Batlacit's stats
- Review count236
- Helpfulness votes923
- First reviewFebruary 13, 2016
- Last reviewSeptember 15, 2025
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- Average rating4.5
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- Answer count55
- Helpfulness votes100
- First answerSeptember 21, 2016
- Last answerJanuary 21, 2022
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Hear everything happening in the game with this Logitech gaming headset. Low distortion and an acoustic port behind the driver combine to produce precise, realistic sound, and downloadable software lets you customize audio for each game. Play in comfort with the ultra-soft microfiber ear pads of this Logitech gaming headset.
Customer Rating
3
Stellar audio, but an uncomfortable design.
on August 10, 2017
Posted by: Batlacit
from Madison, WI
This headset is somewhat difficult to form an opinion on. I've used other Logitech gaming headsets in the past, and overall I've usually found them to be some of the better ones. But for whatever reason, I just found myself less than impressed with this particular version.
It is definitely not for lack of features. The headset has just about everything you could want. Cables for USB, 3 pole mobile jacks, and paired 2 pole PC jacks, two microphone options, two sets of ear pads, an a carrying case for all of it. And taken individually, I really like the a lot of it. The audio quality is great (though as with most surround sound headsets can feel a little distant compared to plain stereo headsets) and both mics have good pickup and easy adjustment. The whole thing is also very lightweight, more so than any other headset of this size I've tried.
But these also at times feel a little like problems. The thing is so lightweight that at times I worry about it being too fragile to really take with me, which is supported by the fact that after a day of fairly light use I'd already begun to notice some cosmetic damage to some of the bits. One of the speakers also looks to have slipped out of its mountings, though it's possible that it just came like that and repair looks very straightforward. And I'm left feeling that I really preferred the older headsets that were heavier and didn't have the same bass response just because I didn't feel like they needed to be protected to keep from breaking. It also doesn't help that on my head (which admittedly has a hat size of XXL) it pinches right at the top of my jaw because there isn't enough play in the gimbal to sit flat against the sides of my head.
Now, a lot of these issues are fixable. The carrying case that it comes with is essentially just a cloth bag, but if you've got something with even a bit of padding I wouldn't really worry about portability. And with regular use, the band is slowly starting to conform better to my head. I've also had friends who have difficulty with heavier units rave about the lightweight build being infinitely more comfortable. But in the end, my own mixed experiences with it keep me from wholeheartedly endorsing it for everyone.
Basically, if you're mostly concerned with audio and weight, this is probably great for you. But if you're looking primarily for prolonged comfort (or just have a large head,) you might want to see if you can try one on before committing to the G433.
It is definitely not for lack of features. The headset has just about everything you could want. Cables for USB, 3 pole mobile jacks, and paired 2 pole PC jacks, two microphone options, two sets of ear pads, an a carrying case for all of it. And taken individually, I really like the a lot of it. The audio quality is great (though as with most surround sound headsets can feel a little distant compared to plain stereo headsets) and both mics have good pickup and easy adjustment. The whole thing is also very lightweight, more so than any other headset of this size I've tried.
But these also at times feel a little like problems. The thing is so lightweight that at times I worry about it being too fragile to really take with me, which is supported by the fact that after a day of fairly light use I'd already begun to notice some cosmetic damage to some of the bits. One of the speakers also looks to have slipped out of its mountings, though it's possible that it just came like that and repair looks very straightforward. And I'm left feeling that I really preferred the older headsets that were heavier and didn't have the same bass response just because I didn't feel like they needed to be protected to keep from breaking. It also doesn't help that on my head (which admittedly has a hat size of XXL) it pinches right at the top of my jaw because there isn't enough play in the gimbal to sit flat against the sides of my head.
Now, a lot of these issues are fixable. The carrying case that it comes with is essentially just a cloth bag, but if you've got something with even a bit of padding I wouldn't really worry about portability. And with regular use, the band is slowly starting to conform better to my head. I've also had friends who have difficulty with heavier units rave about the lightweight build being infinitely more comfortable. But in the end, my own mixed experiences with it keep me from wholeheartedly endorsing it for everyone.
Basically, if you're mostly concerned with audio and weight, this is probably great for you. But if you're looking primarily for prolonged comfort (or just have a large head,) you might want to see if you can try one on before committing to the G433.
My Best Buy number: 2187428738
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Only at Best BuyHP OMEN by HP Laptop: Play your way to victory with this HP Omen 17-inch laptop. Built around a formidable Intel Core i7 processor and 12GB of RAM, this machine supports memory-hungry programs and blazes through graphics-intense games. This HP Omen 17-inch laptop has an advanced red backlit keyboard with dedicated macro keys to make advanced moves easier.
Customer Rating
4
Great portable desktop, but only an "okay" laptop.
on July 15, 2017
Posted by: Batlacit
from Madison, WI
It was more difficult than I expected to write a review on this laptop. The Omen series is HP’s attempt to provide a budget-minded gaming laptop, which is very nearly an oxymoron. The result is a machine which exemplifies both the best and worst of what a gaming laptop is.
As a gaming platform, the Omen is impressively built. With an i7 processor and the latest Radeon GPU, it’s enough to run just about anything you throw at it with ease. It can even drive a VR headset, one of the most demanding benchmarks that a portable machine can meet. To that end it also comes with a variety of perks aimed specifically at gamers. The anti-ghosting keyboard complete with six dedicated macro keys and highlighted WASD keys is a pleasure to type on. It’s also provided with complete illumination which you can set to only highlight the keys most relevant to gaming if you’re using it in an environment with low lighting. As someone who’s admittedly a bit of a snob when it comes to gaming computers, I’m very happy with the Omen’s performance overall. And if that’s not enough for you, with the removal of a single panel at the bottom you have the option to upgrade the RAM and HDD.
The thing is that if you use it for anything other than a gaming platform, the sacrifices that HP made to provide this much functionality at this price point start to become more apparent. The battery will give you less than an hour’s gaming time on its own. In power saving mode, using it only for word processing and web browsing, I struggled to get even three hours out of it. Not that it matters that much, because the size and weight of the system is enough to make it far too bulky to regularly carry around. The heat it kicks out also makes using it on your lap to be pretty much a non-starter, even with the “CoolSense” utility that attempts to limit the amount of heat generated when it isn’t sitting on a desk. You also won’t get a lot of the features that you’d usually expect to see on a high-end Windows laptop. The webcam isn’t compatible with the facial recognition login for Windows 10, the trackpad feels rather cheap, and they’re using a single traditional hard disk drive in place of lighter and more power conscious SSDs.
What this boils down to is that the Omen is probably best described as more of a portable gaming desktop than it is as a laptop. If you’re just looking for something that will let you set up and play games wherever there’s a power outlet and space for an external mouse, I think you’ll be very hard pressed to find something better at this price point. But if you’re looking to have just a single laptop which can do everything and play your games too, this might not be the best choice for you.
My Best Buy number: 2187428738
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+109points
118of 127voted this as helpful.
Upgrade your listening experience with these JBL Everest wireless headphones. The Bluetooth connectivity lets you stream music from compatible devices, and the ergonomic design fits the unique contours of your ears. Its built-in battery on these JBL Everest wireless headphones provides 20 hours of playing time with only 2 hours of microUSB charging.
Customer Rating
5
Great headphones with some surprises!
on July 13, 2017
Posted by: Batlacit
from Madison, WI
It's kind of a given at this point that high end JBL headphones are going to have good audio quality and a plethora of supplementary perks to justify the premium price you pay for them. As a result when I first tried these out there was only one thing that I was really focused on: how comfortable would a set of headphones this size be when the padding is designed to press down on the ear instead of sit over the top of it? Much to my surprise, the answer was: great! In fact they work so well that I actually now prefer them to the larger over-the-ear design.
As it turns out, there are a few advantages to having the headphones sit like they do. One of them is the amount of noise that this thing blocks out. The first time I put them on, I actually had to go back and confirm that noise cancellation wasn't one of the features of this set. And the faux-leather padding does a great job of conducting heat away from your ears, making this a very comfortable set to wear for hours on a plane, train, or anywhere else where you're primarily interested in drowning out the ambient noise.
Another nice thing about these headphones is their ease of use. It's obvious that making this thing dead simple to use was a real priority for the engineers. While most Bluetooth devices provide feedback through tones and blinking lights, these headsets directly speak to you, providing instructions in English as to what you need to do next. This is particularly appreciated when using the ShareMe feature, which lets you pair the headset to another Bluetooth device to mirror the audio you're getting.
That feature, by the way, is another highlight of these headphones. While wired headphones have had audio splitters available for ages to allow two people to privately listen to the same source, doing the same with Bluetooth devices has always been an exercise in frustration for anyone who wasn't very tech-savvy. With these, it's dead simple. Press a dedicated button, and the Everest headphones will automatically pair with any Bluetooth headset in the vicinity - including ones from other brands!
As for the listening experience, as mentioned before the audio quality is great. The biggest factor in quality I found was which version of Bluetooth you used - while the headphones will pair with any transceiver, I definitely noticed that 1st and 2nd generation transceivers were less reliable when it came to delivering audio. Fortunately, there's always the option to plug in a wire and run them through a standard audio jack.
All in all, these are a very solid piece of hardware that I have no difficulty recommending if you're looking for high quality portable audio.
My Best Buy number: 2187428738
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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3of 3voted this as helpful.
Ensure maximum comfort from this Logitech mouse. The precise ergonomic design ensures you stay comfortable throughout the day even if you're a power user, and the additional side button lets you create a custom setup. Smooth gliding is assured from this Logitech mouse thanks to the low-resistance base that slips over any surface.
Customer Rating
5
My favorite mouse
on June 30, 2017
Posted by: Batlacit
from Madison, WI
There are relatively few GOOD mice on the market. Most are what I'd call merely adequate - or afterthoughts to pair with a keyboard. The Logitech MX Master 2 is neither of those. It's one of the very rare great mice available to buy today.
So to start, the comfort. The hand-sculpted design is pretty much... well, sculpted for your hand. It's got just the right amount of heft, a pleasant feel, and a good texture to it. As if that wasn't enough, there are some oversized teflon pads on the bottom that make it slide right over just about anything you might need it to.
Looking at the features, it's got just about whatever you might want. Six buttons, two scroll wheels, support for both 2.4ghz and bluetooth wireless, and an option to plug it into the computer to charge while still using it! And then there's that vertical scroll wheel. Designed to easily and automatically transition between precise ratcheted scrolling and faster smooth scrolling, there really isn't anything else like it on the market. With either a flick of the finger or a tap of a dedicated button below the wheel a mechanical assemblage extends or retracts with a satisfying tactile "clack" that I'll admit sometimes has me scrolling idly just for the novelty factor.
Best of all though is the thing's portability. It can support connections with up to three different computers, and has a button that lets you clearly switch to which one you want to use. There's even a feature to let you use it for two computers simultaneously, though I'll admit to having failed to find a good use scenario for that particular bonus yet. This is a mouse that you can set up on your desk at home, bring with you to work, and take on the plane with your laptop so you never have to return to the days when you used the inferior, tiny "travel" mice of yesterday.
If there is a downside to be had, all I can offer is that the forward/back buttons are perhaps a little too small and closely spaced. But honestly that hasn't been nearly so much of a problem as I thought it would be when I first got the mouse. If you're like me and are unusually picky about your pointing devices, you owe it to yourself to at least try one of these out!
My Best Buy number: 2187428738
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Toss this waterproof LifeProof AQUAPHONICS speaker in the pool and watch it float. The crisp audio doesn't stop for snow, dirt or ice, and this Bluetooth-enabled speaker can withstand a drop from 1.2m. The battery of this LifeProof AQUAPHONICS speaker keeps going for 15 hours, and it charges your phone while it's playing.
Customer Rating
5
Built tough without compromising on audio quality
on June 26, 2017
Posted by: Batlacit
from Madison, WI
I’ve tried a few different waterproof speaker offerings in the past, and for the most part while they’ve been pretty good when it comes to being water proof I’ve been somewhat less impressed by their sound quality and ease of use. This speaker, which is quite probably the most rugged example I’ve seen so far, has impressed me most by being a surprisingly good Bluetooth speaker first that just happens to also be built like the offspring of a tank and a submarine.
As far as features go, this thing isn't going to impress anyone with an abundance of bells and whistles, going instead for minor quality of life details. You’ve got the standard features you’d expect: 15 hour estimated battery life, volume and playback controls, integrated speakerphone capabilities (which at this point seem to be standard for any Bluetooth device) and Bluetooth 4.2 compatibility are all there. But on top of that you have a pair of USB and 3.5mm inputs to allow you to forgo the Bluetooth connection entirely and charge your phone up from the massive battery within at the same time. One of the sets is even located inside the dry box, so that you can protect your phone from shocks or unexpected swims at the same time.
The build quality is also very nice on this unit. Seams are tight and the seals around the dry box are just about as sturdy as anything I’ve seen, with a lock added for extra security. The buttons are all protected by thick rubber caps which help maintain the waterproofing and the sole moving part, the button lock switch on the side, is firm and very sturdy. The sound produced is just a little heavy on the bass tones using it inside, but taking it outside where low tones are more easily lost in ambient noise you get very nice audio response.
Really, there are only a few issues I found with the speaker. The speakerphone functionality seemed fine with my phone but was annoyingly inconsistent with my other devices, for instance. I’m also a bit annoyed that the dry box is just a hair too small to let you fit the wall charger inside for travel and storage. But I’m more than willing to put up with them in exchange for having a single speaker that I can listen to music on at home and then throw in my backpack to take camping!
As far as features go, this thing isn't going to impress anyone with an abundance of bells and whistles, going instead for minor quality of life details. You’ve got the standard features you’d expect: 15 hour estimated battery life, volume and playback controls, integrated speakerphone capabilities (which at this point seem to be standard for any Bluetooth device) and Bluetooth 4.2 compatibility are all there. But on top of that you have a pair of USB and 3.5mm inputs to allow you to forgo the Bluetooth connection entirely and charge your phone up from the massive battery within at the same time. One of the sets is even located inside the dry box, so that you can protect your phone from shocks or unexpected swims at the same time.
The build quality is also very nice on this unit. Seams are tight and the seals around the dry box are just about as sturdy as anything I’ve seen, with a lock added for extra security. The buttons are all protected by thick rubber caps which help maintain the waterproofing and the sole moving part, the button lock switch on the side, is firm and very sturdy. The sound produced is just a little heavy on the bass tones using it inside, but taking it outside where low tones are more easily lost in ambient noise you get very nice audio response.
Really, there are only a few issues I found with the speaker. The speakerphone functionality seemed fine with my phone but was annoyingly inconsistent with my other devices, for instance. I’m also a bit annoyed that the dry box is just a hair too small to let you fit the wall charger inside for travel and storage. But I’m more than willing to put up with them in exchange for having a single speaker that I can listen to music on at home and then throw in my backpack to take camping!
My Best Buy number: 2187428738
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Concoct a variety of coffee-based beverages with this combination DeLonghi coffee maker and espresso machine. Its cappuccino system easily prepares perfectly frothed coffee, and its 24-hour programmable timer lets you make up to 10 cups of brew on your schedule. This DeLonghi coffee maker and espresso machine also makes lattes and hot chocolate.
Customer Rating
4
A coffee machine for enthusiasts
on June 15, 2017
Posted by: Batlacit
from Madison, WI
The first thing I noticed about the DeLonghi 10-Cup Coffeemaker was the instructions. They're somewhat sparse, filled with lots of tiny text, and a few simple illustrations. They're not bad, per se, but they're definitely written with the expectation that you have a basic understanding of what you're doing. And that's pretty much my impression of this machine. If you know what you're doing, it's probably going to be your favorite thing ever. If you've never pulled an espresso shot before, you'll likely be a little intimidated. But this is actually a pretty good machine to learn on.
As far as the hardware itself goes, this is basically two separate appliances melded together. The drip coffee maker on the right is large and well provisioned - with a gold plated coffee permanent coffee filter, a replaceable chlorine flavor filter, and a programmable timer so you can wake up in the morning to a full carafe. It's definitely on the high end of such machines, but there's really nothing particularly remarkable about it. The real focus is on the espresso maker on the left hand side.
This is where it's most obvious that the machine is straddling the divide between a product for experts and one for the average consumer. The build quality is definitely not up to what you'd expect from a professional metal espresso maker, but it's much better than your average plastic appliance too. There's a port to allow you to install a hard water filter in the espresso reservoir. The filter handle is sturdy and almost all metal. The steam wand, on the other hand, is a mix of plastic and metal, and definitely substantially less powerful than what you'd expect on a higher end unit. And that's not entirely a bad thing. I managed to give myself a small burn the first time I tried to make a cappuccino with the unit - the fact that the pressure and output of the wand was lower than others is probably the only thing that kept it from being a large one.
And that really sums up this machine. It's just enough for you to do most of the things you'd like to do, and just shy of enough to let you mess up too badly. It's a tricky target to aim for, but they seem to have found it here.
My Best Buy number: 2187428738
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+6points
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Listen to music hands-free with this LG wireless headset. It lets you answer or ignore a call with voice commands, and the wireless earbuds charge when they're resting inside the neckband, ensuring they're ready for use. The neckband of this LG wireless headset provides vibration alerts for incoming calls and texts, so you'll never miss a message.
Customer Rating
4
My first bluetooth headphones
on May 21, 2017
Posted by: Batlacit
from Madison, WI
I've long liked the idea of cordless devices for most things, save one. For whatever reason, I've never really felt that I needed wireless headphones. I don't know why, honestly. Most headphones I've owned have died because the cord is easily tangled, fragile, and prone to getting caught on things. But it just never seemed worth the added expense.
This particular set, which is a combination of earbuds, a smart watch, and a hands free earpiece, does appeal to my love of gadgets with way more features than they really need. And I have to say they're now my go-to headphones for everyday use. But I have to say that I think there are still some bugs that need to be addressed here.
So first off, the actual headphones are really just two little nubs that pop out of the collar. At first I thought this would be a big problem for me, as I always tend to lose tiny things, but I'm actually rather impressed so far. The headphones do stick in your ears, and with how small they are there isn't much argument from gravity. When they're not in use, two latches on the collar hold them firmly in place while keeping them charged.
BUT... if I follow the fitting instructions in the box, the things are solid as a rock and have great bass response but are physically painful to wear. They can tightly nestle into the shape of your ear, but I think mine might be just a little smaller than whatever baseline they were using to design them. I just can't do it for more than a few minutes. Adjusting it slightly gives me a more comfortable fit, but at the expense of creating a slight gap which makes them less secure and cuts down their ability to deliver any bass. I feel like they could have easily fixed this just by including a larger option for the rubber ear plugs, which makes me somewhat annoyed.
This particular set, which is a combination of earbuds, a smart watch, and a hands free earpiece, does appeal to my love of gadgets with way more features than they really need. And I have to say they're now my go-to headphones for everyday use. But I have to say that I think there are still some bugs that need to be addressed here.
So first off, the actual headphones are really just two little nubs that pop out of the collar. At first I thought this would be a big problem for me, as I always tend to lose tiny things, but I'm actually rather impressed so far. The headphones do stick in your ears, and with how small they are there isn't much argument from gravity. When they're not in use, two latches on the collar hold them firmly in place while keeping them charged.
BUT... if I follow the fitting instructions in the box, the things are solid as a rock and have great bass response but are physically painful to wear. They can tightly nestle into the shape of your ear, but I think mine might be just a little smaller than whatever baseline they were using to design them. I just can't do it for more than a few minutes. Adjusting it slightly gives me a more comfortable fit, but at the expense of creating a slight gap which makes them less secure and cuts down their ability to deliver any bass. I feel like they could have easily fixed this just by including a larger option for the rubber ear plugs, which makes me somewhat annoyed.
As for the collar, that provides the option for both notifications and a bit of extra battery power. The earbuds on their own are rated for about 3 hours use (which my tests confirmed to be broadly accurate, though it seemed that the left earbud died faster) and the collar contains additional power to charge them up for 7.5 hours (my tests confirmed 7.) Pairing it up with an app on your phone allows the collar to vibrate when you've got a notification and read out notification texts on the earbuds if they're in use. It's also just the right size and shape to slip under a shirt collar, which is definitely a plus given that wearing this is not the most flattering look.
BUT... I don't know why they thought that it was a good idea to deliver messages through this big vibrating collar. Again, it works, but it's just not comfortable. The place it tends to sit is very sensitive, and the vibration is just harsh enough to make it unpleasant. I turned this feature off after the first barrage of messages made me pull the collar off, and I plan to keep it that way. Likewise, the app that you use is a somewhat clumsy design that ensures easy access to the legalese within the EULA but is rather feature poor beyond that. There are controls to turn notifications on and off, an instruction manual, and a "voice memo" feature that I've yet to find a good reason to use.
BUT... I don't know why they thought that it was a good idea to deliver messages through this big vibrating collar. Again, it works, but it's just not comfortable. The place it tends to sit is very sensitive, and the vibration is just harsh enough to make it unpleasant. I turned this feature off after the first barrage of messages made me pull the collar off, and I plan to keep it that way. Likewise, the app that you use is a somewhat clumsy design that ensures easy access to the legalese within the EULA but is rather feature poor beyond that. There are controls to turn notifications on and off, an instruction manual, and a "voice memo" feature that I've yet to find a good reason to use.
In the end, these issues aren't enough to make me dislike the headphones. For convenience alone they're worth dealing with the rough edges, and once you pair them the things work just about perfectly, automatically turning themselves on, connecting, and setting up controls for their multifunction buttons. And the collar design is, in my opinion, a far better option for a storage case/charging pod than the usual pill box designs that I've seen for this form factor. But the lack of polish does stop me from giving the product full stars, and if you're an audiophile who really cares about completely faithful sound they might not be for you.
My Best Buy number: 2187428738
I would recommend this to a friend!
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1of 1voted this as helpful.
Replace the keyboard of your Microsoft Surface Pro 7, 6, 5 or 4 with this silver Brydge keyboard. It conveniently lets you open the screen at your preferred viewing angle without a kickstand, and its backlit keys increase visibility in low light working environments. This Brydge keyboard is lightweight, so it doesn't add extra bulk to your device.
Customer Rating
5
Best surface keyboard I've used, hands down!
on May 21, 2017
Posted by: Batlacit
from Madison, WI
Much of the review could be summed up with one sentence: "This thing is absolutely awesome."
I have been using Surface and Surface-like form factors as my primary portable computer for about five years now. And I've been very happy with the experience for the most part. The first one I got was motivated more by the fact that it was the best one to use with a pen than anything else, and while I was satisfied with the snap-on keyboard and kickstand support, "satisfied' is really about as far as I would go with it. As anyone who has used a kickstand based machine on a train or airplane can attest, it's often a pain to work with. The shallow travel of the keys isn't particularly satisfying to use, and the less said about the knuckle-punishing fabric keyboards that came with the first generation surface the better. And there are just an abundance of places where there isn't a good place to use the kickstand.
Well, this keyboard pretty much fixes all of that. I hadn't realized just how much I had missed being able to just set my computer on my actual lap and type anywhere until I stuck my computer into this wonderful little accessory and started working. The thing improved my productivity simply because I no longer have a lingering reluctance to pull out the computer when I don't have an optimal surface to set it up on.
Well, this keyboard pretty much fixes all of that. I hadn't realized just how much I had missed being able to just set my computer on my actual lap and type anywhere until I stuck my computer into this wonderful little accessory and started working. The thing improved my productivity simply because I no longer have a lingering reluctance to pull out the computer when I don't have an optimal surface to set it up on.
Looking beyond the concept, the product itself is just as impressive. It's got a bit of heft to it that makes it just a little heavier than the Surface itself, much of which goes to an oversized battery they advertise will work for 3 months of heavy use. Usually I feel compelled to stress test battery life claims to see what they actually are, but in this one case I'm willing to let that number stand simply for logistical reasons. The milled aluminum case is sturdy and pleasant to work with, the glass touchpad is wonderfully smooth and responsive, and the keyboard itself has great action on all the keys. It's also got plenty of nice extras including illuminated keys, dedicated function buttons, multi-touch support, and a button to quickly check that massive never-ending battery.
Now that said, there are a couple of things that could count as downsides. For a start, the fact that this thing needs an internal battery. Unlike the official Surface keyboards, this thing works on a bluetooth connection. I'm not entirely sure that's a bad thing in all cases, since it does mean you can use the keyboard in a non-laptop configuration and even with other Surface-like tablets if you want (which I confirmed do work, though they look amazingly silly.) But the downside is that you do get all the problems that typically come with bluetooth keyboards, like a slight amount of input lag at higher typing speeds (so long as you stay under 100wpm you're probably fine.) The version with an integrated SSD also has a somewhat awkward workaround for this lack of a direct connection in the form of a dangling USB cable running from the Surface USB port to the keyboard. You might also find it takes a little practice before you're able to get the thing correctly lined up with the clips that grip the Surface. And of course there's the fact that this does double the weight of the Surface, but that's pretty much a necessity in creating a stable product. I can't say that I really feel these detract from the experience for me, but they were deal breakers for a few of the other Surface users who checked out the keyboard. But if you're like me and want the traditional laptop option but don't want to spring for a Surface Book, I'd say this is probably the keyboard for you regardless of the trade-offs.
My Best Buy number: 2187428738
I would recommend this to a friend!
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14of 15voted this as helpful.
Experience high-quality sound anywhere with this Polk Audio BOOM Bit wearable Bluetooth speaker. Its steel spring clip attaches it securely to your clothing, providing great audio without blocking out noise from the surroundings. The 3-hour battery life of this compact Polk Audio BOOM Bit wearable Bluetooth speaker keeps the tunes coming on any adventure.
Customer Rating
3
Definitely a niche item.
on April 29, 2017
Posted by: Batlacit
from Madison, WI
I've tried a few different bluetooth speakers/speakerphones over the years, and I've gotten used to the various tradeoffs you usually need to make with them. This one is a pretty thoroughly middle of the road one in terms of performance, though it does have a few nice features to help it stand out.
So, to start with those features, this speaker forgoes a charging port in order to just stick a full USB drive on the bottom, covered by a protective cap. As such there are no cables to worry about when it comes to charging. And the speaker does seem to be fairly waterproof based on what happened when I got unexpectedly caught in a rain storm wearing it. I'm not sure how much I'd recommend you put that to the test, but for the intended use taking it outdoors on bike rides and hikes it should be rugged enough. It also does seem to genuinely get close to 3 hours of battery life as advertised.
So, to start with those features, this speaker forgoes a charging port in order to just stick a full USB drive on the bottom, covered by a protective cap. As such there are no cables to worry about when it comes to charging. And the speaker does seem to be fairly waterproof based on what happened when I got unexpectedly caught in a rain storm wearing it. I'm not sure how much I'd recommend you put that to the test, but for the intended use taking it outdoors on bike rides and hikes it should be rugged enough. It also does seem to genuinely get close to 3 hours of battery life as advertised.
Beyond that though... There isn't much to say about this. The volume is good, but not that much better than what you can get on most phones with the volume turned up. The audio itself is definitely weighted towards giving you more bass, and this can cause some sound to be lost out in the world. And the controls are all centered around the volume buttons, meaning it's rather difficult to remember all the specific combinations of long and short presses you need to run through all the different functions. This led to some awkward moments when I thought I'd turned it off, only to have a private call suddenly broadcast to everyone in my vicinity at maximum volume.
All in all, I'd still say you're probably better off just going with a single earbud than you are a wearable speaker for listening on the go. But if that won't work for you, this is a workable compromise.
My Best Buy number: 2187428738
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Clean carpets, couches and stairs easily with this adaptable Dyson Ball Animal vacuum. Various attachments, including a tangle-free turbine tool, a multi-angle brush and a stair tool make pet hair removal quick and simple. The Dyson Ball Animal vacuum comes with a generous 35-foot cord, making it ideal for larger homes.
Customer Rating
4
Powerful Vacuum with just a few Weak Links
on March 28, 2017
Posted by: Batlacit
from Madison, WI
So like pretty much everyone, I've heard that Dysons were good vacuums. I'd heard that they were powerful. I'd heard that they were well built. But I'd never actually tried one until this.
So when it arrived I assembled all of the parts, pulled out the cleaning wand, and turned it on.
The suction created was powerful enough to immediately collapse the extended tube leading to the wand, almost pulling the Dyson over in the process. And make no mistake - had it not quite obviously been designed to keep this from happening, it would have yanked the entire vacuum straight across the room.
The power that this thing can produce cannot be understated. And while there are plenty of other great features, that's the one I keep coming back to.
So, on those other features, the cleaning head, wand, and accessories are all very well thought out, highly modular, and in many cases built in clear plastic so that if something goes wrong, you can immediately spot where it is. The cleaning bin is very cleverly designed, with a drop out bottom that lets you simply hold it over a trash can and press a button to dump everything straight into the can. and most of the accessories are stored nearly seamlessly in the vacuum cleaner itself. Most will collapse down into more compact forms as well, and are built with 2 latches so that they can be locked in place either in their storage or use position. Even the little stabilizer wheels to keep the ball base from falling over when it's being used as a cannister vac or being stored seamlessly fold up and out of the way when you pull back on the handle, and snap back into place when you bring it back upright. At times, it kind of feels like someone took a Transformer toy and made a working version, which I'll admit does make it an unusually fun thing to use.
That said, this similarity is also where I did find a few downsides to the unit as well. They're fairly minor things that wouldn't affect normal use, but does make me worry a bit about long-term durability. Namely, just about all of these moving parts are made of plastic, and some of them seem worryingly light duty. The button which opens up the bottom of the bin, for instance, is basically a long, thin plastic plunger that will bend ominously whenever you don't press it just right. Given that this is going to be one of the most heavily worn parts not in the engine, I'm really astonished they didn't go with something more robust or, failing that, at least install some guides to keep the bending from happening. More worrying is the fact that this button also serves dual duty in keeping the bin attached to the rest of the vacuum. If the rod snapped and it just kept you from being able to open the bottom of the bin quite so cleanly, that would be annoying but not much of a problem. But I do find myself concerned at the prospect that damage to it could also potentially make it impossible to keep the bin in place.
Another thing that I found somewhat annoying is the fact that there is no place to stick one of the key accessories that makes this an Animal rated vacuum - a small tangle-free brush-head for removing fur and hair referred to as the mini turbine tool - does not have a storage space on the vacuum itself. This seems to be because apart from some internal differences, it's mostly just a standard Dyson design cast in a different color of plastic. It would have been very nice to be able to keep all the accessories in one place, particularly since the turbine tool is small, expensive, and the kind of thing one could easily lose for a prolonged period.
That said, these misgivings really only keep me from giving this thing a perfect score. The cleaning performance of the thing is fantastic - it was able to pick up a full bin of dust even on floors that are vacuumed daily. Long hair, animal fur, mud, even some wet messes didn't so much as slow it down. It's an expensive tool to be sure, but it's also one of the best.
So when it arrived I assembled all of the parts, pulled out the cleaning wand, and turned it on.
The suction created was powerful enough to immediately collapse the extended tube leading to the wand, almost pulling the Dyson over in the process. And make no mistake - had it not quite obviously been designed to keep this from happening, it would have yanked the entire vacuum straight across the room.
The power that this thing can produce cannot be understated. And while there are plenty of other great features, that's the one I keep coming back to.
So, on those other features, the cleaning head, wand, and accessories are all very well thought out, highly modular, and in many cases built in clear plastic so that if something goes wrong, you can immediately spot where it is. The cleaning bin is very cleverly designed, with a drop out bottom that lets you simply hold it over a trash can and press a button to dump everything straight into the can. and most of the accessories are stored nearly seamlessly in the vacuum cleaner itself. Most will collapse down into more compact forms as well, and are built with 2 latches so that they can be locked in place either in their storage or use position. Even the little stabilizer wheels to keep the ball base from falling over when it's being used as a cannister vac or being stored seamlessly fold up and out of the way when you pull back on the handle, and snap back into place when you bring it back upright. At times, it kind of feels like someone took a Transformer toy and made a working version, which I'll admit does make it an unusually fun thing to use.
That said, this similarity is also where I did find a few downsides to the unit as well. They're fairly minor things that wouldn't affect normal use, but does make me worry a bit about long-term durability. Namely, just about all of these moving parts are made of plastic, and some of them seem worryingly light duty. The button which opens up the bottom of the bin, for instance, is basically a long, thin plastic plunger that will bend ominously whenever you don't press it just right. Given that this is going to be one of the most heavily worn parts not in the engine, I'm really astonished they didn't go with something more robust or, failing that, at least install some guides to keep the bending from happening. More worrying is the fact that this button also serves dual duty in keeping the bin attached to the rest of the vacuum. If the rod snapped and it just kept you from being able to open the bottom of the bin quite so cleanly, that would be annoying but not much of a problem. But I do find myself concerned at the prospect that damage to it could also potentially make it impossible to keep the bin in place.
Another thing that I found somewhat annoying is the fact that there is no place to stick one of the key accessories that makes this an Animal rated vacuum - a small tangle-free brush-head for removing fur and hair referred to as the mini turbine tool - does not have a storage space on the vacuum itself. This seems to be because apart from some internal differences, it's mostly just a standard Dyson design cast in a different color of plastic. It would have been very nice to be able to keep all the accessories in one place, particularly since the turbine tool is small, expensive, and the kind of thing one could easily lose for a prolonged period.
That said, these misgivings really only keep me from giving this thing a perfect score. The cleaning performance of the thing is fantastic - it was able to pick up a full bin of dust even on floors that are vacuumed daily. Long hair, animal fur, mud, even some wet messes didn't so much as slow it down. It's an expensive tool to be sure, but it's also one of the best.
My Best Buy number: 2187428738
I would recommend this to a friend!
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From the rock revolution of the ~60s, to the art scene of the ~80s, to the forefront of hip-hop culture ~ Wayfarer has become an enduring icon across endlessly shifting horizons. Now the journey continues with the latest in wearable tech. Ray-Ban Stories Wayfarer integrates the best of your phone with the timeless frame, bringing you a new way to capture and share your adventures.
I'm unable to find a phone compatibility list, does anyone know if this works with android phones too?
Yes, it works just fine on Android. No idea why they don't advertise it on the box.
3 years, 7 months ago
by
Batlacit
This Element 27" frameless gaming monitor provides everything you need for premium gameplay or everyday tasks. This 1440P resolution monitor is equipped with FreeSync Technology for avoiding tearing and reducing stuttering. With easy set-up for multiple screens, you're able to expand your view and get more done. The 16:9 widescreen resolution partnered with a 1ms response time and 165hz refresh rate allows a vivid, realistic picture so you can be immersed in your gaming world. Built-in speakers and a sleek, frameless screen enable the monitor to blend with your decor for a clean aesthetic.
Is this monitor good for an Xbox one s gaming? I'm new to monitors and this one would be my first one
The integrated audio is pretty bad even by monitor standards, but apart from that it should work fine for console gaming. It's not going to deliver an exceptional experience, but it should be able to beat most TVs as far as latency goes.
3 years, 8 months ago
by
Batlacit
This Element 27" frameless gaming monitor provides everything you need for premium gameplay or everyday tasks. This 1440P resolution monitor is equipped with FreeSync Technology for avoiding tearing and reducing stuttering. With easy set-up for multiple screens, you're able to expand your view and get more done. The 16:9 widescreen resolution partnered with a 1ms response time and 165hz refresh rate allows a vivid, realistic picture so you can be immersed in your gaming world. Built-in speakers and a sleek, frameless screen enable the monitor to blend with your decor for a clean aesthetic.
Is this a good monitor for competitive gaming on the ps5 ???
This Element 27" frameless gaming monitor provides everything you need for premium gameplay or everyday tasks. This 1440P resolution monitor is equipped with FreeSync Technology for avoiding tearing and reducing stuttering. With easy set-up for multiple screens, you're able to expand your view and get more done. The 16:9 widescreen resolution partnered with a 1ms response time and 165hz refresh rate allows a vivid, realistic picture so you can be immersed in your gaming world. Built-in speakers and a sleek, frameless screen enable the monitor to blend with your decor for a clean aesthetic.
Does it have a hdmi?
Yes, it has two HDMI ports and does come with both an HDMI and DP cable.
3 years, 8 months ago
by
Batlacit
This Element 27" frameless gaming monitor provides everything you need for premium gameplay or everyday tasks. This 1440P resolution monitor is equipped with FreeSync Technology for avoiding tearing and reducing stuttering. With easy set-up for multiple screens, you're able to expand your view and get more done. The 16:9 widescreen resolution partnered with a 1ms response time and 165hz refresh rate allows a vivid, realistic picture so you can be immersed in your gaming world. Built-in speakers and a sleek, frameless screen enable the monitor to blend with your decor for a clean aesthetic.
Does it have integrated speakers?
Yes. But they sound horrible and require you to go through two menu layers to change the volume. I wouldn't consider them as a selling point.
3 years, 8 months ago
by
Batlacit
An industry defining 49~ 1000R curved screen, equipped with a cutting edge Quantum Matrix HDR2000 panel, 240hz refresh rate, G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro support, 1ms GTG response rates, and fully customizable Odyssey Infinity Core lighting.
DP 2.0?
No, it's still using 1.4. Getting DP 2.0 certified is turning out to be a lot trickier than it was initially expected, most are saying we probably wont' see them hitting the market until 2022.
3 years, 9 months ago
by
Batlacit
An industry defining 49~ 1000R curved screen, equipped with a cutting edge Quantum Matrix HDR2000 panel, 240hz refresh rate, G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro support, 1ms GTG response rates, and fully customizable Odyssey Infinity Core lighting.
My new g9 arrived in the box for the old g9. Even though the box has a sticker that says "Neo G9 Odyssey" sticked on it, the box itself is for the old model. Does anyone else have the same issue? Why is that the case?
They're just using up the old boxes and foam. The shape and size of the product hasn't really changed, I don't think it's anything you need to worry about so long as the monitor itself has the right model number.
3 years, 9 months ago
by
Batlacit
The Ninja Foodi Dual Heat Air Fry Oven gives you versatility in the kitchen with 11-in-1 functionality from Air Fry and Sear Crisp to Rapid Bake and Toast. With Dual Heat Technology, unlock up to 500~F cyclonic air and a directly heated SearPlate, which allow for fast cooking and restaurant-worthy results. Cook up your favorites and then flip the oven up and away to reclaim your counter space.
Can both trays be used at once?
Explore a new world of personalized home theater audio. The SRS-NS7 Wireless Neckband Speaker uses Sony~s 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer technology to envelop you in the rich audio of your favorite shows and movies, while being unobtrusive to others in your home.
Do these have 3.5mm jack or do they only connect via bluetooth?
They will only work with bluetooth or optical connections.
3 years, 10 months ago
by
Batlacit
Extend your PC~s RGB lighting with the CORSAIR iCUE LT100 Smart Lighting Towers Starter Kit, part of the iCUE Smart Lighting Ecosystem. 92 RGB LEDs light up your room with ambient lighting that dynamically integrates with your games and media for a truly immersive experience. Cycle through 11 lighting profiles out of the box with push-button control or connect to CORSAIR iCUE software to synchronize your RGB lighting effects across all compatible CORSAIR devices in your system and all external iCUE Smart Lighting devices. The Starter Kit includes two lighting towers with 46 customizable LEDs each, housed in light-diffusing casing that softens and blends light. With an included removable headset holder, LT100 Smart Lighting Towers add convenient, versatile, and stunning RGB lighting to any setup.
how tall are they
Per the spec sheet, 422mm. The headphone holder adds another 2mm or so.
3 years, 10 months ago
by
Batlacit