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- First reviewNovember 21, 2016
- Last reviewApril 29, 2024
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Fast data transfer speeds reduce the time used to copy large files, while the 256GB provides ample storage space for your favorite data. This SanDisk Ultra Type-C USB flash drive has SanDisk SecureAccess software, which helps you encrypt sensitive files easily.
Customer Rating
4
Great Speeds, Portable Size, Flimsy Design
on July 29, 2021
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
Like many people, I've owned countless flash drives with traditional USB-A connectors. Now that many computers and tablets are moving to USB-C, I've been looking for a decent high-capacity, USB-C flash drive that I can use between my laptops and iPad Pro. This SanDisk Ultra certainly fits the bill, though it's compact size comes with some trade-offs in terms of speed.
PROS:
- The small, compact size of the SanDisk Ultra makes it easy to travel with or throw in a pocket. The USB-C connector easily retracts for safe storage.
- When this drive is on sale, it offers a great value for the amount of storage you receive. 256 GB in a drive this small is pretty incredible. Just a few years ago, this amount of storage in a flash drive would have cost significantly more.
- Speeds are perfectly fine for general tasks and storage needs. Sequential write speeds range from 50 to 70 MB/s while read speeds peak near 165 MB/s. For small to medium sized files, these speeds are just fine. Photos and documents like PDFs and Word files open instantly. Even larger files such as videos seem to open almost immediately. Speed limitations are most noticeable when copying or transferring large amounts of data at one time (more on this below).
- The drive is formatted to FAT32 for universal support across devices. My iPad Pro immediately recognized the drive and I can read and write to it via the Files app.
- The small, compact size of the SanDisk Ultra makes it easy to travel with or throw in a pocket. The USB-C connector easily retracts for safe storage.
- When this drive is on sale, it offers a great value for the amount of storage you receive. 256 GB in a drive this small is pretty incredible. Just a few years ago, this amount of storage in a flash drive would have cost significantly more.
- Speeds are perfectly fine for general tasks and storage needs. Sequential write speeds range from 50 to 70 MB/s while read speeds peak near 165 MB/s. For small to medium sized files, these speeds are just fine. Photos and documents like PDFs and Word files open instantly. Even larger files such as videos seem to open almost immediately. Speed limitations are most noticeable when copying or transferring large amounts of data at one time (more on this below).
- The drive is formatted to FAT32 for universal support across devices. My iPad Pro immediately recognized the drive and I can read and write to it via the Files app.
CONS:
- I appreciate the compact size, but the plastic design feels a bit flimsy. I worry that the retracting mechanism will eventually break and the drive might be stuck open or closed. As it is, it can sometimes feel difficult to retract the USB-C connector (it seems like a lot of force is required).
- Speeds are very inconsistent when transferring a lot of data to or from this drive. While writing large amounts of data (300+ MB), speeds sometimes start out very high (~65 MB/s) but slowly fall into the 40-50 MB/s range. Other times, writing data starts off very slowly (~15 MB/s) but slowly increases to near 60 MB/s as more data is written. I suppose that is the nature of small flash drives like this. It's certainly not a deal-breaker, but could be an issue if you regularly work with large files (such as video editing).
- The front of the packaging advertises SanDisk SecureAccess as a way to easily encrypt your files, but that software is not provided on the flash drive. A link to download it is included in the very tiny fine print on the back of the package. The software overall works well, though business users might prefer an easier or more universal solution such as BitLocker.
- I appreciate the compact size, but the plastic design feels a bit flimsy. I worry that the retracting mechanism will eventually break and the drive might be stuck open or closed. As it is, it can sometimes feel difficult to retract the USB-C connector (it seems like a lot of force is required).
- Speeds are very inconsistent when transferring a lot of data to or from this drive. While writing large amounts of data (300+ MB), speeds sometimes start out very high (~65 MB/s) but slowly fall into the 40-50 MB/s range. Other times, writing data starts off very slowly (~15 MB/s) but slowly increases to near 60 MB/s as more data is written. I suppose that is the nature of small flash drives like this. It's certainly not a deal-breaker, but could be an issue if you regularly work with large files (such as video editing).
- The front of the packaging advertises SanDisk SecureAccess as a way to easily encrypt your files, but that software is not provided on the flash drive. A link to download it is included in the very tiny fine print on the back of the package. The software overall works well, though business users might prefer an easier or more universal solution such as BitLocker.
OVERALL:
Minor issues aside, this appears to be a great flash drive with a truly incredible amount of storage for the price. Speeds are more than acceptable for the vast majority of use cases. The USB-C connector allows you to access your files on virtually any modern computer or tablet. I wish SanDisk would have used a sturdier material rather than the cheap plastic, but if this model is anything like other SanDisk drives I've owned, it will last for years to come. Recommended!
Minor issues aside, this appears to be a great flash drive with a truly incredible amount of storage for the price. Speeds are more than acceptable for the vast majority of use cases. The USB-C connector allows you to access your files on virtually any modern computer or tablet. I wish SanDisk would have used a sturdier material rather than the cheap plastic, but if this model is anything like other SanDisk drives I've owned, it will last for years to come. Recommended!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
True wireless noise cancelling Beats Studio Bud are made for music. Designed with a custom acoustic platform, Beats Studio Bud are engineered to deliver powerful, balanced sound in a compact, in-ear form factor. The result — immersive sound that pulls the emotion of music from the studio to your ears to keep you inspired. These earbuds feature two listening modes, Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode, to give you total control of your sound. Each earbud has up to 8 hours of listening time⁴ with two additional charges provided by its pocket-sized charging case to give you up to 24 hours of combined playback.⁵ Beats Studio Bud also offer simple one-touch pairing for Apple¹ and Android² devices.
Customer Rating
4
A Step Above Standard AirPods
on June 29, 2021
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
I've owned a few pairs of AirPods over the years, but this is my first pair of Beats-branded headphones or earbuds. AirPods have always been a bit difficult to use with non-Apple devices, and Apple appears to be trying to fill that gap with these new Beats Studio Buds. They are missing a few nice features that you'd get with AirPods, but they also offer a great value for the price.
PROS:
- On iOS devices, the Studio Buds behave much like AirPods. They are recognized by my iPhone as soon as I open the case with a pop-up for instant pairing. You can see the battery percentages of the buds and the case in your notification center and also control the noise cancellation mode through Control Center. The Studio Buds appear in the "Find My" app in case you lose them. You also get Spatial Audio, allowing you to experience the new Dolby Atmos tracks on Apple Music.
- The Studio Buds provide the most Apple-like experience to Android users compared to any other Apple or Beats device. They support the new Google Fast Pair standard, so they instantly pair with your Android phone when the case is opened for the first time. There is a dedicated Beats Android app used to adjust noise cancellation settings.
- The Studio Buds are surprisingly compact and comfortable. Unlike AirPods, there is no stem that sticks down, and the buds protrude only slightly from my ears. I've worn the Studio Buds for many hours now with the pre-installed medium ear tips and they are very comfortable. After a few minutes, I hardly notice them. I also went on a run with them and they stayed nice and snug in my ears.
- I like the fact that both buds have physical buttons to control play/pause, fast-forward/rewind, and noise cancellation/transparency. Both buttons perform the same functions, so there is no need to remember which button to push to perform a certain function. Even better is that these are actual, physical buttons that you press - not touch controls that might not work with sweaty hands.
- For the price and size, sound quality is rather impressive. These buds include active noise cancellation, although it seems to be more of an afterthought (more on that below). The Studio Buds have plenty of bass, but I've certainly used other buds that pack more of a "kick." The sound profile overall is very crisp and balanced, with nice separation of mids and highs.
- The case charges over USB-C, which will be welcome news to iOS and Android users alike trying to minimize the amount of cables they carry around.
- On iOS devices, the Studio Buds behave much like AirPods. They are recognized by my iPhone as soon as I open the case with a pop-up for instant pairing. You can see the battery percentages of the buds and the case in your notification center and also control the noise cancellation mode through Control Center. The Studio Buds appear in the "Find My" app in case you lose them. You also get Spatial Audio, allowing you to experience the new Dolby Atmos tracks on Apple Music.
- The Studio Buds provide the most Apple-like experience to Android users compared to any other Apple or Beats device. They support the new Google Fast Pair standard, so they instantly pair with your Android phone when the case is opened for the first time. There is a dedicated Beats Android app used to adjust noise cancellation settings.
- The Studio Buds are surprisingly compact and comfortable. Unlike AirPods, there is no stem that sticks down, and the buds protrude only slightly from my ears. I've worn the Studio Buds for many hours now with the pre-installed medium ear tips and they are very comfortable. After a few minutes, I hardly notice them. I also went on a run with them and they stayed nice and snug in my ears.
- I like the fact that both buds have physical buttons to control play/pause, fast-forward/rewind, and noise cancellation/transparency. Both buttons perform the same functions, so there is no need to remember which button to push to perform a certain function. Even better is that these are actual, physical buttons that you press - not touch controls that might not work with sweaty hands.
- For the price and size, sound quality is rather impressive. These buds include active noise cancellation, although it seems to be more of an afterthought (more on that below). The Studio Buds have plenty of bass, but I've certainly used other buds that pack more of a "kick." The sound profile overall is very crisp and balanced, with nice separation of mids and highs.
- The case charges over USB-C, which will be welcome news to iOS and Android users alike trying to minimize the amount of cables they carry around.
CONS:
- Beats and Apple make a point of calling these "active noise cancelling" buds, but the noise cancellation is very minimal. I hardly notice a difference when I turn noise cancellation off completely. With it on, I can still hear a lot of ambient noise like typing on a keyboard, traffic noise, and voices. I can't imagine these would do very well on an airplane. On the other hand, "transparency" mode works pretty well and should serve you well for holding quick conversations with the Studio Buds in your ears.
- The case does not support wireless charging, something that seems to be somewhat standard in premium wireless earbuds.
- Your music or content does not pause when you take the buds out of your ears. This was surprising to me given how Apple is usually very attentive to details like this.
- If you have multiple Apple devices, these will not automatically switch over from one to the other when you start playing content.
- Microphone performance is poor, at best. People on the other end of my calls reported that I sounded "far away" or that my voice was distorted. In louder areas, the mic pics up a lot of ambient noise.
- Beats and Apple make a point of calling these "active noise cancelling" buds, but the noise cancellation is very minimal. I hardly notice a difference when I turn noise cancellation off completely. With it on, I can still hear a lot of ambient noise like typing on a keyboard, traffic noise, and voices. I can't imagine these would do very well on an airplane. On the other hand, "transparency" mode works pretty well and should serve you well for holding quick conversations with the Studio Buds in your ears.
- The case does not support wireless charging, something that seems to be somewhat standard in premium wireless earbuds.
- Your music or content does not pause when you take the buds out of your ears. This was surprising to me given how Apple is usually very attentive to details like this.
- If you have multiple Apple devices, these will not automatically switch over from one to the other when you start playing content.
- Microphone performance is poor, at best. People on the other end of my calls reported that I sounded "far away" or that my voice was distorted. In louder areas, the mic pics up a lot of ambient noise.
OVERALL:
The Beats Studio Buds offer a nice step up from Apple's standard AirPods, especially for Android users. I prefer the design of the Studio Buds to AirPods, but there are some Apple-centric features missing like automatic pausing and device switching. I also found the Studio Buds more comfortable than standard AirPods with a more well-rounded sound profile. Apple users who want the full Apple experience may want to look at the AirPods Pro, but for those who are willing to sacrifice some small features - including Android users - the Beats Studio Buds represent a nice compromise and a good value. Recommended!
The Beats Studio Buds offer a nice step up from Apple's standard AirPods, especially for Android users. I prefer the design of the Studio Buds to AirPods, but there are some Apple-centric features missing like automatic pausing and device switching. I also found the Studio Buds more comfortable than standard AirPods with a more well-rounded sound profile. Apple users who want the full Apple experience may want to look at the AirPods Pro, but for those who are willing to sacrifice some small features - including Android users - the Beats Studio Buds represent a nice compromise and a good value. Recommended!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+177points
213of 249voted this as helpful.
Ninja Foodi Smoothie Bowl Maker & Nutrient Extractor* with smartTORQUE. One base—multi-functions. Power through ingredients to make smooth drinks with the Nutrient Extraction* Cup or thick bowls with the Smoothie Bowl Maker with built-in tamper.
Customer Rating
5
Perfect Size, Incredible Power
on June 17, 2021
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
Making smoothies and shakes in my old blender has always been a chore due to its size and confusing buttons and settings. With this personal-sized Nutri-Blender Pro, Ninja has taken the guesswork out of using a blender. With a very small footprint, it is a perfect size for individual smoothies and drinks. It is incredibly powerful for such a small blender - I have made smoothies, milkshakes, and frozen drinks, all perfectly blended.
PROS:
- I kept my old blender in a cabinet under my kitchen counter because it was unsightly and took up too much counter space. The Nutri-Blender Pro is smaller than a coffee maker and looks great on my counter. It has suction cups on the bottom to keep it stationary while the blender is running.
- There is practically no setup or assembly required. Just take it out of the box and plug it in. No need to program anything.
- I love that the blender comes with two cups and lids. You blend directly in the cups - there is no large pitcher that you have to worry about storing or cleaning. The cup lids have spouts on them so you can take the cups with you and drink on-the-go.
- The cups, lids, and blade assembly are all dishwasher safe, meaning that cleaning is super easy.
- No guesswork required. If you want to make a smoothie, just press the "Smoothie" button. To crush ice and fruit into frozen drinks, use the "Crush" button. Then just sit back and wait for the timer to run down. You'll have a delicious drink in less than 60 seconds.
- If you want more control over the blending process, you can use the "Start/Stop" and "Pulse" buttons. "Start/Stop" will run the blender continuously for up to 60 seconds. The "Pulse" button will run the blender based on how long you hold down the button.
- Don't be fooled by its size: this is a powerful blender. It has handled everything I've thrown at it with ease: frozen fruit, bananas, vegetables, ice, spinach, etc. -- all perfectly blended with no "chunks" left over.
- The blender comes with a recipe book with about 20 recipes for smoothies and frozen drinks. They all look good, but my favorite is the Berry Almond Smoothie.
- I kept my old blender in a cabinet under my kitchen counter because it was unsightly and took up too much counter space. The Nutri-Blender Pro is smaller than a coffee maker and looks great on my counter. It has suction cups on the bottom to keep it stationary while the blender is running.
- There is practically no setup or assembly required. Just take it out of the box and plug it in. No need to program anything.
- I love that the blender comes with two cups and lids. You blend directly in the cups - there is no large pitcher that you have to worry about storing or cleaning. The cup lids have spouts on them so you can take the cups with you and drink on-the-go.
- The cups, lids, and blade assembly are all dishwasher safe, meaning that cleaning is super easy.
- No guesswork required. If you want to make a smoothie, just press the "Smoothie" button. To crush ice and fruit into frozen drinks, use the "Crush" button. Then just sit back and wait for the timer to run down. You'll have a delicious drink in less than 60 seconds.
- If you want more control over the blending process, you can use the "Start/Stop" and "Pulse" buttons. "Start/Stop" will run the blender continuously for up to 60 seconds. The "Pulse" button will run the blender based on how long you hold down the button.
- Don't be fooled by its size: this is a powerful blender. It has handled everything I've thrown at it with ease: frozen fruit, bananas, vegetables, ice, spinach, etc. -- all perfectly blended with no "chunks" left over.
- The blender comes with a recipe book with about 20 recipes for smoothies and frozen drinks. They all look good, but my favorite is the Berry Almond Smoothie.
CONS:
- This thing is LOUD. I think it is louder than any vacuum cleaner I've owned. Luckily, it only needs to run for less than a minute, but just know that you'll probably wake up the whole house if you use this late at night!
- I wish it would have come with two blade assemblies (one for each cup), but it's easy enough to wash it between uses.
- This thing is LOUD. I think it is louder than any vacuum cleaner I've owned. Luckily, it only needs to run for less than a minute, but just know that you'll probably wake up the whole house if you use this late at night!
- I wish it would have come with two blade assemblies (one for each cup), but it's easy enough to wash it between uses.
OVERALL:
This is an excellent blender to make single servings of smoothies and frozen drinks. I love its compact size and impressive power. If you've never made a smoothie before, don't worry - there's no learning curve here. If you can press a button, you can use this blender. It's that simple. Highly recommended!
This is an excellent blender to make single servings of smoothies and frozen drinks. I love its compact size and impressive power. If you've never made a smoothie before, don't worry - there's no learning curve here. If you can press a button, you can use this blender. It's that simple. Highly recommended!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+7points
7of 7voted this as helpful.
Harness your PC's potential with the 980. Whether you need a boost for gaming or a seamless workflow for heavy graphics, the 980 is a smart choice for outstanding SSD performance — and it's all backed by an NVMe* interface and PCIe 3.0 technology.
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
Samsung's lineup of SSDs can often be confusing with the various numbers and naming schemes. With this 980 NVMe SSD, Samsung has introduced an SSD that hits a great balance of price and performance - and there are no confusing marketing terms like "EVO" or "QVO" to figure out.
PROS:
- Speeds are very fast, though not as fast as top-of-the-line NVMe SSDs. On this 500 GB model, sequential read speeds top out at roughly 3,200 MB/s, and sequential write speeds land at about 2,300 MB/s. See the attached benchmark screenshot for more details. Random read/write speeds are slower, but that is simply the nature of this drive since it runs on the PCIe 3.0 interface and does not have DRAM (more on this below). For general day-to-day computing and storage of games or media files, these speeds are great and infinitely better than a standard mechanical drive or even a 2.5-inch SATA-based SSD.
- The 980 is offered in sizes up to 1 TB and the price per gigabyte is likely the best Samsung has ever offered in an NVMe SSD.
- I installed this in the spare SSD slot of my new ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 gaming laptop. I've loaded several games to it so far including Cyberpunk 2077 and Resident Evil Village. Load times are excellent and indistinguishable from a higher-end Samsung EVO Pro drive I have in my desktop PC.
- Speeds are very fast, though not as fast as top-of-the-line NVMe SSDs. On this 500 GB model, sequential read speeds top out at roughly 3,200 MB/s, and sequential write speeds land at about 2,300 MB/s. See the attached benchmark screenshot for more details. Random read/write speeds are slower, but that is simply the nature of this drive since it runs on the PCIe 3.0 interface and does not have DRAM (more on this below). For general day-to-day computing and storage of games or media files, these speeds are great and infinitely better than a standard mechanical drive or even a 2.5-inch SATA-based SSD.
- The 980 is offered in sizes up to 1 TB and the price per gigabyte is likely the best Samsung has ever offered in an NVMe SSD.
- I installed this in the spare SSD slot of my new ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 gaming laptop. I've loaded several games to it so far including Cyberpunk 2077 and Resident Evil Village. Load times are excellent and indistinguishable from a higher-end Samsung EVO Pro drive I have in my desktop PC.
CONS:
- This is Samsung's first NVMe drive that does not have on-board DRAM, which causes a hit to performance in some scenarios. Having DRAM basically provides a map of the drive for your computer so it can quickly find the data it needs to access. Without DRAM, this "map" is stored on the SSD's flash storage itself, which is slower than DRAM. In real-world usage, this slowdown should only be noticeable in the largest of workflows (like 4K video editing).
- The DRAM-less nature of the drive will mean that things like large anti-virus scans or performing a text search through multiple documents may take longer compared to more expensive consumer drives.
- This is Samsung's first NVMe drive that does not have on-board DRAM, which causes a hit to performance in some scenarios. Having DRAM basically provides a map of the drive for your computer so it can quickly find the data it needs to access. Without DRAM, this "map" is stored on the SSD's flash storage itself, which is slower than DRAM. In real-world usage, this slowdown should only be noticeable in the largest of workflows (like 4K video editing).
- The DRAM-less nature of the drive will mean that things like large anti-virus scans or performing a text search through multiple documents may take longer compared to more expensive consumer drives.
OVERALL:
For the average home user, there are practically no downsides to this drive. It is perfect to use as a boot drive for Windows or to store games and other media. For those who frequently work with very large files and transfer a ton of data every day, then the performance hit caused by the lack of DRAM is definitely something to keep in mind. But for everyone else, that should be a non-issue and this drive will last a very long time and provide plenty of speed. Recommended!
For the average home user, there are practically no downsides to this drive. It is perfect to use as a boot drive for Windows or to store games and other media. For those who frequently work with very large files and transfer a ton of data every day, then the performance hit caused by the lack of DRAM is definitely something to keep in mind. But for everyone else, that should be a non-issue and this drive will last a very long time and provide plenty of speed. Recommended!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+8points
8of 8voted this as helpful.
The HP ENVY 6455e makes it easy to print, scan and copy creative projects, borderless photos and homework with automatic 2-sided printing and the automatic document feeder. It includes the optional HP+ Smart Printing System that keeps itself up to date and ready to print from virtually anywhere at any time—at no additional cost.
Customer Rating
4
Excellent Choice for Home Printing
on April 24, 2021
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
I haven't owned a printer for a few years since I've always been turned off by the high costs of ink cartridges and the clunky designs and performance of older printers. The HP ENVY 6455e shows just how far printer technology has come in just a few years. It has a sleek, minimalist design and does everything I need as a home user (with occasional work-from-home needs). I was skeptical of the HP+ and Instant Ink programs, but it seems like this setup will actually save me money in the long run.
=== SETUP ===
- The Envy 6455e has a pretty small footprint and fits nicely on a desk or shelf. The printer has a USB port if you prefer a wired connection to your computer, but a USB cable is not included with the printer. The preferred setup method is via wireless connection through the HP Smart app for iOS or Android.
- I set up the printer through the HP Smart app and it could not have been easier. The printer connected to my Wi-Fi network without issue and was up and running in less than 10 minutes.
- My Windows 10 computers recognized the printer instantly and automatically installed the HP Smart app. No configuration required.
- Some of the advanced settings for the printer (such as networking, Bluetooth, etc.) are burried deep within the HP Smart app, and you will need the PIN that is on a sticker on the inside of the printer to access some of these settings.
- Unfortunately, you can't adjust any settings using the buttons on the printer itself -- everything is done via the HP Smart app (including adjustments to the LED light on the front of the printer).
- The Envy 6455e has a pretty small footprint and fits nicely on a desk or shelf. The printer has a USB port if you prefer a wired connection to your computer, but a USB cable is not included with the printer. The preferred setup method is via wireless connection through the HP Smart app for iOS or Android.
- I set up the printer through the HP Smart app and it could not have been easier. The printer connected to my Wi-Fi network without issue and was up and running in less than 10 minutes.
- My Windows 10 computers recognized the printer instantly and automatically installed the HP Smart app. No configuration required.
- Some of the advanced settings for the printer (such as networking, Bluetooth, etc.) are burried deep within the HP Smart app, and you will need the PIN that is on a sticker on the inside of the printer to access some of these settings.
- Unfortunately, you can't adjust any settings using the buttons on the printer itself -- everything is done via the HP Smart app (including adjustments to the LED light on the front of the printer).
=== PRINTING ===
- Printing quality is very good for an inkjet printer. I'm sure there are better options out there if you need professional quality photo and graphic printing, but for standard home use, it's great. I noticed zero alignment problems and no distortion in printed text or images.
- The printer supports duplex (double-sided) printing, which I was surprised to see in such a small machine.
- The paper tray only holds about 100 pages, so you might find yourself adding paper frequently if you print more than a few pages a day.
- Only letter-sized (8.5x11) paper is supported, but you can print many sizes of envelopes (up to #10 size).
- Printing speed is pretty quick, but this is not designed for high-volume printing. Noise levels are about what you'd expect from an inkjet while printing -- not quiet, but not loud either.
- The ink cartridges seem very small (at least the included ones). My guess is that they will only last about 100-200 pages before needing to be changed. Hopefully the ones sent via the HP+ Instant Ink program will be larger.
- Printing quality is very good for an inkjet printer. I'm sure there are better options out there if you need professional quality photo and graphic printing, but for standard home use, it's great. I noticed zero alignment problems and no distortion in printed text or images.
- The printer supports duplex (double-sided) printing, which I was surprised to see in such a small machine.
- The paper tray only holds about 100 pages, so you might find yourself adding paper frequently if you print more than a few pages a day.
- Only letter-sized (8.5x11) paper is supported, but you can print many sizes of envelopes (up to #10 size).
- Printing speed is pretty quick, but this is not designed for high-volume printing. Noise levels are about what you'd expect from an inkjet while printing -- not quiet, but not loud either.
- The ink cartridges seem very small (at least the included ones). My guess is that they will only last about 100-200 pages before needing to be changed. Hopefully the ones sent via the HP+ Instant Ink program will be larger.
=== SCANNING ==
- Like everything else, the scanner is perfectly adequate for home use. I've scanned several black-and-white documents while working from home as well as some old photos. Everything I've scanned looks great with no distortion. Colors in scanned photos/documents seem pretty accurate if not a bit washed out.
- I prefer to scan using the HP Smart app on Windows, which allows you to easily edit and crop scans before saving them to PDF or JPG.
- The scanner supports up to 1200 dpi, which is good for a small home printer.
- The auto feeder on top of the printer works great for scanning multi-page documents. It supports up to 35 pages and surprisingly scans pages pretty quickly.
- Like everything else, the scanner is perfectly adequate for home use. I've scanned several black-and-white documents while working from home as well as some old photos. Everything I've scanned looks great with no distortion. Colors in scanned photos/documents seem pretty accurate if not a bit washed out.
- I prefer to scan using the HP Smart app on Windows, which allows you to easily edit and crop scans before saving them to PDF or JPG.
- The scanner supports up to 1200 dpi, which is good for a small home printer.
- The auto feeder on top of the printer works great for scanning multi-page documents. It supports up to 35 pages and surprisingly scans pages pretty quickly.
=== HP+ / INSTANT INK ===
- I'll admit I was skeptical about this program, since it seems at first to just be another subscription to keep track of. But I was pleasantly surprised to see that the instant ink plans are actually very affordable with options for light and heavy users. For as little as 99 cents a month, you can make sure you never run out of ink or have to worry about buying expensive cartridges.
- The downside to signing up for HP+ is that you have to keep your printer connected to the Internet, and you can only use genuine HP ink cartridges going forward. That means if you cancel the instant ink subscription (which you can do at any time), you can't buy cheaper knock-off brands or refill old cartridges. Given the small cost of the instant ink subscription, I'd say it's worth the trade off.
- Signing up for HP+ also unlocks the full features of the HP Smart app, allowing you to initiate print jobs from anywhere and send "mobile faxes."
- I don't usually recommend signing up for something that requires an "always on" Internet connection or locks you into using one brand's accessories. But for something like a printer -- where I just want to set it up and forget about it -- I don't mind it.
- I'll admit I was skeptical about this program, since it seems at first to just be another subscription to keep track of. But I was pleasantly surprised to see that the instant ink plans are actually very affordable with options for light and heavy users. For as little as 99 cents a month, you can make sure you never run out of ink or have to worry about buying expensive cartridges.
- The downside to signing up for HP+ is that you have to keep your printer connected to the Internet, and you can only use genuine HP ink cartridges going forward. That means if you cancel the instant ink subscription (which you can do at any time), you can't buy cheaper knock-off brands or refill old cartridges. Given the small cost of the instant ink subscription, I'd say it's worth the trade off.
- Signing up for HP+ also unlocks the full features of the HP Smart app, allowing you to initiate print jobs from anywhere and send "mobile faxes."
- I don't usually recommend signing up for something that requires an "always on" Internet connection or locks you into using one brand's accessories. But for something like a printer -- where I just want to set it up and forget about it -- I don't mind it.
== OVERALL ===
Is this the most fully-featured printer on the market? Not by a long stretch, but that's perfectly fine. This is more than enough for most small households. I wish the printer weren't so dependent on the HP Smart app -- they could have easily included a screen allowing you to adjust some basic settings directly on the printer. But this seems to be the direction the market is moving for home printers. Luckily, the app works great on mobile and Windows, and I have very few complaints about the performance of the printer itself. Home office or other users with large print jobs should look elsewhere, but for everyone else, this one deserves a look.
Is this the most fully-featured printer on the market? Not by a long stretch, but that's perfectly fine. This is more than enough for most small households. I wish the printer weren't so dependent on the HP Smart app -- they could have easily included a screen allowing you to adjust some basic settings directly on the printer. But this seems to be the direction the market is moving for home printers. Luckily, the app works great on mobile and Windows, and I have very few complaints about the performance of the printer itself. Home office or other users with large print jobs should look elsewhere, but for everyone else, this one deserves a look.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+107points
118of 129voted this as helpful.
Deep. Loud. And immersive, too. The SoundLink Revolve II Bluetooth speaker delivers true 360° sound for consistent, uniform coverage. Place it in the center of the room to give everyone the same experience. Or set it near a wall and sound will radiate and reflect around the room, immersing you in that same feeling you felt at your favorite show. The tapered cylindrical shape makes this wireless speaker easy to grab and go, while a durable aluminum body provides worry-free protection. And it’s water resistant so you can keep the party going, even if it starts to rain. The rechargeable, lithium-ion battery plays up to 13 hours — for full-day listening. Voice prompts talk you through Bluetooth pairing, and there’s a built-in speakerphone for calls. Use the Bose Connect app to pair two SoundLink speakers for Stereo or Party Mode. The app also helps you manage your devices, unlock features, and access future updates. Available in Triple Black or Luxe Silver.
Customer Rating
3
Great Sound, But Where's The Innovation?
on April 7, 2021
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
I'm a big fan of most Bose products and the sound quality that they deliver. I've mainly used their headphones and earbuds over the years so I was excited to try out the new Soundlink Revolve II. I had heard great things about the first generation Soundlink speakers and was hoping this refreshed model would have some exciting new features to keep up with the competition. The sound quality is excellent, as expected, and there is a slight boost to battery life and water/dust protection. But I'm disappointed to see that not much else is new, and it seems that Bose is starting to fall behind in this category.
PROS:
- Setup is super quick and easy, especially if you already have other Bluetooth-based Bose products. If you've ever paired a set of wireless headphones or Bluetooth to your phone, you won't have any problems.
- There are multiple ways to play audio through the speaker, including via Bluetooth as well as the auxiliary input and a micro USB port. The micro USB port is used for charging but can also be used to play music from a computer.
- The Revolve II maintains nearly the same design as its predecessor, so it is extremely lightweight and portable. It has a matte texture that does not show fingerprints or smudges. This easily fits in my backpack and tote bags and will be great for taking to the pool or on a camping trip.
- The real strength of this speaker is its 360-degree design: The speaker fires sound in all directions, so there is no distortion or volume drop-off as you rotate the speaker or move around it.
- Sound quality is very good for a speaker of this size. I'm surprised at just how loud this can get and it fills my medium-sized apartment with great sounding music. Midrange and high frequencies are clear and crisp, though there is some distortion in bass at higher volumes. Bass distortion is much more noticeable when you are closer to the speaker, but seems to be a non-issue after you get about 8 feet away.
- If you happen to own another Bose Revolve speaker, you can pair them together to enable "party mode" or a stereo pair for even richer sound.
- Battery life is excellent, rated at 13 hours for the Revolve II. I haven't had a chance to use the speaker non-stop for that long, but battery life has not been an issue at all in the few weeks I've used this speaker.
- The dust and water protection rating of the Revolve II has been increased to IP55, up from IPX4 in the previous generation. So the Revolve II adds dust protection and slightly better splash protection. However, this rating is still not high enough to protect from complete immersion in water, so don't drop it in a pool.
- Setup is super quick and easy, especially if you already have other Bluetooth-based Bose products. If you've ever paired a set of wireless headphones or Bluetooth to your phone, you won't have any problems.
- There are multiple ways to play audio through the speaker, including via Bluetooth as well as the auxiliary input and a micro USB port. The micro USB port is used for charging but can also be used to play music from a computer.
- The Revolve II maintains nearly the same design as its predecessor, so it is extremely lightweight and portable. It has a matte texture that does not show fingerprints or smudges. This easily fits in my backpack and tote bags and will be great for taking to the pool or on a camping trip.
- The real strength of this speaker is its 360-degree design: The speaker fires sound in all directions, so there is no distortion or volume drop-off as you rotate the speaker or move around it.
- Sound quality is very good for a speaker of this size. I'm surprised at just how loud this can get and it fills my medium-sized apartment with great sounding music. Midrange and high frequencies are clear and crisp, though there is some distortion in bass at higher volumes. Bass distortion is much more noticeable when you are closer to the speaker, but seems to be a non-issue after you get about 8 feet away.
- If you happen to own another Bose Revolve speaker, you can pair them together to enable "party mode" or a stereo pair for even richer sound.
- Battery life is excellent, rated at 13 hours for the Revolve II. I haven't had a chance to use the speaker non-stop for that long, but battery life has not been an issue at all in the few weeks I've used this speaker.
- The dust and water protection rating of the Revolve II has been increased to IP55, up from IPX4 in the previous generation. So the Revolve II adds dust protection and slightly better splash protection. However, this rating is still not high enough to protect from complete immersion in water, so don't drop it in a pool.
CONS:
Unfortunately, Bose seems to be stuck in the past with its line of Revolve speakers. Here is a rundown of things that could have been improved but weren't:
- Still uses micro USB for charging (not USB-C like most newer high-end wireless devices)
- No standardized wireless charging support. You can buy a proprietary charging cradle, but it is not included with the speaker and costs an extra $30.
- Low dust & water protection rating compared to competitors. Other speakers in the same price range offer IP67 protection which would protect against full immersion in water.
- No built-in, hands-free voice control such as Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Wireless connection is via Bluetooth only; there is no Wi-Fi or AirPlay support.
Unfortunately, Bose seems to be stuck in the past with its line of Revolve speakers. Here is a rundown of things that could have been improved but weren't:
- Still uses micro USB for charging (not USB-C like most newer high-end wireless devices)
- No standardized wireless charging support. You can buy a proprietary charging cradle, but it is not included with the speaker and costs an extra $30.
- Low dust & water protection rating compared to competitors. Other speakers in the same price range offer IP67 protection which would protect against full immersion in water.
- No built-in, hands-free voice control such as Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Wireless connection is via Bluetooth only; there is no Wi-Fi or AirPlay support.
OVERALL:
Sonos, a major Bose competitor, recently announced a portable speaker with all of these missing features -- and it will actually be cheaper than the Revolve II. Given the major advancements from other wireless speaker brands, it amazes me that Bose did so little to update its Revolve speakers. There was practically zero innovation in designing the Revolve II, and I fear that Bose is going to be left in the dust of Sonos and other players in the compact speaker market. Don't get me wrong, the Revolve II is a great-sounding speaker with some nice features, but I certainly don't think it's the best value for the money. I would only recommend the Revolve II if you are already heavily invested in Bose products or really love the sound profile of Bose speakers. Otherwise, I think your money is better spent on a more innovative portable speaker.
Sonos, a major Bose competitor, recently announced a portable speaker with all of these missing features -- and it will actually be cheaper than the Revolve II. Given the major advancements from other wireless speaker brands, it amazes me that Bose did so little to update its Revolve speakers. There was practically zero innovation in designing the Revolve II, and I fear that Bose is going to be left in the dust of Sonos and other players in the compact speaker market. Don't get me wrong, the Revolve II is a great-sounding speaker with some nice features, but I certainly don't think it's the best value for the money. I would only recommend the Revolve II if you are already heavily invested in Bose products or really love the sound profile of Bose speakers. Otherwise, I think your money is better spent on a more innovative portable speaker.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+28points
29of 30voted this as helpful.
The most powerful, intelligent cordless vacuum¹ with a laser that reveals microscopic dust. Engineered for whole-home, deep cleaning it has suction power, run time and tools designed to deep clean your whole home. In Auto mode the Dyson V15 Detect intelligently optimizes suction and run time based on dust level and floor type. A piezo sensor and Dyson DLS technology automatically sense debris level and floor type to adapt suction for the right balance of power and run time when you need it. The Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head reveals hidden dust on hard floors and the High torque cleaner head with anti-tangle comb adapts to all floor types. The Dyson V15 Detect calculates and categorizes picked-up particles, showing you on-screen as you clean. It also, displays run time countdown, power mode, and maintenance alerts.
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
I've owned a couple of previous Dyson cordless vacuums, including the V7 Fluffy and the V11 Torque Drive. After purchasing the V11 and using it for a couple of years, I was convinced that Dyson had reached the peak of cordless vacuum technology. Now, with the V15 Detect, Dyson has taken the excellent foundation of the V11 and added some killer new features. Once again, I'm left wondering -- How can vacuuming get any better than this? Dyson has one-upped themselves yet again.
=== UNBOXING AND OVERVIEW ===
- If you've owned any previous Dyson cordless model, you'll feel right at home here. The V15 is extremely easy to unbox and set up, though be prepared to sift through a lot of cardboard and protective packaging to find everything in the box.
- This particular model features a glossy grey stainless steel-looking color on the wand. It looks great but is a fingerprint magnet.
- The V15 Detect comes with two cleaner heads (the Laser Slim Fluffy and the High Torque) and five attachments (hair screw tool; soft dusting brush; crevice tool; combination tool; and stubborn dirt brush).
- Dyson recommends charging the vacuum for at least 4.5 hours or until 100% before first use.
- The biggest selling points of the new V15 are the angled laser on the Fluffy head to easily reveal dust as well as the new sensors that optimize suction based on floor type and the amount of dust detected. The included LCD screen actually shows you the total amount of debris and dust collected (measured in micrometers) as you vacuum. More on all of this below.
- If you've owned any previous Dyson cordless model, you'll feel right at home here. The V15 is extremely easy to unbox and set up, though be prepared to sift through a lot of cardboard and protective packaging to find everything in the box.
- This particular model features a glossy grey stainless steel-looking color on the wand. It looks great but is a fingerprint magnet.
- The V15 Detect comes with two cleaner heads (the Laser Slim Fluffy and the High Torque) and five attachments (hair screw tool; soft dusting brush; crevice tool; combination tool; and stubborn dirt brush).
- Dyson recommends charging the vacuum for at least 4.5 hours or until 100% before first use.
- The biggest selling points of the new V15 are the angled laser on the Fluffy head to easily reveal dust as well as the new sensors that optimize suction based on floor type and the amount of dust detected. The included LCD screen actually shows you the total amount of debris and dust collected (measured in micrometers) as you vacuum. More on all of this below.
=== LASER SLIM FLUFFY HEAD PERFORMANCE ===
- For me, the new laser Fluffy head is the best past of the V15, by far. I live in an apartment that consists of 90% laminate flooring, and my floors have never felt so clean. Gone are the days of wondering if you've actually picked up all of the dust and crumbs on your hard floor. As you can see in the attached photo, there is a green laser on the right side of the Fluffy head that projects at a 90-degree angle.
- The laser works great, though it is a bit dim on the left side of the head. Regardless, I have found dust and crumbs in places on my floor that I never thought were there. The laser reveals even the smallest amount of dust and hair so you can be sure you don't miss anything.
- The laser does not work very well in a bright room. For the best performance, I have to turn off most of my lights and close my blinds. Not a huge deal to me as that is a small price to pay for a clean floor.
- The laser can be turned off via a small switch on the head itself, though it's unclear what impact this has on battery life (probably little or none).
- For me, the new laser Fluffy head is the best past of the V15, by far. I live in an apartment that consists of 90% laminate flooring, and my floors have never felt so clean. Gone are the days of wondering if you've actually picked up all of the dust and crumbs on your hard floor. As you can see in the attached photo, there is a green laser on the right side of the Fluffy head that projects at a 90-degree angle.
- The laser works great, though it is a bit dim on the left side of the head. Regardless, I have found dust and crumbs in places on my floor that I never thought were there. The laser reveals even the smallest amount of dust and hair so you can be sure you don't miss anything.
- The laser does not work very well in a bright room. For the best performance, I have to turn off most of my lights and close my blinds. Not a huge deal to me as that is a small price to pay for a clean floor.
- The laser can be turned off via a small switch on the head itself, though it's unclear what impact this has on battery life (probably little or none).
=== HIGH TORQUE CLEANER HEAD ===
- This cleaner head is mainly for use on rugs and carpet, though it can also be used on hard floors. Unlike previous versions of the torque drive cleaner head, this "High Torque" version has polycarbonate teeth which prevents hair from tangling around the bristles.
- Once again, it works as advertised. I have vacuumed my bedroom carpet extensively with this cleaner head and have not noticed any hair wrapped around the bristles -- it all makes its way into the bin.
- Like the Fluffy head, the High Torque head will adjust the vacuum's suction based on floor type and carpet thickness to maximize battery life and cleaning performance. On both cleaner heads, you can choose Eco, Auto, or Boost modes via a button below the LCD screen. Boost mode obviously provides the best performance but there is a big hit to battery life.
- This cleaner head is mainly for use on rugs and carpet, though it can also be used on hard floors. Unlike previous versions of the torque drive cleaner head, this "High Torque" version has polycarbonate teeth which prevents hair from tangling around the bristles.
- Once again, it works as advertised. I have vacuumed my bedroom carpet extensively with this cleaner head and have not noticed any hair wrapped around the bristles -- it all makes its way into the bin.
- Like the Fluffy head, the High Torque head will adjust the vacuum's suction based on floor type and carpet thickness to maximize battery life and cleaning performance. On both cleaner heads, you can choose Eco, Auto, or Boost modes via a button below the LCD screen. Boost mode obviously provides the best performance but there is a big hit to battery life.
=== OTHER FEATURES AND THOUGHTS ===
- Another new feature of the V15 is the measurement of debris and particles collected. Results are shown on the LCD screen as you clean. The machine measures particles in sizes of 10, 60, 180, and 500 micrometers, which is roughly the equivalent of pollen, skin flakes, fine sand, and fleas, respectively. I live in a very dusty climate and it has been a revelation to see just how many fine particles have been sitting on my floor and floating throughout my apartment.
- Like previous Dyson vacuums, the V15 is very easy to clean and maintain. The point-and-shoot design of the canister makes it very easy to empty debris directly into a trash can. The filter keeps dust out of the air and is easy to clean by just running it under a faucet.
- Dyson claims that the V15 will provide "up to 60 minutes of run time," although this certainly varies based on the cleaner head used as well as the performance mode you have selected. I typically keep it on Auto and battery life has not been an issue. Luckily, the V15 comes standard with a click-in battery pack that is easily swappable. So if you have a larger home, it might be worth picking up a spare battery pack to always have one charged.
- I was pleasantly surprised to see that the V15 fits perfects in my V11 Floor Dok (see photo). To get it to charge in the Dok, I had to add a bit of padding in the charging cradle underneath the plug/barrel to raise it up higher. The charging port on the V15 is a bit more recessed than that of the V11, so you have to make the barrel protrude a bit further up from the Dok.
- Another new feature of the V15 is the measurement of debris and particles collected. Results are shown on the LCD screen as you clean. The machine measures particles in sizes of 10, 60, 180, and 500 micrometers, which is roughly the equivalent of pollen, skin flakes, fine sand, and fleas, respectively. I live in a very dusty climate and it has been a revelation to see just how many fine particles have been sitting on my floor and floating throughout my apartment.
- Like previous Dyson vacuums, the V15 is very easy to clean and maintain. The point-and-shoot design of the canister makes it very easy to empty debris directly into a trash can. The filter keeps dust out of the air and is easy to clean by just running it under a faucet.
- Dyson claims that the V15 will provide "up to 60 minutes of run time," although this certainly varies based on the cleaner head used as well as the performance mode you have selected. I typically keep it on Auto and battery life has not been an issue. Luckily, the V15 comes standard with a click-in battery pack that is easily swappable. So if you have a larger home, it might be worth picking up a spare battery pack to always have one charged.
- I was pleasantly surprised to see that the V15 fits perfects in my V11 Floor Dok (see photo). To get it to charge in the Dok, I had to add a bit of padding in the charging cradle underneath the plug/barrel to raise it up higher. The charging port on the V15 is a bit more recessed than that of the V11, so you have to make the barrel protrude a bit further up from the Dok.
=== OVERALL ===
The Dyson V15 Detect is a game-changer for those with large areas of hard floors. Forget the brooms, Swiffers, and clunky old vacuums – this will be your new favorite cleaning tool. The addition of the laser Fluffy head and the debris measurements are invaluable for someone like me who enjoys a clean home. Call me crazy, but the V15 makes me actually look forward to vacuuming! The versatility and expandability of this machine is also unmatched by any other brand. Highly recommended!
The Dyson V15 Detect is a game-changer for those with large areas of hard floors. Forget the brooms, Swiffers, and clunky old vacuums – this will be your new favorite cleaning tool. The addition of the laser Fluffy head and the debris measurements are invaluable for someone like me who enjoys a clean home. Call me crazy, but the V15 makes me actually look forward to vacuuming! The versatility and expandability of this machine is also unmatched by any other brand. Highly recommended!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+73points
84of 95voted this as helpful.
![Norton - 360 for Gamers (3 Device) Antivirus Internet Security Software + Game Optimizer + VPN (1 Year Subscription) - Android, Apple iOS, Mac OS, Windows [Digital]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6420/6420877_sd.jpg)
Norton 360 for Gamers provides advanced multi-layered protection for up to 3 PCs to help protect against cyberthreats like malware, DDoS attacks, doxxing, SWATing, and PC webcam takeovers. PC notifications are optimized so you’re only alerted if you’re under attack, at risk or you aren’t using a feature your entitled to.
Customer Rating
4
Pretty great, but also a bit too much
on March 19, 2021
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
Before this, I hadn't used Norton software in years. In fact, I had relied on the built-in Windows security protections and haven't really used any third party anti-virus software since maybe the early 2000s. My main PC is used almost exclusively for gaming and I have always worried that anti-virus software would slow down system performance and impact gaming. I was happy to see that Norton 360 has virtually zero impact on my PC performance and has plenty of useful features. I just wish there was an easier way to access all of the features in one place. As it is, you have to rely on a combination of the Norton 360 dashboard as well as the Norton website to get your money's worth from this product.
PROS:
- Installation and account creation are straightforward with the product key that is emailed to you. Just beware of the automatic renewal option when you sign up (more on this below).
- Norton 360 for Gamers is basically a souped-up version of North 360 Deluxe. The main difference is that this Gamers edition offers "PC Notification Optimization" so you won't be disturbed by warnings or notifications while gaming. In my testing, it seems to work - I did not receive any pop-ups or notifications from Norton while in games.
- Another unique feature is dark web monitoring for gamertags which is valuable if you have gaming accounts with valuable in-game content or characters. You can also monitor for bank accounts, credit cards, driver's licenses, etc. All of this is set up via the Norton website.
- Norton 360 seems to run nice and quiet in the background and rarely bugs me during normal day-to-day activities. The few notifications I've seen have been legitimate warnings about malicious sites. It has recognized all of my frequently used applications as legitimate and automatically allowed Internet access an webcam access where necessary.
- Like Norton 360 Deluxe, this package includes a ton of features, some more useful than others: a VPN, 50 GB of cloud backup storage, a password manager, parental controls, and more. All of these work well and are great options if you do not currently subscribe to other services with these features.
- Installation and account creation are straightforward with the product key that is emailed to you. Just beware of the automatic renewal option when you sign up (more on this below).
- Norton 360 for Gamers is basically a souped-up version of North 360 Deluxe. The main difference is that this Gamers edition offers "PC Notification Optimization" so you won't be disturbed by warnings or notifications while gaming. In my testing, it seems to work - I did not receive any pop-ups or notifications from Norton while in games.
- Another unique feature is dark web monitoring for gamertags which is valuable if you have gaming accounts with valuable in-game content or characters. You can also monitor for bank accounts, credit cards, driver's licenses, etc. All of this is set up via the Norton website.
- Norton 360 seems to run nice and quiet in the background and rarely bugs me during normal day-to-day activities. The few notifications I've seen have been legitimate warnings about malicious sites. It has recognized all of my frequently used applications as legitimate and automatically allowed Internet access an webcam access where necessary.
- Like Norton 360 Deluxe, this package includes a ton of features, some more useful than others: a VPN, 50 GB of cloud backup storage, a password manager, parental controls, and more. All of these work well and are great options if you do not currently subscribe to other services with these features.
CONS:
- Beware of the automatic renewal when first registering. It might seem like a good option, but it will basically lock you in to the full retail price when your first year is up. You'll almost certainly be able to find a cheaper price than what the automatic renewal offers before your first year ends.
- Norton 360 for Gamers only offers protection for 3 devices, while the Deluxe version can protect 5 devices for basically the same price. Unless you really value the "PC Notification Optimization" feature or the gamertag dark web monitoring, you should probably stick with the Deluxe version (unless there is a crazy good sale on the Gamers version).
- There are a ton of features included with this software package, but some of them are hard to find and manage. For example, all of the dark web monitoring features are set up and managed through Norton.com. The main Norton 360 software window has no mention of this feature; you can only find it by clicking on "Launch My Norton." Similarly, the VPN feature cannot be turned on or off through the main Norton 360 window. It, too, can only be accessed through the "My Norton" section which requires a few extra clicks. I wish Norton would consolidate everything into one screen or one menu.
- Beware of the automatic renewal when first registering. It might seem like a good option, but it will basically lock you in to the full retail price when your first year is up. You'll almost certainly be able to find a cheaper price than what the automatic renewal offers before your first year ends.
- Norton 360 for Gamers only offers protection for 3 devices, while the Deluxe version can protect 5 devices for basically the same price. Unless you really value the "PC Notification Optimization" feature or the gamertag dark web monitoring, you should probably stick with the Deluxe version (unless there is a crazy good sale on the Gamers version).
- There are a ton of features included with this software package, but some of them are hard to find and manage. For example, all of the dark web monitoring features are set up and managed through Norton.com. The main Norton 360 software window has no mention of this feature; you can only find it by clicking on "Launch My Norton." Similarly, the VPN feature cannot be turned on or off through the main Norton 360 window. It, too, can only be accessed through the "My Norton" section which requires a few extra clicks. I wish Norton would consolidate everything into one screen or one menu.
OVERALL:
Norton 360 for Gamers is a great option for virtually anyone -- even tech-savvy users and gamers. Don't be scared of it impacting your system performance or gaming sessions. It certainly offers more protection than the built-in Windows security and has a ton of useful features to keep your data safe. I just wish these features were a bit easier to access from a single place. I almost wish buyers could customize the features they want and the ones they don't, especially for those who already have other services for backups or password management. Regardless, this is still a great value. Recommended!
Norton 360 for Gamers is a great option for virtually anyone -- even tech-savvy users and gamers. Don't be scared of it impacting your system performance or gaming sessions. It certainly offers more protection than the built-in Windows security and has a ton of useful features to keep your data safe. I just wish these features were a bit easier to access from a single place. I almost wish buyers could customize the features they want and the ones they don't, especially for those who already have other services for backups or password management. Regardless, this is still a great value. Recommended!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+18points
18of 18voted this as helpful.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Gaming Laptop. Enjoy everyday gaming with this ASUS notebook PC. The AMD Ryzen 9 processor and 16GB of RAM let you run graphics-heavy games smoothly, while the potent NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics produce high-quality visuals on the fast 15.6-inch 165hz QHD display. This ASUS notebook PC has 1TD SSD that shortens load times and offers ample storage.
Customer Rating
5
The Total Package: Unmatched Value & Performance
on February 22, 2021
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
I've owned a few gaming laptops over the years and the new Zephyrus G15 comes closest to hitting that perfect balance of performance, design, and portability. The model as reviewed here foregoes some high-end upgrades and has a few small quirks, but the design is eye-catching and the overall package is essentially unmatched by any other laptop. Nvidia's new 30-series GPUs offer incredible performance and value, but there are certainly some trade-offs to be aware of with the 3070 in such a small machine. Likewise, you'll want to temper your expectations if you're upgrading from a laptop with a 20-series GPU.
=== DESIGN ===
- This particular configuration is only available in the Eclipse Grey color, which I actually prefer over white. The color maintains a sleek, professional look allowing you to use the laptop in any setting without attracting too much attention. The holographic microdots on the laptop's lid add just enough flare so as to not be over-the-top.
- When closed, the laptop measures 14" wide by 9.6" deep, and less than 1" thick. At just over 4 pounds, it is very portable and should fit in most backpacks and travel bags.
- There are a decent amount of ports available, though I would have preferred more. On the left, there's the power port, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, one USB Type-A port, two USB Type-C ports, and a headphone jack. On the right, there's one USB Type-A port, a microSD card slot, and a Kensington lock slot.
- 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.
- 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. Just be aware 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 Eclipse Grey color is great and I appreciate the understated yet modern design of the laptop. The power port positioning is an awkward choice, and I wish there were a couple of additional USB-C ports especially on the right side. Build quality seems top-notch and I'm confident it will last a long time.
- This particular configuration is only available in the Eclipse Grey color, which I actually prefer over white. The color maintains a sleek, professional look allowing you to use the laptop in any setting without attracting too much attention. The holographic microdots on the laptop's lid add just enough flare so as to not be over-the-top.
- When closed, the laptop measures 14" wide by 9.6" deep, and less than 1" thick. At just over 4 pounds, it is very portable and should fit in most backpacks and travel bags.
- There are a decent amount of ports available, though I would have preferred more. On the left, there's the power port, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, one USB Type-A port, two USB Type-C ports, and a headphone jack. On the right, there's one USB Type-A port, a microSD card slot, and a Kensington lock slot.
- 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.
- 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. Just be aware 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 Eclipse Grey color is great and I appreciate the understated yet modern design of the laptop. The power port positioning is an awkward choice, and I wish there were a couple of additional USB-C ports especially on the right side. Build quality seems top-notch and I'm confident it will last a long time.
=== DISPLAY, KEYBOARD, TRACKPAD, & AUDIO ===
- A key selling point for me was the 165Hz 1440p (QHD) display, which ASUS claims covers 100% of the DCI-P3 -- meaning it can show a ton of colors and display them very accurately. I absolutely love the resolution and pixel density of this display, and colors are indeed rich and vibrant. I find that contrast is a bit lacking and there is some visible wash-out as you tilt the display very far back. There is also a bit of light bleed along the top edge of my display, but it's hardly noticeable except on black loading screens. The 165Hz refresh rate means that games look incredibly smooth with no tearing or choppiness.
- The keyboard is very spacious and comfortable. 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. Given the 15.6" form factor, I'm glad ASUS omitted the 10-key pad. 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 sufficient, though I've certainly seen brighter RGB keyboards.
- The trackpad is a joy to use. It is very large, soft, and easy to click. It works perfectly with gestures and is extremely responsive.
- The speakers on the G15 really surprised me. MacBook speakers aside, these could be the best sounding speakers I've heard on a Windows laptop. I usually expect to hear a lot of distortion at medium and high volumes on laptop speakers, but not with the G15. Mids and highs are well balanced with a nice amount of "oomph" in the lows. The included Dolby Access app provides some pretty good preset audio profiles as well as an equalizer for custom settings.
- Overall: Minor gripes aside, ASUS has nailed the basic aspects of a 15-inch gaming laptop with arguably the best display available in the segment. The keyboard, trackpad, and speakers also live up to the hype.
- A key selling point for me was the 165Hz 1440p (QHD) display, which ASUS claims covers 100% of the DCI-P3 -- meaning it can show a ton of colors and display them very accurately. I absolutely love the resolution and pixel density of this display, and colors are indeed rich and vibrant. I find that contrast is a bit lacking and there is some visible wash-out as you tilt the display very far back. There is also a bit of light bleed along the top edge of my display, but it's hardly noticeable except on black loading screens. The 165Hz refresh rate means that games look incredibly smooth with no tearing or choppiness.
- The keyboard is very spacious and comfortable. 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. Given the 15.6" form factor, I'm glad ASUS omitted the 10-key pad. 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 sufficient, though I've certainly seen brighter RGB keyboards.
- The trackpad is a joy to use. It is very large, soft, and easy to click. It works perfectly with gestures and is extremely responsive.
- The speakers on the G15 really surprised me. MacBook speakers aside, these could be the best sounding speakers I've heard on a Windows laptop. I usually expect to hear a lot of distortion at medium and high volumes on laptop speakers, but not with the G15. Mids and highs are well balanced with a nice amount of "oomph" in the lows. The included Dolby Access app provides some pretty good preset audio profiles as well as an equalizer for custom settings.
- Overall: Minor gripes aside, ASUS has nailed the basic aspects of a 15-inch gaming laptop with arguably the best display available in the segment. The keyboard, trackpad, and speakers also live up to the hype.
=== PERFORMANCE, COOLING, & UPGRADES ===
- Long story short: you won't have any problems playing modern AAA games on this laptop. The graphics performance in this machine rivals that of a high-end desktop with a 2080 from just a couple of years ago. Just don't buy this laptop -- or ANY gaming laptop -- expecting to get the same performance from the 3070 Laptop GPU that you would get from the full-powered desktop 3070. Due to thermal restrictions and the laws of physics, the 30-series GPUs in laptops use a LOT less power than their desktop counterparts, so performance will never be equal. Regardless, the most impressive aspect of the 3070 in the G15 is its value. Just a couple of years ago, a laptop with this type of performance would have cost much more money.
- Time Spy benchmark: 9408. Cinebench R23 multicore: 11548. Cyberpunk 2077 (Ray Tracing Medium, DLSS Balanced, 1440p): 50 fps average. Gears 5 (Ultra preset, 1440p): 80 fps average. Red Dead Redemption 2 (High preset, 1440p): 45 fps average. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (High preset, DLSS enabled, 1440p): 65 fps average. You get the idea. This laptop can handle these demanding games quite easily, and the performance only gets better if you're willing to fine-tune each game's settings.
- Reducing the resolution in games to 1080p results in noticeable performance gains, but you obviously sacrifice a bit of clarity. That is one drawback to the 1440p display: it looks brilliant, but it requires a lot of GPU power to process such a high resolution.
- So much of your performance will be dependent 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.
- The laptop stays surprisingly cool, but that definitely comes at a cost of loud fans during intense gameplay. Luckily, the fans are hardly noticeable when using the laptop for routine work and web browsing. On Turbo mode, most games push the GPU temp to about 67 to 70°C, and the CPU to over 80°C.
- Battery life is pretty great lasting over 8 hours with standard web browsing and day-to-day tasks (screen at half brightness). Obviously, gaming is going to result in much shorter battery life.
- There is an extra M.2 NVMe slot to add an additional SSD for more storage. 8GB of RAM are soldered onto the board, with another 8GB SODIMM in the memory slot. You can swap out that 8GB DIMM for 16GB (for a total of 24GB of RAM), but that's the most RAM you can get.
- Overall: Performance out of the box is outstanding and should satisfy most gamers looking for a portable gaming laptop. Just do your research and know what you're buying. Cooling is great, but it comes at the cost of loud fans that will have to be closely monitored through the ASUS software.
- Long story short: you won't have any problems playing modern AAA games on this laptop. The graphics performance in this machine rivals that of a high-end desktop with a 2080 from just a couple of years ago. Just don't buy this laptop -- or ANY gaming laptop -- expecting to get the same performance from the 3070 Laptop GPU that you would get from the full-powered desktop 3070. Due to thermal restrictions and the laws of physics, the 30-series GPUs in laptops use a LOT less power than their desktop counterparts, so performance will never be equal. Regardless, the most impressive aspect of the 3070 in the G15 is its value. Just a couple of years ago, a laptop with this type of performance would have cost much more money.
- Time Spy benchmark: 9408. Cinebench R23 multicore: 11548. Cyberpunk 2077 (Ray Tracing Medium, DLSS Balanced, 1440p): 50 fps average. Gears 5 (Ultra preset, 1440p): 80 fps average. Red Dead Redemption 2 (High preset, 1440p): 45 fps average. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (High preset, DLSS enabled, 1440p): 65 fps average. You get the idea. This laptop can handle these demanding games quite easily, and the performance only gets better if you're willing to fine-tune each game's settings.
- Reducing the resolution in games to 1080p results in noticeable performance gains, but you obviously sacrifice a bit of clarity. That is one drawback to the 1440p display: it looks brilliant, but it requires a lot of GPU power to process such a high resolution.
- So much of your performance will be dependent 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.
- The laptop stays surprisingly cool, but that definitely comes at a cost of loud fans during intense gameplay. Luckily, the fans are hardly noticeable when using the laptop for routine work and web browsing. On Turbo mode, most games push the GPU temp to about 67 to 70°C, and the CPU to over 80°C.
- Battery life is pretty great lasting over 8 hours with standard web browsing and day-to-day tasks (screen at half brightness). Obviously, gaming is going to result in much shorter battery life.
- There is an extra M.2 NVMe slot to add an additional SSD for more storage. 8GB of RAM are soldered onto the board, with another 8GB SODIMM in the memory slot. You can swap out that 8GB DIMM for 16GB (for a total of 24GB of RAM), but that's the most RAM you can get.
- Overall: Performance out of the box is outstanding and should satisfy most gamers looking for a portable gaming laptop. Just do your research and know what you're buying. Cooling is great, but it comes at the cost of loud fans that will have to be closely monitored through the ASUS software.
=== SOFTWARE AND OTHER THOUGHTS ===
- A fingerprint reader is built into the power button for logon via Windows Hello, but the reader is very unreliable. I'd say it fails to scan my fingerprint at least half the time, prompting me to enter my PIN or password.
- There is no webcam on this laptop, which seems like poor timing on the part of ASUS given how the world has changed over the past year.
- The ASUS Armoury Crate software is essential for tweaking the performance and cooling of this laptop, but it is 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.
- A fingerprint reader is built into the power button for logon via Windows Hello, but the reader is very unreliable. I'd say it fails to scan my fingerprint at least half the time, prompting me to enter my PIN or password.
- There is no webcam on this laptop, which seems like poor timing on the part of ASUS given how the world has changed over the past year.
- The ASUS Armoury Crate software is essential for tweaking the performance and cooling of this laptop, but it is 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 ===
From a cost/performance/value perspective, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 checks all of the boxes -- especially this particular configuration. ASUS offers the laptop with a beefier GPU (the 3080) and some additional RAM for hundreds of dollars more, but in my opinion, this model with the 3070 is the sweet spot. Gamers just need to manage their expectations and understand that they are not getting a full-fledged, desktop-class 3070 in this laptop. Those upgrading from a laptop with a 10-series GPU will be blown away. Those coming from a 20-series laptop might not see as big of a jump, but you are getting a lot more performance for your money this generation. A few minor gripes aside, this is likely THE gaming to get right now. With the beautiful display and raw performance offered, nothing else seems to come close to matching its value.
From a cost/performance/value perspective, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 checks all of the boxes -- especially this particular configuration. ASUS offers the laptop with a beefier GPU (the 3080) and some additional RAM for hundreds of dollars more, but in my opinion, this model with the 3070 is the sweet spot. Gamers just need to manage their expectations and understand that they are not getting a full-fledged, desktop-class 3070 in this laptop. Those upgrading from a laptop with a 10-series GPU will be blown away. Those coming from a 20-series laptop might not see as big of a jump, but you are getting a lot more performance for your money this generation. A few minor gripes aside, this is likely THE gaming to get right now. With the beautiful display and raw performance offered, nothing else seems to come close to matching its value.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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eero Pro 6 delivers premium Wi-Fi 6 performance. The 3-pack Wi-Fi 6 system supports speeds up to a gigabit and coverage up to 6,000 square feet. So you can say goodbye to dead spots and buffering. Work, play, video conference, and stream from anywhere in your home—even when the whole family is online. Set up eero in minutes and get automatic updates, a built-in Zigbee smart home hub, and more. Powered by TrueMesh, eero optimizes your wifi to work for your space and supports 75+ devices.
Customer Rating
5
Eero is the Way: Your Wi-Fi Search Ends Here
on November 16, 2020
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
A few years ago, I installed a first-gen Velop mesh Wi-Fi system in my 2-story house. It has worked fine for the most part, though I've never been thrilled with its clunky feature set and slower speeds at the far corners of my house. I've heard eero mentioned as an excellent mesh system over that same time period, but I was hesitant to make the switch until a Wi-Fi 6 version was introduced. Now that I've switched to the eero Pro 6, there's no going back - this is the way mesh Wi-Fi is meant to be.
=== SETUP ===
- Unboxing this set is a delight - there are no unnecessary papers or packaging: just the 3 eeros, the power cords, and an Ethernet cable.
- Compared to my previous Velop nodes, the eeros are shorter but definitely have some heft to them. Regardless, they should fit almost anywhere and blend into any home.
- Setup couldn't be easier, and it's all done through the sleek eero app. All you need is an email address or phone number (no new account passwords to remember), and then follow the simple instructions. The app even runs placement tests during the setup process so you can be sure that you're placing the eeros in spots that will allow for maximum performance. Any of the eero Pros can be used as the main "gateway" (the one that connects to your modem) -- they are all identical and interchangeable, so don't worry about the order in which you take them out of the box.
- After all of the eeros are plugged in and ready to go, the app will let you see what devices have already connected to the network, and you can choose to be notified when new devices connected. Each device can be assigned to a profile so you can easily see which devices belong to which person and manage them accordingly.
- Unboxing this set is a delight - there are no unnecessary papers or packaging: just the 3 eeros, the power cords, and an Ethernet cable.
- Compared to my previous Velop nodes, the eeros are shorter but definitely have some heft to them. Regardless, they should fit almost anywhere and blend into any home.
- Setup couldn't be easier, and it's all done through the sleek eero app. All you need is an email address or phone number (no new account passwords to remember), and then follow the simple instructions. The app even runs placement tests during the setup process so you can be sure that you're placing the eeros in spots that will allow for maximum performance. Any of the eero Pros can be used as the main "gateway" (the one that connects to your modem) -- they are all identical and interchangeable, so don't worry about the order in which you take them out of the box.
- After all of the eeros are plugged in and ready to go, the app will let you see what devices have already connected to the network, and you can choose to be notified when new devices connected. Each device can be assigned to a profile so you can easily see which devices belong to which person and manage them accordingly.
=== PERFORMANCE ===
- The main benefit of eero's "Pro" system is its increased speed and coverage, and I'm happy to report that it doesn't disappoint. My house is over 3,000 square feet and is not wired with Ethernet, so we have always relied on range extenders or mesh Wi-Fi to use the Internet throughout the house.
- I placed the eeros exactly where I had the Velop nodes: The gateway node connected to the modem in the office at far corner of the lower level; the second one in the dining room in the middle of the lower level; and the last one in a guest bedroom upstairs, above and just slightly diagonal from the dining room.
- Our Xfinity plan is a modest 200 mbps download / 10 mbps upload (although speeds usually top out a bit higher at around 240 down / 12 up). With the Velop system, I always achieved full speeds when I was near the main node in the office, but speeds were essentially cut in half if I was connected to either of the satellite nodes in the dining room or upstairs. eero Pro 6 has completely eliminated this issue: I now achieve a full 240 down / 12 up throughout the entire house. I ran speed tests on Wi-Fi 5 (AC) and Wi-Fi 6 (AX) devices and received the same results -- I maxed out my Internet speed every time. It's so impressive that I'm tempted to upgrade to the next Xfinity speed tier.
- Most importantly, the eero Pro 6 has been incredibly reliable. After a full week of use, I've had zero dropped connections from anywhere in the house. Zero resets or reboots. Handoff from node-to-node as I walk through the house is almost seamless. It's a massive improvement over my now-retired Velop system.
- The main benefit of eero's "Pro" system is its increased speed and coverage, and I'm happy to report that it doesn't disappoint. My house is over 3,000 square feet and is not wired with Ethernet, so we have always relied on range extenders or mesh Wi-Fi to use the Internet throughout the house.
- I placed the eeros exactly where I had the Velop nodes: The gateway node connected to the modem in the office at far corner of the lower level; the second one in the dining room in the middle of the lower level; and the last one in a guest bedroom upstairs, above and just slightly diagonal from the dining room.
- Our Xfinity plan is a modest 200 mbps download / 10 mbps upload (although speeds usually top out a bit higher at around 240 down / 12 up). With the Velop system, I always achieved full speeds when I was near the main node in the office, but speeds were essentially cut in half if I was connected to either of the satellite nodes in the dining room or upstairs. eero Pro 6 has completely eliminated this issue: I now achieve a full 240 down / 12 up throughout the entire house. I ran speed tests on Wi-Fi 5 (AC) and Wi-Fi 6 (AX) devices and received the same results -- I maxed out my Internet speed every time. It's so impressive that I'm tempted to upgrade to the next Xfinity speed tier.
- Most importantly, the eero Pro 6 has been incredibly reliable. After a full week of use, I've had zero dropped connections from anywhere in the house. Zero resets or reboots. Handoff from node-to-node as I walk through the house is almost seamless. It's a massive improvement over my now-retired Velop system.
=== FEATURES AND MANAGEMENT ===
- Performance aside, eero's app and feature set are what really make this system stand out. Gone are the days of confusing, archaic apps and websites to manage your router. The eero app is brilliantly organized and very intuitive.
- The main screen of the app shows you all devices that are currently connected or that have recently connected to your system. Digging deeper, you can see exactly which eero a device is connected to, see how much bandwidth any device is currently using, or choose to block a device from connecting to your network.
- Parents will love the "scheduled pause" feature, which allows you to automatically pause a user's devices from accessing the Internet at certain times of the day.
- The "Activity" section of the app will show you the Internet speeds that are currently being pulled from your modem, which makes troubleshooting much easier when you suspect a problem with your ISP.
- New to the app is a Data Usage feature, which caught me by surprise as I don't see this advertised anywhere on eero's website. Located in the Activity section, the Data Usage screen shows you how much data your devices have consumed over a day, week, and month. It breaks down data usage by user and device with easy-to-understand charts and graphs.
- Several more advanced features are reserved for subscribers to eero's "Secure" service, such as content filters for children and ad blocking. I'm sure many will scoff at the idea of paying to unlock these features, but I find the Secure+ subscription to be an incredibly good value with 1Password, Malwarebytes, and a VPN included.
- There is no username or password required to log into the eero app (you just use your email address or phone number, and then enter a confirmation number that is sent to you). It's nice that I don't have to remember an additional password, but I also wish I could create secondary, non-administrator accounts so that other family members could use the app without being able to change network settings.
- Performance aside, eero's app and feature set are what really make this system stand out. Gone are the days of confusing, archaic apps and websites to manage your router. The eero app is brilliantly organized and very intuitive.
- The main screen of the app shows you all devices that are currently connected or that have recently connected to your system. Digging deeper, you can see exactly which eero a device is connected to, see how much bandwidth any device is currently using, or choose to block a device from connecting to your network.
- Parents will love the "scheduled pause" feature, which allows you to automatically pause a user's devices from accessing the Internet at certain times of the day.
- The "Activity" section of the app will show you the Internet speeds that are currently being pulled from your modem, which makes troubleshooting much easier when you suspect a problem with your ISP.
- New to the app is a Data Usage feature, which caught me by surprise as I don't see this advertised anywhere on eero's website. Located in the Activity section, the Data Usage screen shows you how much data your devices have consumed over a day, week, and month. It breaks down data usage by user and device with easy-to-understand charts and graphs.
- Several more advanced features are reserved for subscribers to eero's "Secure" service, such as content filters for children and ad blocking. I'm sure many will scoff at the idea of paying to unlock these features, but I find the Secure+ subscription to be an incredibly good value with 1Password, Malwarebytes, and a VPN included.
- There is no username or password required to log into the eero app (you just use your email address or phone number, and then enter a confirmation number that is sent to you). It's nice that I don't have to remember an additional password, but I also wish I could create secondary, non-administrator accounts so that other family members could use the app without being able to change network settings.
=== OTHER THOUGHTS ===
- There aren't too many advanced networking settings offered in the eero app, so if you're a power user who needs to fine tune every last detail of your network, you might be left wanting more. (For example: you are unable to create separate SSIDs for the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands.)
- Only two ethernet ports on each node. On the main node, one of those has to be used for your cable modem, which leaves 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.
- These latest generation eero models do not yet support Apple HomeKit. I was told by eero support that it should be coming soon, but they are awaiting final certification from Apple.
- There aren't too many advanced networking settings offered in the eero app, so if you're a power user who needs to fine tune every last detail of your network, you might be left wanting more. (For example: you are unable to create separate SSIDs for the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands.)
- Only two ethernet ports on each node. On the main node, one of those has to be used for your cable modem, which leaves 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.
- These latest generation eero models do not yet support Apple HomeKit. I was told by eero support that it should be coming soon, but they are awaiting final certification from Apple.
=== OVERALL ===
For large or awkwardly-shaped homes, the eero Pro 6 can't be beat. This system finally allows me to achieve my full Internet speeds from anywhere in my home. The eero app and features are so great that I have found myself opening the app just to admire how well everything works. Beginners and tech gurus alike will appreciate just how amazingly simple and intuitive this system is to setup and manage. No dropped connections, resets, or errors after more than a week of extensive use. An optional subscription service that actually adds exceptional value. This is how mesh Wi-Fi should be. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
For large or awkwardly-shaped homes, the eero Pro 6 can't be beat. This system finally allows me to achieve my full Internet speeds from anywhere in my home. The eero app and features are so great that I have found myself opening the app just to admire how well everything works. Beginners and tech gurus alike will appreciate just how amazingly simple and intuitive this system is to setup and manage. No dropped connections, resets, or errors after more than a week of extensive use. An optional subscription service that actually adds exceptional value. This is how mesh Wi-Fi should be. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+85points
86of 87voted this as helpful.
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