VADarkstar's stats
- Review count221
- Helpfulness votes832
- First reviewAugust 22, 2014
- Last reviewApril 16, 2024
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The HT-S2000 soundbar delivers high-quality audio and an upscaled cinematic surround sound experience for all your content. Built for the Sony ecosystem, this compact soundbar solution is compatible with Sony SA-SW3, SA-SW5 subwoofers and, SA-RS3S rear speakers and integrates fully with BRAVIA XR™ TVs.
Posted by: VADarkstar
Out of the box, I found this sound bar to have a balanced and clear sound with good volume. I tested it first with music via Bluetooth and received plush and crisp music reproduction. But this is being marketed as a sound bar and NOT as a large Bluetooth speaker.
As a sound bar, this item alone is a disappointment. Here are my complaints:
(1) If you are considering this unit to support a wall television unit, be aware that the width of this bar is less than 32". Under my 65", albeit diagonal, TV, the stereo part of the sound production is much less wide than my TV and sound placement relative to the video placement can be confusing (and occasionally jarring). Sound quality is an improvement but the overall experience isn't worth it.
(2) For sound production alone, this bar is being marketed as a stereo + center + subwoofer experience - 3.1. The tiny bass producing speakers are an embarrassment to the ".1" part of the designation. The narrow width of the bar doesn't really help with the actual experience of stereophonic effects. And because there is no powerful bass support from these speakers, even the slightest background noises can overwhelm any bass experiences this unit can support.
(3) This sound bar comes equipped with a surround sound imaging "thing" that promises an engine of surround sound (also promises an s-force pro front surround). Neither of these two things is a real thing. The bar can, in an appropriate mode, create spatial illusions by directing sound but I haven't been able to create a non-annoying aural environment from any source. The only curious spatial effects I noticed were in sparse environments (my garage) and not in fluffier rooms. Sony has produced, at best, a solid bar with only rudimentary sound.
Overall, the best sound from this bar was in my garage - an unfurnished room with no carpeting. At low volumes, the sound can be very nice, but the tiny bass speakers cannot carry a quality sound experience - and even low-level background noise can interrupt what little bass response is audible.
Alas, this system is expandable with a separate powered subwoofer and with wireless little true surround speakers that pair with this bar. They would sure enhance my experience with this bar. But the price for this unit should guarantee a better sound without these pricy peripherals.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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The 15.6-inch ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 has a new look and features up to the latest 11th Generation Intel Core i5 processor plus WiFi 6E for powerful performance and connectivity. Get 3 months of NVIDIA GeForce NOW’s highest membership at no cost and play games at up to 120fps and 1080p. Terms apply. To deliver expansive visuals in any scenario, its three-sided NanoEdge display with a 16∶10 aspect ratio fits more screen into the chassis, while a Harmon Kardon-certified audio system offers a quad-speaker design to deliver impeccable sound.
Customer Rating
4
Solid Chromebook - Respectable For Cloud Gaming
on April 12, 2023
Posted by: VADarkstar
It is difficult to rate this laptop in any meaningful way using a five star system. My bet is that reactions to this laptop are going to be quite polarized - and I think my allocation of four stars will be of little-to-no help for interested consumers.
Overall, this is a beautiful and solid Chromebook. The Intel 11th generation Core i5 processor is a nice flex here - and with 8 GB of system RAM this Chromebook is very fast and unbothered by running multiple applications while maintaining countless browser tabs. Startup from the solid state drive is very fast - and the base system consumes less than 50 GB of the 250 GB drive. The touch screen is crisp and bright - but it is also EXTREMELY shiny (so reflections and fingerprints can be distracting) and the basic 1920 x 1080 resolution is going to be a problem for even the most entry-level gaming snobs.
I love having a laptop with a keyboard that swivels 360° to allow the device to function as a tablet, but since this ASUS weighs-in at over four pounds, I can't say that it gives off a real tablet "vibe."
The sound by harman/kardon is AMAZING - it actually startled me by how crisp and clean and loud it is! Unfortunately, the laptop is cooled by a fan that is just loud enough to be distracting (and it runs almost continuously while the laptop is in use).
Finally, the 720p webcam captured images quite well, even in somewhat low light conditions (which I think is rare!).
So.....let's talk about gaming. This is being marketed as a "Cloud Gaming Chromebook" - and my own opinion is that the only reason ASUS can categorize it that way is because it supports Wi-Fi 6. With Chrome OS (not Windows), you won't really be relying on the operating system and most processor specs for speed (you won't be downloading games to play directly). Most of the action is in the communication - and I found the wireless performance to be truly stellar. This Chromebook comes with free 3 month trial subscriptions to NVIDIA GeForce NOW’s top membership tier and to Amazon Luna+ and my experiences (with my very fast router) were practically without flaw.
Overall, my impression is that this is a beautiful and desirable Chromebook. And I think it functions admirably well with streaming gaming services. It feels solid and well-built, but it is heavy. I really don't like the glassy reflective screen and I find the fan noise to be distracting. Ultimately, I took off one star because of my specific dislikes and because I didn't think the (non-sale) price was justifiable relative specifically to the graphics capabilities (rated as "budget friendly" in a laptop that is not priced accordingly).
I would definitely recommend this laptop, but only with my specific caveats. I like it very much, but I believe that reactions, overall, are going to be mixed.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Create media from any location that both looks and sounds professional with Go Mic Video. The portable condenser microphone of Samson’s innovative Go Mic is paired with a crisp and clear Full HD 1080p/30fps webcam to create the ultimate solution for anyone looking to make high quality digital recordings. Perfect for live streams, podcasts, video conferencing or working from home, Go Mic Video can be quickly set up and configured to ensure your presentations make the most impact with your audience.
Customer Rating
5
A Unique and Well-Designed Upgrade For Video/Audio
on December 6, 2022
Posted by: VADarkstar
The Go Mic Video is a very small plug-and-play unit that is designed to upgrade your laptop by providing HD quality front-facing video and dramatically improved audio capture. Smaller than a pack of cigarettes, it can stand on its own or can be clipped to your laptop. Operation is very simple - it connects by USB-C to your device and is recognized as a webcam with audio capture. There is no battery to be concerned with and the only switchable feature on the device toggles between microphone capture that is primarily front-facing and microphone capture that is omnidirectional. For my setup, it converts my laptop from having just a poor rear-facing camera to having an improved maneuverable camera.
Audio capture is a dramatic improvement from what the little pinhole microphone can capture on my laptop. The camera improves my laptop's video substantially and has much better low-light capture. While this is not anything close to a professional microphone/camera combo, it is VERY portable and offers improved quality (plus well-designed maneuverability).
Only negative detail is that I noticed that some brightly lit peripheral things can show up as ghost images from reflections on the glass that protects the camera lenses - not a problem if the subject is well lit but it can be a distraction if surrounding objects are brighter than the subject.
This serves a niche function, but I think it serves that function very well. It faithfully serves the tasks for which it is advertised.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Keep an eye on your property with AI powered vigilance. The eufyCam 3 system delivers expansive security capabilities, day and night, in crisp, clear, full-color. Capture everything going on around your property in 4K detail, with facial recognition and expandable storage up to 16TB with no monthly fee. BionicMind AI powers true facial recognition and seamlessly integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Customer Rating
5
EUFY Got Wireless Surveillance Right!
on November 1, 2022
Posted by: VADarkstar
Anker’s new EUFY security camera system solves just about everything problematic about installing a security camera system.
Cameras with 4K resolution have been available in wired and wireless varieties for a while, but with resolution comes the need for great power. Wired cameras can deliver power with chunkier wiring but wireless cameras, especially the smaller ones, require frequent charging. Charging wireless cameras is an inconvenience at best for internal cameras and is an unreasonable requirement for outdoor cameras. I have an older Arlo system that requires attention almost monthly.
EUFY has attacked the wireless problem using a larger battery in each camera. The USB-C charged batteries are said to be capable of lasting a full year on a single charge. But EUFY has added solar charging panels on the top sides of each camera – and, in theory, with about 2 hours of real sunlight exposure, these cameras are supposed to be able to maintain a full charge indefinitely. Of course, indoor mountings would require updated annual (?) charging. My two cameras have been mounted in full and in restricted sun for over a week now and my cameras have never deviated from full charge (yes, that’s a short time frame...but it’s encouraging).
Everything about the setup here is very intuitive. A smartphone app guides you through recognition of the base unit, updating the firmware, and recognition of the cameras. The cameras mount using an easily configurable mount that requires two attaching screws. My full hardware mounting and software installation took less than one hour.
The base unit will only retain 16GB of stored images and video. But the unit includes a mounting rack that allows you to install a 2.5” SATA hard drive for basically unlimited storage. The 16GB of storage is surely sufficient for a setup with very little expected activity – but I was able to add 1TB of storage for just over $40. See photos.
The 4K camera and powerful rechargeable battery make for a chunky and somewhat heavy camera – but the quality imaging and extended/unlimited (solar charged) battery life are worth any objections you might have to the way these cameras present themselves. See photo.
The cameras capture stunning detail in their images. Daylight images are bright and clear – nighttime images, reduced to B&W for greater image clarity, are surprisingly crisp. When motion detection is in place, the cameras produce IR light to further amplify the image capture. See photo of nighttime capture w/o IR illumination.
The AI associated with the operation of these devices seems to be very smart (e.g., detection of humans vs. leaves falling or cars passing in the periphery of the capture). The alarm siren, when enabled, can vary in strength from annoying to ear-piercing – it can be a real deterrent. The cameras offer two-way audio so that you can communicate with them via the EUFY app.
But probably the most significant reason to recommend this system is that it gives you complete control over the capture and saving of images and video without needing a subscription. You can monitor your cameras remotely and review any captures that might have taken place. Additional protection, including offsite storage, is available if you require that subscription option.
And I need to give them a real shout-out for their app. Every detail about this monitoring system is HIGHLY configurable – but the defaults in the app are sensible and changes are incredibly intuitive. After I turned off the alarm system, I was very pleased with the system's defaults. I will probably wander deeper into the configurations as I get to know the system better.
My system includes two cameras, but the base unit will accommodate up to 16 cameras.
Enthusiastically recommended!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Push any adventure beyond the edge with Osmo Action 3. It features a quick-release design for easy horizontal and vertical mounting, and full-color touchscreens on the front and rear for effortless control of parameters and playback. With additional breakthroughs in cold resistance, battery life, and waterproof capability, there's never been a better time to take action.
Customer Rating
5
Challenging the GoPro HERO11
on October 30, 2022
Posted by: VADarkstar
It is impossible to talk about the DJI Osmo3 camera without discussing the GoPro HERO11 camera that was released almost simultaneously (and its predecessor, the HERO10). Both cameras are almost indistinguishable in size and weight – and the cameras are practically identical in terms of operation and navigation. There is no doubt that the design of the Osmo3 was “heavily influenced” by the designs of the HERO10 and HERO 11 cameras. GoPro makes cameras that are truly versatile and outstanding and the company has established itself as the one to beat in the realm of action/lifestyle cameras.
GoPro is, obviously, the one to beat!
GoPro has years of experience on their side to support increasingly capable cameras, but DJI has been making astounding drones with phenomenal image stabilization and “content creation” cameras and DJI’s production provides them with a wealth of creative support at their disposal that absolutely would prohibit a lesser company from offering a camera like this to compete with one known giant. And DJI did not come to play.
The Osmo3 has a better/larger sensor than the GoPros, is waterproof to a greater depth, and has been showing me MUCH better battery life. And, in an interesting flex, while cameras from both companies sport front and rear image viewing screens, only the Osmo3 has touchscreen navigation on the FRONT screen as well as on the real screen – astounding.
In terms of relative feature differences, the GoPro HERO11 only has a couple options that exceed the capabilities of DJI’s Osmo3: the GoPro can take video at 5.3K at 30fps (the Osmo3 maxes out at 4K – both cameras can capture 4K at 120fps), and the GoPro can capture 8x slow motion video at 2.7K / 240fps (the Osmo3 can only capture 8x slow motion video at 1080P – but can capture 4x slow motion video at 2.7K).
DJI and GoPro use different types of image stabilization technology – both are incredible. I prefer DJI’s result.
Small deviations in technology aside, I had a SIGNIFICANT problem getting my DJI Osmo3 camera up and running for evaluation. Basically, after five powers-on, the camera will not continue to function until the firmware is updated - and the firmware can only be updated by connection through a smartphone. Apparently, there was a problem either with the firmware that the camera was shipped with or with the app that is available for Android devices or both (I believe it was both). I was testing the camera using my Google Pixel 4XL smartphone and the DJI app could not locate the Osmo3 camera. After many attempts (and disastrous interactions with DJI customer support!!), I tried a crazy workaround - I installed the DJI iOS app on my old iPod Touch and was able to connect to the camera and update the firmware immediately and continue evaluating the camera. Then, once the firmware was updated, my Android app was miraculously able to identify the camera.
My informed guess is that DJI rushed the Osmo3 out to evaluation so it could compete in real time with the release of the GoPro HERO11 camera. I got an early version of the camera to review so I hope that this camera is being shipped with improved firmware that will avert such a crisis. But I’m concerned that quality control at DJI didn’t catch such a glaring problem prior to sending it out for review – seems like bad business for a company that is not known for shipping out products with poor review.
Final notes: (1) The battery life for the Osmo3 is astonishing – they claim a maximum usage time of 2.5 hours under ideal conditions and settings, but my own experiences with standard video at 30fps have allowed me working times that truly approach 2 hours! (2) This creator kit comes with THREE batteries in a charging case that accommodates all three batteries – their combined high performance shooting time is incredible. Also, FWIW, a depleted battery can be charged to 80% capacity in the camera in 18 minutes. (3) The mounting hardware design for the Osmo3 is the same as the design on the GoPro cameras so peripheral mounts are interchangeable. GoPro cameras utilize flip-down mounts that are part of the base camera, the DJI cameras us a magnetic quick-release mount that attaches and detaches from the base camera. (4) This kit includes a sturdy grip mount that extends out to a length of 5 feet. In the DJI Mimo app, you can use their AI to remove the stick from selfie videos to give the appearance of being filmed externally by a professional. & (5) Be forewarned that super slow motion video is VERY taxing to this camera (and to the GoPro cameras as well) – this camera can get extremely hot in extreme slomo modes during extended sessions.
DJI is pushing this base camera out at fully $100 less than the GoPro HERO11 base camera (as I write this). Assuming it ships to stores with better functioning firmware, then I think they have thrown down the gauntlet.
Enthusiastically recommended!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The HERO11 Black Creator Edition is an all-in-one content capturing powerhouse that makes vlogging, filmmaking and live streaming easier than ever. This complete system features pro-quality 5.3K video, Emmy® Award-winning HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization, enhanced audio and powerful LED lighting, plus 4 hours of 4K recording time per charge.
Customer Rating
4
Great Camera and Suite - Some Poor Design Choices
on October 23, 2022
Posted by: VADarkstar
GoPro has established itself as the one to beat in the realm of action/lifestyle cameras. They make outstanding versatile cameras. And while you can find thrilling and flashy captures of snowboarding and whatnot on their site, I think the best advertising they have for their products can be found on their YouTube channel: see GoPro: Pelican Learns to Fish (filmed on a GoPro HERO4) and GoPro: Lions – The New Endangered Species? (filmed on a GoPro HERO3). The video captures from much older cameras hold up beautifully and GoPro technology and video quality has escalated SIGNIFICANTLY since then. Recent cameras have truly mind boggling capabilities. And the new HERO11 is stellar in almost every way.
This new offering boasts a few new features that differentiate it from the HERO10: a larger sensor, 10-bit color, improved video stabilization, better battery life, and a new 8:7 aspect ratio capture that allows you to select video/photo cropping that best suits your audience (think: Instagram vs. YouTube – Vertical vs. Horizontal).
The options for this camera are a little bit overwhelming for people like me who are unfamiliar with GoPro cameras. There is NO product manual included with the camera (or with this suite of tools) - the full manual is nearly 160 pages in the English-only version so I can understand the difficulty in providing this in multiple languages. However, there are plenty of resources online to hold your hand and get you started quickly with the navigation and features on this magnificent camera.
The base camera without any accessories is waterproof to 30+ feet. And while this is a very desirable feature, it also leads to one of my strongest dislikes about the design of the camera itself. To charge the camera, you must either remove a side panel to charge below the inserted battery (which is not locked-in) or use a separate side panel that does not appear (?) to make the camera’s charging port waterproof. This full panel keeps the charging port protected from water, but there are plenty of options that could have protected this port on the exterior of the camera. It is such a crazy inconvenience that I cannot understand how it is part of a release from a company with over 10 years of experience with these cameras.
Included with this extended creator edition is a media mod – an enclosure for the camera which provides stellar ,clear audio capture, and ports for charging and for an external microphone input – the enclosure closes around the camera with the side panel off (the same panel that must be removed to charge the battery directly). But since the media mod ports are waterproof, I don’t understand why some simpler port protection could have been in place for the base camera. Why not simply have a base camera that charges directly and can also be enclosed in a case that provides additional options?
The camera mounts on stabilizing units by way of pull down flaps. The creator edition includes a multipurpose grip/tripod which can be charged separately to provide extended battery life to the HERO11. The tripod, when connected directly via USB-C to the camera, is supposed to allow you to control the camera by way of buttons on the grip – I was never able to get any of these controls to work through an established USB connection. However, the grip can also be used to control the camera via Bluetooth (which works completely once the camera is turned on and connected). The grip/tripod is very well constructed and is easily the best selling point of this suite of items in this creator edition. But I’m disappointed that it can’t control the camera directly when connected.
The camera sports some truly impressive features for low-light and night photography and time-lapse video, but these options really need use of a tripod. Night captures can be amazing but tend to require longer shutter speeds that aren’t useful for human subjects. A curious and welcome addition to this kit is a rechargeable led light with an attachable diffuser to provide fill-in light for close subjects in low-light conditions.
Because this camera has front-facing and rear-facing screens, even this new extended-life battery seems a little bit weak – especially for people who are much more active than I am. I’m getting usable base camera time of under an hour – with the charged grip attached, I can get closer to three hours. I really think a complete creator edition might be better served by an extra battery. Usable times I’m getting are considerably short of advertised operating estimates.
Overall, this is an outstanding five-star camera with some external problems that make it something less than five-star recommendable (at least to me). But as for the photo/video capabilities of the GoPro HERO11, this is absolutely the one to beat (and, for sure, the one that any other contender is going to be compared to). My own objections to technical details aside....there are countless GoPro videos online that capture lifestyles way more exciting than my own and I have never seen a single one that I would argue is an inauthentic representation of what this brand is capable of.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Meet the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker. Now you can enjoy the ultimate outdoor cooking experience with a powerful grill that does it all. Master Grill, BBQ Smoke, Air Fry, & so much more with 100% authentic woodfire flavor. Powered by electricity and flavored by real burning wood pellets, Ninja Woodfire Technology allows you to easily create rich, smoky flavor you can see and taste with just 1/2 cup of pellets. From backyards and balconies to RVs and beyond, the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill makes it fast and easy to create flavorful meals no matter where you are.
Customer Rating
5
A Crazy Idea That Works
on October 20, 2022
Posted by: VADarkstar
Only an established brand like Ninja could develop and launch such a niche item like this one and get everything so right. For any other brand, the risk would outweigh the potential success.
As for a review, I need to clarify a few things upfront. The 7-in-1 description is potentially misleading - this is a cooking device designed to be used outside as (1) a grill, (2) a smoker, (3) an air fryer, & (4-7) an oven. It can cook with heat from below, with heat from above, with air circulation, and, most notably, with smoke. The base unit that I have includes a grill and an air frying crisper basket. Ninja offers a griddle plate, a cover, and a (short) collapsible grill stand as accessories.
But what makes this item unique is the integration of pellet smoking. Ninja is betting on people purchasing bags of their tiny smoking pellets (and I think it's a good bet). Unlike traditional large pellet smokers that utilize compressed wood pellets for fire (heat) and for smoke, this Ninja controls heat electronically and delivers smoke for flavor using only a small heated pellet chamber.
Ninja includes a brief, but helpful, recipe book that serves as an introduction and quick start guide. And while I don't think you can fit a 9 lb. brisket point in this hefty unit, I was easily able to smoke a 5 1/2 lb. pork half boneless Boston butt roast for pulled pork (see photos).
Package includes enough smoking pellets to support about six smoking sessions. The wood smoke produced is incredible and amazingly strong for the amount of pellets used (just over a half cup each time).
The grilling tray and air frying basket are solid and non-stick and both clean easily with hot water and a soapy rag. The unit, itself, retains a smoky smell and will need to be stored in a garage or porch/patio between uses.
This is a great portable electric grill and mini smoker. It can't replace a large-chambered smoker for quantity but it can more than keep up in quality for smaller tasks. On the road, this would serve as a crowd-pleasing air fryer and mini oven.
Enthusiastically recommended.
Thanks to Ninja for trying-out a crazy idea like this that actually works.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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You can air fry that! The CRUX x Marshmello 8-qt. Digital Air Fryer Kit with TurboCrisp technology features patented TurboCrisp technology crisping tray that cooks up to 50% faster than traditional ovens and 1 silicone baking pan. CRUX is turning up the beat—and the heat with world renowned Artist & Producer, Marshmello. Cooked, puffed, crispy, gooey perfection is yours every time with this 8-qt. Digital Air Fryer Kit with TurboCrisp from CRUX x Marshmello.
Customer Rating
1
A Surprisingly Poor Air Fryer Offering
on October 20, 2022
Posted by: VADarkstar
Air Fryers are everywhere now - with many well known brands offering new features and improved designs that should make one of these units desirable for every home or apartment or dorm. This new entry from CRUX, sporting a hefty 8-qt. heating basket and a well-regulated internal temperature, should be a great addition to the list of availabilities. And, while it has all of the functionalities of a good air fryer, it has so many faults that I can not recommend it for purchase.
Pros: large basket and accurate temperature control.
Cons:
(1) "Digital" - The time and temperature are displayed digitally. That's it. So "Digital" here is just a buzzword. There are colorful icons at the top of the unit that look like controls, but actual cooking selections are made using the crude scrolling controls on the horizontal bar below the brightly colored eye candy (see photo). So: this has a clunky and unintuitive system of settings but it has a digital display.
(2) One of the selling points for this unit is the clear see-through basket window - you can actually see the progress of your cooking without pulling the basket out. This is supplemented by an internal light (picture two, below) which is, theoretically, toggled on or off by the leftmost button. My unit has a lamp which does not appear to be burned-out in any way, but I was unable to get it to turn on during any heating configuration.
(3) Most people buying air fryers are probably new to owning an air fryer - and I would guess that most of those people expect some form of helpful introduction to the technology. The included "Instruction Manual" with this CRUX is barely a pamphlet and there is no supporting help online. There is a chart for Air Frying/Roasting that is wholly ridiculous and practically worthless (how are we supposed to be making donuts in this thing!!!).
(4) A curious addition to this set is a "Silicone Baking Pan" - with no included information about how it might be used (or recipes). But somehow there is a "Cupcake" mode in the settings?
(5) I know this is a crazy observation, but I think it shows how poorly this device was reviewed prior to shipping: there is a preset for cooking chicken wings in the unit and the colorful icon they chose for that feature is clearly a chicken leg.
This is fully functional air fryer that is hampered by a terrible interface and by an embarrassing lack of supporting documentation.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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The G705 Wireless Optical Gaming Mouse from The Aurora Collection is a compact wireless mouse designed to put the power of play in your hands with a contoured fit, soft RGB lighting, and gaming-grade tech. The sculpted design of the G705 makes the perfect companion for all-day, all-out play. This small wireless mouse is purpose-built for smaller hands and welcomes the palm, claw grip and fingertips of all kinds of players. Logitech Wireless Gaming Mouse lets you escape to anywhere, from everywhere, with a USB-C rechargeable, 40-hr battery life (while gaming with full lighting), LIGHTSPEED wireless, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Customer Rating
2
A Surprisingly Disappointing Mouse
on September 10, 2022
Posted by: VADarkstar
This mouse represents another sad example of how when EVERYTHING is a gaming mouse, NOTHING is a gaming mouse.
This is a wireless mouse with a contoured smaller fit that is being marketed as a gaming mouse. It is powered by a rechargeable battery with a reported use time of 40 "gaming-hours." It is also being marketed as a companion to the G735 headset and the G715 keyboard (which share a similar design aesthetic).
The mouse is contoured for the RIGHT hand and would not be helpful to a left handed user. It is designed to fit a smaller hand but I found it to be very comfortable in my very large right hand. The design to fit a user with a smaller hand is a welcome arrival.
The G705 can connect via Bluetooth to any computer but is designed to communicate with Logitech's LIGHTSPEED wireless technology (with included GHUB receiving dongle). Alas, this technology is only available for Windows 10/11 and for MAC OS - Chromebooks are not really considered gaming notebooks but I still think they deserve support for desirable mouse features. Any currently marketed hardware with features wholly unavailable to Chromebooks gets a star off from the start.
Reduced to its advertised essence, this is a mouse, presumably for gamers, sporting support for moody RGB lighting. And while it can supply a lovely under-palm spray of light that is nicely projected from the mid-palm perimeter of the mouse, the functionality of the mouse is a deal-breaker.
Both with Bluetooth connectivity and using their included dongle connectivity, this mouse was plagued with lag. Continuous movement was OK (not stellar), but initial movement was clunky and choppy - every move from still made it look like I was moving the mouse after a long break. For simple computer tasks like browsing and file navigation, the lag was annoying - it was fundamentally unacceptable in games. Thinking that I was being overcritical, I went through a comparison with eight other miscellaneous wireless mice I had here and this newly available mouse was easily the worst of the bunch.
I understand that RGB lighting is cute and desirable but I can't understand how such a well known company can be manufacturing a mouse for this price that is annoying to use even when you're just browsing the web.
Logitech could have done much better. I cannot recommend this mouse for any use whatsoever.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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The Homedics 21" drift sandscape elevates your space and mind, leaving you free to daydream, focus, and create. The metal sphere takes your eyes on a soothing journey through hundreds of ever changing patterns and colors. Customize your ambience with mesmerizing LED mood-lights that you can control from the app. The shifting sands allow you to drift whenever and wherever, to increase relaxation, inspire creativity, boost your mood, and enhance focus. Start to drift in 4 easy steps. After a quick and easy assembly, power up your sandscape by plugging it into an outlet near a desk or side table. Download the app and follow the simple setup instructions, then turn on your sandscape to drift and invite calm in.
Customer Rating
3
Hypnotic and Engaging - But VERY Difficult to Use
on August 31, 2022
Posted by: VADarkstar
This is a sizeable round display box, mine is nearly 2 ft in diameter, that includes a shallow dusting of sand and a small magnetic ball that traces out insanely intricate patterns in the sand - then it overlays those patterns with new patterns. Watching it in practice is mesmerizing - but figuring things out was a mess!
This large and heavy unit came without instructions. I could figure out a few basic things through interacting - on/off, scrolling through colors of back-lighting. But I couldn't get anything going directly through simple interaction.
A guidebook is available online, but it offers little support. Suffice it to say that you need to install an app to fully interact with this unit.
The application is wholly unintuitive - very pretty, but unintuitive and badly designed. I was able to get the device to start with the app but couldn't get it to initiate any patterns. It took countless interactions with the app to realize that there was a way to open up a link to download banks of patterns. So: a device whose only purpose is to create patterns comes with an application that includes NO patterns.
Next: the app needs to have a Bluetooth connection established with the device to send it pattern control. I thought that this must imply that the pattern creation algorithms were controlled directly from the app (and through Bluetooth). But it turns out that the sand table can continue to draw patterns continuously in my absence (so why did I need to start with the app in the first place?). And even now that I know how to access the pattern base, I'm still not clear how my choices in the app are reflected in the pattern cycle of the device.
Whenever I return to the device and open the app, I have to tell it again which device I have. Really?
The table came with two bags of fine white sand - the (online) directions only mentioned one. Turns out that using a single bag produced a covering that was too shallow to display stunning patterns - turns out that using both bags produced sand dunes that prevented the table from functioning properly. Seems like the whole sand issue should have been resolved prior to release.
I tend to like the look of the table without the interior lights on. Ultimately, you can control color and brightness very well using the app but I thought it looked more meditative in ambient light. Also: there were very tiny imperfections in the white coating on the glass cover for the unit - little pinholes that transmitted little distracting fragments of direct light from the box - and little distracting fragments of direct light aren't particularly meditative (see picture below).
But the movement and patterns created here are insane and are very engaging. Initially, I thought the patterns would just be created as valleys from the movement of the ball - so much more fascinating that the really intricate patterns are formed by how the ball actually shifts tiny walls of sand into place.
The mechanics of this device are amazing and the sand table is engrossing and hypnotic and fully engaging. I can't fathom how a company spent so much attention to mechanical detail while creating an application that is practically unusable. There is no excuse for a modern device to have such embarrassing applications - HoMedics is not a new company and the user's experience should not be an impediment to use.
And this is not a cheap bauble. I really can't recommend this.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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