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ryanmcv's Reviews
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Master your flow with the MX Keys S Combo Wireless Mouse and Keyboard — the ultimate combo that combines the power of the fluid, fast precision typing of MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard with the precise, fast scrolling experience of MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Quintessential Keyboard + Mouse Combo
on May 22, 2023
Posted by: ryanmcv
I've used various Logitech MX products for work over the years and was excited to see this excellent package that combines the excellent MX Master mouse and MX Keys keyboard. I've used both in the past, but not the "S" variants which are designed for quieter clicks and key presses. If you are a serious business or creative user who wants the best that Logitech has to offer in one simple package, this is hard to resist.
===MX Master 3S Mouse===
- Incredibly comfortable. Logitech nailed the design of their MX Master mouse and this 3S variant is just as comfortable and easy to hold as previous generations. The ergonomic shape and thumb rest really make this mouse easy to use for hours on end.
- Mouse clicks are incredibly quiet, which is great for working in an office near co-workers or even at home in a quieter environment.
- I love the "Flow" feature. After installing the Options+ program on two computers and ensuring that both are on the same network, this mouse has essentially combined both of my machines into one dual-monitor setup. Just like if you had two displays side-by-side, if you move the cursor through the right side of one screen to the other, the cursor passes over to the other computer on the opposite side. You can even copy text and files on one machine, move the cursor over to the other machine, and paste them. There is a slight delay when pasting, especially with large files, but it's so much more convenient than emailing or swapping an external drive.
- I also like the different scrolling modes used by the "MagSpeed" scroll wheel. You can choose from either ratchet (a slight "click" feedback while scrolling) or freespin, which allows you to spin the wheel as fast as you want, and it will keep scrolling until you stop it. Freespin is perfect for when I need to scroll through 300-page reports.
- The mouse seems to work on practically any surface. I've tried a wooden desk and even a clear glass desk - both worked flawlessly.
- Long battery life, and I love how it is rechargeable via USB-C. So you don't have to worry about having spare batteries lying around.
- The forward/back buttons near the thumb area seem just a bit too small. On several occasions, I've accidentally hit the "forward" button when I meant to hit "back." Not a huge deal - I'm sure I will get used to it.
===MX Keys S===
- Solid, premium build quality. The keyboard is quite hefty (probably over two pounds). Keys are very sturdy and quiet with no wobble. The aluminum finish of the keyboard with easily blend in with many high-end computers and monitors.
- Tons of dedicated shortcut buttons, including those for window management, screen brightness, calculator, and even emojis. I also like how you can "lock" the function keys to either the shortcut buttons or actual function keys (F1, F2, etc.) rather than having to hold down an "Fn" button to access the shortcuts.
- The keyboard's backlighting is beautiful and very functional. It automatically adjusts to lighting conditions and can be further customized in the Options+ app.
- My one gripe is that the keyboard has no feet to adjust its angle, so it will stay mostly flat on your desk. This gives a sleek look, but for me, causes some discomfort after a few of hours of typing. Luckily, this is mostly alleviated by the included palm wrest, which is very soft and comfortable and provides just enough elevation for my wrists and palms.
- Battery life is also great. Logitech claims up to 10 days when using backlighting, or 5 months with backlighting turned off. It is also rechargeable via USB-C.
===OTHER THOUGHTS===
- You will definitely want to install the Options+ tool to manage both of these devices. Setup is easy enough, but for some reason, the program didn't recognize the MX Keys keyboard. I had to enter a special "token" or "key" provided by Logitech into a secret menu of the program in order for Options+ to finally detect the keyboard. I suspect this will be fixed in a software update.
===OVERALL===
This is nearly the perfect keyboard + mouse combination for those who are serious about productivity. I'm glad to see Logitech combine these excellent products into one simple package. Yes, it's absolutely on the premium side of your typical keyboard + mouse combo packs, but in my book, it's worth every penny. I can't imagine using any other mouse or keyboard for hours on end, day after day. They are just so comfortable, so easy to use, and have so many features that streamline day-to-day tasks. Definitely recommended.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
3of 4voted this as helpful.
 
Dyson Zone™ headphones with air purification are scientifically tuned for every detail. The audio technology is engineered for immersive listening in comfort, providing ultra-low sound distortion advanced noise cancellation with a full audio spectrum. A two-stage filtration system delivers purified air that captures 99% of ultrafine particles to your nose and mouth via a contact-free visor. Includes the enhanced battery for extended listening- up to 50 hours with audio noise cancelling or up to 4 hours of purification1 1In low flow mode with Bluetooth on. Performance may vary based on environmental conditions and usage.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Is This Real Life?
on May 3, 2023
Posted by: ryanmcv
After a week of using the Dyson Zone headphones, I still don't know what to make of them. I can't help but think they are a solution in search of a problem. Are they a technological marvel? Sure. Are they useful and practical? That's going to depend largely on where you live, how much you value clean air, and your willingness to resemble a villain from a Batman movie. The good news is that Dyson got a lot right with the Zone headphones. The not-so-good news is that the best parts of these headphones have nothing to do with the air purification system.
===DESIGN AND COMFORT (3 Stars)===
- There is nothing small or compact about the Dyson Zone headphones. They are the single heaviest and largest pair of headphones that I've ever used. Even the included carrying case is bulky and heavy. If you were planning to travel with these headphones, you might want to reconsider your options.
- The design of the headphones is very industrial, consisting almost entirely of brushed metal. The ear cushions are extremely soft and plush, but only the top portion of the head band has padding. The two pieces of the head band that go down the sides of your head are extremely firm, resulting in noticeable clamping pressure while wearing the headphones.
- Clamping pressure aside, the headphones are just plain heavy -- they weigh a wopping 1.3 pounds on their own, and that's with the face visor detached. I can comfortably wear them for maybe a couple of hours before I need to take them off to give my head some relief. Maybe I'll get used to it over time, but right now I just can't imagine walking around a busy city with such a heavy object pushing my head down. You also can't comfortably rest these headphones around your neck when not in use (unless you enjoy the feeling of being choked).
- For my ears, the earcup openings are just slightly too small. I have to wiggle the headphones a bit before my ears "pop" into the openings.
- The carrying case is very durable and sturdy, but it too is very heavy and not ideal for throwing in a travel backpack. I do like the locking knob feature of the case - there's no zipper to mess with.
- Summary: If your head is sensitive to clamping force or weight from headphones, then these will probably be too much for you to handle. Aesthetically, the headphones look great (without the face visor, that is), but comfort was obviously sacrificed to allow all of the air filtration features to packed in. They are not practical to travel with, which defeats the purpose of having a personal air purifier wherever you go.
===NOISE CANCELLATION (4 Stars)===
- If there's one thing Dyson got right with these headphones, it's noise cancellation. I've used all kinds of noise cancelling headphones in the past, including top-end models from Bose and Sony. The Dyson Zone headphones easily match the noise cancellation of the best Bose and Sony models, with maybe a couple minor shortfalls.
- I've worn the Dyson Zones in a coffee shop, in a busy office, and outside on a very windy day. With the headphones set to "Isolation" mode in the Dyson app an no music playing, I can barely hear anything else going on around me. Background noise in the coffee shop and office disappears almost entirely. As soon as you start playing music, the outside world basically disappears.
- The one caveat is when the air filtration motor is running - you can very faintly hear the motor from the earcups when there is no audio playing. It sounds like a whirring or hissing noise. With audio playing, this is basically a non-issue.
- Compared to a pair of Sony WH-1000XM4s that I own, the Dyson Zones let through just a bit more low-frequency rumbles. The Sonys also do a slightly better job filtering out mid and high frequencies like voices.
- The Dyson app has a very neat feature that shows you both in-ear and external sound levels (measured in decibels). This is a great way to visualize how effectiveness of the noise cancellation
- Summary: Noise cancellation is great, especially for Dyson's first swing at the technology. The downside is that other brands have noise cancelling headphones that are just as effective at a fraction of the price.
===AIR PURIFICATION (3 Stars)===
- Here's where things get weird. Air movement/purification is what Dyson is known for, and it's certainly the main selling point of these headphones. Let's start with this: I commend Dyson for this feat of engineering. It's quite amazing that they were able to incorporate air purification into a standard headphone design. For those with underlying conditions susceptible to polluted air, I have no doubt that these headphones will provide small but meaningful improvements outside your home. But for everyone else, I can't help but see these as an over-engineered device in search of a problem to solve.
- That being said, I wanted to test these with an open mind, so that's what I did. Reluctantly, I snapped on the magnetic face visor, turned the airflow setting to "auto" in the Dyson app, and walked for a few blocks around my apartment hoping that no one would see me (luckily, I think I made it home unseen).
- The face visor does not create a seal around your nose and mouth, so its overall effectiveness seems dubious to me. Rather, the visor blows purified air around your face. It feels nice, especially on warm days.
- During my walk outside, the main pollutant reported in the Dyson app was NO2 with a "fair" rating. Unfortunately, there is no PM sensor built into the headphones, so the app cannot report levels of PM2.5, which is one of the main air pollutants in major cities.
- For my next test, I seared some salmon on the stove in my apartment and let the odor take over. After a few minutes, I put on the headphones, attached the face visor, and turned the airflow speed all the way up to see if it would filter out the smell. Amazingly, it worked - the air being pushed onto my mouth and nostrils smelled perfectly fine, and the cooked salmon smell was gone.
- The biggest issue for most people, I think, will be one of self-consciousness. Yes, I was actively worried that someone would stop and laugh at me during my short walk outside. It's possible that a device like this wouldn't even turn any heads in certain cities or countries. But in most places in the US, you're going to attract some attention to yourself while wearing this with the face visor. Maybe that will change over time.
- Summary: It's an impressive feat of engineering, and I don't doubt that certain people will find the air purification hugely beneficial. But for most people, I think this will be more of a novelty than anything else.
===SOUND QUALITY (4.5 Stars)===
- If I didn't know any better, I would have thought that Dyson had been making headphones or audio products for years. These sound amazing for the company's first stab at headphones.
- Highs are present but not overbearing. Vocals and mid-range are crisp and clear. There's plenty of bass and it's not overpowering.
- In the Dyson app, you can choose three audio modes: Enhanced, Bass Boost, and Neutral. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that you can make any manual adjustments to the equalizer. My guess is that a lot of people will prefer the Bass Boost mode, since even with the deep bass of this mode, mids and highs remain bright and detailed.
- Summary: You'll want to feed the Dyson Zones some high-quality audio tracks. Out of the box, these are the best-sounding headphones I've ever used.
===OVERALL===
If Dyson continues to design and release headphones in the future, I sincerely hope they will consider making a model that drops all of the air purification features. Or at least a version where you could entirely remove the air purification system (not just the face visor) to reduce weight. The overall look, noise cancellation, sound quality, and Dyson app are all very impressive. Unfortunately, air purification takes center stage with the Dyson Zone, resulting in extra weight and gimmicks that probably won't appeal to most people. The near $1000 price is also a big turn off, especially considering you can get comparable noise cancellation and sound quality in headphones for a third of the cost. So really, you're left paying quite a large premium for the air purification features in the Dyson Zone headphones. And I'm not exactly sure who is in that market -- maybe audiophiles walking through heavily polluted cities? If that's you, and if you don't mind getting some funny looks, then maybe these are worth considering.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+6points
9of 12voted this as helpful.
 
Holmes 45” Stack-N-Connect Digital Tower Fan #12095 is a convenient way to cool your space. This unique fan features 3 sections plus the base that can easily be assembled and dissembled with no tools and stowed away under a bed or in a closet when not in use, comes with a bonus storage bag. Features a large easy-to-read ClearRead LCD display and digital controls to easily operate the fan. Includes 4 speed options, up to 19.7 ft/sec high-speed velocity with 800 cubic ft/min output and 4 operation modes; normal, sleep, breeze, and power breeze to customize your cooling experience. This large tower fan is ideal for larger living areas where floor space is limited, such as bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms and home offices and has an integrated carrying handle to easily move from one room to the next. Rest easy with the soothing sleep mode option and up to 8 hour auto-shut off timer to conveniently turn off the tower fan. Motorized 90° oscillation delivers cool airflow for wide areas and the convenient remote control lets you operate the fan from across the room. Includes a sturdy base, matte black finish and 3-year limited warranty.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
A Breeze to Set Up and Use
on April 21, 2023
Posted by: ryanmcv
With summer right around the corner, I needed a new tower fan to get some decent airflow in my apartment. I have a fancy Dyson fan in the bedroom, but wanted something a bit simpler for the rest of my apartment. This Holmes "Stack N Connect" tower fan fits the bill perfectly - it is a great value and has a big, digital display that makes it easy to see the fan speed and other settings. Most impressively, it can be easily disassembled into four pieces for easy storage.
===PROS===
- I was expecting the fan to arrive in a tall, narrow box, but it actually comes disassembled in a relatively small package. It's very easy to set up the fan by basically stacking the four pieces of the fan on top of one another. Getting the base plate to click into place was probably the hardest part since you have to line up several different tabs and openings and snake through the power cable. Luckily, the included instructions are easy to follow.
- The fan is 45" tall when assembled and is one of the larger tower fans I've seen. This height allows the fan to push a large amount of air around the room, not just at ground level.
- The screen is large, bright, and easy to read. It only illuminates when you are changing the fan settings/speed. Otherwise, it remains off.
- There is a timer feature to turn the fan off after 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours.
- The included remote is compact and easy to use. There is a convenient slot on the back of the fan to store the remote. You can also control the fan using the buttons on the top.
- There are four fan modes: Normal, Breeze, Sleep, and Power Breeze. I can't quite tell the difference between Normal and Breeze, but Power Breeze basically maxes out the fan's speed and pushes out as much air as possible. Sleep mode seems to lower the power of the fan so it isn't as loud.
- On all modes and speeds, the fan is amazingly quiet, especially compared to my Dyson fan. Unlike the Dyson, there is no high-pitched hissing noise thanks to the large air intake on the back of the fan.
- I was surprised to see the fan come with a storage bag. When disassembled, the bag easily holds all four pieces of the fan so you can store it in a closet or under a bed.
===CONS===
- The instructions don't provide a clear overview of the fan's four modes (Normal/Breeze/Sleep/Power Breeze). You have to just play around with the settings yourself to figure out what each mode does.
- I love the fact the fan can be disassembled for storage and transportation, but the base plate is very hard to twist on and off. I'm worried that I'm going to break one of the locking tabs if I disassemble it too often. The base plate also requires a thumb screw which can easily get lost.
===OVERALL===
This is an excellent tower fan with all the features most people need. There are no gimmicks like Wi-Fi connectivity or a fancy color touchscreen, and that's fine with me. I love the height of the fan, which provides great airflow throughout my apartment. The "stackable" nature of the fan is also great, and it will be nice to disassemble it for storage during cooler months. Recommended!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
 
The Escort MAX 360 MKII can help make every drive legendary with many of the powerful features in our top-of-the-line radar detectors. Like the MAX 360c MKII, it features an all-new internal platform and more powerful components, providing 50% improved range and performance with the included Blackfin DSP chip and advanced false alert filtering intelligence.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Enthusiast-Level Radar Detector
on April 3, 2023
Posted by: ryanmcv
This is the first radar detector I've ever used. I decided to order this after recently getting slapped with a ticket from a photo radar trap in my own city, and it seems like new photo radar cameras are popping up every week around me. They are even being placed inside unmarked vehicles and hidden off the side of the road, moving to new, random places every day. Enter the Escort Max 360 MKII. I'll admit that I was initially intimidated by the number of settings, acronyms, and radar band types, but after several hundred miles of driving over the past couple of weeks, I can safely say that the 360 MKII does almost all the work for you.
===PROS===
- If this is your first radar detector, the good news is that the Max 360 MKII is basically plug-and-play. The included mount is incredibly easy to adhere to your windshield and the power cord plugs into a standard 12 volt socket.
- The radar detector magnetically attaches to the windshield mount and is surprisingly sturdy. I've driven over some serious bumps and potholes and it has stayed firmly in place. It is also very easy to slide the detector off the windshield mount when you are done driving. This is very nice as I live in a major city and would prefer to lock it in my glove compartment between trips rather than leave it visible on my windshield.
- A nice carrying/storage case is included, which is large enough to hold the radar detector and power cord.
- There is a mute button on the power cord, which is a must-have for me since I did not want to have to reach up to my windshield to mute the radar detector.
- In my two weeks of using this, I have not had any false signals from the radar detector. Radar is everywhere on the road these days - in blind-spot systems, garage doors, and more. Every time the detector has alerted me, I've been able to see a police car, digital speed sign, or photo radar camera.
- The 360 MKII has blue directional arrows on all four sides around the display, which is an excellent feature that points to the source of the alert. It works well most of the time, but I found that it often has a bit of a delay (maybe 2 or 3 seconds) before the arrows settle on pointing in one direction.
- You can connect the 360 MKII to the Drive Smarter app via Bluetooth, which is really the easiest way to manage the various settings that are available. You can also leave it connected via Bluetooth while you drive to get advanced, real-time alerts about laser and radar locations that other users have recently reported.
- Enthusiasts will love the amount of settings available in the app and through the on-screen menu. You can customize exactly which bands you want to scan for, change the display color, display advanced signal strength meters, and much more. One day I will find the time to sit down and understand all of them.
===CONS===
- The radar detector can alert you about speed and red light cameras, but you will need to pay a subscription fee to keep this database updated. Additionally, you will have to physically plug in the device to your computer via USB and use the Detector Tools PC application to perform database and firmware updates. Unlike the pricier 360c model, this standard 360 model does not support Wi-Fi connections.
- While I haven't had any false alerts, I've noticed that the 360 MKII begins its audible alerts VERY early sometimes. For instance, the last time it alerted me to a Ka-band detection, I didn't see the police car until almost a mile up the road. So I guess it's doing its job, but it can certainly be sensitive sometimes.
- The power cord is long enough for my Jeep Grand Cherokee (with the 12 volt socket directly under the radio/climate controls). But I don't think it would be long enough to reach into the center console of most vehicles without it getting in the way.
===OVERALL===
I really don't have many criticisms of the 360 MKII. I was worried that it would be hard to learn and use or distracting while I was driving, but that's not the case at all. Anyone can use this, so don't be intimidated. Enthusiasts will love the advanced settings and features, and everyone else can drive with a little extra peace of mind. Highly recommended!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
 
Protect your smartphone with the Insignia NS-14PMMSSILDP Silicone Case with MagSafe for iPhone 14 Pro Max. Its durable soft-touch silicone protects your phone from everyday damage without a bulky appearance. A specially engineered built-in magnetic ring provides compatibility with MagSafe chargers and accessories without needing to remove your phone from the case. And it has raised edges, letting you set your phone down without the risk of scratching your screen or camera lens. A deep purple color gives your device a sleek and modern look, adding a pop of color to your electronics and accessories. Continue to charge wirelessly and give your smartphone the protection it needs with this Insignia silicone case.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Basically an Apple Silicone Case
on March 24, 2023
Posted by: ryanmcv
For more than six months, I've been using Apple's official Elderberry silicone case for my dark purple iPhone 14 Pro Max. It is almost a perfect match with the purple color of the iPhone, but it does not come cheap. My Apple case is starting to show some wear, so I was excited to see Best Buy release an Insignia brand purple silicone case for the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The color is definitely lighter than Apple's Elderberry case, but the fit, feel, and function is almost identical. Best of all, it costs less than half the price.
===PROS===
- The color is lighter than Apple's Elderberry case, but it is still a very nice match with the deep purple iPhone.
- The feel of the silicone is very soft and smooth.
- The case fits my iPhone 14 Pro Max like a glove. Buttons are still easy to press even with the case on.
- It's very easy to install and remove the case.
- The speaker and charging port cut-outs on the bottom are perfectly aligned.
- MagSafe chargers and devices work perfectly with the case on.
===CONS===
- There's no Apple logo on the back. Doesn't bother me, but some people might be willing to pay more to have the Apple logo. I'd rather save $30.
===OVERALL===
I wish this case were available when the iPhone 14 Pro Max was first released. I would have purchased it over Apple's version to save some money. Regardless, I'm glad it's available now since I was in need of a replacement. It's an excellent case and is an excellent, more affordable alternative to Apple's case.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
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Stainless steel precision for a perfect beard, hair and body trim. The Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000 will help you perfect your personal style with our most precise and versatile trimmer. Craft your personal look with this premium stainless steel trimmer, which includes 21 quality tools and accessories for styling your face, head and body. The precision trimming guard delivers a precise trim at the exact length you want, with 5x more precision settings vs the predecessor. The Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000 comes equipped with a body shaver attachment to efficiently shave body hair while protecting skin. The Multigroom 9000 also has Smart BeardSense technology to boost power exactly when you need it to tackle dense, bushy or long beards. The self-sharpening stainless steel blades remain sharp as day one for long lasting performance, no oil required. Plus, the steel frame and rubber grips deliver superior control and the Lithium-ion battery yields 6 hours of runtime. A premium storage case helps you stay organized and is convenient for travel. USB-A charging cable included (wall power adapter not included)
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Another Excellent Trimmer from Philips
on January 29, 2023
Posted by: ryanmcv
I've used a few models of Philips Norelco trimmers in the past, and the design hasn't changed very much over the years. As someone who trims almost daily and cuts their own hair, I need high-quality grooming tools. The Norelco Multigroom 9000 offers a ton of different attachments for pretty much all trimming and hair cutting needs. This top-end model also has a few nice extras compared to the cheaper Philips Norelco models.
===PROS===
- The trimmer has a sleek and premium design. Its almost entirely a brushed stainless steel, so it is a fingerprint magnet. It's lightweight but still has a decent heft to it. It stands upright on my bathroom counter with no wobble.
- The trimmer comes with about 18 different attachments with options for facial hair trimming, hair clipping, and body grooming. There's also a precision trimmer, a nose/ear trimmer, and a foil shaver. There's also a dedicated body shaver attachment so you can trim body hair without getting nicked and cut.
- My favorite attachment is the adjustable precision trimming guard. It combines 11 different guard lengths into one attachment (from 1mm to 3mm) and is easily adjustable by simply turning a wheel. This is an excellent option to use while traveling so you don't need to bring multiple attachments.
- The included precision trimmer head makes it incredibly easy to finish off the edges around beards and goatees. The trimmer heads are easy to remove and put on the trimmer.
- Battery life is very good. Philips claims up to 6 hours of run time, which seems accurate so far.
- Philips says the trimmer is "100% shower proof" so you can use it while showering. Haven't tried it yet, but nice to know.
- This particular model comes with a very nice and sturdy storage case that holds the trimmer and all included attachments. My older Norelco model did not come with a storage case, so this is a very nice touch.
- Extremely comfortable trimming and shaving. I've used 3 guards so far as well as the precision trimmer and foil shaver heads. No nicks, cuts, hair pulling, etc. to report.
- Super easy to clean. Just run the trimmer and attachments under running water and let air dry.
===CONS===
- A USB-A charging cable is included, but there is no power adapter. You are expected to use your existing USB power adapters. This would be fine, but unfortunately Philips uses a proprietary connector on the trimmer. So you can't just use any USB cable to charge - you have to use the one provided in the box. If Philips wanted to go this route, they really should have just went with a USB-C connector on the trimmer and not some proprietary design.
- Most of the attachments are supposedly color-coded so you can tell if they are meant for facial hair, hair clipping, or body grooming. But they are all basically the same shade of gray, so it's very hard to tell them apart at first glance.
- I wish Philips would have made a charging dock for this trimmer so it can charge while staying upright on my counter.
===OVERALL===
This is a powerful and versatile trimmer. It looks great, feels great, and has an attachment for nearly any scenario. Highly recommended!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
HyperDrive DUO PRO is a 7-port, form-fitting USB-C hub designed for MacBook Pro & MacBook Air and is compatible with any MacBook from 2016-2022. This form-fit hub instantly provides Gigabit Ethernet, USB-A 5Gbps, USB-C 5Gbps, MicroSD 104 MB/s, and a 3.5mm Audio Combo Jack. It also features HDMI 4K 60Hz display support and a Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Compatible Port (40Gbps, 100W PD, 6K 60Hz video). Additionally, the universal USB-C adapter provides compatibility with Chromebook, PC or USB-C iPad, and the extended USB-C connectors allow for compatibility with or without a protective case.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Perfect Match with 2021 MacBook Pro 16”
on December 20, 2022
Posted by: ryanmcv
I’ve owned a 16” space gray 2021 MacBook Pro for a few months now, and while I love the machine, I sometimes find myself needed a USB-A port or a dedicated ethernet port. It can be a hassle to travel with all of the adapters/dongles you think you’ll need. This Hyper DUO PRO hub is an excellent option to reduce the dongles you’ll need to travel with, but it’s not perfect.
=== PROS ===
- The space gray color is a perfect match with the color of the MacBook Pro.
- The hub is compact and lightweight.
- The hub does not block the MagSafe charging port of the MacBook Pro.
- Two brackets are included that allow you to fit the hub onto 2021 MacBook Pro models as well as 2016-2022 MacBook Airs.
- An adapter cable is included so you can also use the hub with other USB-C devices such as iPad Pros.
- The top USB-C port allows for 100w power delivery/charging in case you forget your MagSafe cable.
- The USB ports operate at full 3.1 and 4.0 speeds.
=== CONS ===
- The hub fits nicely onto my MacBook, but when I pull USB cables out of the ports, the hub also tends to pull off my MacBook. I typically have to hold the hub with one hand while I disconnect USB devices with the other.
- The ethernet port is awkward to use. I actually broke the clip on an ethernet cable trying to remove it from the hub. There’s a bit of a learning curve to figure out exactly how to remove ethernet cables from this mini-sized port.
=== OVERALL ===
Minor gripes aside, this is a great hub for newer MacBook Pro and Air models. If you need a few extra ports and don’t want to worry about carrying extra dongles or adapters, then you should give this one a look.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
 
Add flair to your flow with Logitech Crayon,L, a versatile digital stylus pencil for iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen), iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Air (3rd & 4th gen), iPad mini (5th gen), and iPad (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th gen) that lets you use hundreds of Apple Pencil supported apps in dynamic new ways. Unleash your creativity and productivity with a seamless writing experience that’s as natural as pencil and paper. Need a thicker or thinner line? Just tilt and the smart tip dynamically adjusts line weight automatically. Logitech Crayon is built tough with 4 ft drop protection and a roll-proof shape. USB-C charging offers up to 6.5 hours of writing time, with power level indicator lights to show battery level.
 
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4
Decent Alternative to Apple Pencil
on December 1, 2022
Posted by: ryanmcv
I've been using the Apple Pencil with my iPad Pro for the last couple of years but wanted a second option to keep at home or in case I lose the Apple Pencil. The Logitech Crayon is a pretty good alternative, but it's missing some features that make the Apple Pencil so convenient.
=== PROS ===
- The Logitech Crayon writes and draws almost identically to the Apple Pencil. The feel of the tip is very similar. Like the Apple Pencil, you can adjust line thickness by tilting the Logitech Crayon so that more of the tip touches the iPad screen.
- Once paired with your iPad, the Logitech Crayon syncs instantly once it's turned on. There is a convenient power switch at the top to turn the Crayon off or on.
- Battery life is very good. Logitech says you'll get 6.5 hours of writing/drawing time on a full charge, and that seems accurate to me so far.
- I actually find myself preferring the size and texture of the Logitech Crayon over the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil is smooth and skinny, which can sometimes make it feel slippery or hard to hold. The Logitech Crayon has a a brushed metal texture which allows for a better grip in some cases. It also feels thicker and more substantial. The downside is that it's a bit heavier than the Pencil, so your hand might get tired more quickly.
=== CONS ===
- If you have an iPad Pro, you cannot charge the Logitech Crayon via magnetic connection to the side of your iPad. In fact, there's really nowhere to store the Logitech Crayon if you have an iPad Pro. Logitech has Combo Touch and Slim Folio cases for the 10th gen iPad with a strap that holds the Crayon in place. Otherwise, you'll just have to toss the Crayon into your bag with the rest of your accessories.
- Charging the Crayon with a USB-C cable feels a bit awkward after having used the second generation Apple Pencil. It's just one more thing you have to remember to charge once in a while. With the Apple Pencil, you never have to think about it's charge level since it charges every time you attach it to your iPad Pro.
- The Logitech Crayon does not appear in the batteries widget on iPadOS, so you will have to rely on the three LEDs at the top of the Crayon to determine its battery charge level.
- The Crayon does not work very well with the new "hover" feature of the M2 iPad Pros. I don't see the "hover" effect kick in until I'm about 2 millimeters away from the screen, which sort of defeats the purpose.
=== OVERALL ===
If you have a newer iPad Pro, I would probably stick with the Apple Pencil that attaches magnetically to the side of your iPad. The Logitech Crayon works perfectly with my iPad Pro, but it's not as seamless of an experience compared to the Apple Pencil. If you have a new 10th generation iPad, this is probably a much better choice than the first generation Apple Pencil that you have to use an adapter to charge. It would be even better paired with one of Logitech's cases that can hold the Crayon in place.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+14points
14of 14voted this as helpful.
 
Game like a pro on Windows 11 with this ROG Zephyrus G14. Double up on AMD firepower with Ryzen 9 6900HS CPU and Radeon RX 6800S GPU featuring exclusive AMD SmartShift and Smart Access Memory technology that dynamically boosts performance for any task. Be confident in screen quality with an ROG Nebula 120Hz Display. Leap into the next generation of memory and storage with 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and 1TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage.
 
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5 out of 5
5
The Perfect Portable Gaming Laptop
on November 12, 2022
Posted by: ryanmcv
I've had a couple of different ASUS ROG gaming laptops over the years, including the larger Zephyrus G15 and M15 models. They are both excellent machines but certainly add some heft to my backpack while traveling. This G14 model strikes an even better balance of performance and portability compared to other ASUS ROG laptops and has some excellent additions like a Windows Hello-enabled webcam, Wi-Fi 6E, and a beautiful 16:10 display.
=== DESIGN ===
- This G14 model is the "Moonlight White" color. Having never owned a white laptop, I was skeptical. But this color is beautiful. It does not show any fingerprints and the holographic microdots on the laptop's lid really add that extra “pop.” This particular model does not have the “Anime Matrix” LEDs on the laptop lid – you will have to spring for the more expensive configuration for that feature.
- The laptop measures 12.2" wide by 9" deep, and less than 1” thick. At just over 3.5 pounds, it is very portable and should fit in any backpack or travel bag.
- There are a decent amount of ports available, though more would be nice. On the left, there's the power port, an HDMI port, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm jack. On the right, there's two USB Type-A ports, a microSD card slot, and another USB-C port. Note that there is no Ethernet port on this laptop.
- Like other ASUS gaming laptops, the power port on the left side is oddly placed right in the center of the laptop rather than towards the back. As a result, the power cord runs along the length of the laptop, which looks awkward and sometimes covers the left exhaust vent. I hope ASUS rethinks this power port placement in future laptops.
- The power brick is surprisingly compact for a gaming laptop. You will need it for the laptop to run at full power, but the machine can also be charged via USB-C with any 100w adapter. Note that the CPU and GPU will not run at full speed when the laptop is being powered via USB-C.
- Build quality is excellent, with minimal flex and no squeaking. Most of the machine is a soft-touch plastic, which is great for keeping weight to a minimum. The hinge is very smooth and can be lifted with one hand. As you raise the display, the base of the laptop begins to raise at a slight angle to improve airflow. I haven't noticed any significant wobble with the display raised.
- Overall: The Moonlight White color is beautiful, and I appreciate the understated yet modern design of the laptop. The power port positioning is an awkward choice, and I wish the laptop had an Ethernet port. Build quality seems top-notch and I'm confident it will last a long time.
=== DISPLAY, KEYBOARD, TRACKPAD, & AUDIO ===
- ASUS has packed a beautiful 16:10, 2560x1600 display into this compact laptop. It’s rare to see a 16:10 aspect ratio in such a small laptop. The extra vertical space of the 16:10 ratio is invaluable when you use the laptop for web browsing or productivity. Pixel density is excellent, and colors are rich and vibrant. There is a small amount of light bleed along the top edge of my display, but it's hardly noticeable except on black loading screens. The 120Hz refresh rate means that games look incredibly smooth with no tearing or choppiness.
- The keyboard is good, but a bit more cramped than larger ASUS ROG laptops. It has a nice amount of travel and it takes a satisfying amount of force to depress the keys. It has just the right amount of "clickiness" that you would expect in a gaming keyboard. The keyboard is RGB-lit, though the entire keyboard can only display one color at a time (there are not multiple RGB zones to control). The RGB brightness is okay at best. I’ve noticed that the letters on the key caps often appear dim against the white color of the laptop.
- The trackpad is excellent. I’ve said it before – ASUS makes the best trackpads of any Windows laptop manufacturer. It is very large, soft, and easy to click. It works perfectly with gestures and is extremely responsive. I do wish the entire surface was clickable — the top portion is stationary and does not click; only the bottom half of the trackpad clicks.
- The speakers are pretty good for a laptop of this size, but don’t expect anything earth-shattering. Vocals are clear and crisp, but there is some distortion at higher volumes.
- Overall: ASUS packed a stellar display into a perfectly sized laptop. The keyboard and trackpad are excellent, though I wish the keyboard LEDs were brighter. Speakers are good but not outstanding.
=== PERFORMANCE, COOLING, & UPGRADES ===
- The RX 6800S in this machine is pretty amazing. Compared to my older ASUS laptop with an RTX 3060, the 6800S offers better performance with cooler temperatures and more VRAM. It is only a small step down from the RTX 3070 laptop GPU.
- Time Spy benchmark: 9266 (graphics score 9144). Cyberpunk 2077 (Ray Tracing Medium, DLSS Balanced): 70 fps average. Guardians of the Galaxy (High preset, Ray Tracing High): 98 fps. Spider-Man: Remastered (medium preset): 105 fps average. These numbers show that the G14 can handle very demanding games even with higher settings. You can squeeze out even more performance if you’re willing to lower the resolution at which games are rendered, but the 6800S is perfectly capable of keeping up with the 120Hz, 2560x1600 display in this machine.
- The 6900HS is also great, but it’s not quite as fast as some modern Intel laptop CPUs. The TimeSpy CPU score is 10,029, which is quite a bit lower than the score for an Intel i7-12700H (TimeSpy CPU score of 11,800).
- Gaming performance will depend greatly on the settings you choose in the ASUS Armoury Crate program. There are presets for Silent, Performance, and Turbo. "Turbo" gives you the best performance and cooling, but the fans get obnoxiously loud if you're not wearing headphones. "Performance" is a good middle-ground with less fan noise, but you will sacrifice a bit of CPU and GPU power (the clock speeds of the GPU will not boost as high as quickly). You will have to spend some time in this program to tweak the performance settings to your liking. To get the maximum amount of performance out of the GPU, be sure to set the GPU Mode to “Ultimate” in Armoury Crate.
- There’s no getting around it: this laptop gets hot to the touch during gaming, and that definitely results in some very loud fans during gameplay. You will most certainly want to wear headphones while gaming unless you have a high tolerance for fan noise. On Turbo mode, most games push the GPU temp to about 80°C, and the CPU to roughly 75°C. Luckily, the fans are hardly noticeable when using the laptop for routine work and web browsing.
- Battery life is pretty good, but it’s going to be LARGELY dependent on how you use this laptop. I was able to get about 7 hours of use with standard web browsing and day-to-day tasks (screen at half brightness). Obviously, gaming is going to result in much shorter battery life.
- The included 1 TB SSD offers plenty of space, but note that there are no extra M.2 slots. So if you want more storage, you will need to replace the included 1 TB drive.
- 8GB of DDR5 RAM are soldered onto the board, with another 8GB SODIMM in the memory slot. The RAM clock speed is 4800MHz. According to ASUS, you can swap out the 8GB stick for a 16GB stick, allowing for a maximum of 24GB of RAM.
- Overall: Performance is great and the RX 6800S pairs perfectly with the 14” display. The laptop gets fairly hot and loud, but that is the tradeoff you have to accept with a laptop with this much power in a compact size.
=== SOFTWARE AND OTHER THOUGHTS ===
- There is a 720p webcam on the bezel above the screen. The camera quality is mediocre, but it is Windows Hello capable so you can log into Windows with just your face. This is a big improvement compared to the unreliable fingerprint readers in older ASUS models.
- The included Wi-Fi card is capable of Wi-Fi 6E, allowing the G14 to connect to very fast 6 GHz networks. I've run several speed tests while connected to the 6Ghz band of my ASUS GT-AXE6000. Amazingly, I can nearly max out my Internet speed of 940mbps (download and upload) with the Wi-Fi 6E card in this laptop. I'm very glad ASUS decided to future-proof the G14 by including Wi-Fi 6E capability.
- The ASUS Armoury Crate and MyASUS apps are essential for tweaking the performance and cooling of this laptop and performing updates, but both apps are very clunky and confusing to use. Luckily there is a button above the keyboard that you can use to switch between your cooling/performance presets.
=== OVERALL ===
ASUS simply makes the best gaming laptops on the market, and the 2022 G14 is no exception. This configuration does not include the fancy Anime Matrix LEDs on the laptop lid, but it is significantly less expensive with basically the same tech specs as the higher tier model (only difference is an extra 16GB of RAM). If you’re a fan of AMD hardware, you will love the pairing of the RX 6800S and Ryzen 6900HS, which offer incredible performance in this portable machine. Even NVIDIA and Intel fans will find this combo very tempting. If a 15” or 16” gaming laptop is too large for your needs, then the G14 could be the perfect option – you sacrifice almost nothing and still get excellent gaming performance. Just be aware of the warm temperatures and loud fans. Highly recommended!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+16points
20of 24voted this as helpful.
 
Nest Wifi Pro gives you super fast, reliable Wi-Fi 6E coverage for your entire home.₁ It automatically adjusts your network’s performance to keep things running smoothly. It’s so smart it can monitor and diagnose common issues on its own. And it has privacy and security features to help keep you and your family safe.
 
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3
Simple Mesh Wi-Fi - Misses the “Pro” Mark
on November 4, 2022
Posted by: ryanmcv
Google’s new Nest Wi-Fi Pro system arrived at just the right time, as I just purchased a new iPad and gaming laptop that are both Wi-Fi 6E compatible. I’ve tried a few different mesh systems over the past few years, but this is my first Google Wi-Fi system and my first one with Wi-Fi 6E compatibility. The Nest Wi-Fi Pro is simple to set up and easy to use, but performance is mediocre at best and it lacks certain feature and settings that would make it an actual “Pro” device.
=== SETUP ===
- Setup is about as simple as it gets, especially when setting up a single node like this particular configuration. Just take the unit out of the box, open the Google Home app, and scan the QR code on the bottom of the device. One issue I had is that the Google Home app does not work with the new cameras on my iPhone 14 Pro, so I was unable to scan the QR code and had to manually type in the code.
- Once the router is recognized by the Home app, all you have to do is choose a Wi-Fi network name and password and then wait a few minutes for setup to complete. That’s pretty much it.
- I wish more advanced options were offered during the setup flow, such as the ability to enable IPv6 and WPA3. These are disabled by default and never alluded to during setup.
=== PERFORMANCE ===
- Bottom line up front: performance is fine for the majority of average home users, but the router failed to saturate my 1 Gbps fiber connection in every test that I ran.
- I tested the Nest Wi-Fi Pro in my 1,000 square-foot apartment. The router is centrally located in my apartment and it covers my entire space without issue. I see full bars of Wi-Fi everywhere in my apartment. Those with larger homes will likely need at least one more Nest Wi-Fi Pro node. Unfortunately, this new model is not backwards compatible with older Nest or Google Wi-Fi systems, so you existing users looking to upgrade can’t just purchase one node at a time.
- The biggest issue is that there is almost zero customization offered for Wi-Fi configuration. Most importantly, you can’t separate the three bands (2.4, 5.0, and 6.0 GHz) into separate SSIDs, so the Nest Wi-Fi router will dictate which band your devices connect to. So even if you have a Wi-Fi 6E device, there’s no guarantee that it will reliably connect to the 6 GHz band. Too often, the router sends devices to the old, slow 2.4 GHz band. This was quite frustrating when trying to test speeds on my new iPad Pro with Wi-Fi 6E. It took about 5 restarts of the iPad before the Nest Wi-Fi router finally decided to let it connect to the 6 GHz band.
- All of the speed tests I ran show perfectly acceptable Wi-Fi performance, especially on 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E). My iPad Pro reached peak speeds of nearly 800 Mbps upload and download while on the 6 GHz band. Over 5 GHz, most of my devices peak around 500-600 Mbps. These tests were done while sitting about 10 feet from the router. Once you lose a direct line of sight to the router, speeds fall off pretty quickly, especially on 6 GHz.
- After a week of use, I can safely say that the Nest Wi-Fi Pro is very reliable. I have not seen any dropped connections, disconnects, or downtime. Speeds are perfectly fine, but the fact that most of my devices frequently connect to the slow 2.4 GHz band means that I can rarely saturate my 1 Gbps connection.
=== FEATURES AND MANAGEMENT ===
- The entire system is managed via the Google Home app. There is no web interface to control anything from a computer or web browser. The Google Home app is fine, but if you have multiple smart home devices that rely on this app, I feel it can get a bit overwhelming.
- The app lets you see which devices are connected to your network and what bands they are on, see how much data they are using, run speed tests, set up a guest network, and set up parental controls via “Family Wi-Fi.”
- There aren't too many advanced networking settings offered with the Nest Wi-Fi Pro, so I’m left wondering why Google is pushing the term “Pro” with this system. If you're a power user who needs to fine tune every last detail of your network, you might be left wanting more. As I mentioned, you can’t create separate SSIDs, nor can you choose the specific channels on which those bands operate. You get some port forwarding and IP reservation features, and that’s about it.
=== OTHER THOUGHTS ===
- The WAN port only supports speeds up to 1 Gbps, so if you have a multi-gig internet connection, you should probably look at other options.
- There is only one ethernet port to connect a desktop computer, home security system, or other device that you would prefer to have hard-wired. If you want more ports, you'll have to connect an Ethernet switch.
- No USB ports for those who would like to create a network storage solution.
=== OVERALL ===
The Nest Wi-Fi Pro system is simple, reliable, and easy to use. The problem is that’s it’s almost TOO simple, and it hardly earns the term “Pro” in its name. Don’t get me wrong - this is a great option for average home users. But don’t buy it expecting it to breathe new life into your shiny new Wi-Fi 6E devices — odds are that they will rarely connect via the 6 GHz band anyways. There are very few advanced options and I have yet to be able to fully utilize my 1 Gbps connection with this router. On the plus side, speeds are perfectly fine for the average user and the router is very reliable with good coverage. Real “Pro” users should probably keep their options open.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+11points
14of 17voted this as helpful.
 
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