobile evolution of Devialet’s groundbreaking innovations, Devialet Mania ushers in a liberated approach to sound: more spontaneous, more adaptable, more obsession-inducing than ever. Cutting-edge Devialet technologies elicit expansive 360° stereo sound, augmenting every space and interaction and leaving an emotional imprint that lingers. Devialet Mania, metamorphic sound.
Customer Rating
5
High-quality, powerful speaker
on May 1, 2023
Posted by: nickcal
The Devialet Mania Portable Bluetooth Speaker is an incredible device that puts the power of a home entertainment setup into a sleek, compact package. This speaker combines cutting-edge technology with beautiful design to deliver an immersive listening experience on the go. From its unique shape to its supreme sound quality, this speaker is perfect for any music lover seeking a truly superior audio experience. With its long battery life and easy portability, you can enjoy your favorite tunes anywhere you go.
Ease of Use: The speaker is easy to use but there are some features that I feel are missing. The controls on the speaker are basic but an advance button is missing. It would be nice if that were included. Getting it connected to your WiFi network or Bluetooth device is completed within a few steps. I love that a companion app is included so that you can monitor the battery level and other features of the speaker. One of the features that I noticed, but it’s not actually called out is the wireless charging area on the bottom of the speaker. Devialet designed the speaker with an option to connect it to a charging station (charging puck) so that it can sit charging in its storage place and it’s ready to go when you want to move it.
Sound Quality: I have been very impressed with the sound quality the Mania speaker offers. It’s a great well-rounded, robust sound. The bass is deep and if the volume is turned up enough, my desk will shake. I love that the app provides the option for setting up EQ levels. I left it on the default setting while I tested the speaker. No matter what I listened to, I was pretty floored at the quality of the sound the speaker produced. I also connected to it to watch a movie and was able to hear all the little subtleties of the soundtrack.
Value: On the surface it might be hard to really see the value of this speaker, but it is built with tremendous technology at its base. There are 4 microphones as well as 4 full-range drivers, and 2 subwoofers. The speaker also offers a 30-20,000Hz range. When thinking in terms of price vs value, I would say the Mania speaker offers a lot of value. Is it worth the cost when other high-quality speakers — such as the Apple HomePod — offer a similar listening experience at about half the cost.
If you want a super high-quality speaker, this is a great option.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Explore the 27" inch S39C FHD Curved Monitor with a 1000R Curvature and advanced eye comfort technology. Its minimalist design features a borderless display, fabric-textured backside and slim metal stand. Game Mode, a 75Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support make playtime as smooth as work time.
Customer Rating
4
Good standard monitor
on April 27, 2023
Posted by: nickcal
For me, an external monitor is an essential piece of equipment for work. I live on my computer throughout the day for work and since I work from home full time, a high-quality monitor is required. This 27-inch monitor from Samsung does have a lot going for it spec-wise but I found a few design elements that I thought could be done better.
DESIGN
The shape of the monitor is lovely. I really love the slim bezel and the curve of the screen. I also really love the back panel of the monitor that covers the I/O ports. It helps clean up the cable mess that normally comes with monitors and provides a smooth profile for the product. The big issue I have with the physical design of the monitor is its stand. The monitor has a short stand (less than 6 inches) that has a fixed height. Normally a fixed-height stand doesn’t bother me because most monitors — even curved ones — are VESA mount compatible. That means I can simple swap the provided stand out for a monitor arm or a wall mount. But that isn’t possible with the factory backing of this monitor. On the plus side, the monitor is very lightweight (approx. 11 pounds with stand) so it is easy to move around when needed.
EASE OF USE
Setup and use of the monitor is pretty self-explanatory. There is a good explanation of the menu system in the user manual and the controls on the monitor are easily accessible. Plugging items in and out of the monitor can be problematic unless it is done during installation because the back panel would need to be removed.
PICTURE QUALITY
The picture quality of the S39C is above average, but it does only top out at 1920 x 1080 (full HD) resolution and not 4K. The other spec I want to point out with the picture quality is the refresh rate. It’s only 75Hz, which is typically good for standard tasks and HD video watching, but not great for gaming. It is, however, a good step up from a monitor that only has a 30Hz refresh rate.
VALUE
I think this monitor is a good value and fits into the ‘budget monitor’ category.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Philips Norelco Shaver 7600 glides smoothly over your skin, while cutting each hair close - even on 3-day beards. Equipped with SenseIQ technology, the shaver senses, adapts and guides on the correct motion, for better skin protection.
Customer Rating
5
A solid, affordable shaving solution
on February 10, 2023
Posted by: nickcal
I struggle with staying clean-shaven because my facial hair grows in quite quickly. I like the convenience of an electric shaver, but sometimes they just aren’t powerful enough to handle my facial hair. I’ve used Philips Norelco Wet/Dry shavers in the past and been mostly happy with them. So, I was looking forward to trying the 7000 series shaver out.
It comes in a clearly labeled box and ships with a user manual, charging cable, and a blade cover/guard. It connects with a smartphone app via Bluetooth and can be cleaned easily under the water. Before I used it the first time, I let it charge for a couple of hours. It came with a partial charge out of the box but I wanted it to be at full charge before I used it.
Even with a full charge, the shaver seemed to be low-powered when I turned it on. I started shaving with it and it seemed to work just fine for me. If my hair is too long, it is a little harder to use, but the shaver does a good job overall. I love that it has the pop-out precision trimmer because it’s really helpful for sideburns and around my neckline.
Thanks to the 360º flexible heads, I haven’t experienced any razor burn or major skin irritations like I usually have with shavers. The battery life seems to be solid. The specs claim a 60-minute run time, but I haven’t had to use it continuously for that amount of time. The app is a nice feature even though I haven’t utilized it that much.
The Philips Norelco 7000 series shaver is a cost-effective, high-quality option for a clean face. It is a great choice for those who need a powerful shaver to keep up with their fast-growing facial hair. While it may not offer all the features of more expensive shavers, the Philips Norelco 7000 series shaver is an excellent value for those looking for a reliable, high-performing shaver.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Jabra Enhance Plus wireless earbuds have been engineered for advanced medical-grade hearing enhancement for your conversations, music, and calls. (iPhone only, not Android compatible) As part of GN – the only company in the world with consumer, professional, and medical-grade sound all under one roof – we have a team of expert engineers crafting the world’s leading hearing aids. Now, we’re leveraging that wealth of knowledge to launch our first ever medical-grade hearing enhancement and earbud hybrid. At 40% smaller than our current smallest earbuds*, with four built-in microphones and powerful speakers, these buds are for mild to moderate hearing loss, and specifically engineered to enhance the way you hear everything – from in-person conversations to calls, music, and media. They’re a ground-breaking achievement in miniaturization, 150 years in the making. Now you can focus on what you want to listen to, without just turning up the volume.
Customer Rating
4
Good as starter hearing aid for mild hearing loss
on November 12, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
I’ve had to deal with hearing impairment for most of my adult life. My audiologist has classified my hearing loss as ‘profound’ with almost all of my high-end hearing range completely gone. In the last decade, I’ve explored the use of several different types of hearing aids including those that are ‘one size fits most’ all the way up to the super advanced ones that adjust to your surroundings — just like the human ear does.
My current set of hearing aids are actually manufactured by ReSound, which is a sister company of Jabra as they are both GN companies. I’ve heard that Jabra and ReSound engineers often collaborate to ensure that the products they are developing will help people hear sound the best of their ability.
Set-up
Even though these look more like earbuds than a traditional hearing aid device, it’s important to realize that a thorough set-up is going to benefit you in the long run. There are more steps than just powering them on and pairing them to your phone.
There is a startup guide inside the box that instructs the user to download the Jabra Enhance app before opening the earbuds. These earbuds are only compatible with iPhone at this time. The startup guide directs you to use the app to pair the earbuds, but I found it easier to do it directly through the Hearing Devices menu in the Accessibility settings.
After the earbuds are paired, you’ll return to the Enhance app and continue with the set-up. This will take you through a series of tests that help you personalize the hearing aids to your ears. Don’t skip this step. This is similar to having a set of prescription hearing aids programmed by an audiologist at a doctor’s office. While the hearing aids might still help you, you will get the best result if you go through the personalization set-up.
I was really happy that this type of set-up option was available with these hearing aids. To me, this is one of the things that distinguishes hearing aids from hearing enhancement devices.
Another very important step in the set-up process is making sure you have the proper fit. There are three sets of ear gels to choose from and you want to make sure that there is a secure fit or sound you don’t want will seep into your ears, which will affect your overall listening experience. This is true of any earbuds, but when you are trying to enhance what hearing ability you have, you don’t want anything to interrupt that process.
The Listening Modes
There are three listening modes users have access to with these hearing aids — Adaptive, Focus, and Surround modes. These same modes are included in the development of my ReSound hearing aids. So, I was very familiar with them. Adaptive mode is the most useful in my opinion, if you are moving through different environments on a regular basis. Focus can be very useful if you need to center in on one particular sound — for example, if you are having a one-on-one conversation with someone. All the modes are useful and they work well.
Daily Use
As a user of traditional hearing aids, I want to preface that I believe these hearing aids are good for situational use and not so much as an all-day hearing aid. As earbuds, the Enhance Plus are comfortable, but as all-day hearing aids, they are a little bulky. Their battery life of 10 hours is good (20+ with the charging case), but the point of traditional hearing aids is to wear them from the time you get up until you go to bed so that you can re-train your brain how to process sounds. With a 10-hour battery life, you will have to charge them at some point during the day thus negating the all-day benefits of a hearing aid.
That said, I do see a place for these hearing enhancement devices. They are more advanced than simple amplification devices but not as advanced as some modern hearing aids. You do have the added bonus of being able to use these hearing aids as you would standard Bluetooth earbuds and while some advanced hearing aids systems provide the music listening and call answering features, those are typically limited to the super expensive devices. So, being able to have the 3-in-1 features for $800 is kind of a treat.
I’ve always had great luck with Jabra headphones. In fact, until the most recent Apple AirPods Pro were launched, Jabra earbuds were my go-to listening devices. They provide an incredible listening experience for music and other media. Call quality is always very good.
Overall, the sound quality was very good and the only real issue I had was with the occlusion effect — where you can hear every sound you are personally making (i.e. heartbeat, swallowing, etc.). This is a sensation that is common with earbuds because its usually caused by ear tips pressed into your ear canal. Unfortunately, with earbuds that double as a hearing aid, that can be really distracting and overwhelming.
Conclusion
The Jabra Enhance Plus OTC Hearing Aids are a good option for someone who knows they need some help with hearing better, but aren’t ready for traditional hearing aids. It’s a little like having your optometrist tell you that you should probably upgrade your glasses to be bifocals but offers the suggestion of getting drugstore reading glasses in the interim. These earbuds will help you on a situational basis, but I wouldn’t use them as a replacement for my traditional hearing aids unless I was in a bind. That said, if you are using them as a ‘starter’ hearing aid, I think they are a great choice for that use.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The EOS R10 is perfect for content creators looking to take their creativity to the next level. Featuring a high-speed shooting 15 FPS mechanical shutter^,~ a 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, and lightning-fast auto-focus, all in a sleek, lightweight design.
Customer Rating
5
A robust camera for content creators
on October 26, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
I'm an experienced photographer and over the years, I've taken great care in upgrading my equipment to ensure I had the best possible product for the jobs I was doing. My fiancé loves taking pictures, but is intimidated by more complex camera systems -- like my Canon EOS R5. She admitted to me that she would love to have a mirrorless camera, but didn't want to plunge into the pro-level cameras. This is exactly who the Canon EOS R10 is made for. It's perfect for people who have experience with DSLR cameras and want to move to a mirrorless set-up and it's ideal for content creators.
This camera is much more budget-friendly than some of the other mirrorless cameras in Canon's product lineup and it's very easy to use. Within a few minutes of unboxing the camera, my fiancé was outside taking photos of birds and plants around our house. The biggest takeaway I have about the R10 is that it is an 'entry-level' camera with advanced technology built into it. For example, the R10 has the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II focusing system integrated and it does a fabulous job in practice. On the flip side, it doesn't have as many focus points as the pro-level Canon mirrorless cameras do.
The R10 is very lightweight but solidly built. It seems to be durable and since it has a more compact body than some other Canon cameras, it's very portable. The controls are all located on the right-hand side of the camera (for the most part) and a user can easily reach the buttons, dials, and joystick with their right thumb without removing their hand from the grip. The flip-out touchscreen is another piece of advanced technology that you typically don't get with entry-level equipment, but it's a very welcome addition to this camera. It makes the photo-taking experience much richer.
The kit lens that comes with the R10 is a nice starter lens that will work for most users but is worth an upgrade depending on your use. The camera also features a maximum mechanical burst rate of 15 FPS, which is great for capturing sports and wildlife.
The R10 is a robust starter camera but there are some staunch differences between it and the pro-level mirrorless cameras from Canon. For example, the R10 --
does not have weather sealing
only shoots video at 4K @ 24FPS un-cropped/4K @ 60FPS cropped
cannot shoot C-log
does not have a dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack
only has a single memory card slot vs a dual-card slot
has a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000
Even though the R10 is missing some of the pro-level features from Canon, it's still a worthwhile mirrorless camera for content creators. It takes crisp photos and it's very easy to use.
only shoots video at 4K @ 24FPS un-cropped/4K @ 60FPS cropped
cannot shoot C-log
does not have a dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack
only has a single memory card slot vs a dual-card slot
has a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000
Even though the R10 is missing some of the pro-level features from Canon, it's still a worthwhile mirrorless camera for content creators. It takes crisp photos and it's very easy to use.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Meet Pixel 7. Powered by Google Tensor G2, it’s fast and secure, with amazing battery life and the advanced Pixel Camera. Take beautifully authentic, accurate photos with Real Tone and stunning video with Cinematic Blur. And with the certified Titan M2 security chip and a built-in VPN, Pixel helps protect your personal data.₁
Customer Rating
5
An impressive smartphone upgrade
on October 24, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
The Pixel 7 Pro comes in standard box with Google branding on it. An image of the phone is on the front of the box with the SKU, IMEI1, and eSIM ID included on the bottom. The back of the box is bare except for a stamp that reads “#TeamPixel” and the specs of the phone (name, size, capacity, color, etc.).
When you open the box, the first thing you will see is the back of the phone. There is a paper tab sticking out from the bottom of the phone that helps you to remove the device from the box. This tab is attached to a larger piece of paper that is affixed to the front of the phone to protect the screen from scratches. While it’s in its own box. Once you remove the phone, you will find the charging cable, a quick switch adapter for data transfer, and a tiny packet of papers that includes set-up instructions as well as a SIM card puller.
I typically use a smaller phone and since the Pixel 7 Pro has a screen size of 6.7”, I was immediately taken with the size of it. It feels really good in the hand. It’s not too large to handle, but it does feel a little weighted - not heavy, just weighted. The camera system was instantly noticeable, too, as it takes up the entire length of the phone.
Set-up of the phone is easy to walk through. You have the option of setting up as a brand new phone or transferring data from another phone. I set it up as a new phone with one of my Google accounts. You will be asked to insert a SIM card or connect to one. After setting permissions on the phone, you will be ready to start using the phone.
Some of the most important features to me on a phone are video quality, audio quality, gameplay, battery life, camera quality, ease of use (general), and call quality. So, those are the areas I looked at closely as I tested out the Google Pixel 7 Pro.
Video Quality: This phone has an amazing screen. It’s crystal clear and very bright. I watched several videos on YouTube including 4K and 8K video feeds. It looks amazing.
Audio Quality: While the video quality is incredible, the sound quality is only above average. It’s only good - not great. The lows sounded powerful, but the bright tones seemed a little hollow to me. I also thought at 100% volume it could have been louder.
Game play: To test out the game play on this phone I downloaded Tetris from the Google Play store and played a few rounds. It was fun. The screen was responsive to commands and the movements and color looked great. I also played a few rounds in Call of Duty Mobile with out any issues.
Battery Life: I would say the battery thus far is very good. Out of the box it was less than 100% full and after watching videos, listening to music through YT Music, and playing games, the percentage had fallen to 53%.
Camera Quality: The camera is also very impressive. It’s a nice camera system and it takes superb photos. I would have been surprised about the size of the camera bump, but I’m used to the iPhone 14 Pro’s camera, which is quite large.
Ease of Use (General): As I mentioned, the phone body feels great in the hands. I also really like that the volume button is on the same side as the power button. It just feels natural. I didn’t have any trouble setting up the phone or inserting a SIM card either.
Call Quality: I made quite a few phone calls with the Pixel 7 Pro and they all sounded above average. I didn’t have any trouble hearing or understanding the person on the other end and they said they could hear me just fine as well.
The Google Pixel 7 Pro is a great smartphone and it is a step up from other Android-based phones I’ve worked with in the past. It’s an impressive device and worthy of the upgrade.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Upgrade your current gaming rig with this iBUYPOWER Desktop. It’s 8GB of RAM and Intel i3-12100 processor lets you run multiple programs at once, and its Intel Arc A380 graphics card renders fast-paced action smoothly without screen tearing. This iBUYPOWER desktop also has a 500GB NVME solid state drive for a faster start up and data acesss.
Customer Rating
3
Not a bad PC, but not good for gaming
on October 24, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
This is a decent Windows machine for basic tasks. The Intel Core i3 chip is a good processor for everyday computing tasks and with 8GB of RAM, this system should run most productivity applications with no issues. That said, do not expect that this system can handle heavy content creation or video work. If you want to do some light gaming on this machine, it could probably handle Minecraft ok, but games with more demanding specs, such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will not be able to work with this system.
The computer was well-packaged with plastic wrap and styrofoam. It is a heavy PC so it getting it out of the box is a little difficult because it’s hard to get a grip on the PC case. If you are familiar with connecting PCs to external devices, getting it set up is no problem. There is a sticker on the back of the case that tell the user to utilize the video ports below the fan assembly. When you remove this sticker you will reveal another set of ports that include several USB-A ports, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, a USB-C port, a PS/2 port, wireless antennae connectors, an Ethernet port, and a microphone port, and a line in/line out port.
I’m not 100% sure what the HDMI and DisplayPort in the main section of ports is used for since I followed the instructions of the sticker and used the HDMI port below that main section. According to the specs of this unit, there should be only one of each type of video port, but that’s not the case.
After connecting the PC to an external monitor, its keyboard and mouse, and attaching the wireless antennas, I plugged in the power and turned the unit on. It started up pretty quickly and seemed to be quite responsive to keystrokes and mouse clicks. The computer is very nice to look at. The case features glass panels so you can view the internals at work. The fans have RGB lighting built in, which is bright and colorful. As PC cases go, this one has a sleek, modern design to it.
As far as performance goes, I want to break this into two categories — standard use and gaming.
Standard Use
The computer set-up process went smoothly. Once I got Wi-Fi connected, updates were completed within just a few minutes. I did some basic housekeeping tasks with it including downloading gaming software. All of this went smoothly. It seems as though the system build can tolerate basic use just fine. The system was responsive when it came to opening and closing applications, browsing the internet, and reviewing system preferences. I didn’t not have Microsoft Office installed, but opening documents in Google Docs seemed to go smoothly, too.
The Intel 12th Generation Core i3 is rated as ‘low’ performance, which is between ‘budget’ and ‘medium.’ Supposedly, that means it will be good as an entry-level processor for everyday tasks. It will also support music and video playback just fine. I can concur that this is a good summary of the processor’s capabilities with this pre-built machine.
With its 8GB of RAM, the machine should also be able to handle heavy applications and gaming activities. I would agree with that with one big caveat — Windows 11 requires 4 GB to work smoothly. Therefore, you do not have the full 8GB of RAM to dedicate to gaming or other performance-driven tasks.
The system comes with 500GB of SSD storage, which should be enough for most computing activities. While 500GB sounds like plenty, there are a couple of things to consider. First, the operating system (Windows 11) is going to eat up 64GB of that storage space and popular PC games are going to require anywhere from 25GB-80GB of storage space, too. If you never loaded any other programs onto this machine, that initial storage pool might be just fine. But, computers’ performance will slow down as their hard drive fills up since computers need empty storage space for virtual memory. Fortunately, there is an additional M.2 slot so users can add an additional SSD to increase the total amount of storage this system has.
Gaming Use
As a gaming computer, I just don’t see this system being viable. I loaded an emulator onto the system so that I could play Call of Duty: Mobile on the PC. The game loaded and I did play a few rounds, but I found the gameplay to be less fluid than it is on my mobile devices. I considered loading other games onto the system, but started to find that most modern/recently released games required at least an Intel i5 processor to operate.
When I found this out, I decided to look at three popular PC games and review their minimum requirements to see if this system met any of them. I looked at Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Elden Ring, and God of War. Each of these games were or are going to be released this year.
In order to be as accurate as possible with the specs I sought out, I pulled them all from the same source (System Requirements Lab).
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (first-person shooter game); release date October 28, 2022
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570
RAM: 8 GB
VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 470
FREE DISK SPACE: 25 GB
DEDICATED VIDEO RAM: 2GB
Elden Ring (action role-playing game); release date February 25, 2022
CPU: Intel Core i5-8400
RAM: 12 GB
VIDEO CARD: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060, 3GB | AMD Radeon RX 580, 4GB
FREE DISK SPACE: 60 GB
DEDICATED VIDEO RAM: 3 GB (4GB AMD)
God of War (action-adventure); release date January 14, 2022
CPU: Intel i5-2500k (4 core 3.3 GHz)
RAM: 8 GB
VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA GTX 960 (4 GB) or AMD R9 290X (4 GB)
FREE DISK SPACE: 70 GB
DEDICATED VIDEO RAM: 4 GB
One of the first things I noticed was that the processor on the SlateHako2110 does not meet the minimum requirements for any of these games. In addition to that, the SlateHako2110 system only has 8GB of RAM to run its operating system as well as any other active tasks.
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570
RAM: 8 GB
VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 470
FREE DISK SPACE: 25 GB
DEDICATED VIDEO RAM: 2GB
Elden Ring (action role-playing game); release date February 25, 2022
CPU: Intel Core i5-8400
RAM: 12 GB
VIDEO CARD: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060, 3GB | AMD Radeon RX 580, 4GB
FREE DISK SPACE: 60 GB
DEDICATED VIDEO RAM: 3 GB (4GB AMD)
God of War (action-adventure); release date January 14, 2022
CPU: Intel i5-2500k (4 core 3.3 GHz)
RAM: 8 GB
VIDEO CARD: NVIDIA GTX 960 (4 GB) or AMD R9 290X (4 GB)
FREE DISK SPACE: 70 GB
DEDICATED VIDEO RAM: 4 GB
One of the first things I noticed was that the processor on the SlateHako2110 does not meet the minimum requirements for any of these games. In addition to that, the SlateHako2110 system only has 8GB of RAM to run its operating system as well as any other active tasks.
Each of these games needs at least 8GB of RAM (Elden Ring needs 12GB) to run properly. I also used UserBenchmark to compare the specs of the video cards required for each of these games against what is included in the SlateHAKO Gaming Desktop. For the most part, the required GPUs had higher performance ratings than the Intel Arc A380 that is in the SlateHAKO desktop. In fact, the only spec that the A380 had that beat out the specs for the games was its age. The A380 was released this year and the other GPUs are well-established in the market.
Summary
This isn’t a bad PC, but I think it’s a stretch to call it a ‘gaming’ PC. I believe that this system needs some upgrades to be completed before it will provide a smooth gaming experience for any user. This would be a good system for an entry-level user who need something for basic tasks.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Zero in with LG UltraGear gaming. Meet the next-level of gaming thanks to an ultra-large 48” OLED , low reflection monitor, for a game-changing, immersive experience. Experience lightning quick gaming with less than 1ms (GtG) Response time and 120Hz (O/C 138Hz) refresh rate on a display with brilliant color with a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio, so gamers willexperience games the way the creators intended. Both NVIDIA G-SYNC compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium compatible. Connect with HDMI 2.1 which provides higher bandwidth than HDMI 2.0 for vivid colors and high-resolution graphics.
Customer Rating
5
A great monitor with lots of features
on October 23, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
For quite a long time, I’ve been trying to get my workspace set up with the ‘ideal’ equipment. In addition to my daily-driver computer (16-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 Max Chip), I also use a 2021 12-inch iPad Pro (M1), and a gaming PC. So, I wanted something that would work as an external display for my daily productivity tasks, streaming video, gaming, photo editing, and video production. I’ve been using a 43-inch LG Smart Monitor because I wanted the larger size and I loved the built-in streaming features, but loved the idea of increasing my monitor size to this 48-inch beauty.
This monitor is designed to work well for an immersive gaming experience. It has a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. The maximum resolution is 4K and a viewing angle of 178º. The screen is not curved, but that isn’t a dealbreaker for me. The monitor has a single DisplayPort input, three HDMI 2.1 ports, an Optical Digital Audio Out port, one USB UP port, and two USB-A ports.
Here are some observations I made while using the monitor over the first few days of owning it.
The monitor has an extremely thin body. This makes it great for using on a desktop or mounting to a wall, but it does make it hard to pull out of the box or positioning without touching the screen. Without its stand, the monitor weighs 34.2 pounds (with it - weighs 42.6 pounds). So, in order to keep it in the best condition possible, I would recommend that two people handle it while getting it out of the box.
This monitor can be mounted to a wall. It utilizes at 300 x 200 mm vesa wall mount pattern. So, as long as you have a mount that can hold its weight and features that size mounting bracket, there shouldn’t be any issues mounting it to the wall.
This is the first monitor I can recall having that I had to connect an upstream USB cable to in order to have power provided to the USB ports. I typically use those USB ports to connect accessories such as lights to the monitor. But I found that you can’t provide power to those accessories without connecting the monitor with the USB Up port. I’m not saying this is a flaw in the design, but to me, it seems different for modern monitors.
The back panel of the monitor has built-in lighting, which I love. I typically add an LED light strip to the back of my monitors but I didn’t have to with this one since they already exist there. The built-in lights aren’t as bright as the strips I use, but it is bright enough to add gentle ambient light to my desk area.
I also love the addition of the remote control. It is a large, bulky remote and I was surprised to have it, but after using it for a few days, I’m really glad to have it. It would be nice if the monitor would auto-detect devices that are connected, but since it doesn’t seem to, the remote makes it very easy to access the input options as well as the menus for settings. I wish it was rechargeable, but I can overlook that as long as the batteries last for a while. It’s been very responsive with detecting inputs and it also provides an on-screen prompt to let you know when there is a device connected to an input.
The monitor has produced a gorgeous picture for me — no matter what I’ve been using it for. The blacks have been very black and the screen is very bright. The colors seem to be very vibrant and there are a lot of presets to work with in the monitor’s menu system. Motion has appeared smooth to me and I’ve used the monitor for a variety of tasks — including gaming and photo editing.
When I hooked the monitor up to my Xbox One X and PS5 I was shocked to see a difference in my game play. I could tell a difference in the refresh rate. Well I think I can. Everything seemed more fluent when playing. I really enjoy the easy switching from from device tot he other using the remote. I just need more room on my desk for all of my gaming gear so I can take advantage of the monitor for everything I use.
So far, I’ve found that this monitor works well with my MacBook Pro with M1 Max, my gaming PC, and even with my iPad Pro. I have the MacBook Pro connected via a Thunderbolt dock to the DisplayPort. The gaming PC used an HDMI port and the iPad Pro connected to the monitor through an HDMI port via a USB-C hub. I did find that I had to change a setting on the monitor in order for the colors to look right on the video signal coming from the iPad.
Overall, this is a great monitor with a lot of features to offer. I don’t have any major complaints.
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.
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Will Google Home work with ECOBEE Thermostat?
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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
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9 years, 1 month ago
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