Wraith's stats
- Review count186
- Helpfulness votes1,929
- 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
Jam out to your tunes with these black JLab GO Air true wireless earbuds. Three sets of gel buds offer a comfortable and secure fit for all-day use, while the rechargeable 43 mAh lithium-polymer battery on each earbud offers up to 5 hours of use when fully charged. These JLab GO Air true wireless earbuds have a 30-foot Bluetooth connectivity range, letting you wander away from connected devices freely.
Customer Rating
4
Initially Skeptical But Pleasantly Surprised
on June 1, 2021
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
Normally I hate earbuds that use silicone tips to seal/stay in your ears. I can never seem to get a good fit or if I do, they are jammed in so tight that I can't wear them for any reasonable length of time. I needed some earbuds to block out sounds from the outside, sound decent itself, be compact, and not cost too much. On all counts the GO Air earbuds, block sound pretty well without being jammed in there too tightly and stay in place (probably because the body of the earbud isn't pushing against the rest of my ear as much because it is pretty small). They also sound decent enough for exercise and yard work (which is what I wanted them for), and they are a decent price at $50. All-in-all, I didn't expect much with these since I have been disappointed in earbuds twice the price, but I'm pleasantly surprised that the JLab GO Air's do the job pretty well.
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TUF Gaming VG289Q is a 28-inch, 4K UHD, IPS display with superior images, 90 % DCI-P3 color space designed for professional gamers. It also features FreeSync/Adaptive-Sync technology, for extremely fluid gameplay without tearing and stuttering. VG289Q supports HDR technology across a range of luminance to deliver a wider color range and higher contrast than traditional monitors. The brightest whites and the darkest blacks bring out details like never before. It also delivers DCI-P3 90% color gamut and contrast performance.
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
I have recently gotten back into PC gaming with the acquisition of my awesome new Asus ROG Zephyrus gaming laptop (which is the best laptop I have owned for any reason hands down, and I have owned A LOT). It is awesome for a lot of games and especially when I'm on the road, but I really wanted to get back into RTS games and flight sims like Elite: Dangerous and the revamped Microsoft flight simulator. Both genres really benefit from a larger screen and 4k resolution.
So far I'm tickled pink with this monitor. Elite looks absolutely gorgeous in 4k, as does MS Flight Sim. My laptop fans even help with the immersion in MSFS by making it sound like I'm actually piloting a very loud plane! It takes a lot to drive 4k with all the bells and whistles turned on. I haven't noticed any tearing of the images except while playing ED: Odyssey but I think that has more to do with the wonky launch of the expansion and not the monitor (though the monitor is only 60hz).
The built in speakers are nothing to write home about but I have surround sound headphones for gaming so that really isn't an issue.
This weekend Im going to try to fry my RTX 3070 card in my laptop by seeing if I can drive both the 4k screen and the 2k screen on my laptop at the same time. I would like to have the laptop and keyboard available for some of the mining and exploration resource websites while tooling around the galaxy. Hopefully the laptop doesn't give me the immersion of a Frame Shift Drive explosion! Wish me luck.
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The GO Work Wireless On-Ear Headset from JLab will be your new best friend at the office. Featuring 45+ hours of playtime to get you through a full work week and Bluetooth multipoint, you can connect to 2 devices at once so you can transition from mobile to laptop without tocuhing any settings. The GO Work Headset also features 2 microphones for clear calling, a retractable boom mic with LED quick mute indicator, multi-functional buttons for controls, and 2 EQ settings for Work or Music mode.
Customer Rating
5
Comfortable, Sounds Good, & Good Mic Quality
on May 27, 2021
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
I am always on teleconferences and have an external system plugged into my laptop that work provided. It has to be an Aux/USB system because bluetooth is disabled on our computers for security reasons. I had hoped that the headphone would have more functionality when plugged into the aux port (volume +/- and other features) but it is a passive device when used with the Aux cable. The mute button on the side is the only button that retains functionality. I must say that I like that it is a 'real' button and not a touch one since it is a much more tactile response. That combined with the mute indicator light on the boom mic (which does still light up in Aux mode), gives a clear indication which mode you are in.
All that being said, I didn't really feel that I could knock the JLab GO Work headset because it does work perfectly as a Bluetooth headset with my phone, and it didn't promise any additional functionality for Aux usage (that was just my hope). Also, they are extremely comfortable for long periods of time, I can hear others very clearly (though these are just OK for music, but can do in a pinch), and others say that I come through clear and strong.
I wanted these since I am now in a management position and didn't want to be just yelling into the external device so they could hear me because now I will sometimes be talking about my co-workers and need to be a bit more low key since we have very thin walls around here. They are great for this usage because I can speak normally, and the people on the other side hear me fine and only I can hear their response.
I haven't really tested the 45 hour battery life claim since they are using Aux all the time, but the instructions do say that the battery is still used in Aux mode to power the microphone. I'm betting that I'm going to get significantly more time with these than 45 hours with only the mic using the battery!
For the price, these are a great set of work headphones, and are probably even better if your work allows you to use the Bluetooth function of your computer (I understand why it is that way, just wish they could figure out a way to secure BT better).
Mobile Submission: False
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Designed for Xbox, the RIG Nacon Pro Compact Controller is built for competitive gamers wanting to optimize their play style. Featuring an ergonomically compact design with larger buttons, this controller is built reduce hand fatigue and allows you to play longer. Textured high grip surfaces and concave thumb sticks offer superior comfort and precise control. Achieve pro levels of customization through a dedicated App that lets you map buttons, set thumb stick sensitivity, trigger dead zones and much more. Store one custom profile or switch to classic mode which allows it to function as a standard controller. The Pro Compact Controller offers a low latency solution for gamers that improves reaction time and never runs out of battery when it matters most. A highly durable and flexible nylon, braided cable measuring 9.8FT/3M ensures that you have more than enough length to suit your gaming setup. Seamlessly unlock Dolby Atmos® for headphones the moment you plug in your controller, giving you access to precise 3D Audio (headphones required). React faster and more accurately as you are able to detect the distance and direction of your threats.
Customer Rating
5
Nice Compact and Light Controller!
on May 17, 2021
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
The RIG Nacon Pro controller in my mind is like a combo between the Xbox and PlayStation. You have the offset thumb sticks from the Xbox and the more diminutive size of the PS. Combine that with the slightly oversized face buttons, and you get an easy to use and comfortable controller for extended gaming sessions.
One of the big selling points of this controller is the fact that you get a free subscription to the Dolby Atmos for headphones. I had already purchased this a while ago on my Xbox but now I have it for my gaming laptop since it works for either system. That being said, the headphone connector makes it easy to plug in your favorite headphones into the controller and get great sound. It sounds just as good as I was used to previously and now I get that great sound for my laptop.
Build quality is nice for the price. Buttons are responsive and the texture of the controller is nice for maintaining your grip in tense situations. Buttons, triggers, and sticks are tight and responsive. The cable has a nicely braided cover and solid strain relief built in. The only quibble I have build-wise is the direction pad, which feels a bit “squishy” for my taste.
I haven’t used the customization software and probably won’t since I rarely change layouts beyond what is available within many games, but it seems really easy to use. It is nice that you can switch easily between a program and the default set-up with the switch on the back of the controller.
All-in-all this is a good quality controller with some nice extras (the Dolby Atmos download on its own is $15). This is going to be my travel controller since it is so small and light and has such a great cable.
Mobile Submission: False
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Dyson's slimmest, most maneuverable vacuum for in-between cleaning on hard floors. The Dyson Omni-glide extends the time between deep cleans with quick pickups. Ultra-compact and under 5 lbs, it's engineered to require less effort in use and is United States Ergonomics certified. An articulating neck and 360-degree castors make it easy to maneuver around obstacles and into tight spaces, so there's less need to move furniture as you clean. Whole-machine advanced filtration traps particles and expels cleaner air. Its versatile cordless format transforms into a handheld vacuum with one click so you can clean up high, down low, and everywhere in between. It has two cleaning modes for the right power where you need it. Comes with a 2-year warranty and lifetime Dyson support.
Customer Rating
4
PERFECT for small spaces, good for big spaces.
on April 9, 2021
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
TLDR: If you have a small apartment with all solid floors (tile/wood), this may be the only vacuum you need. Anything larger than that will need MANY stops to empty the tiny dustbin.
I like small things. My wife is 4'11" and I love her to death. That being said, I was REALLY surprised when the box for the Dyson Omni-Glide showed up on my doorstep. I figured that there was no way this thing fit inside that box. Well, I was wrong about two things. It did indeed fit inside the box and the Omni-Glide is way smaller than I assumed it to be. In some ways this smallness is better than what I hoped and in others it is a bit worse.
We just redid the floors in our house so that it is virtually all ceramic tile and engineered wood. All-in-all there is about 2500 Sq Ft of flooring that our previous Dyson Ball is no longer the best option when needing to clean. I got the Omni-Glide because it seemed to be the best option Dyson has ever offered to do hard floors. They are almost there. Perhaps, one day, Dyson will make an Omni-Glide Max with a bigger cleaning head and a larger dust bin. Then it would be the best vacuum for a house like mine. Until then, the Omni-Glide is really only good for small apartments/spaces with hard floors.
What I Like:
1. The Omni-Glide and get under just about anything. This is outstanding since all the dust bunnies seem to want to hide underneath the back of the couch.
2. You can pop out the battery and charge it on the counter if you don't want to set up the charging dock on the wall. You could also buy a second battery if you need more runtime.
3. Battery lasts surprisingly long. Dyson says it's good for 20 minutes but I have used it WAY more than that using a mix of regular/turbo power and it's still not dead.
4. Yay! A toggle button for on/off instead of a trigger! What an idea! Perhaps I would like to keep the vacuum running when I switch hands or get down on my hands and knees to reach under the bed. Never understood why Dyson used a trigger.
5. It's super maneuverable. Not only can it go under just about anything, it can also go around just about everything with just a twist of your wrist. That combined with the fact that the Omni-Glide is really light, makes this the vacuum to use for hard to clean places. There were spots behind some furniture that I'm embarrassed to say have not been cleaned since we bought our house 6 years ago. Now those places are clean.
6. The semi-open front/back sides of the vacuum head (see picture), lets the rotating brushes get in close to where the floor and wall join and pick up everything.
7. Easy to clean. Everything comes apart easily and can be cleaned and replaced in minutes.
Don't Like:
1. Dust bin is WAY too small. Just doing the bedroom area and the stairs pretty much filled the dust bin. We aren't that dirty, the bin is just that small.
2. The small cleaner head size while maneuverable and easy to get under furniture also requires a lot of back and forth to cover the entire floor.
Wish List for Dyson to consider when designing the Omni-Glide 2 or Omni-Glide Max:
1. Larger (really, wider not taller or thicker) cleaning head. Most of the things I need to get under have wide but short openings underneath. Would be nice if I could cover more of the floor under there.
2. Lasers. Yup. The new Dyson vacuums have lasers at a low angle so you can see dust and debris easier and can tell when everything is gone. The Omni-Glide could really use this since it is mostly used to clean up dust, hair, and other small bits. Also, it would help light the way when running it under large pieces of furniture.
3. More accessories. I'm sure Dyson will come out with an 'Animal' version of this soon that has all kinds of attachments but right now you just get a crevice tool/brush combo. The small size of the core unit makes it really nice for vacuuming furniture and such. I would appreciate some extra tools to make that even better.
Bottom-Line: This is a great vacuum if you have a small space or lots of furniture to get under or behind. If you have <1,000 Sq Ft of hard flooring space, this may be the only vacuum you need.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The CORSAIR K65 RGB MINI 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard combines top-level performance with portability. PBT double-shot keycaps deliver exceptional durability with a premium look and feel. With 8,000Hz hyper-polling enabled by AXON hyper-processing technology, CHERRY MX SPEED RGB Silver mechanical keyswitches, and expansive onboard shortcuts, the K65 RGB MINI offers big performance and functionality in a compact design. Vivid per-key RGB backlighting is fully customizable through CORSAIR iCUE software, alongside key remaps, custom macros, and immersive integration with select games. Save up to 50 profiles to take with you anywhere with 8MB of onboard storage. Full N-key rollover, Windows Key Lock mode, and a detachable braided USB Type-C cable make the K65 RGB MINI a high-performance gaming companion at home and on-the-go, so you can win in any space.
Customer Rating
4
Outstanding Compact Keyboard w/ A Few Quibbles
on April 1, 2021
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
I was looking for a small mechanical keyboard to use on a lap desk while playing PC games on my TV (desk has my Mac on it and my gaming PC is a laptop). For some reason I thought this was a wireless keyboard and when I first received it and plugged it in via the USB-A to C cable, I wondered where the charge indicator was located. Silly me, I misread the description. Despite that, I REALLY like the feel of this keyboard and I'm keeping it, though I did have to go out and get a longer cable to run from the computer (which is up by the TV) to my couch.
I've been hit or miss (mostly miss) with mechanical keyboards over the last several years, but this is the first one that out of the box, felt good without a wrist rest or any other thing to make it more comfortable to use. My day-to-day keyboard is a Mac so I'm used to a very slim keyboard and most mechanicals cause my wrists to have to be bent back too far and make gaming for any real stretch of time very hard. The Corsair K65 RGB Mini isn't a thin keyboard by any means but the compact size makes everything so reachable. This keeps me from having to reposition my hands/wrists and everything just kinda flows. I also really enjoy these smaller keycaps. I am making a lot less 'fat-finger' mistakes, which seems counter-intuitive but I actually have rather slender and long fingers and I would miss keys because of the angle and large keycaps, while now, everything seems to be in place for me.
My biggest complaint is that there are no arrow keys. Didn't realize how much I would miss dedicated arrow keys until I started using this keyboard. Mostly I'm playing MMOs/adventure games and my main controller is an Xbox controller with a keybind program. So most of my input is done through the controller but I was finding that I needed to type more and more and there were other times that the keyboard was the best option (or only option if I couldn't properly bind a command to the game controller). While there are 'Fn' shortcuts to emulate all the keys of a full sized keyboard, when in the heat of a game with a quick response needed, it can sometimes be hard to remember the combo in time. Corsair makes it a bit easier by having the 'Fn' shortcuts printed on the front of the keys so that is nice, but again, I often don't have time to hunt for them. This will get better as I develop some muscle memory with the keyboard, but like I said earlier, I didn't realize how much I would miss some of these keys until they were gone.
Bottom-Line: The K65 RGB Mini is an outstanding small-form mechanical keyboard. For me, it is the most comfortable mechanical keyboard I have ever used. However, the missing dedicated keys are more of a hassle than I thought they would be. Really I give this keyboard 4.5 stars but I can't do half stars for the review so I have to knock one off. Other than that, I'm pretty happy with this keyboard.
Mobile Submission: False
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The new Denon Home 350 plays all your music wirelessly with the great sound you expect from Denon. Enjoy your music in any room of your house, and group other products with HEOS Built-in such as AV receivers, Hi-Fi systems, sound bars and speakers to fill your whole home with music. With a dynamic tweeter and powerful mid-bass driver, enjoy accurate, room-filling sound, without sacrificing the space needed for a full Hi-Fi system. Play music from your favorite online streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music HD, Pandora, TIDAL and more, or play music stored on your phone or network via Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 or Bluetooth.
Customer Rating
5
My God, It's Full Of Sound...
on March 22, 2021
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
*(For those of you not old enough to have seen 2001, it's a riff on a line from the end of the movie.)
TLDR: Best speaker I have ever owned regardless of wired, Bluetooth, wi-fi, whatever and I have owned some SERIOUS audiophile gear in the past (I'm talking headphones that cost more than two of these Denon 350s). App needs a bit of work due to a few issues but if you want some absolutely beautiful sounding music filling your home (assuming you have good quality recordings or streaming services), this is the speaker(s) to get.
I got the dual pack of the Denon 350s to ostensibly create a right channel / left channel pair in our living room and I was able to set all that up within minutes of taking these out of the box. It was incredibly easy to set them up using the HEOS app, log in to the HD wireless services I subscribe to (Amazon Music Unlimited and Tidal), and then set each to be their respective channel. I first fired up some HD streams of The Rolling Stones and I darn near wept. I haven't heard music so pure since I gave up my audiophile habit years ago. That is a rabbit-hole you can spend your life, and your life-savings, running down always looking for the one that takes the dial to 11. My wife came home to me sitting in my chair with my eyes closed, a smile on my face, and what to her sounded like a live concert (it was Springsteen's Live 75-85 set).
My wife loves music too but hadn't cared much about sound quality before. She asked if we could stream some HD versions of artists she loves (Indigo Girls, Paul Simon, P!nk), and so I fired up some of her favorites and she was blown away. She knew that the Denon 350s are a stand-alone speaker that just so happen to be able to be paired together (whether as a L/R channel pair, or as a whole home system), and she asked if she could have one in her home office. Despite the COVID pandemic seemingly coming to a close soon, she does not see her work from home days changing that much from now (which is about half of the time). As I said before, my wife has never been all that amped up about the sound quality of her music but this was a first and I would not deny her the joy of awesome sounding music now that she has come to appreciate good sound. So I broke up the pair, set one up in her office and one in a nice spot in the living room and we are both now happy. While the L/R pair sounds phenomenal, really this is one of the few single speaker systems (at least that I have heard) that gets enough separation in the channels on its own to give a great stereo picture.
Notes:
1. To get the most out of this system you should either be subscribed to a streaming service that supports high res files. The app makes it easy to figure out which ones you may want to try by having some of the most popular streaming services available from within the HEOS app ready for your login credentials. I'll let you decide on which depending on your budget, musical tastes, and such. You can do everything through the app and never touch an 'outside' app like Music or the streaming apps, and in fact, once you get things set up you can have your favorites linked to pre-select buttons that you can just press and go straight to a streaming channel without even needing your phone since it links up to your home wi-fi and streams directly.
1. To get the most out of this system you should either be subscribed to a streaming service that supports high res files. The app makes it easy to figure out which ones you may want to try by having some of the most popular streaming services available from within the HEOS app ready for your login credentials. I'll let you decide on which depending on your budget, musical tastes, and such. You can do everything through the app and never touch an 'outside' app like Music or the streaming apps, and in fact, once you get things set up you can have your favorites linked to pre-select buttons that you can just press and go straight to a streaming channel without even needing your phone since it links up to your home wi-fi and streams directly.
2. Be sure to use the app to tell the speaker how it is set up in the room so that it can best adjust the output to maximize bass response, it really does make a difference if it knows that it's backed into a corner or directly facing a wall.
Likes:
1. Easy to set up. Whether you are doing a concert hall set up in one room or doing a whole house set up it is simple to use the app to make it happen. It's fun to have multiple speakers set up and you can 'pinch' the two together on the screen to have them play the same thing throughout the house, and 'split' them to go back to individual playlists/channels. I have had fun overriding her speaker in her office with the opening of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song!
1. Easy to set up. Whether you are doing a concert hall set up in one room or doing a whole house set up it is simple to use the app to make it happen. It's fun to have multiple speakers set up and you can 'pinch' the two together on the screen to have them play the same thing throughout the house, and 'split' them to go back to individual playlists/channels. I have had fun overriding her speaker in her office with the opening of Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song!
2. You can configure the Home Screen on your app to only show the streaming services and sources you use and not have to scroll through all of the available ones.
3. Obviously, the sound quality.
No Like:
There have been a few hiccups with streaming from our own music libraries on our phones.
There have been a few hiccups with streaming from our own music libraries on our phones.
1. Have had playlists play a few seconds of a song and then move to the next is quick succession so it sounds like turning the dial on an old analog tuner.
2. The app plays playlists from your library on its own and is not using your music app to do so. While this is great for doing everything from one app and getting the most out of your music, if you like continuing your playlist when you move from office to car, you will not be in the same place. Not a deal breaker, just a bit annoying. More for my wife since she listens to her playlists in her office, in her car, and in the bathroom when she is getting ready in the morning. Bathroom and car are on the Music app while office is on HEOS.
3. My wife has seen serious battery drain issues if she doesn't shut down the app completely when in the house but not in her office. Her battery app shows HEOS gobbling up much of that and I'm sure it is because the link is active even if she is not actively listening to music in her office.
Final Thoughts: I know this is a lot of money for a speaker (even more for the set), but if you truly appreciate beautiful sounding music, and want it to absolutely fill your home, you can not go wrong with the Denon 350s. I'm in absolute heaven.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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ASUS ROG Zephyrus Gaming Laptop. Enjoy everyday gaming with this ASUS notebook PC. The AMD Ryzen 9 processor and 16GB of RAM let you run graphics-heavy games smoothly, while the potent NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics produce high-quality visuals on the fast 15.6-inch 165hz QHD display. This ASUS notebook PC has 1TD SSD that shortens load times and offers ample storage.
Customer Rating
5
One of, if not THE Best Laptops I've Ever Owned!
on February 18, 2021
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
I have an entire page of notes on battery times, Frames Per Second on some of my favorite games, and a bunch of other details from using the ASIS ROG Zephyrus for the last week, but you know, I'm going to throw those away. Why? Because you can get the tech specs and the benchmarks from a bunch of different places, and they will be more expansive than I can ever give. What those other sources can't give you is a recommendation based on the way this laptop makes me FEEL. Normally, I wouldn't even bother with this as well because, it's a laptop computer, who cares how it makes you 'feel', but to tell you the truth, this is one of the few computers that has ever really evoked such a visceral feeling from me, and it is one of pure JOY.
I'm an old hand at this. I have bought and been issued laptops of all sorts, since laptops became a thing. There have been ones I've loved (my IBM ThinkPads with their awesome keyboard and tracking Nub & several Apple MacBooks), and tons I've hated. The Zephyrus may not be the absolute top in everything (keyboard, screen, build quality, size, weight, power), but it is so high on the list for ALL of them, that taken all together, it is probably the best laptop I've ever owned and it is an absolute joy to use.
Here's my rundown on a bunch of aspects of the Zephyrus and how they stack up to other laptops:
Screen: Not 4K, but that's OK. Personally, I think the QHD screen is best for laptops for being sharp but not making things minuscule on the screen. That combined with an absolutely fabulous color gamut and the super-fast 165Hz refresh, make this screen a joy to look at. Favorite screen of all time.
Power: I've shied away from AMD chipsets for a long time due to snobbery and the history AMD vs. Intel. No more. After having read a bunch of reviews of the latest chipsets comparisons, AMD is just as good if not better than Intel in the chipset department. This combined with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPUs, makes this THE most powerful computer (laptop or desktop) I've ever owned. It absolutely shreds anything I throw at it. The ultimate test for me was to run Microsoft Flight Simulator at maxed settings and the Zephyrus handled it like a champ. It is absolutely beautiful flying over Los Angeles and Seattle through volumetric clouds and different weather systems. Sure it may have to fire up the cooling fans so that it almost sounds like I'm actually in a turboprop engine, but it handled those graphics without a stutter in the frame rate.
Thermals: Yes, this laptop gets warm. Yes, this laptop gets loud to handle serious graphics loads. But it keeps this laptop cool enough that it can stay on my lap, and I have noise cancelling headphones so I don't care about the fans. Of course a desktop with a liquid cooled system is going to handle thermals better but for a laptop, the Zephyrus holds its own.
Keyboard: Not my favorite. That would be the IBM ThinkPad keyboard, but still a great keyboard for a laptop. I am able to type quite comfortably with very few 'fat-finger' errors. The keys are nicely spaced and soft but not too squishy.
Trackpad: Never been a fan of trackpads. Even on other computers with industry best trackpads, I have always gone with a mouse, and I will continue to do so with the Zephyrus, but this trackpad is extraordinarily good. We're talking Apple trackpad good. Fast, responsive, and absolutely HUGE. If you like using trackpads, you will love this one. It's so good, I almost considered not using a mouse.
Bloatware: Hardly has any which I absolutely love. The ASUS Arsenal software is probably the best gaming/thermal/diagnostic software I have ever used. Easy to understand and to make changes without having to dig. You can customize which info panes you want as default and I have mine all down to one screen of easy to read and change items.
Build Quality: ASUS did an absolute KILLER job on the build of the Zephyrus 15.6. This thing is solid without being too heavy. It isn't light by any means but it's power to weight ratio is probably about as good as you can get it at this price point (and probably a lot higher).
Ports: Here is where a bunch of laptop makers are really shorting owners, but not ASUS. HDMI, LAN, 2 x USB-A, 2 x USB-C (both of which support Display Port), MicroSD, and Headphone; the Zephyrus has everything I could ask for.
SSD/RAM: Both are super fast and super responsive. The Zephyrus fires up and shuts down in seconds. It loads intensive games and files with nary a slowdown. On most laptops I would already be considering what my next upgrade to this will be, but I have yet to even have that thought yet.
Looks: Where most gaming laptops look like an LED factory vomited all over the case and keyboard, the Zephyrus is nicely understated and professional. This would not look out of place in an office or a classroom, and I LOVE it for that. While I can tweak the LED back lighting to a rainbow of different colors and can even have it sync up with other ASUS accessories, I can have it with a simple white keyboard back light and be on my way.
Conclusions: I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this computer. My wife is used to me having a few small complaints even with the best devices (usually my way of prepping her for the next purchase), but she was floored when I didn't have a single one here. Sure, are there things I would add if I could? Yes, but do I feel like I HAVE to, to make this laptop great? Not in the slightest. I can't wait to see what me and the Zephyrus are going to be able to do. We are going to crush games and spreadsheets alike and the adventure is going to be a BLAST!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
5
App Needs Work, But Does Main Job Extremely Well
on February 12, 2021
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
My wife and I have pretty bad indoor allergies and have run the gamut of air purifiers (at least in the sub-$500 range), but they are still bothersome. The Aeris Aair 3-in-1 is the first real PRO grade air purifier and it lives up to its claims. This thing pulls through a serious amount of air, even on the lowest setting. It is so strong you can feel a breeze on the other side of the room going in its direction! Again, that is on low!
Also, as soon as you see the filter for this thing, you will understand why Aeris is able to claim all the things they do for this air purifier and I can attest that I have seen a marked improvement in my allergies finally and a significant decrease in dust in the room. Also, they air just smells better. Not that our bedroom is smelly but we have our cats litter boxes in our master bath and usually I can get a whiff when he does his business but I haven't noticed that since we fired up the Aair. That gives me confidence that it is also filtering out all those other things that aren't as easy to identify such as viruses and other small particulates.
I have only one knock on the Aeris Aair Pro 3-in-1, and that would be the App. I think the Aair works best when I have it running a bit higher than low during the day and then dropping to the 'Bed Time' mode when we go to sleep. I was very happy to see that I could program the Aair to do just that without my constantly having to fiddle with it. Unfortunately, the App does not make it easy to set times from night until morning since it does not recognize 0600 to be for the NEXT day and not that day, and therefore gives the warning that the 'end time must be after the start time'. That made it so that I had to make the nighttime mode from 2200-2359 and then another from 0000-0600. If that was the only problem, I wouldn't have even mentioned it but the REAL problem came the first night at 2200 hours when the Aair didn't drop into the 'Bed Time' mode and instead rocketed up to the highest level! I tested it out repeatedly and it did it every time, so now I just keep it on the lowest mode all day.
I would have knocked off a whole star from the review if the team from Aeris hadn't replied to my email to them so quickly and kept me up to date on their progress fixing it. They were also able to recreate the problem in their own units and thanked me for bringing it to their attention. That being said, I'd probably dock this a 1/2 star but we can't do that here. Anyway, the App functionality is really just gravy when compared to what I really need and that is an incredible air purifier, and the Aeris Aair 3-in-1 is certainly that. Oh, and don't let the price of the filters necessarily sway you from getting this. I know they are $200 but when I did the math on my previous air purifier, it was only $40 less for the year. The Aeris filter lasts for an entire year while my other purifier needed to be cleaned and have the dual filters replaced every 3 months. I know this whole thing isn't cheap but my wife and I are already breathing easier, and are very happy with the Aair. I think you will be as well.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Bose Sport Open Earbuds are true wireless earbuds like you’ve never seen or heard before. What makes them truly unique is that they are the first workout headphones of their kind that combine exclusive Bose OpenAudio technology with an innovative open-ear headphone design to produce high-quality sound without covering your ears. This allows you to hear your music and the world around you for an unbelievable, full-sensory experience. The city. The surf. Your running buddy. Hear it all and your music at the same time with these entirely new, entirely open sport earbuds. Sound is what motivates, and Bose Sport Open Earbuds deliver. The exclusive Bose OpenAudio technology produces clear, consistent sound that’s more authentic and comfortable than bone conduction. In addition, acoustic spillage is minimal thanks to speaker placement that’s closer to the ear. A comfortable and secure fit is crucial when exercising. These sport earbuds were rigorously designed and tested to gently rest on your ears while staying put no matter how intense your workout. Bose Sport Open Earbuds also offer up to eight hours of play time (with daily charging), an advanced mic system for crystal-clear calls, and IPX4 sweat and weather resistance. Now you can combine the environment that invigorates you with the content that motivates you.
Customer Rating
5
Very Cool & Unique Earbuds
on January 10, 2021
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
TL:DR - A new and unique product from Bose that sounds great, fits well, and has outstanding battery life. A great option for exercise or puttering around as long as you don't need to wear eye/sunglasses.
The Bose - Sport Open Earbuds are a very interesting product. Bose has expanded on their offerings that use their beam forming tech to keep your ear canals open, so you can hear things going on around you, while still getting music that only you hear. They kicked things off with their Frames, which incorporated the earbuds into the arms of sunglasses, and the second generation of those are freaking awesome. I'm guessing that someone at Bose asked the question: "What if our customers want to be aware of their surroundings but don't need (or want) sunglasses on?" Their answer was to come up with the Sport Open Earbuds.
Most of the time when I'm out exercising, I'm on my bike or I'm hiking some mountain. I tend to do both of those things during the day and I like maintaining a sense of my surroundings, so the Bose Frames are a great combination of earbud and sunglasses. It is darn near impossible to wear sunglasses (or actually any type of glasses) while using these Sport Open Earbuds, so I was initially a bit stuck on how I would use these day to day. For me, these are going to be earbuds that I use to do work around the house and while running errands out and about. So what do I like (and dislike) about the Sport Open Earbuds?
Like:
1. Sound great. I get crystal clear music beamed into my ears. I can jam out to my 80's hair-bands and never miss a beat.
2. Fit well. Twist the Sport Open Earbuds over your ears and they sit nicely at the top of your ear. The part that goes over and behind the ear is solid and holds on to your ear very well. Makes it easy to head-bang to my favorite 80's hair-bands without the earbuds flying off. I will note that these earbuds don't really have any sizing options, so they either fit you or they don't. I am about as average as vanilla and they fit me perfectly but I'm not sure how well they would do with someone with overly large or small ears.
3. Easy to Use. After taking them out of their case, I paired them up with my phone via the Bose Music App and was listening to my music within 30 seconds. Controls are also easy with a button on the right earbud for play/pause, forward/reverse track, and answer/hang-up calls. The button on the left earbud will announce the battery level.
4. Battery Life. Over the last three days I have listened to my music at a decent volume for a little over 9 hours and they are still saying that they have 20% of battery life left. I could probably get another hour or so out of them since it seemed like the battery dropped about 10% per hour.
5. Case. The carry case for the Sport Open Earbuds is nice and compact given how large the earbuds are. It stays closed with a magnetic clasp and it protects them nicely.
No Like:
1. Separate Charger. Unlike many earbuds these days, the case is not also the charger. The Bose - Sport Open Earbuds have a separate charger dock and the case does not have a battery of it's own to recharge your earbuds. Not a deal breaker since it keeps the case slender and light but it would be a good thing for Bose to work on for version 2.0.
2. No Glasses: Like I said above, these are absolutely awesome if you will not be wearing sunglasses or eyeglasses while working out. If you need to wear either, you will be disappointed. I'm in my late 40s and need reading glasses now, and while those have incredibly slim earpieces, I can't wear these Open Earbuds and those at the same time. It pushes the ear loops out of place and makes them uncomfortable very quickly. Keep that in mind when thinking about these.
Conclusion: These are a fabulous addition to the Bose stable of products and shows that they are really trying to think about new and useful products.
Mobile Submission: False
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.
Cleaning up after pets has never been easier than with CrossWave X7 Cordless Pet Pro, our BEST CrossWave multi-surface cleaner for homes with pets. It vacuums and washes at the same time, across sealed hard floors and area rugs, combining cleaning steps and saving you time. It’s perfect for grab and go cleaning of frequent pet messes with up to 30 minutes* of hassle-free, cordless run time and it weighs just over 10.5 lbs. Our pet parent engineers incorporated three different cleaning modes: Hard Floor Mode, Area Rug Mode and TURBO PET Mode to boost cleaning performance, especially for pet and everyday stuck-on messes. CrossWave X7 Cordless Pet Pro multi-surface cleaner also has LED headlights to illuminate pet hair, dirt and debris while cleaning along baseboards and in corners. And unlike when you use a mop and bucket, there’s no need to worry about putting dirty water on the floor while you clean, since our Two-Tank Technology keeps the clean and dirty water separate. When you’re done cleaning, CrossWave X7 Cordless Pet Pro cleans itself! It has a self-cleaning cycle that rinses the brush roll and inside of the CrossWave with clean water, so there’s less clean-up after cleaning. Plus, it comes with two trial-size bottles of our PET Clean + Natural formula and two PET Multi-Surface Brush Rolls. And this machine doesn’t just clean up after pets, it helps save them! BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets. When you buy a BISSELL product, you help save pets, too. We’re proud to design products that help make pet messes, odors and pet homelessness disappear.
Does this machine clean up both hard and soft puppy poops? We are elderly and have three Chihuahuas & a Chiweenie. Two dogs are elderly and have been pad trained because we do not have a fenced yard & area predator threats. The pups likely too.
I would not use this for either. This is for dirt, mud, dust, hair, litter, and small food bits. If it were a liquid mess (vomit/diarrhea) it might do OK, but nothing bigger or more substantial than that.
2 years, 5 months ago
by
Wraith
Cleaning up after pets has never been easier than with CrossWave X7 Cordless Pet Pro, our BEST CrossWave multi-surface cleaner for homes with pets. It vacuums and washes at the same time, across sealed hard floors and area rugs, combining cleaning steps and saving you time. It’s perfect for grab and go cleaning of frequent pet messes with up to 30 minutes* of hassle-free, cordless run time and it weighs just over 10.5 lbs. Our pet parent engineers incorporated three different cleaning modes: Hard Floor Mode, Area Rug Mode and TURBO PET Mode to boost cleaning performance, especially for pet and everyday stuck-on messes. CrossWave X7 Cordless Pet Pro multi-surface cleaner also has LED headlights to illuminate pet hair, dirt and debris while cleaning along baseboards and in corners. And unlike when you use a mop and bucket, there’s no need to worry about putting dirty water on the floor while you clean, since our Two-Tank Technology keeps the clean and dirty water separate. When you’re done cleaning, CrossWave X7 Cordless Pet Pro cleans itself! It has a self-cleaning cycle that rinses the brush roll and inside of the CrossWave with clean water, so there’s less clean-up after cleaning. Plus, it comes with two trial-size bottles of our PET Clean + Natural formula and two PET Multi-Surface Brush Rolls. And this machine doesn’t just clean up after pets, it helps save them! BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets. When you buy a BISSELL product, you help save pets, too. We’re proud to design products that help make pet messes, odors and pet homelessness disappear.
Does this come with any attachments?
No. There really isn't any need for them since there isn't a wand/hose to use elsewhere. It does have the charging/drying base as well as an extra mopping roller head.
2 years, 5 months ago
by
Wraith
The best bedroom Smart Clock just got even better. The Lenovo Smart Clock Gen 2 with Wireless Charging Dock keeps your nightstand clutter free. Charge up to two additional devices at once: your phone (using the wireless dock) and another accessory, like a smart watch (using the USB port). The 4“ color touchscreen showcases the time, weather and your family photos with a choice of customizable clock faces or check in on your smart cameras feeds before bed. Enhanced with a built-in nightlight when docked, the light is just bright enough to illuminate your way without waking your partner. With multiroom audio, you can add your Lenovo Smart Clock Gen 2 to a speaker group and play media across multiple devices and rooms.
Would the alarm function still work if the internet goes out?
Yes, because it can be set directly on the device as well as through the Google Home app. Doesn't need internet for anything but data it would have to pull from the internet like music/weather and such.
2 years, 8 months ago
by
Wraith
Does this specific purifier release ozone?
No, it helps filter it out of the air since it is considered to be a toxic gas.
3 years, 3 months ago
by
Wraith
Ensure ample storage for your high-resolution photos and videos with this 1TB WD SanDisk Extreme portable SSD. Up to 3 meter drop protection, with IP65 water and dust resistant, and a five year limited warranty give you the peace of mind to take it with you on travels near and far.Rread speeds of up to 1,050MB/s allow for fast file transfer. This WD SanDisk Extreme portable SSD features a compact design for easy handling and enhanced portability, and includes a USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter for compatibility with most PCs and Macs.
Will this work with the new Xbox Series X gaming console? Thanks
Sort of. From what I understand from Microsoft, the only games you can have on an External USB drive are for the Xbox/Xbox 360/Xbox One. I think you can also have whatever photo/video files on it as well. Series X games have to go on the internal drive or on the new Seagate expansion drive to support the speed required.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
Wraith
Bose Sleepbuds II deliver relaxing sounds that help you fall asleep, and use Bose noise-masking technology so you stay asleep. Tiny, wireless Sleepbuds II are designed for comfort with sleep technology clinically proven to help you fall asleep faster. Sleepbuds II play content only from the Bose Sleep app, which gives you full control of the Sound Library and helps you personalize features. Discover tranquil tones and soothing sounds from nature. Or, use Bose noise-masking sounds to cover unwanted nighttime noise. Download your favorite sounds directly to Sleepbuds II, control volume, and set a personal wake-up alarm. Sleepbuds II feature proprietary eartips made of soft silicone for a comfortable, secure fit. Sleep on your back or side, or rollover during the night, they’ll stay put. Get up to ten hours of battery life from a single charge, enough for a full night’s sleep — and three additional charges from the portable case.
Can they play the music on your phone
No they can not. They can only play sounds from a selection of 40 sounds that come with the Sleep App. You can have up to 10 of them loaded onto the Sleepbuds at a time.
3 years, 7 months ago
by
Wraith
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is the next level of premium wireless performance compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, featuring Xbox Wireless and Windows Sonic surround sound. Take mobile calls or listen to your own music simultaneously while gaming through Bluetooth technology. An all-new metal-reinforced headband and strengthened hinge design deliver significant advancements in durability, and re-shaped Aerofit cooling gel-infused memory foam ear cushions provide premium comfort. The upgraded rechargeable battery provides up to 20-hours of wireless gaming. A larger, high-sensitivity mic improves chat clarity and conceals in the housing when muted, while 50mm Nanoclear speakers provide crisp, accurate sound for the ultimate gaming experience.
Are the rechargeable batteries replaceable by the end user? Batteries dont last forever, it would be a shame(and waste of money) to have to trash a 150$ headset because you cant swap a battery.
Not without busting them open. Yes, that it a big problem with a lot of devices nowadays. There might be a place where you can have someone open them up, but having the battery available is probably not going to happen. When these no longer hold a charge, they are going to need to be replaced. Wish it wasn't so.
3 years, 8 months ago
by
Wraith
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is the next level of premium wireless performance compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, featuring Xbox Wireless and Windows Sonic surround sound. Take mobile calls or listen to your own music simultaneously while gaming through Bluetooth technology. An all-new metal-reinforced headband and strengthened hinge design deliver significant advancements in durability, and re-shaped Aerofit cooling gel-infused memory foam ear cushions provide premium comfort. The upgraded rechargeable battery provides up to 20-hours of wireless gaming. A larger, high-sensitivity mic improves chat clarity and conceals in the housing when muted, while 50mm Nanoclear speakers provide crisp, accurate sound for the ultimate gaming experience.
Is the headset able to be adjusted via the app while connected to the xbox or do you have to adjust it separately?
I can change the settings through the app on my phone while playing. The app connects through bluetooth so I don't think they interfere with each other.
3 years, 8 months ago
by
Wraith
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 is the next level of premium wireless performance compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, featuring Xbox Wireless and Windows Sonic surround sound. Take mobile calls or listen to your own music simultaneously while gaming through Bluetooth technology. An all-new metal-reinforced headband and strengthened hinge design deliver significant advancements in durability, and re-shaped Aerofit cooling gel-infused memory foam ear cushions provide premium comfort. The upgraded rechargeable battery provides up to 20-hours of wireless gaming. A larger, high-sensitivity mic improves chat clarity and conceals in the housing when muted, while 50mm Nanoclear speakers provide crisp, accurate sound for the ultimate gaming experience.
Does this fully support Dolby Atmos on Xbox one and Xbox Series x, through the Dolby Atmos App and and games that support Atmos?
I don't think so. When I set them up on my Xbox One X, the setting for these to work is Windows Sonic for Headphones. I have a Dolby Atmos license for another set but I can't select it with these because it says my license does not support these headphones. That being said, they sound great using Windows Sonic. Hope that helps.
3 years, 8 months ago
by
Wraith
Produce clear pictures and sound with this Miroir Full HD pico projector. The 7000 mAh lithium-polymer battery offers up to 2 hours of viewing time, while the pair of 2W speakers deliver high-quality sound for an all-around multimedia experience. This Miroir Full HD pico projector has HDMI and USB Type-C ports for secure connection to a variety of input devices.
What speakers go well with this??
Anything with a simple 3.5 mm (headphone style plug) would work, though the built in 2W speakers are pretty good for a small space. The projector can even power the speakers if they can be powered via USB.
4 years, 4 months ago
by
Wraith