Wraith's stats
- Review count186
- Helpfulness votes1,925
- First reviewAugust 18, 2014
- Last reviewMay 14, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentSeptember 25, 2016
- Last review commentSeptember 25, 2016
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count27
- Helpfulness votes26
- First answerAugust 18, 2014
- Last answerDecember 13, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers3
This awesome bundle comes with everything you need to capture and share amazing GoPro footage. It includes the GoPro HERO12 Black—a tough, lightweight camera with incredible image quality, even better HyperSmooth video stabilization and a huge boost in battery life. Thanks to its improved power management, it delivers 2x longer continuous recording at 5.3K60 (70 minutes). After recording, simply charge your GoPro and your footage will auto-upload to the cloud and a highlight video will be automatically sent to you. This bundle also includes The Handler (Floating Hand Grip), Head Strap 2.0, an extra Enduro battery and a case.
Customer Rating
4
A great action cam if you don't already have one!
on December 1, 2023
Posted by: Wraith
I've worked with GoPros for a VERY long time, mostly through work since I am not a daredevil, nor am I particularly good at sports. It is what every media department I have ever worked with has used to get footage in awkward places (like hanging off of a helicopter), or when it is impractical to station a camera person somewhere for long periods, or to film 'B-Roll' footage to help fill in the gaps in their prime footage. There is a reason for that and that is because GoPro makes great cameras that can go pretty much anywhere, take great video, and said video is very easy to work with. The HERO12 Black Action Camera Bundle is no exception to this rule, and if you don't already have a GoPro and need/want to take great video pretty much anywhere your heart desires, it's the one to get. If you already have a HERO10, I'd probably do the upgrade, if you have HERO11, I probably wouldn't.
I've been playing with the HERO12 now for about a week and I have some thoughts both good and bad, and maybe a bit indifferent.
Good:
Phenomenal Video Quality In Bright Light: Daytime outdoor footage and well-lit indoor footage is top-notch. Grain is minimal and colors are bright using the standard set-up.
8:7 Sensor Format: I LOVE this format! While it takes a bit more forethought and imagination to ensure that you are framing things correctly, the versatility you have in post-production with this 'full-frame' image is outstanding.
GP-Log: While I'm not great at color-grading, my colleagues wouldn't have it any other way, and being able to shoot video in 'Log' gives you the ability to maximize your colors and tweak them to fit whatever you are trying to create.
Hypersmooth 6.0: In some ways this is actually better than a gimbal mounted camera since it also helps with the Z-axis. Yes, you lose some of you frame as the software adjusts things, but it does it so butter smooth and seamlessly, that it is worth it. Doing horizon lock is almost voodoo magic.
Voice Control: Works flawlessly straight out of the box with no 'training'.
Action Bundle: A very good value if you intend to be filming in rugged terrain or near water. The case is solid and holds everything nicely, and the extra battery is almost required.
The Camera Itself: Solid build, responsive and bright screens both front and back.
New Mounting System: Hallelujah, GoPro has finally loosened their grip on mounting accessories! Now you aren't forced to only use the GoPro 'finger' mount system and can now also use regular threaded mounts that are found pretty much everywhere else in the photo/videographer world.
Indifferent:
GoPro QUIK: Won't be using it much so I really don't care about it but it is enraging to find editing tools hidden behind a paywall and to be bombarded with upsell prompts.
Charge Time: It took 90 and 91 minutes to charge the two batteries in this pack via the camera, a Thunderbolt 3 cable, and 100w charger. Now I understand that these are the Enduro batteries with 1720mAh capacity, but man did that feel like a long time. Supposedly the HERO12 is supposed to charge faster than ever before, but it seemed like forever to me. I'll probably get the dual battery charger just to make things a bit more seamless if not faster.
Battery Capacity Indicator: This isn't so much indifferent as it is 'weird'. It might be a software glitch that will go away with the next firmware update but the capacity of the battery changes when I change modes. Now I would expect that the TIME left on the battery should change wildly when switching modes due to the different power requirements, but the absolute capacity of the battery as a percentage, should NOT change. I was getting fluctuations of almost 10%.
No GPS: This is another thing I never used on previous GoPros so I won't miss it, but others might.
Bluetooth Headphone/Mic: While appreciated that it is there, I'll never use it because I've yet to find a bluetooth headset that records audio/dialogue better than a dedicated microphone.
Bad:
GoPro Subscription Assault: Look, I get it. The HERO12 is sold at a pretty competitive price, and subscriptions are all the rage now from all kinds of manufacturers, but please quit asking me to pay for an annual subscription once I say no the first time! I'm not saying the subscription isn't worth it because for a lot of people it will be, especially at the 50% off they are offering right now. If you plan to do all your editing in QUIK, want your video in the cloud, and plan on buying a lot of accessories, it's a great value. But once I say no, please stop asking.
Low Light Filming: Other than doing star/automobile trails, the GoPro is not the best out there for nighttime filming.
That's my take on the GoPro HERO12. If you are looking for the best action camera out there and don't already have a recent edition GoPro, this is the one to get. If you have another recent GoPro, I'm not quite sure the upgrades, which are mostly on the software/firmware side, are worth it. Have fun filming, and be safe.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Osmo Pocket 3 features a powerful 1-inch CMOS sensor that puts detail-rich imaging right in the palm of your hand. With a 2-inch rotatable touchscreen and full-pixel fast focusing, go horizontal or vertical for more precise awareness and control. 4K/120fps, three-axis mechanical stabilization, and a host of intelligent features make Pocket 3 ready for any moving moment.
Customer Rating
5
The 'Flip' Brings Out The FUN! A Mobile Studio!
on November 29, 2023
Posted by: Wraith
You know, a lot of the time when I get a new gadget, I'm like: 'Yay... new upgrade.' and the glow fades pretty quickly. A lot of tech now is pretty iterative and not revolutionary but the Osmo Pocket 3 is the first gadget in a long time where as I dug deeper into what it could do, got me more and more excited to use it and to actually CREATE something!
I'm sure you are sitting there reading this saying: 'How is this not iterative, it's the 3rd in a line of Osmo Pockets from DJI?' I know, but the new HUGE screen (comparatively), and the phenomenal new 1" sensor make THIS Osmo Pocket a brand new beast. If I were the folks at DJI I would have created a new line for this camera. Call it the Osmo Mobile Studio or something because what you can do with this thing alone, or even more so with friends, is simply astounding.
While waiting for the Pocket 3 to arrive, I went online and watched a TON of videos (both from DJI and other content creators) to see all the new tips and tricks for the Pocket 3 and that was where my excitement really started to build. I HIGHLY recommend you do this yourself because there are some really talented people out there that can really inspire you to leave your comfort zone and do some new things. The Pocket 3 makes it much easier!
A creator online (can't remember which) said something that had been in the back of my mind for years now: with the increasing power of phones a lot of other tech gadgets can't really compete because the ease of 'just using your phone' is so powerful. You are already carrying your phone and it takes really good photos and can even do movies and commercials (yeah with a Oscar winning director, a soundstage, and crew), so why do I need something else with me? Because the Pocket 3 is one of the few devices that can still go toe-to-toe with a top of the line phone for ease of use, portability, and quality. The Pocket 3 is so fun to use, that I'm good with taking both my phone and it out and about and keeping my phone in my pocket.
I could gush on here for 10s of thousands of characters because I'm so excited to have that creative spark kindled in me once again! But in the interest of time I'm going to just put up a few of the hits and misses (very few of those) for me.
Hits:
The Screen: Amazeballs! Bright, sharp, and finally useful! It's no longer a postage stamp that just gives you a general idea, you can actually use this in the field for both composition and control.
The Sensor: Double Amazeballs! The resolution and light-sucking ability of this new sensor is no joke. Following my cat around the house from brightly lit rooms to his little hidey-holes, was no match for the 1" sensor in the Pocket 3. Details in the dark are scary good.
The Accessories: The Creator Combo is the kit to buy hands down. The battery handle adds that extra juice for longer shooting AND gives you a standard thread mount. You can also fast charge it and the camera via the USB-C port. It also makes holding the Pocket three much more balanced and keeps your fingers away from the gimbal. The Microphone 2 transmitter, is something I really wouldn't have bothered with in the past but this thing is genuinely cool. You can record both on camera and to the internal memory in the transmitter to give yourself two copies of audio and open up some useful tricks in editing. The bag, handle/mount extension, wide-angle lens, mic magnet, and hard case are just frosting to the Creative cake.
Misses:
Environmental Protection: I can't find an IPX rating for the Pocket 3 and I think that's because there isn't one. This thing is not water or dust proof at all, or if it is, it's not really worth noting. You will need to be VERY careful with this thing.
The Bag: Don't get me wrong, the bag that comes with this kit is like an awesome toiletry kit bag filled with creative goodness. Everything packs in nice and secure, but it's perhaps not the best for walking around unless you just leave it at home or in your hotel room. I would LOVE for DJI to make a compact bag for the Pocket 3 that could attach to a belt or slung over the shoulder. I know I can probably find a 3rd-party bag to do that but the bag they made is so good, I'd like for them to just make it a bit more travel friendly.
The USB-C Connectors: One of the things about USB cables is that they should sit up pretty snug with their devices so that the plug housing can help provide some stability. Unfortunately, all of the USB-C cables I have used with it (including the one DJI gives you), stick out just a bit and it creeps me out. A few of the cables had some wobble to them and didn't seem to seat well and I'm half way afraid of snapping something important in the camera port.
Ok, that's it for me. I'd show you the footage I've taken so far but I have a face for radio and my cat isn't really that interesting. But I DO have a trip to Rome in January that I'm looking forward to even more because of the Pocket 3. I've got a month to get really good on this thing so I can bring back Spielberg quality footage!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Designed with 299Wh capacity and charging up to 6 devices at once, the Anker SOLIX 522 is a best portable battery powered generator to power your 99% consumer electronics like cell phone, laptop, drones, fan, TV and etc when you are in on-the-go off grid adventures(camping, tailgating, RV road trip , gateway) or as an emergency home backup if the electricity goes out unexpectedly. As a portable power station, it weighs only 8.6 pounds, making it a breeze to carry around.
Customer Rating
5
A MUST HAVE in this day and age!
on November 20, 2023
Posted by: Wraith
This is my second portable power generator I've gone out to get in the last few months. In this day and age with so much electronics stuff that we depend on and what seems like more and more power outages all the time, I've found that one generator isn't enough. My previous one is going to stay at home and be used when things go out there. THIS Anker SOLIX 522 is going to be my main generator for travel, the beach, and camping because it has the most versatility out of all the generators this size that I've seen and it has Anker's advanced battery tech behind it so I KNOW that it's going to deliver and last a heck of a lot longer than a lot of other makers.
I had planned to take with to our beach outing with friends this weekend because it was going to be six adults and three children with all of our electronics and it was going to go well into the night (gotta have S'mores). I was going to bring my 60W solar panels to help keep the SOLIX 522 powered up but Mother Nature had other ideas and we unfortunately got rained out. That being said, I tested her out Friday and the SOLIX 522 is a beauty.
Out of the box the 522 had 82% charge and so I plugged it in via the included power brick (and I appreciate Anker putting the plug connection on the back instead of cluttering up the front). It got up to 100% in about 30 minutes which is pretty darn good considering that the last 20% or so of any rechargeable battery is the slowest to fill.
The selection of ports on the front is outstanding and the 522 is an upgrade over the previous 521 version in that it has two USB-C ports and one USB-A vs. the opposite on the 521. The car socket will help keep our drinks and food cool in our friends portable chiller. The USB ports will be great for the adults phones and the kids game systems. The AC ports are better than my first portable generator in that you can actually plug in a three prong cord, though you don't get the ground. That previous one could only do two prong plugs.
The bump up in capacity from both my very first portable generator and even the one I just got earlier this year is a good from 231Wh to 299Wh. Even with that bump up in capacity, the SOLIX 522 is actually a bit lighter than that recent one. That says something about the quality of the cells in the Anker.
Finally, the light bar on the SOLIX 522 is more useful than the flashlights on the both of the other generators I had/have. Flashlights are for when you are moving and if I need to do that I will use an actual flashlight or my phone. The lightbar on the 522 gives a nice glow in the room, tent, campsite that you have it set up in. Is it hugely bright? No, but it gives off enough light to keep people safe around the generator and to not trip on the cords around it.
I am hugely impressed by the Anker SOLIX 522 and I think if you are in the market for a small portable battery generator for home or the outdoors, you would be hard pressed to find anything that compares to the quality and capacity of the SOLIX 522.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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LG gram ZB90R series laptop is an ultra-lightweight powerhouse of productivity that gives you what you need to get it all done…wherever your hustle takes you. The 17”, non-reflective IPS display delivers vivid color and resolution that makes what you see on screen come to life. On the inside, LG gram runs Windows 11 Home, while the Intel Evo 13th Gen Intel Core Processor and integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics deliver the performance to accomplish daily demands from crunching numbers, to editing a masterpiece, or streaming your favorite content with nimble responsiveness and power.
Customer Rating
5
A Light & Beautiful Powerhouse!
on November 19, 2023
Posted by: Wraith
I have admired the LG gram series of laptops for a while now but always assumed that there had to be something missing to allow a laptop to be that thin and light, but I can tell you now, if LG cut back on anything, I haven't found it!
I was flat-out amazed when I took the laptop out of the box and felt just how light and thin it really is without, you know, a security cable or whatever holding it down in the store. I'd swear that the box alone weighs more than this 17" laptop, which is almost silly. I fired her up and basked in the glow of her 17" screen with nice and thin bezels. BTW, don't be surprised that the computer doesn't fire up immediately upon opening. I've gotten used to that with other computers and while the gram CAN do that, it's just not configured for that right out of the box, you just have to flip one toggle on LG management software.
Speaking of software, I was initially impressed with the suite of programs that LG installs on the gram, and can be incredibly useful (especially for theft/security sake), but man do they seem like a privacy nightmare to me. There is an incredible amount of integration of the software with the camera and microphones to monitor the environment to help guard your laptop if you are away, or to follow your eyes and dim the screen when you look away or move the cursor depending on where you are looking. But considering that there is not a physical camera cover and you are just 'warned' that the camera is on by a small light (and nothing to note that the microphone is recording), I'd be a little concerned about where all that data is going. This is my only real concern with the gram, and like I said, the software can do some cool things, and you are also not required to use them, so I didn't knock the laptop for these privacy concerns.
Back to the laptop itself, I was so glad to see that the power brick utilizes USB-C as its connector. It makes it hugely more versatile for me since I have a high powered plug in station on my desk with a 100w cable already there. That means I can leave the LG brick in my bag and just plug in using my desk cord while I'm working, and the gram 17" is great to work on. The trackpad is one of the better ones I have used and has a very nice 'glide' to it, which helps a lot since it is HUGE. The trackpad is also nicely 'clicky'.
The full-sized keyboard, while not my favorite, it is still pleasant to type on with just slightly spongy keypresses. My only real concern while typing on the LG gram was just how expansive the keyboard deck is (of course to be expected with any laptop of this size), and my fear of scratching the surface with the band of my watch. I might need to see about getting some kind of protection for that surface.
While working on the gram, mostly doing Scrivener and Photoshop, the 32GB of RAM and the i7 Evo processor kept things running butter smooth. Even under what would probably be the biggest load I would ever put on her, doing some serious Photoshopping, the gram stayed incredibly quiet.
I have only one 'concern' with the LG gram and it is a function of it being so thin and light. When closing the screen/lid of the laptop, I did my usual move of just grabbing the upper left corner and pushing down. When I did that with the gram, I saw an amount of flex that I have NEVER seen in a laptop before. Again, I SHOULD have expected that, but it was still a surprise to me. That being said, I'm just going to probably use both corners or perhaps the center of the screen when closing the laptop.
All-in-all I'm extremely happy with the LG gram 17" laptop and can't wait to see what kind of work we can put out together!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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3of 3voted this as helpful.
The IdeaPad 1 raises the bar on every affordable laptop with a super-efficient Intel Celeron N4020 processor in a thin and compact 17.9 mm chassis that makes multitasking a breeze while boosting energy efficiency with up-to-11 hours of battery life and rapid charge. Get more value with four-sided narrow bezels for maximum screen, Dolby Audio speakers and Flip to Start for instant boot up. Optimize your video call experience with a 720p camera that comes with a privacy shutter to keep out prying eyes and Smart Noise Cancelling to cut out background noise.
Customer Rating
1
Avoid this laptop unless you are a masochist.
on November 12, 2023
Posted by: Wraith
I'm going to start out by saying that I had very reasonable hopes for this laptop and even with those modest expectations, this laptop let me down. I have been a fan of Lenovo for years. Their keyboard is among the best layouts of any laptop maker and they were usually my pick when I wanted a light but powerful work laptop. I was not expecting any of that for this Ideapad. I got this hoping that it might help out my nephew who is falling behind in his new school because he does not know the Windows platform (his old school utilized iPads for everything). It didn't need to be powerful, hold a lot, or do anything else other than access the web, and familiarize him with Windows and the Office suite of apps.
I don't have any kids so my nephew is probably the one who is going to have to decide what is done with my body when I die. I'm afraid that if I give him this, he is going to remember it for the rest of his life and leave my body out in the woods to be torn apart by scavengers. I'm not even sure leaving him my life savings would wipe the taste of this insult from his mind.
I will say that it is a shame, because the build quality of the Ideapad 1 is actually very good. The keyboard is great (if a little squishy), and the trackpad is surprisingly responsive and precise. It has a great selection of ports and while the screen is not a stunner, it is extremely good for this price point.
It is all the guts of this computer that absolutely render it useless. I've been working with laptops since before they could reasonably be called a laptop. I know the ins and outs of maximizing processor and memory availability to squeeze as much performance out of these as humanly possible, and with all of that, I was unable to get the Ideapad 1 to not be an infuriating mess. Programs take forever to open, even with virtually all the extraneous apps turned off. MS Edge is unusable because even the most basic of pages will become unresponsive before even half of it loads. This thing hits 100% CPU and memory utilization pretty much just sitting there without anything open or even running in the background. I would love for Lenovo to tell me that there is something wrong with this laptop but I'm afraid that that is most likely not the case.
Also, on a side note, what is up with the RedBull desktop being the default after booting this thing up. Is THAT how Lenovo is turning a profit on this thing?
Anyway, avoid this laptop at all costs. Spend just a bit more money with all the great sales going on this holiday season and buy the Lenovo Ideapad that at least has an i3 and a real SSD. That's what I'm going to do, so my nephew at least puts me in a cardboard box when I die.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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6of 8voted this as helpful.
Keep your screen ultra-protected from the hardest falls with the Insignia NS-15GLS2 Anti-Reflective Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 15 (2-Pack). Made of thin, .33 mm tempered glass, this screen protector will fit most cases and will fully protect your screen with edge-to-edge coverage. It has anti-reflective technology that provides extreme clarity in strong outdoor light and eliminates other lighting impacts. Its 9H hardness rating protects your screen from everyday accidental falls and won’t affect the sensitivity of your touchscreen, granting you total control so you can continue playing games, scrolling online and more. It also includes everything you need for easy application, ensuring a bubble-free appearance. Improve the way you protect and view your screen with this Insignia glass screen protector.
Customer Rating
5
Great Screen Protector & Great Price!
on November 5, 2023
Posted by: Wraith
My wife and I just got new iPhone 15s (yay) and we needed good cases and screen protectors and we found exactly what we needed at Best Buy. I’m a stickler about getting our electronics protected as soon as possible (preferably as soon as it comes out of the box) and taking as best care as I can. That’s why our electronics typically fetch a premium when we trade-in or sell them. Our previous iPhones together fully paid for one of our new ones because they look brand new still.
That being said, I’ve purchased screen protectors over the years from all the major brands and with very few exceptions, the ones from Insignia are just as good as the more expensive ones and at a better price. These Insignia screen protectors come with all the bells and whistles of the big brands but you get two of them for less than the price of one of the bigger brands. I appreciate that they give you a plastic placement guide and two sealed packs of cleaners and cloths to prep your phone (makes it nice if you just have one phone and need a backup to stay ‘fresh’).
I only have one complaint about these screen protectors, and that is that they give a little too much room around the edges to allow for bulky cases. I would have preferred an extra millimeter or two all around and only be able to use a more slender case. I would have given these 4.5 stars if I could.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
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The DUEX Max DS is Mobile Pixels' most upgraded, portable dual-screen laptop accessory that makes multitasking effortless. It is ideal for 14" and larger laptops. The iconic portable, external monitors complement mobile work, entertainment on the go, and everything in between.
Customer Rating
5
My wife LOVES this thing! Easy to use/install!
on October 30, 2023
Posted by: Wraith
I introduced my wife to the joys of dual monitor workflows several years ago over her protestations that she didn't need it and received one of the few "I'm sorry, I was wrong and you were right." from her when she realized how much easier it can be. Now that she is more mobile in her job and does not utilize her dual-monitor desk set-up nearly as much, she has been wistfully hoping for a solution to use with her laptop. In walks the Mobile Pixels DUEX Max, and my wife is happy again!
The DUEX Max is super easy to set up with a template that you lay on the top of your closed laptop screen and it shows you exactly where to stick the very powerful magnets. When I say these are some powerful magnets, I'm not kidding. They send them to you in a plastic case that keeps them far apart from each other and I HIGHLY recommend you pop them out and place them one at a time and don't be a moron like me and pop them all out at once and have to pry them apart. It turned into a game of 'stump-the-dummy' with me being the dummy and my wife laughing her head off watching me separate two magnets just to have two others snap together. It's almost like there should be some song about the weirdness of magnets done by a band of crazy clowns...
Once the magnets are placed, it's just a matter of slapping on the DUEX Max, which surprisingly does not add as much thickness or weight as you might assume. My wife's work computer slid easily into the sleeve in her rolling case and the DUEX Max held tight. When we wanted to test it out and set up her screens it was just a matter of opening up her laptop and connecting the USB-C cable (you also have HDMI to Mini-HDMI but you still need the USB-C for power if you can't utilize the USB-C for both video and power).
I was a dummy at first and when I slid out the screen from its frame, the left side of the screen was still hidden behind her main screen. That's when I realized that that is why the magnetic attachment point on the monitor are bars! You slide the whole thing over, including the frame when you want to use it! If I had bothered to open up the instruction prior to this, I would have seen this plainly laid out by the Mobile Pixels team.
This was where we ran into our one and only problem with the DUEX Max. Turns out my wife's new laptop that her work just gave her, while nice and sleek, also just barely has room to mount the DUEX Max and you can't fully open the screen beyond 90 degrees with the DUEX Max installed. That's on me. I was working off of the specs for her old laptop and not the one they recently gave her. But no worries! I have the Origami Stand on order and all will be right with the world.
The DUEX Max screen is beautiful and bright and we were able to exactly mimic her desk monitor set-up in less than a minute. My wife is thrilled that she will be able to work just as efficiently while visiting all of the offices in her region as she does at her main office.
If you need a dual monitor set-up for work or play (and you probably do); don't hesitate to pick up the Mobile Pixels DUEX Max or one of the other Mobile Pixels monitors. You will not be disappointed (if you correctly measure your laptop).
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Create photos you’ll love to share. Adobe Sensei AI* and automated options make editing easy, and you can learn creative techniques as you go with 62 step-by-step Guided Edits. Present your best pics in beautiful Photo Reel, collage, slideshow, and Quote Graphic templates. Effortlessly organize everything. And do more on the go using web and mobile companion apps (English-only beta).
Customer Rating
5
It's Photoshop So It's Great, But AI Still 'Meh'
on October 30, 2023
Posted by: Wraith
I've been using Photoshop since before is became a verb and I was actually on the Lightroom photo professionals Beta before it launched. Adobe has put out, once again, the premier photo manipulation program for the masses. This year's iteration consolidates a lot of the tools in one place so that it is a bit easier to find what you are looking for, and they finally gave Elements a bit of a face lift. While it's just a bit of a nip and tuck, or given that it's Photoshop, it's been 'Photoshopped' but it is still a welcome change. My favorite part of the visual overhaul is that it has finally been given a dark-mode! Yay! I don't know if Adobe was reluctant to do so because then the masses might think they are pros using Lightroom, *gasp* or if they genuinely felt that a white background was better for consumers, but Elements needed the dark mode. There is a reason why Lightroom utilizes a dark background.
I gave up the game years ago with photos and photo-editing (I'm old and got tired of schlepping tons of camera gear around), and just decided to stick with the camera I have, which nowadays is better than many of my first cameras! For me, the tools on the phone are perfect for sharing those photos with friends and family. What I wanted Photoshop Elements for was to digitize and clean up the boxes upon boxes of photos my mom has saved up.
Not to get too Debbie-Downer but my mom is getting up there in her years and nothing has ever been done with all the photos she has. Having already buried my wife's parents and seen the tragedy of family photos scattered to the wind (or dumpster), I vowed that I would not let that happen with our old photos.
The problem with a lot of these photos is that there is degradation, color shifts, fading, and even with the best scanners, an inability to get a sharp enlargement without artifacts. Adobe has started leaning into the AI tools with Elements 2024 and while a lot of them are really good, others have been a bit underwhelming. Now this really isn't a knock on Adobe, because we are still in the early years of AI and this is still a consumer-friendly product and not professional grade, you can (and should) only expect so much.
I'm still trying to 'dial in' the workflow to get the initial run of photo scans done well, but it has been slow going. A lot of the tools can be pretty heavy handed with their effects and can vary a lot from photo to photo (unlike with photos direct from a camera into something like Lightroom, where I had a profile for my camera and lens that corrected a lot of things in one big batch for all the photos in that days shoot).
Again, I don't necessarily blame Adobe for this because they want you to be as happy with your photos as you can be. But you will need to temper your expectations. One thing I did notice with Photoshop Elements 2024 is that scrapbookers have a lot of options for cutting, composing, and editing and the tools for background removal and replacement have gotten fantastic over the last several years! That's obviously not what I'm looking for, though it would be funny to replace the background of my dad leaning against our old Camaro with a Mars landscape!
Adobe continues to make the best photo-editing software out there and Elements makes it easy for people of all skill levels to make their photos the best they can be. Just be prepared for what miracles Elements can and can not do.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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FREMO TP300 Portable Power Station is a game-changer when it comes to on-the-go power solutions. With one USB-C PD 100W charging and recharging port and multiple outlet ports, it offers the convenience of portable power, ensuring your laptop and other devices remain charged and ready for use, whether you're traveling, camping, working remotely, or experiencing a power outage.
Customer Rating
5
Outstanding upgrade from my previous portable!
on October 28, 2023
Posted by: Wraith
As an Eagle Scout (a very old Eagle, but Eagle none-the-less), I've always taken to heart the motto of 'Be Prepared'. I have go-bags built and ready to, well, GO on the shelf in the garage by the car. I have back-ups and back-up power ready, and the Fremo TP300 is an outstanding addition to my emergency gear.
I have a similar power station from a few years ago that is/was good but the AC plugs were not as robust and did not accommodate grounded plugs which GREATLY limited its utility for devices that require it, and it mostly acted just as a USB power source for events/camp-outs and not for anything else. Now with the Fremo - TP300 I have just as robust of a power supply but I also have a better selection of USB outlets and a grounded outlet! This will make it much easier to use at events where I might need to plug in a laptop charger or other small appliance that requires the grounded outlet. BTW, I'm aware that there are adaptors to change a plug from grounded to ungrounded but that would violate SO MANY safety rules in my head that it would probably explode.
Another great thing about the TP-300 Portable Power Station is that it recharges much faster than my previous portable. It arrived at 53% (a specificity I couldn't get with my other portable since it only had bars of power), and it topped up in a little over two hours using the included charger. I do have a set of solar cells that I have yet to use to charge it up but that is more of an issue for campouts than anything else.
My other power station, while having an equivalent power storage capacity, weighs a bit more than the Fremo, which actually makes the flashlight function on the TP300 much more useful since you might actually be able to use it as a flashlight without your arm falling off! Speaking of the flashlight, if you hold down the light button it goes into SOS mode, which is the only Morse Code I still remember. My only wish for the Free TP300 is that the flashlight button were closer to or actually on the handle of the device so that it was easier to turn on/off one handed. A button just above the light on the handle would be perfect!
I'm very happy with the TP300 and it will see lots of use over the next several years for events and camp outs, but hopefully not for any disasters, though it will help our family 'Be Prepared' if such a thing does happen.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Sleek, compact and customizable for your needs, the Bella Pro Series Single Serve & 12-Cup Coffee Maker is designed to bring convenience and quality to every cup. With three different sizes for single-serve K-cups or ground beans, you can customize your coffee experience to perfection. Need more? Brew carafes in three different sizes. The adjustable height drip tray accommodates travel mugs up to 7" tall, and the carafe stays warm for up to 2 hours, ensuring that your coffee is always fresh and enjoyable. Cleaning is a breeze with the removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts. The removable 61-oz. water reservoir allows for easy refilling, and the clean indicator light alerts you when it's time to descale the machine, ensuring optimal performance. Equipped with a reusable carafe-size coffee filter, a k-cup adapter, and a reusable single-serve coffee grounds filter, this coffee maker provides all the accessories you need for brewing convenience. Upgrade your coffee routine with the Bella Pro Series Single Serve & 12-Cup Coffee Maker and experience the perfect cup of coffee every time.
Customer Rating
5
Exactly what I wanted at a price I wanted!
on October 28, 2023
Posted by: Wraith
Let me start off by saying that neither my wife nor I drink coffee. You may then ask yourself: 'Then why is he reviewing a coffee maker?' The answer is that we often host friends and family that DO drink coffee and I do occasionally like a hot chocolate. The issue was always that when friends were over, they would want a cup or two at most, and often friends would want different types of coffee. Family on the other hand all want a pot of coffee multiple times per day, and my mother HATES with the fire of a thousand suns, Keurig cups. To this day I still don't know why.
So I have been on the lookout for a brewer that could do both and while there are others on the market, they were far pricier than I was willing to pay for something that is going to be used as infrequently as this one will. When I saw that Bella put out a combo brewer and then saw the price, I knew I had to get it. I have other Bella Pro products and they are all great quality and work beautifully. My four-slice toaster with the 'Gluten-Free' option has been the queen of my counter since I developed Celiac Disease.
I've run the brewer through its paces with mostly the Keurig pods and one pot of regular coffee and I'm as happy as a caffeinated clam. First off, this thing is FAST. I put in a hot chocolate pod and in a minute I had a nice steaming mug of pure fall comfort drink. I also bought some herbal tea pods for my wife and she really dug how easy it was for her to make a quick cuppa. I've read on here where some reviewers thought that the flip-down mug stand was flimsy but I do not agree. I put some rather heavy ceramic mugs and brewed 8 oz drinks, and there hardly seemed any flex at all (as you can see from the pictures). Others also knocked the fact that the water reservoir is not removable, but that doesn't bother me much because the one Keurig brewer that I did have at one time leaked, and this one at least fills up much further back than the standard brewer it's replacing so there won't be any spills there either.
I only have one small quibble with the Bella Pro Series Combo Coffee Maker and that is that there isn't a clock/timer. My parents like to set a wake up pot to go, but I'm always up before them when they visit and I'll just fire it up when I hear them plod around upstairs. Again, this thing is so fast that they will have their coffee within a minute or two of coming downstairs anyway, and heck they can even pull the carafe mid brew to pour a cup if they are really dying.
All-in-all, I'm very happy with the Bella Pro Combo Brewer and I'm not even going to put it away in the closet like my previous brewer, it now will stay on the counter right next to my Bella Pro toaster!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Wraith's Review Comments
Make driving routines more enjoyable with this OverDryve car system. Its voice assistant capabilities let you read and send text messages by command and also play music in your car without taking your hands off the wheel. The built-in dash cam of this OverDryve car system lets you record trips and capture every moment on the road.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5No-Brainer If You Want A Great All-In-One System
By Wraith
I wondered about creating a GPS system nowadays with so many people having their smartphones with their own GPS functionality or with most cars coming with some kind of infotainment system, but after using the OverDryve 7 for the last two weeks, I think it is a great system and is a no-brainer for anyone looking to add GPS functionality to their car.
First off, my favorite thing about this device is the mounting bracket. I kid you not. One of the things I always hated about car GPS systems was having to lock it in place and reconnect the power and such. In the process of doing that I would invariably mess with my carefully set up positioning and would have to do it all over again. The Overdryve has an awesome bracket that you keep set up in your car and plugged in to everything and the Overdryve unit itself links via magnets and the connections are made through little contacts on the back. Easy-peasy. On top of that, the basestation also has an additional GPS antenna to improve location accuracy. Now I have rarely had problems with previous GPS devices and but the additional antenna could probably help when you are in the 'canyons' of the city, though I haven't gone downtown to try it yet.
The GPS system is great. While my car has one built in, it acts a bit too much like my mother and won't let me input anything if I am not at a complete stop. My wife can't even do it from the passenger seat because if we are moving at all it completely locks out the GPS controls. I understand why, but it would be nice for some kind of override. With the Overdryve, we don't have to worry about that. She just plucks the device from the mount, types in the destination and clicks it back into place. The guidance voice is kind of grating but so is my wife yelling directions at me from her phone!
I played around with the handsfree and entertainment applications and they are fine, but my car handles that pretty seamlessly, so I don't think I will be using that function of the Overdryve. The voice commands are much more responsive than those for my car system so I will give it that. The other thing I don't have to worry about is the backup camera or tire pressure monitor, because my car already has that, but if your car doesn't, this is a really cool feature. While each of those systems is an add-on, they are both only about $150 each and I guarantee I paid more for that functionality from the auto maker.
As for the Overdryve also being an Android tablet, and can be used off the mount like any other tablet, it is true that it can do so, but it is a little bulky for that and it is an Android tablet with all that entails. Sorry, I have an iPad and I can't really see myself ever using this as just a regular tablet, but perhaps if you forgot yours and you have a fussy kid in the back and want to send it to the back seat to quiet them down, this could be a lifesaver.
Now for my few quibbles with the device. I had a little trouble syncing it to my phone for the first few tries but after I did a phone restart I didn't have a problem and it had maintained the sync no problem, so it could have been my phone and not the Overdryve. My only other problem is the name. Seriously, Overdryve?! I realize that Overdrive was probably taken but I kind of feel like some hipster should be on TV telling me how 'swaggy' this thing is. Every time I have had to type Overdryve into this review, I have had to roll my eyes and they are getting tired.
In summary, if you want a great functioning GPS system, and that is all, this is a phenomenal GPS and it costs about the same as other 7-inch GPS systems. If you need the functionality of an infotainment system, and want the ability to add safety features like a back-up camera and tire pressure monitoring, this is a no-brainer because you get all of that for the price of a basic 7" GPS. On top of all that, you get a fully functional Android tablet! I really can't see why anyone would buy any other standalone car GPS system now that this is out. Even if you don't need the other functions, they are nice to have and Rand McNally has created the best GPS device I have ever used, for the same price as other systems. Seriously, this is the unit to get.
Wraith
Rochester Hills, MI
Dash Cam!
September 25, 2016
I totally forgot about the dash cam function of this. Yet another feature that makes this a no-brainer. I have not had much experience with dash cams but this one works well. Now let's just hope I don't end up on one of those dash cam compilation videos on YouTube!
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Wraith's Questions
Wraith has not submitted any questions.
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
Will these head phones need to be connected tot he phone to use the noise cancelling function or can they operate as noise cancelling headphones whithout having to be connected to anything?
They DO NOT need to be connected to a phone for the noise cancelling feature to work. You can just have them on to give yourself some peace and quiet.
6 years, 6 months ago
by
Wraith
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
Really wanna buy these headphones, but does the ANC from these (Sony) create an undesirable pressure to the eardrums? Tried the Bose, they hurt my ears after a while...
NO! I'm with you on that. I have always wanted a pair of NC headphones but couldn't stand that pressure after more than 30 minutes. I have listened to these for almost six hours straight and no pressure. It is fabulous!
6 years, 6 months ago
by
Wraith
Create gorgeous hairstyles quickly with this high-velocity Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. The rapid air flow and a temperature gauge that monitors the heat level 20 times per second ensure efficient drying without overheating tresses. The motor of this Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is in the handle for better balance and reduced arm fatigue during use.
Hello does the Supetsonic blow dryer sold at Best Buy come with the leather case?
No, that is only for the dryers bought directly from Dyson. I know, stinks. I'm attaching a photo of what is in the box.
7 years, 5 months ago
by
Wraith
Orbi Whole Home WiFi System delivers up to 3.0Gbps high-performance WiFi. Sleek, modern design with high-gain internal antennas for up to 5,000 square feet of coverage. FastLane3 Technology creates a dedicated Tri-Band WiFi for seamless 4K streaming and gaming everywhere in your home. Keep a single WiFi name for uninterrupted connections as you move from room-to-room. Circle Smart Parental Controls runs on Orbi Routers for a smart way for families to manage content and time online, on any connected device. Provide internet access to guests without sharing your personal network password. Orbi is ready right out of the box and compatible with your ISP. Just use the Orbi app to get started with better WiFi, everywhere in minutes.
I have a 1400 sq ft home and an RV parked on the side. My current Router plus an add on won't do it for the RV. Will this cover the home and the RV?
I have a 3200 sq ft home that has walls like a fort and I can get a great signal from all throughout the house and my entire yard (which is admittedly not in proportion with the house). If you put the main base station in your home and the satellite system in the RV, the system will tell you if you have a good signal (which you should), and then you will be bathed in glorious wi-fi.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
Wraith
Only at Best BuyTote entertainment options with you via this HP Spectre x360 laptop. The 13.3-inch touch screen lets you navigate tablet-style for casual app gaming, and a flip-and-fold design lets you set this computer on a table to enjoy streamed entertainment while multitasking. This HP Spectre x360 laptop weighs just over 3 lbs. for easy portability.
Finally! so glad i seen this before i bought!!! when can i get it? i've asked everywhere.
I have seen it in every Best Buy store I have been in to over that last two weeks (four in total), so check your Best Buy, it is probably there.
7 years, 11 months ago
by
Wraith
Only at Best BuyChoose this HP Spectre 13 notebook for its crisp 1080p display and 13.3-inch screen. It comes with a sixth-generation Intel processor and 8GB of onboard RAM for efficient multitasking, and its solid state drive ensure that programs load quickly. The slim design on this HP Spectre 13 notebook provide enhanced versatility.
I ordered this laptop from a friend to buy it for me. I live in Europe (Macedonia) so we have 220v electricity + other kind of power plugs. Will it damage the laptop if i use it constantly with an adapter to change the socket to fit our plugs ?
You should not have any problems doing this. The power supply clearly states that it can handle all the way up to 240v and convert it to what the computer needs. All you should have to do is get the plug adaptor.
7 years, 11 months ago
by
Wraith
Learn more about Magnolia Premium Installation These Sennheiser HD650 stereo headphones provide balanced and transparent sound for audio with minimal distortion. The headphones feature an over-the-ear design with an innovative elliptical shape adapted to the shape of ears.
Which headphone amplifiers would you suggest for the HD650 and would a headphone amplifer help add a deeper bass to the sound??
I use mine with a Schiit Magni (and Modi for the DAC), and I have no problems with the bass. If the music is supposed to have bass, you will get it. It won't be thumping bass but there is only a small segment of the music spectrum that really needs that emphasized. Cheap headphones bump up the bass to cover up how bad they are.
9 years, 8 months ago
by
Wraith
Rochester Hills, MI