insomniak1's stats
- Review count160
- Helpfulness votes526
- First reviewJuly 29, 2015
- Last reviewJune 24, 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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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.
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
I am actually impressed by the JLab Gaming Wireless Headset. These earbuds come with a very neat and well made vinyl pouch with a mesh cloth lining and zipper to keep the earbuds protected, a micro-USB charging cable (I wish it would’ve been USB-C), multiple size silicone tips, and a micro-USB audio cable ending in a 3.5mm plug. The headset has a gaming style design with black and blue accents. The neckband is made of a pliable but firm plastic and fits my neck well and is comfortable -even on direct contact with my skin. On the left side there is a counter weight and on the right the media controls and mic mute buttons. The actual earbuds are light and stick to each other magnetically.This design is not new, but is well implemented here and makes the headset easy to just keep it on, ready to go.
The media controls -volume, play/pause, pairing and sound signature work well enough. I did find it strange that the volume up/down seemed to be reversed, but got used to it quickly. Also, changing between “gaming”and “Music”modes was a bit tricky. Bluetooth 5.0 helps in keeping a stable connection. Using the micro-USB/3.5mm adapter provides additional options, especially when using certain gaming devices or consoles that do not offer wireless connectivity.
As far as sound is concerned, I was rather surprised. In “gaming”mode, the frequencies all show up clearly. It does seem that the mid-range is pushed forward, which allows for hearing shots, steps, and players voices to come in much clearly. These buds have a 60ms low latency feature which helps in locating where the sounds are coming from in real-time. In “music”mode, the bass is boosted significantly. This makes listening to pop, EDM and other bass-heavy music enjoyable. It also works great when watching movies.
The mic is also well done. I was able to be heard via Bluetooth clearly without dropping or distorting. However, the best experience was through the audio cable. I tested it in several multi-player matches on PC and consoles as well as conference calls and I was told my voice came in full and clear.
The battery lasts for almost 10 hours in my experience with volumes at about 75%. This should be more than enough for most listening or gaming sessions.
Overall, I think these earbuds offer considerable value, options, and features, making me forget that these are not “truly wireless”. I highly recommend them.
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HP OMEN Gaming Laptop: A thin and light premium gaming experience in an elevated design so you can play everyday. With an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics and cooled by OmenTempest Cooling, it makes you think how it all fits into such a tiny little package."
Customer Rating
5
Literally the coolest laptop in the market!
on July 11, 2020
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
The newly redesigned 2020 HP Omen 15 Laptop featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 processor was certainly quite the surprise. Last gen’s model, with its aggressive shape, carbon-like lid, and logo, certainly targeted gamers. This year’s design features a more traditional rectangular form, which may appeal to business and gaming users alike. The Mica Silver model I have comes in a matte finish with a diamond shape blueish logo. It may be a bit of a fingerprint magnet but not as bad as more glossy laptops. The lid is made of plastic, making it quite bendable. I would’ve liked to see a bit more rigidness, as it sometimes wiggles as I type. It is easy to open it with one hand and tilts all the way back flat. The chassis has a matte painted aluminum surface that feels nice on the wrists.
The keyboard design is rather unique. Everything was moved to the left, with some function and directional keys on the right side where a Numpad is expected to be. Personally, it took me a bit to get used to the hand placement as I kept missing the backspace and delete keys and accidentally pressed the function buttons from time to time. Not such a big deal, but worth mentioning. The keys are very tactile and have nice travel, which was especially helpful while playing games. The laptop features 4 zone RGB lighting, which means that the lighting can be optimized rather simply, without worrying about it looking like a Christmas tree. I opted for the WASD keys to be the only lit keys when playing shooter games. Although I always use a mouse, the multi-touch trackpad is rather decent. It is made of plastic, which can be annoying if you have sweaty fingertips. Overall, it was responsive and the clicking was functional with minimal sound.
As far as IO, this laptop has a ton of options. It has a single-port headphone jack, 3 USB-A, 1 USB-C (no thunderbolt sadly), 1 HDMI, 1 mini-display port, SD-card reader, and an ethernet port. The side-firing speakers by Bang & Olufsen, are clear and somewhat loud but nothing too exciting -but that’s almost expected with any laptop.
The IPS Full HD (1080p), 144hz panel was bright (319 nits), and had nice viewing angles -even in sunny conditions. The colors are respectable and the tones vibrant. I was surprised to see that it supports HDR video (no games) content which is definitely a plus. The bezels are super thin on top and the sides. Unfortunately, the “chin” is still quite large. This model features a front-facing 1080p camera, placed on top, which is much more optimal than other more expensive laptops out there. Sorry to say that this laptop does not offer Windows Hello.
Featuring the latest AMD Ryzen 7 4800H at 2.9Ghz, Nvidia GTX 1660ti, 16GB RAM, when it comes to gaming, this is most definitely a winner. It may not have the highest specs, but it tackled the latest titles at high-to-maximum settings. The main reason for this was the excellent cooling solution that HP came up with on this laptop. There are vents on the back, on the right side, and a huge vent on the bottom. According to HP, there are 3 heating pipes as well. You can choose what kind of cooling you want (comfort, default, and performance) by the provided Omen Command center software. You can even run the fans at max, although I never really needed to do so since it ran at about 40c normal and 82c at max loads. The fans are audible but never got too loud.
I was able to max out settings at all games I tried. To give an idea, BF4 ran at 70fps, RE3, 70fps, Fortnite at 100fps, Overwatch at 130fps, and SWBF2 at 75fps, SOTR at 75fps, and CS:GO at 245fps (these are all averages). Although I was never able to fully take advantage of the 144hz panel, with Freesync and G-sync support, all games ran smoothly nevertheless.
I did not test video processing and rendering since I am not a content creator. But judging by the 6-core AMD Ryzen 7 processor specs, and the color accuracy, this should be a decent PC to do such projects.
In the end, I was pleasantly surprised by HP’s Omen 15’s performance and value. It may not be the most powerful laptop, but the amazing cooling solution allows it to run under heavy use for longer without throttling, which is an Achilles heel for other more powerful offerings and worth the price. Therefore, I am happy to say that it is very easy for me to recommend this particular model.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Protect and compliment your tablet with this Logitech Combo Touch for iPad Air. The full-size keyboard features backlit keys that enable you to type in dark environments, while the precision trackpad improves productivity with multi-finger gesture control. This Logitech Combo Touch for iPad Air has a built-in kickstand that provides a preferred viewing angle, and a pen holder to secure your crayon or Apple pencil.
Customer Rating
4
Best keyboard case for the iPad Air 3!
on July 3, 2020
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
My iPad Air 3 has always been a great tablet for consuming content and browse emails. For productivity, I had my laptop. Once I got a keyboard case, it immediately transformed the way I used this device. Now I am using to write emails, take notes, write docs, presentations, etc. Basically, it has become a real portable productivity device. I no longer have the need to carry my laptop around at all times.
The latest iPad OS features new capabilities, including full mouse and trackpad support. So, I started using a Bluetooth mouse. While it worked well and brought the experience even closer to a PC, I was never comfortable with carrying another device around.
Enter the Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard case which features an integrated mouse trackpad. The question is, does it really add that much to the experience, and is it worth it? Short answer: Yes. Yes, it does.
To save time, here are the pros and cons followed by some thoughts on my experience.
Pros:
1. Great build quality.
2. Easy to set up.
3. Great protection.
4. Intuitive design and functionality.
5. The keyboard is detachable and uses the iPad’s connectors.
6. Good lit keyboard with a full-function row.
7. Decent full gesture trackpad.
2. Easy to set up.
3. Great protection.
4. Intuitive design and functionality.
5. The keyboard is detachable and uses the iPad’s connectors.
6. Good lit keyboard with a full-function row.
7. Decent full gesture trackpad.
Cons:
1. Bulky, heavy case.
2. Shallower key travel than previous cases.
3. Small trackpad size.
4. The keyboard is not secure to the iPad.
5. Annoying bugs.
2. Shallower key travel than previous cases.
3. Small trackpad size.
4. The keyboard is not secure to the iPad.
5. Annoying bugs.
The case looks great and classy with a grey faux canvas textured feel. It is sturdy and should protect the iPad very well. However, the case adds about 3 times the iPad’s size and weight, changing its design completely. No one will be able to tell you are carrying around an iPad (if that is important to you). Placing the iPad in the case is simple and the keyboard is recognized immediately. Since it uses the iPad’s connectors, there is no need for Bluetooth or a battery. You also get an option to download the Logitech software, which controls the keyboard lighting and updates. The case features a sturdy kickstand that props the iPad nicely and allows for a good range of angles. All buttons work well, and the inputs are recessed, which means some headphones may not necessarily fit. Since the keyboard is detachable, it makes the iPad easy to use it in tablet mode. However, one must find where to place the keyboard, and that can be a bit annoying. One big gripe I have, and it is concerning, is that the keyboard’s magnets are not secure, and I have sent the keyboard flying by simply picking the device up. Unlike other keyboards, this one offers a full-function row which allows for adjusting screen brightness, media controls, etc. and I appreciate that. The keys feel good to type on for the most part. I do wish they had a bit more travel as in the previous case, but they are responsive and well-spaced. The star of the show is the trackpad, of course. With full support from Apple, all gestures and functions are available and are well implemented. I did experience a little bit of a learning curve coming from my laptop’s precision trackpad, but I was able to get used to it quickly. I wish it were a bit bigger, but that would change the design too much. Clicking feels good and it is not too noisy, however, the springboard design only allows you to click on the bottom half. I remedied that by changing it to touch controls on the settings.
Unfortunately, I did experience some very annoying bugs straight out of the box. I immediately noticed that my “apostrophe” key was not working. Also, the pointer disappeared sporadically. Two-finger scrolling is not as accurate as I wish and can cause unintentional scrolling when releasing the touchpad. And finally, the iPad did not always go into sleeping mode after closing the lid, which drained the battery a couple of times overnight. I looked online and found that some people were experiencing these problems and posted some “hotfixes”. While this does not break the deal, since I was able to find solutions, they are certainly annoying and detract from the overall experience. Hopefully, Logitech will address these issues in future updates.
Overall, I will still recommend the Logitech Combo Touch for anyone that has an iPad Air 3 or 10.5 iPad. It really does change the way you use the device and makes you think how this was not a thing sooner. Actually, I wrote this review on this keyboard. Even with its design shortcomings and somewhat irritating bugs, I think the Logotech Combo Touch is a great alternative to more expensive or less functional offerings and, to quote the famous Bob Barker: “The price is right!”
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy a smooth gaming experience with this Dell Alienware gaming monitor. The 24.5-inch Full HD display delivers high-resolution images, while the 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time (GtG) ensures real-time display for eliminating image shatters and tearing. This Dell Alienware gaming monitor features DisplayPort, HDMI and USB ports for flexible connectivity, and the ergonomic design allows for tilting, swiveling and pivoting for more vibrant gaming. For an immersive gaming experience, the AW2521HFL is equipped with AlienFX lighting that is fully customizable using Alienware Command Center (separate download required*).
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
Coming from an ultra-wide 29”, 3ms, 75Hz IPS (2560X1080) display, I was really interested to find out if I could go back to a widescreen 1080p display, even with all the bells and whistles. Spoilers: I was pleasantly surprised with my experience with the Alienware 24.5” AW2521HFL Monitor. For a quick look here are the main pros and cons. For a more in-depth review just keep reading.
Pros:
1. Great futuristic design with RGB options.
2. Excellent adjustability options.
3. Several input/output options.
4. Small bezels.
5. Intuitive on-screen display physical controls.
6. Bright, vibrant graphics.
7. Great viewing angles with low reflection.
8. Incredible smooth graphics and gameplay.
9. Best for competitive gaming.
2. Excellent adjustability options.
3. Several input/output options.
4. Small bezels.
5. Intuitive on-screen display physical controls.
6. Bright, vibrant graphics.
7. Great viewing angles with low reflection.
8. Incredible smooth graphics and gameplay.
9. Best for competitive gaming.
Cons:
1. Very heavy.
2. Bulky design takes too much space.
3. Not great for professional content creation or editing.
4. Needs high-end PC to take full advantage.
5. Not a huge upgrade for casual gaming.
2. Bulky design takes too much space.
3. Not great for professional content creation or editing.
4. Needs high-end PC to take full advantage.
5. Not a huge upgrade for casual gaming.
The monitor comes well packaged in a massive box. It is easy to retrieve and can be assembled with no tools rather quickly. The monitor is quite heavy coming at almost 13 lbs. assembled, making it a bit difficult and awkward to carry around. I got the Lunar Light version, which is basically white and black. The design is, in my opinion, very stylish and futuristic looking. It is a bit bulky and will not fit flushed against a wall, protruding quite a bit forward -especially the stand, so keep that in mind if you have a small desk. However, the monitor is VESA compatible. The monitor is highly adjustable for height, tilt (-5° to 21°), swivel (-20° to 20°), and pivot (-90° to 90°). The base also features a cable management system, which keeps things clean. The back of the stand has customizable RGB lighting which makes for a very pleasant effect (including the Alienware logo). The monitor offers a great variety of inputs/outputs, including USB 3.0, USB 3.0 for charging, HDMI 2.1 (2), Display port, and audio jacks (i/o). The bezels are incredibly small which makes the screen look a lot bigger. There are accessible control buttons in the back for on-screen display options, which are intuitive to navigate.
The screen is very bright (400 nits), displays vibrant colors with great contrast (99% sRGB), and can be customized further in the menu. Still, this monitor is really not recommended for professional video editing or content creation as the color palette is not as accurate. I will say that watching video content is an amazing experience -it almost feels like I was watching HDR content. The IPS panel has impressive viewing angles. The screen is coated so there are minimum reflections.
Of course, the main attraction is the 240hz refresh rate and its 1ms response time, and its effect in gaming (if any). Coming from a 75hz display, I must admit that I was blown away immediately. I must mention that I am using a high-end PC with i7-9900k, 32GB RAM and an RTX2080ti Graphics card to support such frame rates. I started with games that push the frames super high such as CS:GO. I noticed the buttery smoothness and target tracking felt much easier. The response felt natural and I seemed to have developed much faster reflexes. Then, I threw in heavily graphical multi-player games, including racing games which do not reach 240fps but run at about 100-140fps. With G-Sync in place, I noticed no tearing and lag at all. I still felt that I had an advantage. Then I really pushed the graphics with a couple of single player adventure games and, while the experience is not as obvious, still looked great and smooth.
In the end, I am overly impressed with Alienware’s latest monitor. If you are coming from a 60-75hz monitor, and have the PC rig to match, this is certainly a no-brainer. You will notice the difference and will never go back. I will admit that I do miss my ultra-wide monitor because of the screen’s real state, but it all fades away when playing -especially high speed, high frames, competitive games. Highly recommended.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Keep each glass of wine as fresh as the first with this Coravin Model Three wine preservation system. Patented technology lets you pour wine without removing the cork, saving the rest for later. SmartClamps easily attach and detach to the bottle and works on corked bottles. This Coravin Model Three system uses ultra-pure argon gas for long-lasting preservation.
Customer Rating
5
Enjoy that premium wine at your own leisure!
on May 23, 2020
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
Have you ever wanted to buy that expensive bottle of wine and not have to consume it almost immediately and enjoy or share it at your own leisure? Well, the Coravin Model 3 preservation system might just be what you are looking for.
The premise of the Coravin is simple: use it to “extract” the wine without removing the original cork, thus preventing compromising the precious wine’s texture, color, aroma, and most importantly, flavor.
The system comes well packaged and in the box you will find the tool, 1 needle, 2 argon gas canisters, 1 needle cleaner, a bottle cap, and a bottle bag. There are also instructions and warranty information.
The system is relatively easy to assemble. While the instructions could be better written, there is a link on them to the website’s instructional video, which I strongly suggest you watch. Just screw in the needle being careful not to bend it. Drop an argon gas canister with the round part downwards in the receptacle and screw it to the back of the tool. That’s basically it. Now you are ready to use it!
To use it, adjust the clamps to the bottle’s neck ensuring that it is secure. It is a good idea to put the bottle in the included bag for safety. Press the top button once to clear any trapped air or wine residue on the needle. Hold the bottle with one hand, grab the top of the Corvin tool, and press down firmly until the needle perforates the cork. Using the handle, grab the bottle and tip it about 45 degrees over the glass. Pump the trigger and pour until the flow diminishes or stops. Pump again if you want more. The system will pump the argon gas into the bottle. When done, simply grab the bottle with one hand, pull the tool up by the handle until the needle clears the cork and detach the system from the bottle. It is really that simple.
It is also easy to clean. Simply rinse it with water and pump the tab once to clean inside the needle.
By the way, this system will only work with NATURAL corks. It will not work with synthetic or rubber corks. However, Corvin included a bottle cap that can be used instead. Another thing I learned is that it is a good idea to swirl the wine a bit right after pouring to dissipate the argon gas which may still be present. Again, it is very important to pump the trigger once right before inserting the needle into the cork or you will inject air and/or residue into the wine, and taint it. One Thing to keep in mind is that replacement needles, caps, and argon capsules (which are good for about 15 glasses) can get a bit expensive.
According to Corvin, the wine can be preserved for years. We tried a not-too-expensive wine and after a couple of weeks, my partner, who is much more acquainted with wine tasting, said that it was just like when it was first opened, and that made me happy.
In the end, the Coravin Model 3 Wine Preservation System, while being seemingly expensive at first, is very much worth the price. From now on, I will not hesitate to bring home that new bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild and enjoy it to the full extent for a long time.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Listen to your favorite albums and audiobooks on the go with this Memorex portable CD player. The 40-second anti-skip protection function for CDs ensures smooth, uninterrupted listening, while the dynamic bass boost system delivers rich sound. This Bluetooth Memorex portable CD player features an LCD screen and digital control buttons for conveniently choosing tracks and adjusting volume.
Customer Rating
3
Nostalgia is strong with this one
on April 17, 2020
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
It has been a while since I have not listened to my music CD collection -especially since I put them away in CD bookcases. So, looking at this Memorex Bluetooth CD Player was a very welcome experience.
The CD player is exactly what you would expect or remember. It has the stereotypical clamshell design and it is made of plastic. It seems decently well built. It is light and can be handled easily in one hand. I will say that, as it has always been the case, it would not be a good idea to drop it. It has a pleasant retro aesthetic with black and neon green trim. As far as portability, I would not say this is exactly the case, as it does not feature any belt clips or carrying case. It does include a 100-second anti-skip feature though, which is effective while moving it around. The player has a monochrome digital display that shows the usual information such as track, time, mode, etc. It has the usual tactile buttons such as play, pause, forward, back, stop, Bluetooth/mode, program, ESP (anti-skip) and +/- volume. They are responsive and feel very clicky. On the side of the player, there is the open slider, headphone jack, DBBS (bass boost), and a DC power input. I thought it was rather strange to have this DC input as the power pack was not included, and it may be a bit of a hassle to find one that fits. I think this should have been a micro USB input or something more modern as those can be found everywhere. It comes with two AA batteries.
Memorex included a pair of black headphone buds. While this is nice, in my opinion, they are terrible, and sort of detract the whole deal. They have ear fins and they fit fine. However, the sound was incredibly tinny and there is absolutely no bass. I thought that might improve with a different tip size. To my amazement, the whole head came apart simply by attempting to pull the tip off. This would have been infuriating, had I not reminded myself about the retail price of the unit (not an excuse).
So, the player works as expected. The lid opens easily by using the slider and stays open. It makes a nice click when closing it and feels secure. Discs fit well and do not wobble. I used high-grade headphones to test the sound and listened to different music genres. Being that these are actual CD’s, the sound reproduction should be of decent quality. The truth is that is was OK -at least to my ears. Personally, I would have liked more clarity, but it is what it is. Activating the DBBS extra bass boost adds much-needed excitement but also distortion at higher volumes. I found that playing music at about 15% or less was more than enough as these pump out very loud sound.
The player also features Bluetooth 5.0. Pairing is simple, although one must ensure to activate the pairing is being done at the same time on both devices. The sound quality is also alright. Unfortunately, the bass boost does not work in wireless mode, and so the sound depends on the headphones being used. The connection is decent since it did not drop or stutter at long distances -even thorough a wall and a couple of corners. I also tried it with my Bluetooth speaker and again, the experience was just alright.
Now, will admit that I have been spoiled by digital media, especially now that high-quality transmission is a thing, and the wireless experience is here to stay. However, the nostalgia was strong with this one; the same as when one is holding a book or magazine. The tactile feedback, handling (or dusting off) CD’s, and actually operating a machine, bring memories that many would think is certainly worth the asking price.
The CD player is exactly what you would expect or remember. It has the stereotypical clamshell design and it is made of plastic. It seems decently well built. It is light and can be handled easily in one hand. I will say that, as it has always been the case, it would not be a good idea to drop it. It has a pleasant retro aesthetic with black and neon green trim. As far as portability, I would not say this is exactly the case, as it does not feature any belt clips or carrying case. It does include a 100-second anti-skip feature though, which is effective while moving it around. The player has a monochrome digital display that shows the usual information such as track, time, mode, etc. It has the usual tactile buttons such as play, pause, forward, back, stop, Bluetooth/mode, program, ESP (anti-skip) and +/- volume. They are responsive and feel very clicky. On the side of the player, there is the open slider, headphone jack, DBBS (bass boost), and a DC power input. I thought it was rather strange to have this DC input as the power pack was not included, and it may be a bit of a hassle to find one that fits. I think this should have been a micro USB input or something more modern as those can be found everywhere. It comes with two AA batteries.
Memorex included a pair of black headphone buds. While this is nice, in my opinion, they are terrible, and sort of detract the whole deal. They have ear fins and they fit fine. However, the sound was incredibly tinny and there is absolutely no bass. I thought that might improve with a different tip size. To my amazement, the whole head came apart simply by attempting to pull the tip off. This would have been infuriating, had I not reminded myself about the retail price of the unit (not an excuse).
So, the player works as expected. The lid opens easily by using the slider and stays open. It makes a nice click when closing it and feels secure. Discs fit well and do not wobble. I used high-grade headphones to test the sound and listened to different music genres. Being that these are actual CD’s, the sound reproduction should be of decent quality. The truth is that is was OK -at least to my ears. Personally, I would have liked more clarity, but it is what it is. Activating the DBBS extra bass boost adds much-needed excitement but also distortion at higher volumes. I found that playing music at about 15% or less was more than enough as these pump out very loud sound.
The player also features Bluetooth 5.0. Pairing is simple, although one must ensure to activate the pairing is being done at the same time on both devices. The sound quality is also alright. Unfortunately, the bass boost does not work in wireless mode, and so the sound depends on the headphones being used. The connection is decent since it did not drop or stutter at long distances -even thorough a wall and a couple of corners. I also tried it with my Bluetooth speaker and again, the experience was just alright.
Now, will admit that I have been spoiled by digital media, especially now that high-quality transmission is a thing, and the wireless experience is here to stay. However, the nostalgia was strong with this one; the same as when one is holding a book or magazine. The tactile feedback, handling (or dusting off) CD’s, and actually operating a machine, bring memories that many would think is certainly worth the asking price.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Apex 5 gaming keyboard has hybrid mechanical switches that combine the smoothness of a membrane switch with the added durability, performance, and satisfying tactile click of a blue mechanical switch. It also has per-key RGB customization, OLED Smart Display, aluminum alloy frame, premium magnetic wrist rest, and more.
Customer Rating
5
Loud and extremely enjoyable typing experience.
on April 2, 2020
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
I have been working and gaming on mechanical keyboards for a very long time. So, I was curious as to what would be the experience in this new APEX 5 “hybrid” mechanical keyboard from Steelseries.
Immediately upon taking the keyboard out of the box, I was impressed with the quality and build. It feels like a premium product. This is a full-size keyboard, meaning that all keys are available including a Numpad and full row of function keys. The faceplate body is made of aluminum alloy, and the bottom is made of hard plastic. It weighs a bit above 2 lbs. The edges are kept at a minimum which makes it look smaller than it actually is. There are foot grips underneath to keep it in place which raises the keyboard quite a bit. The USB cable is attached to the keyboard and is rather long and thick. I am not too crazy about thick cables, but the good thing is that the underside of the keyboard has three paths to route the excess cable for a cleaner setup. It also comes with a rubber-like wrist rest that attaches to the keyboard magnetically. It is secure and fits flush at the bottom. At first, it feels a bit cumbersome as it is kind of stiff. However, one can get used to it quickly and not mind -or one can opt to use a wrist rest of your linking.
The Apex 5 features a customizable metal textured wheel rocker at the upper right side which controls sound volume and mute functions. I really love this as I do not like controlling sound via software or with a headset. There is also an illuminated button that controls media functions such as play, pause, skip back and forth, etc. (sort of like a headset in-line mic controller). A really cool feature is the customizable smart display on the upper right side. It can be customized with the Steelseries downloadable software to add cool info like PC temps, GIF, and logos. All settings, profiles, and macros can be set or changed with these feature keys in conjunction or with dedicated keys on the keyboard.
Speaking of features, this keyboard has a full array of RGB lighting options. The colors, which can be adjusted per-key via software or the rocker/settings button, are vibrant and bright. Because the keys are elevated, the lights “splash” a bit and can make it look a bit messy at its highest setting -but that’s just a small observation.
Obviously the most important factor in a keyboard is the typing experience. In this, I have nothing but praise for the APEX 5. This keyboard features “hybrid” blue switch keys. That means that they are very clicky, and they have a tactile response with a loud clack sound for every stroke. That makes them very loud, which should be considered if you work or play in a quiet environment and/or at night. Also, they can absolutely be heard in online conversations even when using a noise reduction mic. Also, the keys are elevated, which allows dust and grime to accumulate more quickly and must be cleaned often.
Having said that, I must strongly convey that typing on this keyboard is an absolute joy. The keys feel great and are extremely responsive and allow for precision while typing or gaming. The keys are very secure, do not wobble, and are not slippery. They are also very well-spaced which prevents next-key misses. I found myself typing even faster than usual and it seemed (to me) that I had better reflexes and responses, especially while playing FPS games.
Despite all of the small issues, such as the loose RGB lighting, incredibly noisy keys, and the need to constantly clean underneath them, the Steeleseries APEX 5 comes highly recommended because of unique features such as the LCD mini-display, the multi-media controls, and the awesome typing experience -all at a great price.
Having said that, I must strongly convey that typing on this keyboard is an absolute joy. The keys feel great and are extremely responsive and allow for precision while typing or gaming. The keys are very secure, do not wobble, and are not slippery. They are also very well-spaced which prevents next-key misses. I found myself typing even faster than usual and it seemed (to me) that I had better reflexes and responses, especially while playing FPS games.
Despite all of the small issues, such as the loose RGB lighting, incredibly noisy keys, and the need to constantly clean underneath them, the Steeleseries APEX 5 comes highly recommended because of unique features such as the LCD mini-display, the multi-media controls, and the awesome typing experience -all at a great price.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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G513 is a high performance RGB mechanical gaming keyboard that features advanced technologies in a modern and sleek design. G513 includes full spectrum ~16.8M color RGB per key lighting with LIGHTSYNC technology, choice of mechanical switches, and a memory foam palmrest to deliver utmost comfort. G513 is the perfect blend of performance, advanced technologies and features, and unparalleled build quality and comfort.
Customer Rating
5
Surprisingly expensive. Surprisingly amazing.
on January 20, 2020
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
Right out of the box, the G513 is impressive to look at. It has a beautiful dark, aluminum-magnesium brushed finish that feels cool to the touch. The keyboard is a bit on the heavy side being a little over 2 lbs. It has small edges around the key cluster, allowing Logitech to call it “minimalist”, even though this is still a full-size keyboard. It is very well built and it seems that it can stand a drop or two (hopefully not on your foot!). To ensure this does not happen, the keyboard has several rubber pads that help it stay firm. Underneath, there is some cable routing for wired headphones and such. It has a sturdy 6ft long dual-USB braided cable. This double-sided cable allows for a built-in USB passthrough on the keyboard’s upper side. While possibly convenient, sadly, this is a 2.0 USB -even when connected to a 3.1 USB output.
The standard size keys are made of smooth plastic. They can be a bit slippery, however, they are spaced comfortably. Also, Logitech provided a set of 12 concave keycaps that can replace typical gaming keys such as the WASD as well as a keycap puller tool. This is very welcome as I have sometimes trouble to find these keys or tend to miss during intense gaming. Maybe this is just a pet-peeve, but I would’ve liked to have dedicated media and volume buttons or controls. Still, these can be found under the FN keys. The keys feature Logitech’s new Gromer G Linear Mechanical Switches (tactile and clicky are also available). Linear means that to register a press, the key must be pressed down completely. There is no “bump” to tell you when activated, which some may or may not like. I find these very similar to my other keyboard’s Cherry MX Red switches, which I like so much. I found that, while the travel is quite deep, keystrokes register fast and accurately -even when I am spamming keystrokes. As far as regular typing, gaming mechanical keyboards have never been ideal to me, and this is no exception (although slightly better than others). I must say that of all mechanical switches I have tried, these are the quietest.
The G513 offers fully customizable RGB lighting. The illumination is very clear and vivid and does not “bleed” all over the chassis. The lights can be customized via “Lightsync” technology which enables games, music apps, etc. to control the effects. The keyboard can also be fully customized per-key via the Logitech G Hub App. I found it useful to light up my most used keys when gaming at night.
Now, included is a wrist rest that I can argue is the best I’ve experienced in a long time. It is made of high-quality soft leatherette and memory foam. According to Logitech, it is sweat-water proof and easy to clean. While it is not attached to the keyboard (magnetically or otherwise), it stays in place because of the rubber feet underneath. I can honestly say that it is extremely comfortable and the perfect size allowing my palms to fully rest on top while typing.
Is it worth the high price tag? That is a slightly tough question. To be honest, I'd give it a 4.5 if I could. While the G513 lacks dedicated macro or media keys, the RGB features are kind of gimmicky, and it is not the best for every-day typing, the G513’s design, quality, features, keycap options, feel, gaming performance and exceptional wrist rest makes it very worthy in my opinion.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Take out enemies with sniper shots using this CORSAIR DARK CORE RGB PRO wireless gaming mouse. The 18,000 DPI optical sensor provides pinpoint precision, while the contoured shape fits comfortably in the palm of your hands. This CORSAIR DARK CORE RGB PRO wireless gaming mouse features up to 50 hours of battery life for uninterrupted gameplay.
Customer Rating
5
More than met my expectations.
on January 16, 2020
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
The Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro (DCP) comes nicely packed with a wireless receiver dongle, documents, a USB-C to USB cable and 2 interchangeable side grips. The mouse is made of a black-matte finish plastic with a rubberized palm rest and textured thumb rest. As the description suggests, there is RGB backlighting in several areas such as the Corsair logo on the palm rest, sidelines, wheel scroll, and battery/DPI indicator. The RGB light is very clear and can get very bright on the default level. It truly does look cool, especially if you are into RGB lighting. The mouse is rather large, and it has some weight to it. I feel that it is best suited for large hands or if you are used to placing the entire hand on top. I found it comfortable to handle and lift with my medium-sized hands. The mouse is not slippery. You can also change the left side with an included side grip that allows the ring and pinky finger to rest on the mouse, rather than on the surface of the mousepad. I prefer not to use it as I like to glide my fingers on the surface. The RF dongle is stored under the replaceable grip cover.
The DCP features eight buttons in total which are well placed. It has the usual left/right, forward/back on the left side grip, up/down DPI selectors on the top left, profile selector on center-top and the scrolling wheel button. While not a big deal, I did click on the DPI buttons accidentally a couple of times. Clicking feels very responsive and satisfying while being not too loud, and the rubberized scrolling wheel felt secure and moved effortlessly. The mouse’s “feet” move smoothly over hard, soft or cloth mousepads with very little friction.
As far as performance, the Dark Core Pro delivers. Out of the box, the mouse’s optical sensor is set at 18000 DPI. Having a 17” laptop screen, this was a welcome benefit. This setting can be changed on the fly, in case you need different DPI depending on the game. The mouse offers three ways to connect -USB, Bluetooth, and RF Wireless. I tried all three and honesty, while Bluetooth had some lag, I could not tell the difference between wired and the wireless RF that uses a 1ms, 2400Mhz bandwidth with their new “SLIPSTREAM” technology, which Corsair claims more doubles accuracy and distance as well as reduces significantly input lag. I had no trouble at all play-testing it with C-S: GO, which requires lighting reflexes and accuracy in a high frame rate environment (I did mess around with the DPI a bit). While I suck at the game, I still enjoyed the experience.
I downloaded Corsair’s iCUE software to see how much more I can get from this mouse. This software allows for controlling lighting effects, remap actions to each mouse button, create macros (useful in a MOBA) and create profiles. It’s useful, but I found that it is not a necessity in my opinion.
Corsair claims that the DCP has a 50-hour battery life from fully charged. It uses a USB-C to USB cable for recharging, although I am not sure how long to fully charge an empty battery would take, or if it features quick charging.
Until recently, I was never a fan of gaming wireless mice. However, with the latest advancements in wireless technology, now it is hard to look back. I would highly recommend taking a look at this mouse, especially if you are a competitive gamer to see how it stacks up to any other wired solution.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Write e-mails and blog posts through your third-generation iPad Air tablet with this graphite Logitech Slim Folio Bluetooth keyboard case. The edge-to-edge keyboard has well-spaced keys for comfortable typing, and the four-year battery life and BLE technology provide efficient performance. This slender Logitech Slim Folio Bluetooth keyboard case has a built-in pen holder to secure your Logitech Crayon or Apple Pencil.
Customer Rating
4
Solid solution for protection and functionality.
on December 26, 2019
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
Upon taking it out of the box, I immediately noticed the quality of the keyboard and case. This is a rather sturdy and resistant-looking case. It is made of hard plastic with a rubber-like layer on top, which adds good grip and traction. The iPad snaps securely in place and fits snuggly. The rubber layer wraps around the bottom for added stability and protection. This makes the iPad a bit more than twice its original girth. Still, it remains fairly compact. Logitech claims water repellency, but I will have to take their word for it. Regardless, I do believe my iPad will be well protected and provide some good piece of mind.
The Slim Folio pairs with the iPad via Bluetooth easily. The cover closes magnetically and activates the wake/sleep function with no hiccups. There is a holder on top that will keep a digital pen in place, which comes greatly appreciated. I did notice that the Apple Pencil fits a bit loosely, and the Logitech Crayon is a bit on the tighter side. All inputs, cameras, speakers, and microphones are not obstructed. The keyboard is compact and does not extend too far out, which reduces the iPad’s footprint. However, this makes placing the iPad on the lap a bit awkward and unstable at times in my experience. While it certainly changes the “look” of the tablet, I think it is definitely a good-looking case.
Although the keyboard does have full-size keys, they can be a bit too close to each other for some and may take some time getting used to. One must remember that this keyboard is designed for a 10.5 in. tablet. Typing on this keyboard is a joy as the keys have excellent travel, are quiet, and very satisfying to press with no discernible lag. The iOS shortcut keys on top are very useful. The keyboard’s battery can last up to 4 years, according to Logitech. One big drawback is that there’s no backlight, so it must be used mostly under good lighting conditions.
Unfortunately, the Slim Folio has a very limited range when it comes to positioning and viewing angles. For typing, the case attaches magnetically, providing only a 45˚ angle. Again, this can be an issue when using it on your lap and repositioning the screen is needed. The case lays down completely for sketching and note-taking. I found no issue with this and using the digital pen in this position is comfortable for me. In this mode, the device can be used as a traditional tablet. This is another problem for me as the whole setup weighs over 2 lbs., is twice the width, which can make holding the tablet rather uncomfortable to hold in one hand without resting. I tended to use both hands. I do wish the keyboard was detachable, but that would have added to the price point. This is kind of a letdown in my opinion because it makes being mobile a bit difficult as I like to walk around while reading.
In the end, I would still recommend the Slim Folio. Yes, there are some issues when it comes to versatility, ergonomics, and backlighting. However, the case will definitely keep your device and pencil (if you have one) well protected and right where is needed, the keyboard feels amazing, and all of this brings the iPad closer to an actual laptop experience. And at this price, it is certainly a great value.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Apex 5 gaming keyboard has hybrid mechanical switches that combine the smoothness of a membrane switch with the added durability, performance, and satisfying tactile click of a blue mechanical switch. It also has per-key RGB customization, OLED Smart Display, aluminum alloy frame, premium magnetic wrist rest, and more.
How many programmable buttons keyboard has?
There are at least 6 dedicated programmable keys. However, the entire keyboard can be reconfigured through the Steelseries software.
4 years, 2 months ago
by
insomniak1
Enjoy a theater-like experience in the comfort of your home with this 370W Samsung soundbar system. Wi-Fi functionality offers hands-free voice control with select devices for an easy intuitive user experience, while dual HDMI ports connect multimedia equipment. This Samsung soundbar system includes a wireless subwoofer that adds rich bass for immersive audio.
Will the new hw q80r shut off like the hw n850 after 5 min of paused movie.
I have not personally seen this happened yet. At least not after 5 minutes. I will keep my eye (and ear) on that!
5 years ago
by
insomniak1
Experience the future of audio with this Samsung Atmos sound bar. The 13 speakers, 5.1.2-channel surround sound and Dolby Atmos technology provide a next-generation audio experience that you have to hear to believe. The included remote and compatibility with Amazon Alexa offer multiple options for controlling this Samsung Atmos sound bar.
Will the sound quality be affected if I place under tv on tilt\swivel wall mount instead of directly on wall or on flat surface?
The idea is that the sound is object-directional. Meaning that the speakers send the sound out so that it can bounce off the walls and ceiling and change the direction of the sound to reach your ears. So as long as you are not obstructing the sound path, you are OK to place the TV or bar however you please.
5 years, 8 months ago
by
insomniak1
Revolutionize your cooking with this Sharp Superheated steam countertop oven. Combining the power of super-heated steam and traditional radiant heating, it crisps and browns the outside of your food while leaving the inside moist and cooked to perfection. This 1750W design requires no preheating or defrosting either. This Sharp Superheated steam countertop oven includes a broiler pan and crisper tray for easy convenience.
Has anyone tried heating/ warming up the milk? Can the mug/ glass fit in? How fast can it be? We usually heat the milk up within 60 seconds. You think this can replace your microwave?
Because of the reheating times I have experienced, I think it would take too long for a glass of milk to be properly heated. Plus, you have to use an oven-safe glass or cup and the height of the oven is pretty low.
5 years, 8 months ago
by
insomniak1
Experience lag-free, immersive audio with this wireless Plantronics gaming headset. It has support for lifelike Dolby Atmos sound, and the sound-isolating ear cups and noise-canceling microphone keep your focus on the game. This lightweight Plantronics gaming headset has a 24-hour battery life and convenient analog adjustments for custom game audio settings.
This wireless headphones, cam I use it on a laptop and do the laptop need to be bluetooth or is there a adapter that I can plug to my laptop to make it wireless? Can you please let me know. Thanks
These come with a dongle adapter that plugs in to a USB port on your laptop. I highly recommend these.
5 years, 10 months ago
by
insomniak1
Enjoy all your favorite gaming titles, along with a few new ones too, on this Nintendo 2DS Blue gaming system. Preloaded with Mario Kart 7, this fun portable console offers fun from the moment you remove it from the box. Internet capabilities on this Nintendo 2DS Blue gaming system let you connect with other gamers.
Does it come with a charger?
Enjoy crisp, powerful low-end audio with these Sony MDRXB50AP/B earbud headphones, which feature a bass duct design that provides optimal sound isolation. An integrated elecret condenser/omnidirectional microphone lets you chat hands-free.
Its work on sony z5 or not , and which one is better this kind or stereo one
Yes. They work with all android and iPhones. Although they only control pause/play/next song/last song. These are stereo.
6 years, 11 months ago
by
insomniak1
Battle friends and foes with the Sony PlayStation 4 Pro console. Its 1TB capacity lets you store plenty of games without an external hard drive, and the dual-shock controller improves your hands-on gaming experience. See enemies in clear, vibrant detail with the included HDMI cable of the Sony PlayStation 4 Pro console.
What colors are available?
Battle friends and foes with the Sony PlayStation 4 Pro console. Its 1TB capacity lets you store plenty of games without an external hard drive, and the dual-shock controller improves your hands-on gaming experience. See enemies in clear, vibrant detail with the included HDMI cable of the Sony PlayStation 4 Pro console.
Does anyone know if it will upconvert standard blu-rays to 4K? My Xbox S only plays standard blu-rays in their native format.
Sadly, nope. It baffles me that Sony, who actually owns 4K Blue-ray would not support it on their own console.
7 years, 4 months ago
by
insomniak1
Streamline space and productivity with this HP all-in-one printer. Compact and wireless, this printer minimizes clutter and easily connects to computers and mobile devices. This HP all-in-one printer helps you save on ink with efficient printing functions and delivers high-resolution printouts of text and graphics you'll be proud to display in business presentations.
Can you send from an android phone?
Yes. I Practically print from a Mac, a WIN10 PC, an android phone, an iPhone 6 and even a Kindle! As long as it is on the same Wi-Fi.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
insomniak1