insomniak1's stats
- Review count157
- Helpfulness votes525
- First reviewJuly 29, 2015
- Last reviewMay 31, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.7
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- Answer count42
- Helpfulness votes50
- First answerAugust 9, 2016
- Last answerJanuary 7, 2022
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- Best answers3
The wearable surround speaker system designed specifically for vivid, comfortable, and exciting gaming, with 4-channel, realistic surround sound, with 3 gaming sound modes to heighten every experience—developed jointly with the FINAL FANTASY XIV online sound team from SQUARE ENIX.
Customer Rating
4
Sleek, quality, comfort, sound, immersion.
on March 8, 2022
Posted by: insomniak1
from IL
On first impression, I found the design sleek and not overly bulky. The fabric covering feels good to the touch, adding to the premium look. There’s plastic underneath which is thankfully smudge or fingerprint resistant. The controls are in a good place and in my experience are responsive and easy to get used to. The USB-A cord is much longer than expected at almost 10ft. There is also a rubber cover where the neck would be, as well as rubber “feet” where the unit rests.
Now, I was amazed as to how light and comfortable this product is. I wore it for an entire workday -over 9 hours, and not once did it become tiring or developed any sore spots -especially on the back of my neck. The long cord is great when playing on the couch, or walking (carefully) around while in use, but it can be cumbersome when seating in front of a monitor, where one can get entangled or run over the cable, particularly if you have a chair with wheels. Fortunately, the fabric-braided cord is super strong while being light and seems that it will last for a long time.
Connecting the unit to a source is easy, both through USB-A and the included 3.5mm cable. I tested the speaker on a PC, PS5, Switch, and Series X. Keep in mind that any Xbox can only be hooked up to the controller’s 3.5mm jack, and the unit must be connected separately to a USB power source (mainly the console’s). Same goes for the Switch, abut only when in handheld mode.
Most importantly, how does it sound? In this factor I am thoroughly impressed. On a PC via USB, you get two main modes: chat and game. By default, the chat mode boosts the midrange and to a certain degree the treble, bringing dialogue to the front. I found this very useful when multitasking while trying to focus to what is being said. However, it can get a bit tiresome over extended listening. On Game mode, the sound becomes slightly lower, but fullness and warmth are added. The bass is comfortably boosted and does not distort at high volumes. The midrange is slightly recessed while the high end remains at the same level. The sound is quite clear, and I enjoyed a wide variety of music.
Of course, the Sound Slayer is advertised as a gaming wearable speaker. I am happy to report that indeed this works very nicely. The sound separation (left-right) is distinct, and the placement of the speakers promote a wide soundstage. The surround effect provided a convincing sense of immersion in many games. It was a decent experience playing games that need positional awareness. Of course, if you are looking for extreme clarity such as in competitive FPS matches, a headset might be best.
And just in case you are not fully satisfied with the default sound signature, there are 6 dedicated EQ presets, at the push of a button.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Quality
5
Value
4
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Jabra Elite 4 Active is designed to stay comfortably in place. And that’s not all: with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), adjustable equalizer, and HearThrough technology, plus instant access to Spotify Tap playback, Elite 4 Active are engineered to bring a real boost to your workout. Made with a secure active fit, and IP57-rated water and sweat proof protection, these buds are engineered for all kinds of workouts. And with a 2-year warranty when you register them in the Jabra Sound+ app, you’ll never have to worry about your workout buddies letting you down. ANC blocks intrusive sounds at the touch of a button, so you can stay immersed in your music. From ignoring the sound system at the gym, to filtering out ambient urban noise, you get in – and stay in – the zone. You can even customize how your music sounds. Whether you want to boost the bass or turn up the treble, just download the Jabra Sound+ app and tune the equalizer to your preference. You can also activate Spotify Tap playback for instant, seamless connection to the music you need to power you through.
Customer Rating
5
Simple, elegant, comfortable, and functional.
on January 26, 2022
Posted by: insomniak1
How Often Used:Daily
Physically, the design language is similar to the previous version, which I have been using for almost half a year. The case is slightly bigger, but is still quite portable, and I appreciate the matte black finish because it does not attract smudges or fingerprints. The cap stays up when opened, which makes it easier to take out the buds and place them back in. There is a subtle branding on the front above the status LED light, and a USB-C charging port in the back. It’s a quite simple but sleek design in my opinion.
The buds themselves retained that triangular shape, which allows them to be easily handled. In my experience, this design fits very well and are very comfortable. After using them for an entire battery cycle, which by the way is short of 6.5 hours, and during several activities, I did not experience any fatigue, soreness, or discomfort. Even when sweating profusely, they stayed in place while doing movements such as jumping jacks and the like. By the way, these are rated IP57, which means that a lot of sweat or little rain will not be a concern.
The seamless connection technology makes them super easy to pair. Having Bluetooth 5.2, they stayed well connected while walking around my medium-sized apartment. Since they offer aptX codec, I did not notice any significant lag or sync issues -especially when playing videogames.
I appreciate that I can control all important functions from the buds such as play, pause, call handling, voice assistance, and most importantly for me, volume. The downside -for me at least, is that these are push controls, and often I had to press a bit hard to make something happen. This causes the bud to jam further into the ear, and more than once I felt the air “pop”. Pressing the buttons can be somewhat cumbersome when running. I would’ve liked an “always-on” voice assistance mode to relieve this. Also, you can use these buds independently, for those who use one bud occasionally.
The ANC is rather impressive. While walking around a busy street, the buds were able to suppress almost all lower rumbles, engine sounds, and planes (I live close to an airport). I am not traveling now, but I tested them by simulating a plane’s cabin low frequency and crowd noise and they did very well. The HeartThrough or ambient mode is decent enough. I still feel it’s a bit unnatural, but it is an essential feature for a sports earbud.
I am quite pleased with the sound signature coming from these buds out of the box. Choosing the right size gel tip and creating a good seal, the 6mm drivers deliver full, crisp, clear sound that is sure to please most music lovers. The bass is impactful, precise, and has a level of sub-bass (subwoofer-like) that adds body to the sound. The midrange is well represented and neutral, allowing rhythm instruments, vocals, and choruses to be well defined. The treble soars high without being harsh or fatiguing. And just in case, you have a full EQ and presets in the Sound+ App to ensure you get the sound you want for any genre.
The call quality, as expected from Jabra, is superb. I was heard loud and clear and my voice, albeit still retaining that typical wireless lack of bass. Still, they sounded full and almost natural. I was further impressed when taking a call outdoors in traffic, as the 4-mic array seems to be doing its job. I did experience some wind noise, but not enough to be distracting.
The battery is not too shabby. Again, it lasted 6.5 hours or so on one sitting and the case makes it about 28 hours. There’s also a quick-charge option where a few minutes in the case adds several hours of playback. Unfortunately, the case does not support Qi wireless charging.
Additionally, the robust Sound+ App brings significant customization by offering updates, control schemes, ANC/Ambient levels, full EQ, “Find My Buds”, and more, furthering the Elite 4’s value. Having multi-point connectivity would’ve sealed the deal for me.
In the end, I find the Elite 4 to be of great value. They are simple, have an elegant design, are comfortable and functional -not just for sports, but for everyday listing.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5
Comfort
5
Durability
5
Quality
5
Value
5
Ease of Use
5
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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.
Customer Rating
4
Great PC & 1440p-120Hz console gaming.
on January 7, 2022
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
Once I put this monitor together, which takes a screwdriver and some careful handling, my first impression was that, although it does not change the game, looks moderately sleek. I love the razor-thin bezels, but I do wish the .75” (1cm) chin was slightly thinner, and the brand name a bit more opaque. The heavy, metal stand is well designed aesthetically, does not take too much space, and maintains the monitor well-balanced and wobble-free. Vertical tilt options are good from -10° to +15° but no horizontal adjustments can be made. Also, I would’ve liked to have the ability to raise the monitor, since the clearance underneath is only 3”, especially since I use PC speakers. The back RGB is a nice touch in my opinion.
Once I turned it on without playing content, I noticed that there is a lot of gloom at the corners and the black background looks a bit washed out. I messed around with the settings selecting presets and ended up calibrating it myself. While I still experienced that DLED backlit gloom, I was able to minimize it significantly. The on-screen display (OSD) menu takes some getting used to but there you can do a lot of customization. I appreciate the markings on the chin that references button locations, which on most panels you must guess or memorize.
However, once I started playing content, my initial qualms about the picture lessened drastically. On first impressions, I found the clarity striking. Sure, I could still see the gloomy corners, but only when deep blacks were displayed. Playing 1440p content, the colors looked vibrant with decent contrast. Sure, I tinkered with the display for some time, but in the end, I was quite pleased. I will say that HDR content is not that great and kind of disappointing, as the colors are a bit oversaturated, white/blacks became “bloomier” and lost a lot of definition.
Admittedly, while I may not use this monitor for serious content creation or photo editing, as I suspect the color accuracy is not the best, this monitor is marketed as a gaming panel, and in that, I am happy to report that I was impressed. Coming from a 1080p, the difference is night and day. I was able to take advantage of my high-end PC and enjoy games at a decent 2K picture at 165Hz. Of course, in order to do that, I used the included DP cable. However, what was most impressive is connecting my Xbox Series S to it and finally pushing it to 1440p -120Hz. Of course, almost no game runs at that resolution and speed now, but I’m glad I am ready when they do.
The speakers are what you’d expect from any PC monitor: they’re just not that good. The sound is clear and can get loud enough, but it is rather tinny as there is no bass at all. I take it most have better table speakers, a soundbar, or simply wear headphones.
In the end, I am very content with the overall experience. This monitor is excellent for gaming -especially on my Series S console and even my Switch. I am sure that there are better monitors out there, and prices are coming down, but at this current price, in my opinion, it is certainly a worthy upgrade from a 1080p panel.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Introducing G303 Shroud Edition—the remaster of our iconic mouse. Featuring LIGHTSPEED, it delivers ultra-low latency and reliable performance. Helping Shroud and you take aim. With HERO 25K Sensor, Shroud’s G303 is built for precision and speed, without sacrificing energy. G303 Shroud Edition weighs 75 grams, made for low-sensitivity DPI and faster aiming. Designed in collaboration with Shroud, the new G303 perfectly matches his specs and includes our latest pro-grade technology.
Customer Rating
5
Shroud should be proud.
on December 12, 2021
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
I have experienced many Logitech mice. In fact, presently I am only using wireless options such as the G502 Lightspeed for gaming, MX Anywhere 3 for portability, and my favorite MX Master (original) for productivity. Being an avid gamer and following competitive gaming, I had high expectations for the G303 as it was designed around Shroud’s performance.
My first impression was that this is a very light mouse. Although the specs say 75g, it feels much lighter than that. Perhaps this is because the mouse seems very well balanced when lifting it. Even though it is quite light, the build quality looks solid. There is no cracking or rattling when handling. The matte black plastic is fingerprint-resistant and allows for some grip without being too slippery. The sides are slightly transparent and there is a “compartment” in the back to store the transmitter, which is OK in my opinion. I actually appreciate that there is no RGB this time.
Now, it took me some time to get used to the angular shape, as I regularly use rounded mice. Also, the “hump” is much more to the back, forcing me to switch my grip to a fingertip/claw-style. I felt that my right ring finger rubs and is pushed away because of the shaper side whenever I tried to use my usual palm grip, making it somewhat uncomfortable. The left and right buttons click satisfyingly and are not overly loud. The same goes for the wheel. I do wish there was some texture on the wheel, but the rubber finish is not that bad. I like the wheel resistance. The forward/back buttons are right where I need them. There’s also a DPI button that is positioned underneath the wheel and is recessed, so it does not interfere or can be pressed by mistake.
I was a bit worried that changing my grip style would negatively affect my gameplay. However, after using it for 3 days straight in everything I do at my PC, all those nitpicks became a thing of the past. I appreciated the angular design as it allows me to stay in control of the mouse and lifting and sliding was easy and intuitive. I found that I was able to adapt to the fingertip/claw grip as soon as I grabbed the mouse without much thought.
I usually do not trust wireless mice for certain games, but I noticed during drills and tests that there is no perceptible lag between aiming and clicking so I was confident in my reflexes and aiming. This is what Logitech calls “Lightspeed” technology. The DPI can be changed between 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 on the fly. You can further customize the buttons and DPI with the Logitech software, which is nice, but I really didn’t use it. It also helps that without wires, there is no drag or drifting. The PTFE feet make the mouse easy to glide effortlessly on most surfaces -specifically traditional mouse pads.
Now Logitech claims that the battery life goes for 70 hours, which is great, since there is no wireless recharging like the G502, and I like to take it on the go quite a bit. The mouse is charged via USB-C, by the way.
If there is any real criticism, it may be the price point. At MSRP, it seems a bit too much and feels like it is being justified by Shroud’s stamp of approval. Still, I would certainly recommend it for anyone that has medium-to-large hands and already uses a claw grip. Nevertheless, for me, once I got past the grip adjustment, the G303 has now become one of my daily drivers.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The first, and only, drug-free sleep aid solution to use continuous and precise cooling technology to reduce metabolic activity in the frontal cortex of the brain. Quiet your racing mind and fall into deeper, more restorative sleep. Customers have also reported relief from menopause, hot flashes, stress, insomnia, migraines, and that it’s great for relaxation.
Customer Rating
4
Very helpful in my case.
on November 30, 2021
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
I am not one to wear any sleep-assistant device on my head -even earbuds. However, lately, my sleep patterns have been disrupted and I have developed mild insomnia. Plus, I suffer from hot flashes sporadically, so, I decided to give this a try.
First of all, this is a very well-built, high-quality device. The front is covered by this nice breathable cover. The cloth headband seems a bit cheap, but it makes for a more comfortable fit. It is easy to adjust on the fly, and once it is set, it does not wiggle or fall off.
The cord to the controller is shorter than I would’ve liked, but I suppose it’s designed to be close by, or take with you should you need to move around. The controller is a bit on the heavy side and has a bigger footprint, but I was still able to put it in my back pocket. The headset itself also is also a bit bigger than I’d expected, and although it’s claimed it is lightweight, I was still able to feel it for the first few minutes, until I eventually got used to it.
Using it is pretty much straightforward. Makes sure it’s charged, press the power button repeatedly until the desired level is reached, and relax. I used it several times before I wrote this review, and I had positive experiences for the most part. I tried it for simple relaxation, while reading, watching TV, listening to music, or simply meditating. It seemed to be OK, although it was difficult at times to notice any real benefits. However, I used it when I had a terrible frontal headache and it helped quite a bit. I didn’t take any pills and the headache went away in less than 20 minutes. I used it at night to see if it would help with my slight insomnia, and it did seem to help, but at the same time, I was aware that I was wearing this device. Also, one must keep in mind that it must be taken off before falling asleep, as it will not allow you to move around.
Fortunately, I did not experience any hot flashes or anxiety episodes, so I was unable to see how this device would help. Nevertheless, I think it would work just as well as placing a cold wet towel or icepack on my forehead -without the prepping and wet mess.
In the end, I would say that the Ebb CoolDrift works as intended and I will certainly be using it from here on. If you suffer from anxiety, hot flashes, or constantly use wet rags or cold packs to calm down or down-regulate after a tough day, this is an indispensable device. For people who do not regularly use cold methods for sleeping and relaxing, suffer from severe sleeping disorders, or are simply curious, I am not sure if the price tag is justifiable.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Rich, radiant sound meets exceptional battery life in the SOUNDFORM Freedom True Wireless Earbuds. Custom drivers activate deep bass while maintaining clear mids and highs. Our advanced clear-call technology and dual microphones ensure remarkable call quality. There’s up to 8 hours of non-stop playtime, plus another 28 in the charging case. As one of the first third-party accessories to work with the Apple Find My network you can track and locate the charging case using the Apple Find My app.
Customer Rating
4
Great sound and battery life.
on November 20, 2021
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
On first impression, I liked the design of the half glossy-half matte square case. The case is a bit bigger than what I’m used to but still portable enough. The lid stays up when opened and closes tightly, keeping the buds magnetically secure. Taking the buds out is easily done, even with one hand. I am not the biggest fan of stem design but that is what makes them easy to handle. The buds also have that gloss-matte finish, which is nice but also makes the case and buds incredibly susceptible to smudges and fingerprints, so be prepared to wipe them often.
Once you find the right ear tips, these buds are quite comfortable. The stem is longer and thicker than I’d like, but don’t stick out that much. I wore them for about 6 hours straight and did not experience any discomfort or soreness. However, I found myself fidgeting and adjusting them quite often when running or exercising. Keep in mind that fit may vary from ear to ear. Also, there is no need to worry about sweat or rain as these are rated IPX5.
The buds feature Bluetooth 5.2, so they’re future-proof. They connected effortlessly to my Android phone and kept a strong connection while walking around my medium-size apartment. I noticed no sync issues when watching videos and, when looking closely for it, a very slight lag while playing certain games. I did notice that disconnecting from the phone when placing them back in the case is not instant and takes more than a few seconds.
While not everything can be controlled from the buds, I am glad that the most important actions like volume, playback, and voice assistance are available. The touchpads are very responsive. I also appreciate the auto-pause/play when taking the buds out of the ear.
The battery life is impressive at this price range. I’ve been using them for 4-6 hours for three days and they are still going strong. Belkin claims 8 hours plus 28 hours from the case, and I believe them. I also like that they feature fast charging, where 15 minutes in the case adds 2 hours of playback. It is also nice that Belkin managed to add wireless Qi charging to the case.
The call quality is OK. While I had no issues with people hearing me, I was told that I sounded a bit far and as if I was in a tunnel -especially in a loud environment. For those who may ask, these are not noise-canceling headphones. The Advanced environmental noise cancellation (ENC) is for calls only. That means that blocking out ambient sound depends entirely on finding a good seal.
The 7mm drivers deliver decent, enjoyable sound. That is when a good seal is maintained. The bass is strong and has that subwoofer effect that many enjoy, without being overbearing. The mids are well represented and the treble is loud and clear, although there were times when I thought it might’ve been a bit harsh and sibilant. While certainly not always accurate, I enjoyed most of what I threw at them.
Now I am disappointed that there is no app support, so you’re pretty much stuck with the sound quality, controls, and firmware. I think that is a glaring misstep at this price range.
In the end, I find these buds average at best. If you do decide to get them, I think you will not regret it as the sound quality may make up for the lack of app support and true ANC.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Dive into a new dimension of immersion with the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense—a PC gaming headset powered by haptic technology. From rumbling explosions to whizzing bullets, with the ability to feel what you hear, the time has come to embrace true multi-sensory gaming.
Customer Rating
5
Great sound. Haptics: an enjoyable gimmick!
on November 14, 2021
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
On looks alone, the Kraken V3 HyperSense is certainly designed to look like the quintessential gamer’s headset. These headphones are quite big and a bit on the heavy side. However, the semi-flexible plush headband and plush pleather-fabric earpads allow for a more comfortable experience. There’s enough clamping force to keep them on in the heat of the moment, but not as tight as to make wearing glasses impossible. I do wish the cups would have swivel as it is rather uncomfortable to leave them around the neck. These do not fold in, making them less portable. I like the matte black/glossy finish and there’s RGB lighting, of course.
The mic mute button and volume rocker are placed on the left cup, are tactile, and are easy to get used to. The volume rocker spins continuously, and I would’ve liked it to have had a stop on the lowest or highest volume setting. I appreciate that the microphone is highly flexible and removable.
Speaking of the mic, I found that it worked rather well. My voice came in loud and clear with minimal distortion. I did notice that placing the mic closer makes it sound better, since keyboard typing, and other noises can still be heard.
The sound quality is what you would expect from Razer. It is more on the warm side. Having The bass is strong, punchy, and there is a lot of subwoofer-like depth. The mids come in clear and the highs are right where I like them. There’s great channel separation and plenty of soundstage right out of the box, and the headset works well with both Windows Sonic and Dolby Atmos. I enjoyed every gaming or movie genre I tried. Having 50mm Drivers, these can get pretty loud, and I can certainly tell that these are THX certified.
The V3 HyperSense is fully wired via a long USB-A cord, which is not removable. This allows them to be plug-and-play compatible. However, when plugging them in for the first time, you are prompted to install the Razing Gaming Software app. While it is not necessary to do so, installing the app provides a lot of quality-of-life benefits. There, you can adjust the microphone, spatial (surround sound) levels, EQ, Chroma RGB lighting, and haptic feedback, or force feedback as some might call it.
In addition to the all-too-popular RGB lighting which can get quite bright on either cup’s logo, there’s the haptic technology, where the cups vibrate in response to whatever you are listening to, or in specific games, respond to certain events -sort of like a game controller. There are three levels that can be changed with a button on the right cup. In my experience, I found that this can make for a great gaming session, and other times I immediately had to turn it off, as it can get intense and even distracting -especially when playing FPS games. Nevertheless, I am certainly glad this feature is included, as it adds a higher level of gaming experience -when appropriate.
In the end, I am enjoying these headphones quite a bit. They are comfortable, have good sound, have nice soundstage and spatial sound, are backed by robust software and do not break the bank. Now the haptic feedback may be a gimmick, but a gimmick I gladly welcome.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Small, light, and comfortable, Echo Buds are designed to feel great and sound even better, no matter what you're listening to. Active noise cancellation limits background noise while Passthrough Mode lets you hear what's going on around you. Enjoy up to 5 hours of music playback on a single charge and get hands-free access to Alexa—no tapping required.
Customer Rating
4
A great value for the Echo power user.
on November 13, 2021
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
I own the Gen 1 Echo Buds and they fared well. Are the 2nd Gen Echo Buds an improvement? Short answer: Definitely. But are they worth the asking price?
The physical design is not extraordinary. The case is smaller than the original which makes it much more portable, and I appreciate the matte black finish which repels smudges, fingerprints, and has some scratch resistance. There is a battery/charging LED indicator on the front and inside. Thankfully, Amazon implemented USB-C charging this time. The buds are magnetically kept securely inside, but I do wish the top would not be as wobbly.
The buds are also noticeably smaller than the last gen. The bud’s touchpads have a matte finish that feels good to the touch. The bottom is glossy, which unfortunately attracts a lot of smudging and skin grease. I don’t mind the Amazon smile logo, as it is rather subtle.
When it comes to comfort, they are OK. They fit much better than the last version, but I found them still a bit uncomfortable after 4 plus hours of continuous use, which I hardly ever do. It takes a bit of fidgeting for me to get the proper placement and seal, but once they’re set, there’s no need to mess around. Amazon included several tips and ear wings to enhance fit and security, but after trying them I found them unnecessary, since I was able to run, jump, and even cartwheel without them.
Being Bluetooth 5.0, they were easy to pair. I would highly recommend downloading the Amazon Alexa app as it makes pairing easier and kind of cool. I was able to maintain a decent connection when walking around my medium-sized apartment, even through a corner or two. I did not notice any sync issues when watching videos, but I did notice a slight lag when playing certain games albeit you really must pay close attention. Sadly, there is no multi-point connection, auto-device switching, which would be nice since several of my devices have Alexa activated. By the way, you can listen to a single earbud if you like that option.
I was a little disappointed by the battery life. I clocked them at a little over 4 hours at 70% volume, ANC on, and constantly asking Alexa stuff. I do appreciate the quick charge feature where 15 minutes in the case adds 2 hours of playback. The version I have does not support wireless charging, but Amazon does offer a slightly more expensive one that does.
This time, the Echo Buds feature full active noise cancellation, instead of noise reduction. Testing the ANC in several environments, I found it to be acceptable. They do block low, rumbling noises, and some degree of traffic. However, there’s a lot of higher-pitched noises that get through -especially individual voices and things like keyboard typing. Getting a good seal helps a bit. The Passthrough Mode works fine and is convenient, although I thought the sound coming through was a bit harsh, so I am glad that this can be reduced in the app.
The call quality is decent. While I was told that I sounded a bit tunnel-like, I was heard loud and clear, which is really what you’d expect. Even in loud or windy conditions, making calls was not an issue.
One nitpick I have is that controls feel limited. While you can customize them, one must choose what to assign, and use the device or voice assistant for the rest.
Out of the box, the Echo Buds 2 have more of a flat, sort of reference sound signature. The bass is there, and it is tight and punchy. However, it lacks a little “oomph” for those that might like that subwoofer effect. The midrange comes through nice and clear, and the treble is slightly enhanced without being harsh. Listening to several genres of content, I found the sound enjoyable -especially classical and live music, since channel separation and soundstage were very well done. Selecting the right ear tips ensures a better listening experience. In case you want a different sound, you can go into the app and adjust bass, midrange, and treble to suit your preferences.
Speaking of the app, which is indispensable if you are deep into the Amazon Echo ecosystem, helps in making these buds more versatile. From there, you can add the buds to your account, customize controls, change EQ settings, ensure a proper seal, turn off mics for privacy, and other functions.
So, if you are invested in Amazon Echo and use Alexa a whole lot or liked the original and they’re showing their age, these may be a no-brainer. I might even recommend checking the wireless charging version. For the price, although a bit average, The Echo Buds 2 are an excellent value.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Push Active™ is our newest true wireless earbuds with a fit that won’t fall out. With hands-free voice control, flexible over-ear hooks and superior water/sweat-resistance, they are the ultimate audio partner for any active adventure.
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
I have the true black/orange version and I think they look pretty good. The matte black plastic case, which effectively resists smudges and fingerprints, has some weight and is bigger than my fist, which can affect portability. I certainly don’t plan on carrying them in my pocket while running. There are some LED status lights in the front and a USB-C port in the back, which has a rubber cover that I found cumbersome and not very useful. The lid is somewhat wobbly and tends to close when trying to take out the buds. However, the buds magnetically stay in securely and will not fall out, even when shaking the case.
The buds themselves are also a bit on the large side and it takes a bit to get used to handling them. I appreciate the look, though, especially the orange action button. There is a subtle Skullcandy logo and an LED light. There is a learning curve in placing them in the ear properly. I found that often I needed to use both hands and place one at a time, and even then, there was some final fiddling. Once they’re in position, they will stay on no matter what you do.
I realize that comfort depends on your ear shape, but I found the fit was a mixed bag. The ear hooks are super soft and allow decent stability with no sore spots. Unfortunately, all the included ear tips did not fit properly in my ear and caused me to mess with them repeatedly. So, I changed them for some proven tips I already had. This made it slightly better. The design of the funnel makes it so that it is jammed deep into the ear canal and can cause that plugged feeling -especially when there is no sound playing. It is a good thing that these buds are IP55, so a bit of water or heavy sweat won’t an issue.
The Push Active are Bluetooth 5.2, which makes them future-proof. They connect easily and maintain a consistent connection at fair distances. I was able to walk around my medium-size apartment with minimal breakup. I noticed no lag or sync issues when watching videos or playing games.
For me, the controls can be a bit annoying. The single button on each side needs a bit of force to activate and doing so while running is almost impossible and may actually mess the entire placement. It is convenient that play, skip, backtrack, volume, ambient awareness, and the voice assistant can be accessed from the buds, but again, doing so requires multiple clicking. The saving grace is the “Skull-iQ Smart Feature Technology” which is simply using “Hey Skullcandy” as a wake word to control several features. Other companies have implemented similar features, but Skullcandy is the most precise I’ve tried. Still, not everyone likes to yell at their buds -especially in crowded or quiet environments.
There is no active noise cancellation (ANC), but depending on your experience with the tips, they do a decent job in passively blocking noise, especially when playing audio. The “Stay-Aware Mode” activates the mics so that you can hear what’s around you, which is convenient, especially when running or commuting in the city.
The call quality is better than expected. While people still knew I was on Bluetooth, I was heard loud and clear with no breakups or hiccups.
The battery life is impressive. Skullcandy claims that 10 hours for the buds plus 34 hours from the case. It’s been 5 days and I still have 25% in the case, so I believe them. The buds feature quick charging, just in case. Unfortunately, there is no Qi wireless charging compatibility.
The Skullcandy app is quite robust. There, you can update the firmware/software, customize settings, change the EQ, change button functions, activate “where are my buds”, and more.
But how do they sound? Out of the box, if I had to use one word, I’d say “decent”. Staying true to the Skullcandy sound signature, the bass I quite emphasized. It is punchy, with a subwoofer quality to it. At higher volume, it can get a bit distorted, though. The mids are recessed somewhat but I was still able to hear instruments and vocals. The treble is also a bit on the weaker side, making the overall audio overly warm. It’s great when listening to EDM, hip hop/rap, pop, and mainstream music. It also sounds good for action flicks and regular games. However, in heavy-element music such as classical, jazz, instrumental, and voice-oriented music, the experience was a bit lackluster, as more clarity is needed. While there is decent channel separation (stereo), the soundstage is weak and closed in. I noticed this affects first-person shooters, where clarity and directional awareness are key. Sure, you can change the sound signature through the app, but I was unable to find the ideal audio setting.
In the end, there’s so much to like about the Push Active. Certainly, Skullcandy jammed a lot of features and technology for a decent price. However, what matters most to me is comfort, functionality, and of course, sound. In these aspects, I was left wanting more. Please keep in mind that this is quite subjective so your experience could vary and may be worth trying.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+14points
14of 14voted this as helpful.
The Core Innovations ANT801DCR Indoor TV Antenna allows you to access HDTV channels up to 80 miles away, free of charge. The signal indicator displays reception strength for peak viewing potential, and the omni-directional design provides connectivity in all directions. The modern style makes this a unique addition to any setup. Enjoy content in up to 4K full HD where supported.
Customer Rating
5
Picks up the channels I was missing!
on October 23, 2021
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
This is one good-looking antenna. The plastic white casing, together with the grey fabric makes it look like an indoor speaker. The signal indicator shows up nicely through the cloth without being overly bright. It simply looks classy in my opinion.
Hooking it up is rather easy -just plug the included power pack into an outlet and connect the coax RF connector to the TV’s input. Then, run the TV’s channel scanning. I am glad that the coax cable is almost 10ft, as I have a 75” TV. I do wish the power cord was a bit longer, though.
Now, I did have to mess around with distance, angling, and positioning, but I was able to get at least one strength indicator to stay solid. I already had a pretty good antenna before, so I was happy to see that the Core added 4 more channels when the scanning was finished. I especially had problems with the lower frequencies (horrible where I live), where I was not able to pick up the lowest channel (2), and had major breakup with the other lower channels (5-7). Even though I was never able to get all three indicators, I experienced minimal disruptions. One can always get an extension coaxial cable for best placement, but that goes for any other antenna I have tried.
In the end, I am satisfied with the Core Innovations antenna. It looks good, is easy to set up, works better than my last one, and does not break the bank.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
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Soundcore Life Tune XR are active noise cancelling headphones with Hi-Res Certified sound. The Multi-Mode noise cancellation technology detects and cancels out exterior noise. Use for calls with the dual microphones and have long, 60 hour listening sessions due to the long battery life and comfortable earcups.
Hi - How is the sound quality conducting phone calls? Do the headphones work well with Landline phones? thx
I found them reasonable. They may not be the best, but I never had a call drop or become garbled. I will say that they do pick some ambient sound outdoors. Hope that helps!
3 years, 1 month ago
by
insomniak1
Indy ANC is the pinnacle of our Indy true wireless family. In other words, they’re loaded with the latest technology. With everything from touch controls to premium Active Noise Canceling to Personal Sound tuning to wireless charging, these are the perfect choice for those of you who like to have it all.
Are these noise canceling? Doesn’t specify that in the description.
Yes. ANC = Active Noise Cancellation. It works rather well for me!
3 years, 4 months ago
by
insomniak1
Indy ANC is the pinnacle of our Indy true wireless family. In other words, they’re loaded with the latest technology. With everything from touch controls to premium Active Noise Canceling to Personal Sound tuning to wireless charging, these are the perfect choice for those of you who like to have it all.
are these only for phones can they be used for TV's
Yes, if your TV has Bluetooth capabilities like mine, sure!
3 years, 4 months ago
by
insomniak1
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
Can you switch out of S mode on Surface Laptop Go?
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
Does the screen detach
No. This is a true laptop with a clam form factor.
3 years, 7 months ago
by
insomniak1
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
Does this computer have USB ports
Yes. It has 1 USB-C and 1 legacy USB-A. Hope that helps!
3 years, 7 months ago
by
insomniak1
The ROCCAT® Elo 7.1 Air Wireless Surround Sound PC Gaming Headset with 24hr Battery Life and AIMO RGB Lighting boasts ROCCAT’s Stellar Wireless technology for data transmission as reliable as wired and a battery life that lasts the typical gamer over a week thanks to a 24-hour rechargeable battery. Gone are the days of compromising when going wireless, as the Elo 7.1 Air marks a new dawn for cable-free gameplay with its impressive feature set. Its 7.1 surround sound is powered by precision-tuned 50mm Neodymium drivers and features Turtle Beach’s Superhuman Hearing® technology - proven to improve your gameplay by 40%. Superior memory foam and a self-adjusting metal headband give you a unique, weightless fit that’s full of style thanks to RGB AIMO lighting. The removable TruSpeak™ mic completes the package of a high-end wireless gaming headset. ROCCAT takes unique advantage of exclusive technologies as a proud member of the Turtle Beach® family including Superhuman Hearing®, ProSpecs™ Glasses Friendly Design and a TruSpeak™ microphone.
Ps4 compatible??
I actually tried them on my PS4 Pro and they actually worked! HOWEVER, the volume is set way too low and cannot be changed...
3 years, 7 months ago
by
insomniak1
The ROCCAT® Elo 7.1 Air Wireless Surround Sound PC Gaming Headset with 24hr Battery Life and AIMO RGB Lighting boasts ROCCAT’s Stellar Wireless technology for data transmission as reliable as wired and a battery life that lasts the typical gamer over a week thanks to a 24-hour rechargeable battery. Gone are the days of compromising when going wireless, as the Elo 7.1 Air marks a new dawn for cable-free gameplay with its impressive feature set. Its 7.1 surround sound is powered by precision-tuned 50mm Neodymium drivers and features Turtle Beach’s Superhuman Hearing® technology - proven to improve your gameplay by 40%. Superior memory foam and a self-adjusting metal headband give you a unique, weightless fit that’s full of style thanks to RGB AIMO lighting. The removable TruSpeak™ mic completes the package of a high-end wireless gaming headset. ROCCAT takes unique advantage of exclusive technologies as a proud member of the Turtle Beach® family including Superhuman Hearing®, ProSpecs™ Glasses Friendly Design and a TruSpeak™ microphone.
Will this work with the Xbox one x?
Great question! I went to check myself, and sadly, they do not work at all... The Xbox One X won't pick them up at all. It would've been cool if they did!
3 years, 7 months ago
by
insomniak1
Bring your A-game anytime, anywhere. Introducing a universal mobile gaming controller that fits most smartphone devices, designed to bring console-level control to your on-the-go gaming. With this controller by your side, wherever you go, victory will follow.
Does it fit note 10 plus?
Enjoy crisp, powerful sound while gaming with these JLab Play wireless earbuds. The rechargeable lithium-polymer battery delivers more than 11 hours of use on a single charge, and an in-line gaming microphone captures your voice clearly for smooth communication with teammates. These JLab Play wireless earbuds have a magnetic design to prevent falling off your neck while not in use.
can you use these with the ps4?
Oh yes, you can. You have to use the included audio cable, which would go into the PS4’s controller 3.5mm input. Hope this helps!
3 years, 10 months ago
by
insomniak1