callmeageeth's stats
- Review count370
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- First reviewJune 23, 2014
- Last reviewJune 23, 2025
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- Average rating4.4
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- Answer count28
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- First answerJune 23, 2014
- Last answerDecember 15, 2021
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Oura Ring 4 sizes are slightly different from standard ring sizes, so it is important to size yourself using our tools and to follow our sizing instructions. The Oura Ring 4 Sizing Kit allows for you, and those around you, to find the ideal fit before purchasing. You can also size yourself in stores where there is an Oura Ring 4 display. A properly fitting Oura Ring will result in the highest possible data accuracy, comfort, and overall experience.
Customer Rating
5
Simple and easy
on October 10, 2024
Posted by: callmeageeth
When purchasing an Oura ring, you first must provide your ring size. If you're like me, you don't know offhand what your ring size is. Even if you think you know it, it's always beneficial to get measured to make sure your new Oura ring fits appropriately.
The sizing kit is quite simple. It's a small box that comes with 12 different size plastic rings. These rings range in size from 4 to 15. The plastic rings are attached to a 3x4 placard. You simply take the sizes off and try them on. You want to make sure it fits snugly, but not too much. Obviously it depends on what finger you want to wear your ring on. Nothing in the sizing kit indicates whether any finger is better than the other (i.e. ring finger vs. pointer). Given this lack of information, and the fact that promotional materials show people wearing the Oura ring on different fingers, I took it as safe to assume that it doesn't matter which finger you wear it on.
There's little information in the kit itself, and that's probably because there doesn't need to be. They simply recommend that you wear the appropriate size ring for 24 hours to ensure comfort. You do want to make sure that the size is ok given that your finger size can swell depending on your health and what you're doing.
Once you've worn the appropriate ring for 24 hours and are happy with the fit (the plastic rings are the approximate thickness of the Oura ring, which to me, is slightly thicker (but too much) than my wedding band) then you simple take it back to the Best Buy store where you made your purchase to pick out the color and size that you prefer.
Bottomline, it's extremely simple, only downside is that it does require two trips to the store (or one, depending if you order it online). But to me, that's worth it to make sure you get the appropriate size. And I highly recommend you wear it for the full 24 hours.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Type, sketch, view and read with the Combo Touch keyboard case. A flexible kickstand and a full-size, detachable keyboard give you multiple use modes for any task. Take iPad further with a bigger trackpad that gives you superior, intuitive tracking experience with familiar Multi-Touch gesture controls.
Customer Rating
5
Great protection, and increased productivity
on October 5, 2024
Posted by: callmeageeth
At the outset: I am primarily a Windows user - and Android - who recently got an iPad Pro M4 for work for specific uses. Point is, I’m not a wizard with Apple products, although I have owned an iPad before and am generally familiar with how to operate them. In my mind, iPads were designed to be used by children and are extremely intuitive and easy to use. However, as they’ve gained new features and capabilities, I’ve found myself wanting to replace my laptop - to handle emails, etc. - to reduce the amount of devices I feel like I need. But I’ve always hated typing on any touch screen (phones included). Apple of course sells a Magic Keyboard, but I was immediately turned off by the price. In comes Logitech with its Combo Touch. It’s not “cheap” but at the end of the day I think it’s a great value for what you get.
IN THE BOX AND SETUP
Quickly, inside the box you’ll find two pieces, the keyboard (which is very similar to the Surface keyboards) as well as a case for your iPad. Note that the case itself only covers the back, but all the edges. The keyboard attaches magnetically and when closed, serves to protect your screen. Set up is as easy as snapping your iPad into the case, and then attaching the magnetic keyboard. Note that you will be prompted to download the Logitech Control app. Best I can tell, you don’t do anything with this app, it just keeps your keyboard up to date and I’m confident allows the keyboard/trackpad communicate with the iPad.
Quickly, inside the box you’ll find two pieces, the keyboard (which is very similar to the Surface keyboards) as well as a case for your iPad. Note that the case itself only covers the back, but all the edges. The keyboard attaches magnetically and when closed, serves to protect your screen. Set up is as easy as snapping your iPad into the case, and then attaching the magnetic keyboard. Note that you will be prompted to download the Logitech Control app. Best I can tell, you don’t do anything with this app, it just keeps your keyboard up to date and I’m confident allows the keyboard/trackpad communicate with the iPad.
DESIGN/PROTECTION
Any case, whether it has a keyboard or not, first and foremost must be able to protect your expensive iPad. Of course, you may be a purest and prefer no case, but I digress. With the keyboard and case attached, you get 360 degree protection. Obviously if you don’t have the keyboard attached and you’re carrying the tablet around, the screen doesn’t have protection, but the case that covers the iPad itself does have a little bit of a lip, meaning if you set it down face down, the screen isn’t touching the surface.
Any case, whether it has a keyboard or not, first and foremost must be able to protect your expensive iPad. Of course, you may be a purest and prefer no case, but I digress. With the keyboard and case attached, you get 360 degree protection. Obviously if you don’t have the keyboard attached and you’re carrying the tablet around, the screen doesn’t have protection, but the case that covers the iPad itself does have a little bit of a lip, meaning if you set it down face down, the screen isn’t touching the surface.
I love the feel of the case itself, it feels like a durable rubber. The downside is that it shows smudges - and smudges easily. Taking it out of the box for the first time, I could see smears from my hands at the outset. So if you want to keep it clean, it will require constant wiping.
The case itself is light, and obviously the iPad is too, but it feels much heavier when inside the case. Don’t get me wrong, it’s by no means too heavy to carry around, its still lighter than most laptops, but the feathery weight of the iPad itself is gone. But the case looks good and looks very professional when shut. My biggest gripe about the case, and this is only because of my other Spigen case, is the spot for the Apple pen. The case has a cut out on the edge where the pen attaches and charges to the iPad, but it can be easily knocked off. My Spigen case, on the other hand, has an insert for the pen which I much prefer (even though it makes the case wider) so I know the pen won’t fall out when I’m pulling it out of bag or otherwise on the move.
When typing, you simply flip out the kickstand from the case. It’s very much like a Microsoft Surface. And like the Surface, it’s not the best typing experience on your lap as the keyboard tends to wobble. But I like having the kickstand when I just want to watch movies (detaching the keyboard). The kickstand and keyboard part of the case stay close (thru magnets I suppose) when it’s all closed up so there’s little concern of the keyboard flipping open by itself (except when dropped or something like that). There’s simply a little slot where you can insert your fingernail and pull the kickstand out and open the keyboard part of the case.
The trackpad is extremely responsive and works well, but it does have a hollow sounding click noise. It feels cheap for lack of a better word and makes me wonder how long it would hold up. I prefer tapping on my trackpads but I couldn’t get much of a response when tapping.
TYPING EXPERIENCE
I mentioned my experience with Windows because I’m a Mac newbie. So the keys specific to Macs and iPads are a little bit foreign to me. It’s a learning curve, but not a big one. It didn’t take long before I was switching between apps. The keyboard otherwise is very nice. I really enjoy the typing experience but it’s a bit cramped. Not unlike a Surface I used to own. The keyboard is backlit which is very nice and there’s a nice subtle clicking sound that at least to me, is satisfying (and not too annoying to those around you). Theres’s shortcut keys above the number row which is welcome, where you can easily adjust playback, screen brightness, activate Siri and take screenshots. They’re nice to have for those who don’t know all the shortcuts on the keyboard and it allows you to keep your hands on the keyboard. The downside of the cramped keyboard is that some of the keys, like delete, slash, quotation marks are REALLY small. Thankfully I don’t use them all that much, but my finger tends to hit 2 keys given their small size.
I mentioned my experience with Windows because I’m a Mac newbie. So the keys specific to Macs and iPads are a little bit foreign to me. It’s a learning curve, but not a big one. It didn’t take long before I was switching between apps. The keyboard otherwise is very nice. I really enjoy the typing experience but it’s a bit cramped. Not unlike a Surface I used to own. The keyboard is backlit which is very nice and there’s a nice subtle clicking sound that at least to me, is satisfying (and not too annoying to those around you). Theres’s shortcut keys above the number row which is welcome, where you can easily adjust playback, screen brightness, activate Siri and take screenshots. They’re nice to have for those who don’t know all the shortcuts on the keyboard and it allows you to keep your hands on the keyboard. The downside of the cramped keyboard is that some of the keys, like delete, slash, quotation marks are REALLY small. Thankfully I don’t use them all that much, but my finger tends to hit 2 keys given their small size.
BATTERY LIFE
Good news is that you do not need to separately charge your keyboard. It draws battery straight from your iPad. I haven’t used my keyboard for hours on end so it’s tough to say how much it affects the battery life, but I can say anecdotally that the battery percentage went down 3% points while I was typing out a few emails. I have zero complaints with the iPad Pro’s battery and while the keyboard by definition has to draw some of that power, in my experience it doesn’t seem to be that big of a drain. So not much concern there.
Good news is that you do not need to separately charge your keyboard. It draws battery straight from your iPad. I haven’t used my keyboard for hours on end so it’s tough to say how much it affects the battery life, but I can say anecdotally that the battery percentage went down 3% points while I was typing out a few emails. I have zero complaints with the iPad Pro’s battery and while the keyboard by definition has to draw some of that power, in my experience it doesn’t seem to be that big of a drain. So not much concern there.
CONCLUSION
I’ve grown accustomed to using my iPad more and more to replace taking my laptop with me on trips. It’s lighter, easier to use and allows me to have more “fun” when I’m not working. The only downside was always the keyboard issue. The Logitech Combo Touch really allows me to use the iPad to its fullest extent without sacrificing size and weight. Sure it’s a little bit thicker and little bit heavier, but not so much as to bother me. I think it’s a great alternative to the Apple keyboard, and while still pricey it’s a better value in my opinion. It offers comprehensive protection and I really like the built in kickstand - even when not typing. The typing experience really allows someone to get more done, assuming you need to type. If you don’t plan on typing much on your iPad, you could probably skip past this product. But even if you think you’ll use a keyboard, I’d highly recommend this keyboard over the competition.
I’ve grown accustomed to using my iPad more and more to replace taking my laptop with me on trips. It’s lighter, easier to use and allows me to have more “fun” when I’m not working. The only downside was always the keyboard issue. The Logitech Combo Touch really allows me to use the iPad to its fullest extent without sacrificing size and weight. Sure it’s a little bit thicker and little bit heavier, but not so much as to bother me. I think it’s a great alternative to the Apple keyboard, and while still pricey it’s a better value in my opinion. It offers comprehensive protection and I really like the built in kickstand - even when not typing. The typing experience really allows someone to get more done, assuming you need to type. If you don’t plan on typing much on your iPad, you could probably skip past this product. But even if you think you’ll use a keyboard, I’d highly recommend this keyboard over the competition.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Add an extra pop to your desk with the POP Icon Combo, a contoured design with customizable Action Keys and Buttons. The low-profile keys give you a comfy typing experience. POP Mouse boosts productivity by 30%, compared to a trackpad. The Smartwheel speed scroll takes you where you need to go, fast.
Customer Rating
4
Quality Keyboard and Mouse with Fun Colors
on October 3, 2024
Posted by: callmeageeth
I’ve always enjoyed Logi devices, particularly their mice. Also, as a professional who is typing on a computer virtually everyday, the typing experience matters to me. I use several different keyboards (in different locations) opting for a mechanical keyboard experience. To me, keyboards and mice are very personal devices that should not only be functional, enjoyable, and fun - vs. a typical black keyboard with QWERTY layout that you’ll find packaged in a desktop PC. The Logi POP Icon manages to strike a good balance of price, typing experience, and personality. It’s not the best keyboard/mouse I’ve ever used - I don’t think anyone expects it to be - but it brings enough to the table to warrant your consideration.
DESIGN AND USE
First and foremost, the design is what makes this keyboard stand a part. Mine is a light purple, lilac, color. And I really enjoy it. Again, it’s different. But that’s all a matter of personal preference. Both the mouse and keyboard do have a “plasticky” feel to them. I don’t want to call it a “cheap” feel, because I still think they’re high quality, but there’s no premium materials or metal here.
First and foremost, the design is what makes this keyboard stand a part. Mine is a light purple, lilac, color. And I really enjoy it. Again, it’s different. But that’s all a matter of personal preference. Both the mouse and keyboard do have a “plasticky” feel to them. I don’t want to call it a “cheap” feel, because I still think they’re high quality, but there’s no premium materials or metal here.
For the keyboard, the keycaps are concave shape with a low profile. While they don’t “click” like my mechanical keyboard, they have a satisfying amount of give that’s enjoyable to use. It’s described as silent, and much like the Logi Master series keyboards, they are. In fact, it’s a very similar typing experience compared to the Master MX keyboard, albeit the materials used are a little different. If you have people next to you, they won’t hear you typing away. I’m not sure what percentage keyboard you’d call it, but there’s no number pad which is a little bit of a downer to me, I prefer a dedicated number pad but that’s personal preference. The “home” end” “pg up” and “pg dn” buttons are all on the right side placed vertically which is a little different than I’m accustomed to, but it took little time to get adjusted. And there’s lots of action buttons on your F buttons, including changing devices, activating speech services, mute, volume up and down. All of which are appreciated. The main downside, and likely a cost cutting measure, is that the keys aren’t backlit. That could be a deal breaker for some.
The mouse is a pebble shape, like the keyboard it feels a bit plasticky but is otherwise comfortable to use. Of course, it’s hard using it when I’m accustomed to the Master MX3 mouse, but it’s nonetheless easy to use and responsive. There’s the standard power slider on the bottom, button to switch between 3 different devices, there’s the left/right click, wheel, and then there’s an action button that you can program within the Logi Plus app. By default it opens up an “emoji” panel, which isn’t of much use to me, but that could be because of my age. Like the keyboard keys, it’s silent when clicking and very responsive. The one missing piece for me, is no side buttons (which I use almost exclusively when navigating the web, going backwards a page and forward).
SETUP/BATTERY LIFE
Setup is easy, assuming your device has Bluetooth. Most do, but my work desktop for example doesn’t. So check that before buying. If you don’t have Bluetooth you can still connect it with the Logi Bolt USB adapter, but that’s NOT included in the package. It would have been nice if Logitech could have thrown that in there - but I’m assuming it’s rarely a problem given the ubiquitousness of Bluetooth nowadays.
Setup is easy, assuming your device has Bluetooth. Most do, but my work desktop for example doesn’t. So check that before buying. If you don’t have Bluetooth you can still connect it with the Logi Bolt USB adapter, but that’s NOT included in the package. It would have been nice if Logitech could have thrown that in there - but I’m assuming it’s rarely a problem given the ubiquitousness of Bluetooth nowadays.
Once I pulled out the battery tabs, my Windows 11 desktop immediately recognized them and paired up. It was flawless. Do add another computer, you simply hit the second or third device option (there’s one on the keyboard and mouse) and then pair it through another device’s Bluetooth settings. They have a wide range of compatibility given that they have Bluetooth.
They take triple A batteries which is nice, except I prefer not to waste batteries and wish they had a rechargeable battery. They’re rated at 36 month battery life (for the keyboard) and 24 months (for the mouse). This does alleviate some concerns of needing to have batteries at your disposal.
LOGI PLUS SOFTWARE
This is the real magic of any Logi device, and that applies to the POP Icon as well. You don’t have to download the software, but it allows you to customize hot buttons. For example, you can change the button on the mouse to do more than bring up the emoji menu. There’s a ton of preset options, like opening the calculator or a particular program, but you can also create AI based shortcuts to do whatever you like. Say you want to quickly open several programs, you can program it to do that. It also has program specific actions. For example, while on Zoom, the action button on the mouse will mute/unmute your microphone. These take a little practice to figure out what works best for you, but if you invest a little thought and time into it, you can really make things easier and maximize your efficiency. And the best part is that it’s pretty intuitive to setup (some programs can be daunting in that regard).
This is the real magic of any Logi device, and that applies to the POP Icon as well. You don’t have to download the software, but it allows you to customize hot buttons. For example, you can change the button on the mouse to do more than bring up the emoji menu. There’s a ton of preset options, like opening the calculator or a particular program, but you can also create AI based shortcuts to do whatever you like. Say you want to quickly open several programs, you can program it to do that. It also has program specific actions. For example, while on Zoom, the action button on the mouse will mute/unmute your microphone. These take a little practice to figure out what works best for you, but if you invest a little thought and time into it, you can really make things easier and maximize your efficiency. And the best part is that it’s pretty intuitive to setup (some programs can be daunting in that regard).
CONCLUSION
If you are looking for a keyboard and mouse that has some personality without breaking the bank for an expensive mechanical RGB device, this is a solid option. While the lack of backlighting could be a dealbreaker, it’s a good value proposition and the Logi Plus software and ability to assign actions makes up some of the difference. And you can trust the Logi brand.
If you are looking for a keyboard and mouse that has some personality without breaking the bank for an expensive mechanical RGB device, this is a solid option. While the lack of backlighting could be a dealbreaker, it’s a good value proposition and the Logi Plus software and ability to assign actions makes up some of the difference. And you can trust the Logi brand.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Revolutionize your cleaning with the Tineco FloorWasher FlashDry 6 Series, a cordless floor washer that combines vacuuming, mopping, self-cleaning, and self-drying in one powerful device. With iLoop Sense technology, it detects messes and optimizes suction and water flow, ensuring pristine results and extending the 35-minute runtime. FlashDry technology allows simultaneous washing, drying, and charging, offering a complete self-cleaning and drying cycle for utmost convenience. The Self-Propel Assist feature makes cleaning effortless, while dual-edge cleaning and a 38% larger tank reduce strain and refills. Clean smarter, not harder.
Customer Rating
5
Making it fun to mop again
on August 18, 2024
Posted by: callmeageeth
While some companies are making multifunctional cleaning devices, the Tineco does one thing and one thing well - mop floors. It’s incredibly easy to use, relatively low maintenance, and works really well. The only drawback to me, is finding another spot for yet another cleaning appliance in the house that’s near an outlet (eliminating closets for me).
IN THE BOX AND SETUP
Inside you’ll find the mop, a handle, charging base, plastic cover that the mop sits in on the base - which can be removed for cleaning, a bottle of solution, an extra filter, an extra mop brush, and a cleaning brush (that looks like a bottle cleaning brush).
Inside you’ll find the mop, a handle, charging base, plastic cover that the mop sits in on the base - which can be removed for cleaning, a bottle of solution, an extra filter, an extra mop brush, and a cleaning brush (that looks like a bottle cleaning brush).
There’s a manual included, as well as a quick start guide printed on the inside of the box. Putting everything together takes little time and effort. The handle snaps in (although you have to use a screwdriver to take it off) and the plastic cover fits nicely into the charger.
DESIGN
It feels weird talking about the design of a floor mop, but this is really smartly designed, intuitive, and looks good. Removing the bins and emptying/filling up the bins is intuitive. The design of the display on the body of the mop is bright and easy to understand. It shows your battery charge while mopping (and it does go down rather quickly, but you’ll get 30-40 minutes of use per charge). Frankly, everything is intuitive and it makes a chore feel a little bit less like one.
It feels weird talking about the design of a floor mop, but this is really smartly designed, intuitive, and looks good. Removing the bins and emptying/filling up the bins is intuitive. The design of the display on the body of the mop is bright and easy to understand. It shows your battery charge while mopping (and it does go down rather quickly, but you’ll get 30-40 minutes of use per charge). Frankly, everything is intuitive and it makes a chore feel a little bit less like one.
PERFORMANCE
I thought it would be annoying to have the device have verbal prompts, but I ended up really liking it. When you put it on the charger, a verbal prompt states that it’s charging. When you change modes between max, suction, and auto, a verbal prompt tells you. When you’re done using it, a prompt reminds you to clean the dirty water bin.
I thought it would be annoying to have the device have verbal prompts, but I ended up really liking it. When you put it on the charger, a verbal prompt states that it’s charging. When you change modes between max, suction, and auto, a verbal prompt tells you. When you’re done using it, a prompt reminds you to clean the dirty water bin.
But on to the performance. I was extremely pleased with the results. I have hardwood floors and three kids and they’re constantly dropping, spilling, stomping things in the kitchen. This mop won’t pick up anything that’s dried up and crusty (I had to scrape it up first) but it does a fantastic job of cleaning up liquid spills. You will be surprised how dirty the water gets in the dirty water bin, especially when you think your floors aren’t that dirty - at least I was.
Similar to a lawn mower that self propels, this mop pulls forward. It makes it super easy to glide across your floors. It doesn’t soak the floors, in fact, it’s cleaning while sucking up the water as it goes. It will leave a small layer of water (you can see it as you mop) but it dries within minutes. Much better than an old handheld mop where you had to wait a little bit for your floors to dry. I love that it sits on the dock ready for use at a moment’s notice (assuming you have some cleaner and water in it). I find myself cleaning the floors much more frequently when I can grab it off the charger, mop really quick, and put it back. All with minimal fuss.
MAINTENANCE
One of the things I always look for when buying a vacuum or other cleaning appliance is the maintenance? For example, robot vacuums require more maintenance that a typical vacuum, primarily because of the small dustbin and need to frequently change/clean filters. And with anything that requires cleaning solution, how much does it use and how expensive is it? Luckily it comes with an extra filter and brush, so I anticipate that lasting a while, but what about the solution? Luckily you only need a capfull per tank of clean water, so the included bottle will last you a while, and a 33 ounce bottle will set you back $25. All in all, I think the maintenance cost is pretty minimal which is a big plus.
One of the things I always look for when buying a vacuum or other cleaning appliance is the maintenance? For example, robot vacuums require more maintenance that a typical vacuum, primarily because of the small dustbin and need to frequently change/clean filters. And with anything that requires cleaning solution, how much does it use and how expensive is it? Luckily it comes with an extra filter and brush, so I anticipate that lasting a while, but what about the solution? Luckily you only need a capfull per tank of clean water, so the included bottle will last you a while, and a 33 ounce bottle will set you back $25. All in all, I think the maintenance cost is pretty minimal which is a big plus.
In addition to cost, there’s also the issue of time. It’s recommended that you empty out the dirty water tank after each use. That’s to prevent odors. Luckily, in most cases it can be rinsed out and air dried. It has some crevices where I was afraid dirt might accumulate, but it doesn’t seem to be an issue. There’s also the self-cleaning feature of the brush. This is automatic - and quick - but you will need to clean out the removable plastic tray that rests in the charging base. So re time spent maintaining the cleaner, it’s pretty minimal. I give Tineco high remarks in that department.
MISCELLANEOUS
I wanted to add that there is an app that you can download and connect to your mop. I’ll be honest, I didn’t download it, I have enough apps on my phone and I’m not convinced it’s worth the effort of connecting it. But the option is there.
I wanted to add that there is an app that you can download and connect to your mop. I’ll be honest, I didn’t download it, I have enough apps on my phone and I’m not convinced it’s worth the effort of connecting it. But the option is there.
You can also turn off the verbal prompts if you find them annoying. The self cleaning feature is nice, essentially the mop will sit in the dock, spin the brush and clean the mop head. It didn’t take long at all. A feature I really like as it minimizes the maintenance issue I have with cleaning appliances - there’s no cleaning it by hand after each use.
The only two downsides are that you have to find a place for it near an outlet. Some houses might not have any issues depending on your setup. Others, like me, basically have it sitting in a corner. At least it’s not ugly, and frankly, I don’t mind it, but I might consider moving it when having people over for a social gathering. It’s not something you’ll want to put away in a closet when not in use - and not charging - although you could, it just takes away from the convenience. The other minor gripe - and this likely applies to any such mop, and that’s needing to empty the dirty water bin after each use. I don’t mind it, it’s easy to clean, and while it’s not technically necessary, the mop prompts you to do it to prevent the build up of odors.
CONCLUSION
All in all, this brings back the fun in cleaning. At least as much as possible. Cleaning isn’t fun, but when you have tools that make the job easier and more efficient, it’s a boon. Not to mention, it works extremely well.
All in all, this brings back the fun in cleaning. At least as much as possible. Cleaning isn’t fun, but when you have tools that make the job easier and more efficient, it’s a boon. Not to mention, it works extremely well.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The GOAT of esports mice returns in true winning form. All hail the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed. From its ultra-lightweight ergonomics to top-tier wireless response, go for glory with a mouse that’s the winning pick for the world’s best players.
Customer Rating
5
A lightweight beast
on August 11, 2024
Posted by: callmeageeth
I recently built a new desktop PC and was in the market for a new gaming mouse. I’ve always been fond of Razer products because of their design, quality, and performance. The Deathadder V3 fits the bill.
The first thing I noticed was that this mouse was devoid of RGB lights, which is what I’ve always thought of when it comes to Razer products. That’s likely to keep battery life really high. The next thing I noticed was how incredibly light it is. Seriously, I first wondered if it needed AA batteries as it reminded me of an older mouse that was empty. It’s seriously impressive as to how light it is.
In the box you obviously get the mouse, a USB C to A cable and a wireless high speed dongle. You can use it either wired or wirelessly. The wireless high speed dongle actually has a USB port in it, where the dongle itself fits. So you could use it without the long cable wirelessly. Although in my experience, depending on your setup, you could have a spotty connection if you just use the base USB dongle that plugs into the USB port depending on how far away the mouse is for the computer. In short, I use the cable to put on my desk so it’s closer to the mouse but still use it wirelessly. From what I understand however, is that this wireless dongle doesn’t get you the 8000 hz polling that you can get when operating it wired.
The design of the mouse is pretty understated, which is all a matter of personal preference. This one replaced my old Logitech G mouse which had RGB colors. But honestly, it didn’t add anything as you don’t look at the mouse when you’re using it and the lights turn off when it goes to sleep. But it does feel extremely cheap. I don’t mean that as a complaint, it just feels like a cheap piece of plastic. It’s not, and it’s more of a testament to the engineering behind it to make it so light. There’s only 5 buttons on the mouse, left right click, scroll click/wheel, and two buttons on the side. On the bottom is the power button and the button you can click to cycle through your DPI settings quickly. Honestly, this is perfect for me, it has all the buttons I need and nothing more.
Setting it up was as easy as plugging it in. But you can update the firmware, which you wouldn’t know unless you did an internet search. On the Razer page you can find a firmware update utility which was a breeze to use (the mouse comes outdated out of the box, at least for me).
I’ve heard some people complain about Razer Synapse, but I’m kind of ambivalent. I’m not one to really adjust the settings of my devices too often (I’m more of a casual gamer, I play frequently, but not competitively). But I am somewhat accustomed to Synapse as I use it for my Razer speakers. Once I updated the firmware, my mouse showed up immediately. I found the software - at least with respect to this mouse - easy to navigate and understand. You can customize profiles, adjust the performance (increasing DPI and polling rates), adjust mouse mat surface calibration (which to be honest, I don’t fully understand), and power settings. Basically when the mouse goes to sleep and when it goes into low power mode. I’ve only used the mouse a short while, never charging it after I took it out of the box, and it remained at 50% battery after going through a few lengthy gaming sessions. While a small sample set, I tend to trust Razer’s claim of the long 50+ hour battery life.
In terms of performance, I played Cyberpunk for a while and was really impressed with teh accuracy and movements. I was better able to lift the mouse using the claw technique of holding a mouse and move it around with great success. The right and left buttons are really clickly, they don’t sound annoying at all, in fact, they give more of a satisfactory feeling of clicking the button - similar to using a mechanical keyboard, at least to me. Unlike my Logitech G mouse, I had zero accidental clicks from resting my fingers on the mouse, but at the same time, they were extremely responsive to clicking on them.
While I can’t speak to professional gaming, as a casual gamer who is interested in having the best equipment on my computer, I’ve been extremely impressed with the Deathadder V3. It’s highly responsive when in use, it’s customizable with up to 5 profiles that you can switch on the fly (for those where that feature is a premium), and the battery life is terrific. I don’t know if I would shove this in my bag when traveling - for fear of it breaking - but it’s still seemingly durable with a nice smooth finish that’s easy to grip. It’s somewhat no frills, but brings serious performance. I highly recommend this mouse for even the casual gamer like myself.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Ascend the Throne of Gaming with the Z790 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x). The Z790 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x) supports 14th and 13th Gen Intel Core Processors unparalleled performance. Unlock your gaming potential with GIGABYTE Z790 Motherboards. GIGABYTE Z790 motherboards come with upgraded power design, high grade storage standards, and outstanding connectivity that enables you to optimize your performance. Claim what is yours.
Customer Rating
5
Great performance and features
on July 24, 2024
Posted by: callmeageeth
I’ve always been interested in building a new PC and finally took the leap with the Aorus Z790 Elite AX motherboard. It was quite the journey and I’m glad I made it. So I offer my opinions on the performance of the motherboard from the perspective of a newbie. As such, I can’t talk about the motherboard without also referencing my first time building a PC, which I think is important for those looking to make the leap too.
The box is pretty. You get the motherboard expertly wrapped and protected, and then you have a few other items, such as the Wi-Fi 6E antenna (which was new to me - I assumed all Wi-Fi antennas were built in). There’s an instruction manual that on its face makes sense, it tells you which order you should install the various components (i.e. CPU, RAM, GPU, HDD). But it’s devoid of any specifics. It took me a little bit to figure out that the limited instructions was by design (to save paper) and that you needed to locate the complete manual online.
Speaking to the people new to building a PC, I highly suggest you do a lot of research first including websites like PCpartpicker to help you make sure your components are compatible. I did this, and had no issues with compatibility (when I finally figured out how everything connected).
Going back to the motherboard, it was expertly crafted. It’s quite the marvel to look at. When you look closely at the motherboard, you’ll notice code names/words which will help you determine which cable and which part you need to plug into. As far as the CPU is concerned, this was the most worrisome experience for me. Luckily, the new Intel chipsets (for which this motherboard was designed for) don’t have pins sticking out - so no concern of bending them. Putting the CPU in was quite intuitive, you unlock the spring loaded bar, place the CPU in the right orientation and then pull it down and lock it. But I urge you to follow the old adage of “ measure twice and cut once,” practice and double-check everything that you’re doing - and focus on the order in which you do it.
After I got the CPU installed, I snapped in the RAM. This is where the lack of experience started to creep in. The CPU, while delicate, was intuitive. The RAM is too, but there’s four slots and I was using a dual setup so I wasn’t sure which slots to place my two RAM sticks into. But, with enough Google searching, I found the answer - it was in the manual. But once I figured which which spots to place the RAM, I had no issues getting them installed. I’ll note that this motherboard takes DDR5 RAM with speeds upwards of 6000 Mhz. I didn’t go all out on my RAM, but after doing research I figured I didn’t need to, but the upside is that I have the option to install even faster RAM in the future - assuming I ever needed to.
From there, I installed my M.2 sticks. I was absolutely blown away by the number of slots this motherboard has - 4. Even better, there’s a heatsink plate over three of those slots with the 4th having its own heat sink. These are all easy to access, the big heatsink over 3 of the slots has three phillips head screws. Once that’s taken off, you can easily snap in the M.2 and there’s a smart little plastic top with a spring that twists and then locks into place (so less screws). I very much appreciate the built in heat sink, but it does mean any extra M.2s you might have with heatsinks already installed (which I have because of my PS5) won’t work as there’s not enough headspace above the heatsinks attached to the motherboard. One caveat, and maybe the only downside is that there are no PCI Express 5.0 M.2 socket, all of them are 4.0.
Once those major parts are installed, which was pretty easy, the next step is connecting it to your case. I had no issues attaching it to the side of my NZXT case.
From there it was installing the coolers (I was using a liquid cooler with radiator). For me, I had to install a bracket on the backside of the motherboard, and then the cooler (also NZXT brand) had preapplied thermal paste. So all I had to do was peel off the protective screen, push it onto the CPU and then tighten the four screws (which were supposed to be done in a certain order). But I had zero issues - and ever since completing my build, my CPU has been plenty cool.
Once I had the GPU installed, it was time to connect the auxiliary buttons on my case, power and SATA cables. I had a heck of a time trying to figure out which cable goes where. You have to remember, with different brand parts, they say (somewhat) different things. And some cables, like the cables to connect the fans and radiators aren’t really fool proof as they can technically fit in many spots. Going back to measuring twice and cutting once, if you review the manual in detail - the one online - you’ll figure out which component should go where in the motherboard. The only big question I had with this motherboard - again, because this was my first go around - was figuring out how to plug the motherboard power cables into my power supply. The manual told me where the power ports were, but as a first timer, it was guessing which cables from power unit went where. Luckily, given the configurations of the cables, there was only one right answer.
Once everything was plugged in and in place, I connected my monitor to the GPU and fired up my computer. I let out a sigh of relief when it turned on and I was taken to the BIOS screen. The BIOS screen was pretty intuitive, at least in terms of navigating around. There was a basic function and advanced. I didn’t know what a lot of the settings were, but going back to doing your research, I had an idea of what I wanted to do - namely overclocking the RAM to get the highest speeds. Once I knew what to look for, I easily found it in the BIOS menu. There were options to look at fan speed, temperatures, etc., which were easy to understand - so long as you knew what ranges of temps and speeds of fan were in the “normal” or acceptable range. For the most part, however, I accepted the settings as they were knowing that I could always come back and adjust them once I got my feet more wet and knew what I was doing.
The next part of the installation was getting Windows on my machine. The motherboard instructions don’t really speak to that - and I’m not suggesting they should. But I put a loadable version of Windows on a thumb drive and plugged it in. Once it was plugged in, I was taken to the Windows installation screen and finished that.
After I was all setup on Windows, I plugged in all my peripherals to the back of the computer. I love how many ports the motherboard has, ample USB ports most of which are version 3.2 and higher. There’s also a USB-C, and audio selections. Oh, and the antenna I mentioned previously for Wi-Fi. I love how the antenna was magnetized which stays firm on my case.
I was easily able to update all of the pertinent drivers with Gigabyte’s control center. There, you can monitor and control your computer’s performance. Like the BIOS, I personally found it easy to navigate and understand - as a newbie.
I’ve had zero issues thus far, I’ve been more than impressed with the upgrade from a 6 year old pre-built computer. Even if I ran into any issues, it would be hard for me to say whether it was the motherboard or some other component that I put in or connected inappropriately. And it boots up in an instant.
All-in-all, you have to either have knowledge or be willing to do some research and learn on the go to build your own computer. But the process is entirely worth it. This motherboard is relatively easy to use and understand, it’s extremely well built and is made for speed and power. I do want to add that it says it’s built for 13th gen Intel processors, but I used a 14th gen i7 and it worked out of the box - I was thinking I might need to “install” something (driver, I’m not sure) but I was pleased to see it worked out of the box. That’s not to say other motherboards aren’t well built or impressive in and of themselves, I can say that the AORUS Z790 Elite AX is a great choice. There’s plenty of connections to put out power to coolers and fans, it looks great, and I love the Wi-Fi 6E, the Wi-Fi speeds paired with my fiber internet has given me blistering speeds.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get powerful, colorful light, an integrated 1080p camera with night vision, and the ability to see what’s going on and control the light right from the Philips Hue app. Mount it outside to monitor your home in real time — and then trigger an alarm to warn off potential intruders.
Customer Rating
3
Works great, but too expensive
on July 9, 2024
Posted by: callmeageeth
I have many Philips Hue lights and peripherals in my house. I purchased them before the big influx of cheaper alternatives. I don’t regret my purchases - the lights are cool and work great - but it’s an expensive ecosystem. Philps, already having some smart home chops - like many other companies - are spreading into the consumer home security space. It’s neither bad, nor good. I can speak highly of the quality of the products and their performance, but it’s just entirely too expensive. If you’re like me and are already invested in the Hue ecosystem, it might be worth it, but it’s hard to justify at its current price if you’re starting from scratch or already have home security cameras from a different brand. When I purchased my Hue lights, I also started investing in Arlo cameras (which until recently, were also priced extremely high). So replacing all of my cameras with Philips Hue cameras just isn’t in the cards for me. But like I said, I already have many Hue lights, so it made sense for me to expand my lighting to the outdoors (for the first time for me) and add security camera coverage where there wasn’t any previously.
SETUP AND INSTALLATION
Out of the gate - and it’s probably assumed - you need to know this floodlight/camera is hard wired. The installation is relatively easy, it’s like replacing any light fixture but that could be daunting to some. Nonetheless, if you’ve never done it before, it’s not that bad.
Out of the gate - and it’s probably assumed - you need to know this floodlight/camera is hard wired. The installation is relatively easy, it’s like replacing any light fixture but that could be daunting to some. Nonetheless, if you’ve never done it before, it’s not that bad.
In the box you’ll find the light fixture and then a camera. The camera attaches to the light via magnets. There’s also a steel cable - affixed to the light fixture - that screws into the back of the camera. This is undoubtedly a feature to catch the camera if it ever fell, as it just screws in, so it won’t prevent theft.
Assuming you’re replacing an old light, it’s relatively simple. You connect the black and white wires with a wingnut, attach the ground and secure the light to the mounting bracket. There’s two screws - one at the top and one at the bottom - that secures the fixture to the black mounting bracket. (Obviously you’ll want to turn the power off first). But I had zero issues with the install.
From there, you’ll have to download the Hue app if you don’t already. Another comment, you MUST have a Hue Bridge to connect the light to your setup. Since I already had one it was no big deal, but if you’re starting your Hue setup from scratch, you’ll want to keep that in mind.
But within the app itself, you simply navigate to the part where you add a light. (the three dotted ellipsis at the top of the app). Standing near the light with my phone, the app found it almost immediately. From there you can name it and tell the app which room it’s in. I didn’t have any outdoor Hue lights, so I created a new one and put it there. Then a firmware update downloaded. Then the light is ready to go. If you’re familiar to the Hue app experience, you can adjust the colors and brightness within the app.
The next step is to install the camera. I’ve already alluded to it, but it’s pretty simple and straight forward. It attaches to the light fixture via magnets. There’s a cable dangling from the fixture that plugs into the light, and then you can also connect the steel tether I previously mentioned. Then on the app, you have to add it. It was a little difficult to navigate on the app, as I’ve only ever used it for lights, but I found it under “Cameras” in the settings menu of the app.
Setup for the camera was then pretty straightforward and simple. I had the camera up and running in minutes.
APP
I have to comment on the app. I was never a huge fan of the app. Sure, it does a lot and there’s a lot of customization for your lights, settings, scenes, automation etc. But it’s a bit overwhelming. It’s also not intuitive - to me at least - to access the camera feed. The home screen of the app when I open it shows my lights. But I noticed at the top a security tab. It will say disarmed but hitting that is what takes you to your camera feeds.
I have to comment on the app. I was never a huge fan of the app. Sure, it does a lot and there’s a lot of customization for your lights, settings, scenes, automation etc. But it’s a bit overwhelming. It’s also not intuitive - to me at least - to access the camera feed. The home screen of the app when I open it shows my lights. But I noticed at the top a security tab. It will say disarmed but hitting that is what takes you to your camera feeds.
I found adjusting the settings to be convoluted. Sure, after messing with it for a while I was able to navigate the menus and find what I needed (like notification settings) but it took a minute. To me, the app was designed for lights and the security function was just tacked on. The security function - assuming you pay the $40 per year for one camera or $10 a month for up to 10 cameras - allows you to arm or disarm your home. Basically, that allows you to receive notifications and turns on a siren. I found the notifications to be pretty sensitive, catching squirrels in the backyard. But when you finally get to the camera settings, the options are pretty robust. Like other security camera systems I’ve used, they take a little trial and error to get the exact settings you want - which can be a pain - but is something that I think is unavoidable.
FEATURES
The features should be self explanatory, but the gist is that this acts like most any floodlight with a security camera. The biggest difference is that a Hue light is attached, which is extremely bright and can be in virtually any color. To me, the outdoor light is the best part. I have it placed facing my back patio where my family sometimes sits outdoors and I really like changing the colors. The camera can record up to 60s clips and they’re saved in the cloud and accessible so long as you have a subscription. Without a subscription, you can still get notifications and live feed but nothing’s recorded. All-in-all, it’s a robust setup that works well. I have no complaints about the design, the hardware, the performance of the light or the quality of the camera (which is sharp and has night vision).
The features should be self explanatory, but the gist is that this acts like most any floodlight with a security camera. The biggest difference is that a Hue light is attached, which is extremely bright and can be in virtually any color. To me, the outdoor light is the best part. I have it placed facing my back patio where my family sometimes sits outdoors and I really like changing the colors. The camera can record up to 60s clips and they’re saved in the cloud and accessible so long as you have a subscription. Without a subscription, you can still get notifications and live feed but nothing’s recorded. All-in-all, it’s a robust setup that works well. I have no complaints about the design, the hardware, the performance of the light or the quality of the camera (which is sharp and has night vision).
CONCLUSION
It’s really hard to recommend this light because of its price. If you already have Hue lights or even better, Hue cameras, it’s a much easier sell. Not only do you have the upfront equipment costs, but you also have to have a subscription to take full advantage of the features, which in some ways defeats the purpose of a camera (if you can’t save recordings, it’s tough to justify). So this light/camera is for a specific subset of people. Personally, I would be okay with just the light sans the camera. I already pay for another security camera system (Arlo) and I imagine a lot of people already have a system installed so yet another subscription fee can be be off putting or a nonstarter. If you already have security cameras and are interested in the Hue lights, I would get the light without the camera, then use the balance of the savings from not getting the camera to purchase more Hue lighting products - which is what I think Philips does the best - just at a cost.
It’s really hard to recommend this light because of its price. If you already have Hue lights or even better, Hue cameras, it’s a much easier sell. Not only do you have the upfront equipment costs, but you also have to have a subscription to take full advantage of the features, which in some ways defeats the purpose of a camera (if you can’t save recordings, it’s tough to justify). So this light/camera is for a specific subset of people. Personally, I would be okay with just the light sans the camera. I already pay for another security camera system (Arlo) and I imagine a lot of people already have a system installed so yet another subscription fee can be be off putting or a nonstarter. If you already have security cameras and are interested in the Hue lights, I would get the light without the camera, then use the balance of the savings from not getting the camera to purchase more Hue lighting products - which is what I think Philips does the best - just at a cost.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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A new standard in PC gaming audio has been set with the Turtle Beach Atlas Air - the first wireless open back gaming headset for PC. 40mm drivers with high-fidelity 24-bit audio mode and a removable, flip-to-mute high-bandwidth (16-bit/32kHz sampling rate) microphone are both fully adjustable in the Swarm II software for the ultimate PC gaming experience. The world’s first floating earcup plus a floating headband lends to its class-leading light weight of 301g and an ultra-comfortable fit. Atlas Air is equipped with low-latency 2.4GHz wireless + Bluetooth for reliable wireless connection on Windows PCs, PS5 & PS4, and mobile devices.
Customer Rating
5
Big, but very light and comfortable
on June 27, 2024
Posted by: callmeageeth
Turtle Beach makes some of my favorite headsets and the Atlas continues that trend. This is the supposedly first “open back” wireless gaming headset. I found it to be extremely comfortable to wear. It provides exceptional audio quality, although it does let in ambient sound (it’s open back). It’s versatile and can connect to any PC or console, via Bluetooth, USB cable, or the USB-A dongle.
IN THE BOX
I was pleasantly surprised to see all the included accessories. Albeit it isn’t much, but in an age where you no longer get charging bricks for your phones, I was pleased. Obviously you get the headset, a removable boom microphone, a USB dongle, a 3.5 MM cable (for Xbox controllers), a USB cable to connect, and a soft carrying case. The latter won’t give you much protection per se, but I appreciate it being included.
I was pleasantly surprised to see all the included accessories. Albeit it isn’t much, but in an age where you no longer get charging bricks for your phones, I was pleased. Obviously you get the headset, a removable boom microphone, a USB dongle, a 3.5 MM cable (for Xbox controllers), a USB cable to connect, and a soft carrying case. The latter won’t give you much protection per se, but I appreciate it being included.
DESIGN
The headphones are made of mostly plastic with an elastic headband underneath the ear band. The ear cups feel like memory foam with slick feeling fabric covering it. They’re very plush. THe volume is controlled by “dial” on the left ear cup. I love this placement. There’s only three other buttons, all placed on the left side, with two inputs (one is USB-C for charging, the other is 3.5 MM port). The only buttons are power, switching between wireless mode and Bluetooth mode, and the Bluetooth button (I used it to put the headphones into pairing mode). I’m always for the fewer buttons the better.
The headphones are made of mostly plastic with an elastic headband underneath the ear band. The ear cups feel like memory foam with slick feeling fabric covering it. They’re very plush. THe volume is controlled by “dial” on the left ear cup. I love this placement. There’s only three other buttons, all placed on the left side, with two inputs (one is USB-C for charging, the other is 3.5 MM port). The only buttons are power, switching between wireless mode and Bluetooth mode, and the Bluetooth button (I used it to put the headphones into pairing mode). I’m always for the fewer buttons the better.
There’s also a microphone that can be detached. I’m not sure why you would ever take it off, unless you never plan on chatting through your headset, but the option is there. And when it’s attached, you can still swivel it upwards which mutes the microphone. And the entire boom mike is flexible (it looks like stiff plastic) which gives you flexibility on microphone placement in front of your mouth to get the best sound.
The headphones have a floating ear cup design. It’s tough to describe, but imagine your standard over the ear headphones that have an extended headband, and swiveling ear cups (swiveling left to right). Hare, the ear band doesn’t extend - it’s large and uses the elastic band underneath - and rather than having ear cups that swivel to fit your head, the ear cups inside the headband are attached by rubber strings under tension, so the earcup portion swivels all around. I like the design choice because it looks good and it does seem more comfortable. There’s not a great deal of tension, just a little flexibility for the earcup to fit around your head.
The one downside to the design is that these are some big headphones. I hesitate to say bulky because that implies that they’re heavy, which they’re not - they’re extremely light - but if you were to look at yourself in the mirror with these on, you’ll notice some big ear cups on the side of your head. I’m assuming this was an attempt to keep moving parts down and keeping the weight down. It’s as if it was designed to fit the biggest head - without extending the ear band - while having elastic underneath that fits smaller heads. And I’ll add that the elastic band is good enough to keep the headphones in place, but does put any noticeable pressure on your head. In other words, these headphones are big, but light and very comfortable to wear.
GETTING STARTED
Is pretty easy, like most other gaming headsets and/or Bluetooth headphones. You can plug the USB dongle into your PS5 or PC and get going immediately. Or plug the 3.5 MM cable into your Xbox controller. Pairing it to your phone is dead simple, just put it in Bluetooth mode and then hit the Bluetooth pairing button to put it in pairing mode.
Is pretty easy, like most other gaming headsets and/or Bluetooth headphones. You can plug the USB dongle into your PS5 or PC and get going immediately. Or plug the 3.5 MM cable into your Xbox controller. Pairing it to your phone is dead simple, just put it in Bluetooth mode and then hit the Bluetooth pairing button to put it in pairing mode.
But you’ll want to consider downloading the Turtle Beach Swarm II app, either on your phone or PC. I believe both will accomplish the same thing, although I only downloaded it on my phone. When paired to your phone, you’ll open the app and the first thing you’ll be prompted to do is to download a firmware update. But, even if you skip this part, it should still work (it did for me before I downloaded any firmware).
AUDIO PERFORMANCE
I’m no audiophile, but I was pleasantly surprised by the rich and realistic audio produced by the headphones. They’re open, however, meaning ambient noise will be let in. When I’m playing video games in my basement, this is no issue, but when I wear them while working (with a fan on behind me) I can hear the fan running. Basically, there’s no “seal” to your ears, and certainly no noise cancellation. For most, I only see this as a problem if you’re wanting to listen to music at your desk and want to block out outside noise. But there’s also the convenience of being able to hear someone talking to you (letting you know they’re there) while wearing them and listening to music/playing games. This is obviously all personal preference. But just know that the open design does not diminish the audio quality, in some respects, I think it gives more realistic audio because of its openness. Of course, this means the bass isn’t quite as punchy as other enclosed headphones, but punchy bass isn’t always realistic.
I’m no audiophile, but I was pleasantly surprised by the rich and realistic audio produced by the headphones. They’re open, however, meaning ambient noise will be let in. When I’m playing video games in my basement, this is no issue, but when I wear them while working (with a fan on behind me) I can hear the fan running. Basically, there’s no “seal” to your ears, and certainly no noise cancellation. For most, I only see this as a problem if you’re wanting to listen to music at your desk and want to block out outside noise. But there’s also the convenience of being able to hear someone talking to you (letting you know they’re there) while wearing them and listening to music/playing games. This is obviously all personal preference. But just know that the open design does not diminish the audio quality, in some respects, I think it gives more realistic audio because of its openness. Of course, this means the bass isn’t quite as punchy as other enclosed headphones, but punchy bass isn’t always realistic.
When listening to music at my desk, I was impressed by the dynamic sound. It’s very clear and rich. When gaming, they worked great at surround sound, allowing me to hear enemy footsteps from all around me. In short, I found the audio quality to be fantastic.
SWARM II
The app is great, as it’s easy to use and navigate and isn’t overwhelming. THere are a number of preset EQ settings, but you can also create your own. You can also adjust the microphone settings, increasing/decreasing sensitivity, noise gate, and monitoring volume (or sidetone). The monitoring volume was default to off (I like to hear feedback when I talk with headphones on so I don’t end up yelling). I was pleasantly surprised to see this feature and to me, increases its value. I could have lived without it, but it was a big plus to me. Notably, I haven’t downloaded the app on my PC, but the settings made on the phone seem to be saved to the headset, so the microphone and EQ settings seem to work no matter which program you adjust them on.
The app is great, as it’s easy to use and navigate and isn’t overwhelming. THere are a number of preset EQ settings, but you can also create your own. You can also adjust the microphone settings, increasing/decreasing sensitivity, noise gate, and monitoring volume (or sidetone). The monitoring volume was default to off (I like to hear feedback when I talk with headphones on so I don’t end up yelling). I was pleasantly surprised to see this feature and to me, increases its value. I could have lived without it, but it was a big plus to me. Notably, I haven’t downloaded the app on my PC, but the settings made on the phone seem to be saved to the headset, so the microphone and EQ settings seem to work no matter which program you adjust them on.
CONCLUSION
In a crowded field of gaming headsets, you are getting a large headset, but extremely light and comfortable to wear with terrific sound. The biggest thing to remember about the sound is ambient noise around you. It shouldn’t matter for gaming and may be a plus to some, but if you’re looking to be fully enclosed in whatever you’re listening to, and blocking out the rest of the world, this won’t do it. It’s also extremely flexible and the app is easy to use.
In a crowded field of gaming headsets, you are getting a large headset, but extremely light and comfortable to wear with terrific sound. The biggest thing to remember about the sound is ambient noise around you. It shouldn’t matter for gaming and may be a plus to some, but if you’re looking to be fully enclosed in whatever you’re listening to, and blocking out the rest of the world, this won’t do it. It’s also extremely flexible and the app is easy to use.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience gaming like never before with the Glorious GMMK 2 96% Full Size Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. This remarkable keyboard is designed to provide the ultimate gaming experience while offering unparalleled customization options. Whether you're a casual gamer or a competitive enthusiast, the GMMK 2 is the perfect companion that combines sleek design, advanced features, and effortless customization for an unbeatable gaming performance. The GMMK 2 is packed with features that make it a standout choice for gamers. Its space-saving design ensures that it fits seamlessly into any gaming setup, allowing you to maximize your desk space without compromising on comfort or functionality. Crafted with premium materials, including double-shot keycaps and an aluminum top frame, this keyboard not only looks sleek but also offers exceptional durability for long-lasting performance. Equipped with hotswap functionality, the GMMK 2 is a versatile gaming keyboard that enables easy customization. It comes with custom-made Fox linear switches, delivering satisfying acoustics and precise keystrokes. However, if you prefer a different switch type, you can effortlessly swap out the switches for any 3 or 5 pin switches, allowing you to personalize your typing and gaming experience to suit your preferences.
Customer Rating
5
Makes typing a joy
on June 24, 2024
Posted by: callmeageeth
My day job requires me to type a lot. I also like to game on PC. To me, I want the best tools to elevate my computing experience and I enjoy the clicky sounds of a mechanical keyboard. This keyboard is an absolute pleasure to type on, although it might take a little adjustment depending on the type of keyboard you use - primarily because of the size which as you can see on the description is 96%. This keyboard dominates gaming while conquering the workday.
DESIGN
This keyboard is both stylish and understated. It’s all black with colorful black lighting and a little flourish. You can keep it professional or spice up your desk with lighting. It still features a full 9 digit keypad, along with your function buttons (separate from the numbers) but it can feel a little cramped at first (assuming you’re used to the 100% size).
This keyboard is both stylish and understated. It’s all black with colorful black lighting and a little flourish. You can keep it professional or spice up your desk with lighting. It still features a full 9 digit keypad, along with your function buttons (separate from the numbers) but it can feel a little cramped at first (assuming you’re used to the 100% size).
It’s weight, made out of aluminum. It will not move when you’re typing. It has a standard angle, that’s the best way I can describe it, giving you a slight and expected elevation from the bottom to the top keys.
I should add that this keyboard is considered “prebuilt” because you have the ability to customize the keycaps and types of switches directly from their website. Obviously, ordering the black prebuilt one takes away some of the customizability, but that’s only out of the box. The keycaps and the underlying switches can all be taken off and replaced. But obviously, packaging a complete set of black keycaps has some nice conveniences and probably helps keep the price down.
And finally, there’s awesome and subtle lighting on the sides of the keyboard to give is a nice subtle glow.
TYPING EXPERIENCE
I recommend a mechanical keyboard to everyone because of the satisfaction thump and clicking sound of typing. But not everyone cares about those things. But this keyboard uses what GMMK calls “Glorious Fox linear switches.” I don’t have the other types to compare, but these provide great feedback. And they’re entirely responsive, not requiring you to fully depress the button. This is great for gaming.
I recommend a mechanical keyboard to everyone because of the satisfaction thump and clicking sound of typing. But not everyone cares about those things. But this keyboard uses what GMMK calls “Glorious Fox linear switches.” I don’t have the other types to compare, but these provide great feedback. And they’re entirely responsive, not requiring you to fully depress the button. This is great for gaming.
I only use a keyboard for FPS (non-online) on PC. It was a fine experience, as I found the buttons extremely responsive with quick key rollover allowed rapid button presses with out any misses.
GLORIOUS CORE
You’ll want to download the Core app to get the full experience of this keyboard. It’s there you can change the colors and effects (like breathing, or where the lights turn off until you begin typing). You can also change the polling rate and input latency, but I’m not smart enough to really know the difference of these settings - but I’m sure that matters to some. The app is relatively straightforward and easy to manage and navigate, so props there. I had a little trouble switching colors at first, but I eventually figured it out and it hasn’t been an issue since.
You’ll want to download the Core app to get the full experience of this keyboard. It’s there you can change the colors and effects (like breathing, or where the lights turn off until you begin typing). You can also change the polling rate and input latency, but I’m not smart enough to really know the difference of these settings - but I’m sure that matters to some. The app is relatively straightforward and easy to manage and navigate, so props there. I had a little trouble switching colors at first, but I eventually figured it out and it hasn’t been an issue since.
You can create an account and sync your settings in the cloud for free. These would include saving your keybindings and macro functions. And there’s a large preset selection of those types of actions.
MISC COMMENTS
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a few issues I had, but it’s tough to say if they are just with my unit, but when I switched the colors to a solid colors, a few keys weren’t as bright or shined a little differently. The backlighting isn’t affected, I can still read the letter on the key, and when it’s pulsing it’s hardly noticeable. Maybe it’s me, maybe I messed up a color setting, or it’s just pertaining to my unit, but it’s worth noting even though it makes no difference to me.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a few issues I had, but it’s tough to say if they are just with my unit, but when I switched the colors to a solid colors, a few keys weren’t as bright or shined a little differently. The backlighting isn’t affected, I can still read the letter on the key, and when it’s pulsing it’s hardly noticeable. Maybe it’s me, maybe I messed up a color setting, or it’s just pertaining to my unit, but it’s worth noting even though it makes no difference to me.
I also had issues with my 7 key. This does feel like a manufacturing flaw, as I’ve tried to remove the button and reinstall it, but it sticks a little bit and sometimes my keys don’t register if I don’t exert more force than other keys.
I also have the mention the size of the keyboard. My typing accuracy went down for a little bit while I accumulated myself. Not something you can’t relearn, but the keys still seem a little cramped to me, especially the arrow keys, which are surrounded by other keys (whereas sometimes they’re more open and easy to find without looking). This is something I easily got over and I like the symmetrical size and feel of the keyboard, but it was an adjustment.
CONCLUSION
I’m a big fan of this keyboard. The keys -with the exception of my 7 - are extremely responsive, feel clicky and frankly satisfying to use. And the app is pretty user friendly and offers enough customization options without feeling overwhelming to all but the select few who fine tune every aspect of their computer. This keyboard is still more pricey than your basic computer keyboard, but it’s worthwhile investment to any gamer or professional who is always on a computer - it truly elevates the typing experience.
I’m a big fan of this keyboard. The keys -with the exception of my 7 - are extremely responsive, feel clicky and frankly satisfying to use. And the app is pretty user friendly and offers enough customization options without feeling overwhelming to all but the select few who fine tune every aspect of their computer. This keyboard is still more pricey than your basic computer keyboard, but it’s worthwhile investment to any gamer or professional who is always on a computer - it truly elevates the typing experience.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Unlock 100+ game audio presets with Arctis Nova 5P and the Companion App. Switch detailed EQ profiles for games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Minecraft, and more without leaving the game. With 60-hour battery life, and 2.4GHz/Bluetooth wireless, play longer on PS, PC, Switch, and mobile with a USB-C wireless dongle.
Customer Rating
4
Decent Sound, Versatile
on June 24, 2024
Posted by: callmeageeth
Gaming headsets are a dime a dozen nowadays, with plenty of solid options. I find the SteelSeries brand to be some of the better headsets due to the audio quality, versatility and ease of use. The Arctis Nova 5, to me, is the midrange version of SteelSeries’ headsets and the sound quality - while fine - is lacking when compared to higher end sets (looking at the Arctis Nova Pro). But its versatility and ease of use makes it a good option.
I have every main console, but primarily game on PS5 and Nintendo Switch. So my experience is centered around my use of this headset on those two consoles.
IN THE BOX AND SET UP
You’ll find the headset, a USB-C dongle, USB-A to USB-C cable and a USB-C extension cable. You’ll be directed to download an app (Arctis Nova 5). I’m a bit loathe to download another app, but this is where you’ll adjust the EQ settings. But I was easily able to pair the headset to my phone, download the app, and adjust the EQ settings and sidetone volume.
You’ll find the headset, a USB-C dongle, USB-A to USB-C cable and a USB-C extension cable. You’ll be directed to download an app (Arctis Nova 5). I’m a bit loathe to download another app, but this is where you’ll adjust the EQ settings. But I was easily able to pair the headset to my phone, download the app, and adjust the EQ settings and sidetone volume.
SOFTWARE
First the app. I’m not one to fine tune my EQ settings, I just either am too lazy or don’t know enough. So I don’t typically adjust those settings. But this app eliminates that type of fluff. And there’s no light settings to adjust like you might find in other headsets. Basically, it’s pretty straightforward.
First the app. I’m not one to fine tune my EQ settings, I just either am too lazy or don’t know enough. So I don’t typically adjust those settings. But this app eliminates that type of fluff. And there’s no light settings to adjust like you might find in other headsets. Basically, it’s pretty straightforward.
The EQ settings are based on games or general settings like “Bass Boost.” I didn’t scroll through all the settings, nor did I test them all, but there’s a setting for most big name games (Call of Duty, Baldur’s Gate, FC 2024, etc.). But what I like most is the ability to adjust sidetone - which gives you the ability to hear yourself talking. But other than adjusting that volume or changing the EQ settings per a particular game (which seems like an extra step I probably won’t take when I change games) there’s not much to the app; which I’m fine with.
COMFORT AND DESIGN
I have a big head and find the Nova 5P to be a little small. That’s not to say it doesn’t fit, it just feels and looks compact. It’s made of light plastic (I don’t see any metal here) and the ear cups are a memory foam. There’s an elastic band underneath the plastic headband. The ear cups are a bit small for my ears, meaning my entire ear lobe doesn’t fit inside, but I still found them comfortable for a several hour long game session presumably because of the comfort of the memory foam ear cups.
I have a big head and find the Nova 5P to be a little small. That’s not to say it doesn’t fit, it just feels and looks compact. It’s made of light plastic (I don’t see any metal here) and the ear cups are a memory foam. There’s an elastic band underneath the plastic headband. The ear cups are a bit small for my ears, meaning my entire ear lobe doesn’t fit inside, but I still found them comfortable for a several hour long game session presumably because of the comfort of the memory foam ear cups.
The microphone is hidden and is easily pulled out when you need it.. When using the microphone, I found you have to have it right in front of your mouth. At first it felt unnatural, at least leaving me thinking my friends would hearing my every noise (and breath). But they reported to me that I sounded good.
The buttons are few and simple to use, which is always a plus. There’s the power button, a button above it that switches from radio mode with the dongle and Bluetooth. When you hit the switch button there’s dialogue that tells you which mode you’re in. On the left ear cup you’ll find the volume and mute button for the microphone.
The biggest design flaw is the shape of the USB-C dongle, at least when it’s plugged into your PS5. When plugged into the PS5 it blocks the other USB port. Most of the time this shouldn’t be an issue, but it does seem like an oversight. Another downside is that you can’t use these with your PSVR2 headset as it uses the systems’ only USB-C port.
SOUND PERFORMANCE
I connected these headphones to my phone (to adjust the EQ settings), and used it on my PS5 and Switch using the dongle. Again, switching between Bluetooth and dongle is easy with a tap of the button. I like the flexibility of being able to use this for multiple devices - it’s literally plug and play with the USB-C dongle - but I was bit underwhelmed with the sound performance. It just sounds hollow. The bass isn’t very deep, for music or gaming, and it just doesn’t sound as full as other headsets I’ve used. Having said that, when gaming on the PS5 I found it to be more than adequate. I can hear my friends well, and I can hear myself with sidetone which is a big deal to me (I hate not being able to hear myself talk on a headset), and I didn’t feel at any online competitive disadvantage. I wouldn’t recommend it for listening to music, not that you necessarily would, as most of us carry earbuds or other high end headphones for music listening. Again, the sound quality was adequate, but I wish it had more bass and richer audio.
I connected these headphones to my phone (to adjust the EQ settings), and used it on my PS5 and Switch using the dongle. Again, switching between Bluetooth and dongle is easy with a tap of the button. I like the flexibility of being able to use this for multiple devices - it’s literally plug and play with the USB-C dongle - but I was bit underwhelmed with the sound performance. It just sounds hollow. The bass isn’t very deep, for music or gaming, and it just doesn’t sound as full as other headsets I’ve used. Having said that, when gaming on the PS5 I found it to be more than adequate. I can hear my friends well, and I can hear myself with sidetone which is a big deal to me (I hate not being able to hear myself talk on a headset), and I didn’t feel at any online competitive disadvantage. I wouldn’t recommend it for listening to music, not that you necessarily would, as most of us carry earbuds or other high end headphones for music listening. Again, the sound quality was adequate, but I wish it had more bass and richer audio.
BATTERY
It’s rated for 60 hours which is darn impressive. I am one to charge my headphones on a regular basis so they don’t die during a session, but these easily go a week worth of playing a few hours without problem. And they have fast charging which is a big plus for those times you forget to charge it. I wish I could say whether there’s a battery low chime, but I haven’t gotten to that point just yet.
It’s rated for 60 hours which is darn impressive. I am one to charge my headphones on a regular basis so they don’t die during a session, but these easily go a week worth of playing a few hours without problem. And they have fast charging which is a big plus for those times you forget to charge it. I wish I could say whether there’s a battery low chime, but I haven’t gotten to that point just yet.
CONCLUSION
All-in-all, this is a decent headset that is comfortable to wear for long periods of time, can juggle multiple devices. I just wish for the price the sound quality was a bit better, but then again, for most of us the sound quality is more than adequate (I put myself in that category, but I also own the Steelseries Arctis Nova Prime which even to me is way better in the sound quality department).
All-in-all, this is a decent headset that is comfortable to wear for long periods of time, can juggle multiple devices. I just wish for the price the sound quality was a bit better, but then again, for most of us the sound quality is more than adequate (I put myself in that category, but I also own the Steelseries Arctis Nova Prime which even to me is way better in the sound quality department).
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Take aerial shots with this GoPro Karma drone. Its Karma Stabilizer lets the included HERO5 Black action camera capture shake-free videos, while the Karma Grip provides reliable stabilization for handheld and mounted filming. The game-style controller with an integrated touch display makes Karma easy and fun to fly.Fly Responsibly:Before takeoff, update all software and firmware, and read the instructions thoroughly.See the FAA website for registration requirements and information about flying a drone safely: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/. Additional state or local requirements may apply. Check your local jurisdiction. The following websites may help you make informed decisions about flying your drone: www.knowbeforeyoufly.org and www.modelaircraft.org.
Just curious what the flight time experience has been like. Says 20 minutes with no payload; however, is the camera considered "payload"? Is it 20 minutes WITH the camera? Also, how close to 20 minutes is the "actual" flight time?
Given that the camera is required to fly I wouldn't think that the camera is considered payload. I've never tried to fly with any payload mostly because I haven't needed to and it doesn't seem equipped to hold anything (you would have to use some ingenuity to attach something to it). I can speak as to how long it flies without any payload but obviously with the camera. And in my use, it's been between 18-19 minutes of flight time. The very first time I flew it, it landed itself due to low battery around the 18 minutes mark, even though on the handheld controller, the screen said there was 2 minutes of flight time left. I haven't flown it enough while taking video/stills to determine how much that drains the battery. Hope that helps.
8 years, 3 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Sony PlayStation VR Launch Bundle:Immerse yourself in a virtual-reality gaming world with this Sony PlayStation VR bundle. Experience body-responsive gaming with the two PlayStation Move motion controllers. The built-in camera lets you take clear photos, and the stereo headphones provide rich sound. Challenge your gaming ability with the VR Worlds game included with this Sony PlayStation VR bundle.
Is the camera of this bundle the latest one? The ps4 camera? Or the ps3 camera?
Yes, the bundle comes with the newest model camera. The packaging and promotions for the PSVR actually show the older model (which as I understand, will still work). This camera is completely different than the PS3 version.
8 years, 7 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Bring the power of Google directly to your fingertips with the Google Pixel. A large 32GB of storage keep data secure, while unlimited cloud storage transfers data as needed, and it's completely automatic. The large 5-inch screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4 to ensure the Google Pixel remains scratch-free.
It is an unlocked phone, so I assume it is compatible with SIM card from other countries - is that correct?
I can't confirrm that it will work sims from other countries (depends on bandwidths) but I can absolutely confirm that putting a T-Mobile sim into this phone will work. Sorry couldn't give you a better answer!
8 years, 8 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Charge 2 GoPro lithium-ion batteries simultaneously with this GoPro AHBBP-301 charger that reliably draws power from select USB chargers, USB-enabled computers or GoPro wall or vehicle chargers (not included), so you can keep your camera ready for use.
Does this have the cable to connect charger to computer? Is there a cord that connects camera directly to computer or wall charger for charging? I think we lost ours.
It comes with a mini-USB cable which you can plug into your computer (I wouldn't recommend because of slow charging) and a wall charger. The same mini-USB cable plugs directly into the camera itself
8 years, 10 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Turtle Beach Ear Force PX22 Amplified Universal Gaming Headset: Enjoy more freedom and use your universal headset with more than one gaming console. Customize your audio and let it automatically boost online chatting so you hear every sound during your gaming session.
Does it work with party system on Xbox one
It is my understanding that this headset is not compatible with the Xbox one
9 years, 3 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Play games, watch movies and more with this HP Pavilion 23cw 23" LED monitor, which features 1920 x 1080 resolution and IPS technology for clear visuals from a wide variety of vantage points. Enhance+ uses noise reduction to improve image quality.
Can i use apple tv on this monitor
As long as your monitor has an HDMI port you can.*
NOTE: that is the simplest answer, you can, theoretically, buy a couple different adapters to make it work.
NOTE: that is the simplest answer, you can, theoretically, buy a couple different adapters to make it work.
9 years, 7 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Louisville, KY
Expand the storage of your compatible device with this SanDisk Ultra PLUS microSDXC memory card that features a 128GB capacity to hold your photos and videos and a Class 10 rating to ensure speedy data transfer. The rugged design resists damage.
compatibility
I have a Dell Venue 8 Pro.Would this work with it for storage?also is it compatible with android devices?...thank you
Double check your specific Android device. Most newer devices accept it, I believe this card was intended for Android devices, but again, I know some devices only accept up to 64 GB card
10 years, 8 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Louisville, KY
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Tablet: The new Surface Pro 3 is in a category of its own. With a stunning 12" display in a sleek magnesium frame, Surface Pro 3 has all the power and performance of a laptop in an incredibly lightweight, versatile form. It may just be the ultimate device.
How do you read a full size sd card?
You would have to get some sort of USB adapter for a full size SD card. It only accepts MicroSD
11 years ago
by
callmeageeth
Louisville, KY