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  • Review count
    190
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    390
  • First review
    June 23, 2016
  • Last review
    May 6, 2024
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  • Answer count
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    240
  • First answer
    January 15, 2011
  • Last answer
    October 15, 2021
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  • Best answers
    19
 
 
GadgetGuy1981's Reviews
<< 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 19 >>
 
Personalize your phone with a sleek and stylish cover that turns heads. The Modal MD-IP13PMGR Liquid Silicone Case for iPhone 13 Pro Max & iPhone 12 Pro Max keeps your phone protected from falls of up to 4 ft. with shock resistance. It’s designed with an outer liquid silicone construction and an inner microfiber lining for added durability. Compatible with Magnetic charging, you can continue to charge your phone wirelessly without the case getting in your way. A light green design adds a subtle pop of color to your device, giving your phone a fun look and adding to your personal style. Express yourself with this protective and stylish Modal phone case.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Modal makes a great simple case for the iPhone...
on September 15, 2022
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
The MODAL silicone iPhone case is perfect for just adding that splash of color and protection to your iPhone when you don't want gaudy branding (or any visible branding for that matter) and you're just looking to add a splash of color.
I personally usually prefer Apple's own leather or silicone cases for my iPhone, but they don't hold up and they're $$$ so I was looking for an alternative, and this MODAL case checks all the boxes:
- Excellent sturdiness - While the case is made of soft-touch liquid silicone (much like Apple's own cases) it's also very rigid and snaps confidently to the phone.
- Protection: The case has a GREAT camera-bump-bumper (the protective edge around the camera area) and I feel safe using the case when out doing anything where the phone might drop. The front protection (raised edge around the screen) seems adequate also considering even the use of a screen protector.
- Durability/coverage: The case covers the ENTIRE edge and back of the phone - No open bottom here where some cheaper cases leave the bottom open - This case is perfect for protection and looks just like the OEM options.
- Looks/styling - A dead ringer for the OEM cases, but I wish they supporting MagSafe and they come in colors not offered by Apple.
These are also great value, coming in at around half the cost of the comparable OEM case. I'd definitely recommend.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
From across the room or across the country, Sensi makes it easy for you to remotely control and schedule your home comfort - Anytime. Anywhere.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Excellent Value WiFi Thermostat!
on August 5, 2022
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
This new Sensi unit carries a lot of functionality over from the previous touch version of the thermostat. It offers a very sensitive touchscreen that works very responsively, and uses a "standard" Emerson footprint that should allow you to install it as a replacement for many thermostats in the same footprint on the wall.
This device does require a C-Wire in the old Thermostat area, as it requires a "Constant" power source to operate.
Setting up the thermostat physically is practically simple. The mounting plate provides a place to secure the thermostat to the wall, replacing previous mounting plates from your previous thermostat, and the wiring is all self-contained in an integrated wiring harness. This thing installs just like less expensive traditional thermostats.
The interface is very simple, and most day-to-day controls are available on the touch screen. Its bright, but seems to stay as bright during the day or night - This can be distracting in dark rooms, as if the thermostat is in a main living space this light can be a disturbance. Touch controls are responsive, and provide all temperature, fan, and programming controls right on the screen.
The app interface is largely just a phone-based version of what you see on the screen, with additional programming interfaces around setting temperature scheduling, and an interface to kick off enrollment in one of the supported smart home ecosystems (Google Home/Assistant, Alexa, and HomeKit are all supported.) I was able to test this with Google Home and HomeKit, and enrollment was simple and easy. Voice commands to both GA and HomePods in the house easily adjusted temperature and allows for a readout of current temperature from the system.
This unit lacks the ability of some more expensive thermostats to work with external temperature sensors, so its not going to work for all home scenarios, but if you're just replacing a single-sensor thermostat situation, this will work well, and introduce all of the app-controlled elements and integrations with smart homes that the other guys offer.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Personalize your iPad with a sleek and stylish case that turns heads. The Modal MD-IP102FBLSH Folio Case for Apple iPad 10.2" (7th, 8th, 9th Gen) & Apple iPad Air 10.5" (3rd Gen) keeps your iPad protected from dust, dirt or other damage. A polycarbonate cradle secures your tablet in place while a microfiber interior prevents scratches to your device. It also folds into a stand, keeping your iPad upright for easier viewing and typing. The magnetic flap closure enables the auto sleep and wake function, turning your iPad screen on when you open the over and off when you close it, lengthening your battery life. A pink design adds a fun, pop of color to your device. Express yourself with this protective and stylish Modal iPad folio case.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Decent protective case for the newer iPads
on July 21, 2022
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
The Modal cases seem like the kind you get on that OTHER online retailer that has everything from A to Z... But made better, perhaps the offshore OEM that makes these cases has better quality controls, or our friends at Best Buy have higher standards that they hold their suppliers to.
The case material is a nice silicone surface with a clear plastic/plexi back to show off the Apple design- This pink model looks great with my wife's 10.2" Rose Gold iPad.
The design is a bit dated -with ribbed grips and a shape on the back that reminds me of the old knock-off Otterbox designs from the first iPad Air and doesnt look sleek or minimalist like other designs that protect better. This screams "discount cell phone shop case" in my aesthetic opinion.
If you're getting this for kids to have a good screen-covering protective case, I recommend it as it s thin and sleek enough and kids dont care what their iPad looks like... If you're getting it for an adult that cares about style? Look elsewhere for folio cases that are more Apple-esque.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
The Arctis Nova Pro wired gaming headphones raises the bar with the Nova Pro Acoustic System, immersive 360° Spatial Audio, Sonar Software, GameDAC Gen 2 with Hi-Res Audio, ESS Sabre QuadDAC. Compatible with PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
The summit of wired headset perfection!
on July 6, 2022
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
This is an amazing gaming headset. The Arctis Nova Pro is the complete package. I received this headset and was blown away by the great packaging, and the box including everything I needed not only to connect the headset to my Switch, Playstation or gaming PC, but the wiring to enable me to connect to TWO of them at the same time!
The kit is relatively simple to hook up, consisting of a USB-powered DAC base with volume and settings control, and a light and EXTREMELY comfortable headset. The headset is constructed of all premium materials, such as sturdy vinyl, leather/leather-like surfaces, and real metal. Decorative elements such as the cover plates on each earcup are magnetically attached and there are several removable elements for cleaning/replacement, such as the earpads.
The sound performance was excellent, and I enjoyed the quick switch of EQ settings and the ability to switch inputs from the dial. This was cool when I was using the headset for music on my PC and wanted to switch to my Switch in its dock for immersive play without complicated controls.
My only gripes are with modern PC setups, I would have appreciated at least ONE of the included USB cables to be Type-C to Type-C instead of having to use an adapter when plugging the DAC direclty into my Type-C-only laptop.
In the end - Simplicity, ultimate sound quality, ultimate build quality. This is the headset to buy if you're looking for a premium wired solution for a desktop setup.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
The ROCCAT Kone XP 3D Lighting Gaming Mouse utilizes the refined ergonomics of the iconic Kone shape. The translucent shell sets the stage for the Kone XP’s 22 LEDs and 8 light guides, creating an unprecedented and immersive lighting experience. The Kone XP boasts 15 buttons, and thanks to ROCCAT’s Easy-Shift[+] duplicator technology there are 29 possible button functions. Ideal for gamers who demand deep customization. The Krystal 4D Wheel not only adds to the number of inputs, but also enhances the experience, beautifully diffusing the RGB lighting..
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
A nice looking gamer mouse with lots of buttons
on June 27, 2022
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
The Roccat mouse is a good looking design and the lights make it an impressive addition to a gaming desktop setup based on looks, but there are some things that make it less than ideal for serious gaming, despite its programmability and diverse button layout.
First of all, this mouse has an excellent assortment of buttons for programming and excellent ergonomic locations for all of them. I can see programming this for different functions in a serious game like WoW or DOTA for keyboard functions and being able to play with the mouse much like a very different game pad.
The buttons themselves though? Mostly mushy and the ones that aren’t extra rubbery and mushy are strangely crunchy and clickety (words are hard to describe this.) - These don’t lend themselves to a feeling of reliability or durability.
Another issue- The mouse lacks any weight or substance and feels in the hand feather-light like a cheap OEM mouse. I’m sure keeping it hollow for lighting and neat-O good looks was a design priority but not adding weight to the mouse to make it feel premium and worth its price tag seems a poor choice. Competitive mice have additive weights to help with this. Fully expected it and was disappointed.
This mouse DID come with something I’d LOVE to see in every mouse made - REPLACEMENT TRACKING PADS FOR THE BOTTOM!! They gave you an extra set of the glide pads as they do wear out with use, and can sometimes malform in use and cause “scratching” of the tracking surface. It would be awesome to get this with every mouse for longevity.
All in all it’s an OK mouse that looks awesome and has lots of options, but I’m not sure it’ll hold up (save for the glide pads!!)
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
BodyGuardz Carve combines eye-catching aesthetics with practical function. The sculpted edge provides no-slip grip and is made of bioplastic. The easy-press buttons are not only user friendly, but also eco-friendly. They are made with Tritan Renew®, a 50% certified recycled content. Carve also includes antimicrobial product protection, and a raised bumper to protect both the camera and screen. Carve accentuates the design of your iPhone while offering dynamic drop protection. CCF0P-APH67-9HG
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
A good clear case that protects
on June 27, 2022
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
This case arrives just in time for an upcoming trip. Excellent protective properties, like hard sidewalls and stiff screen surround.
A nice bumpered edge protecting the screen and the camera bump. I am worried that these edges and sides of the case will deteriorate and yellow over time even if only exposed to finger and hand oils and general contact surfaces. I don’t see any indication of a difference in construction of this case and others that have done the same, but when new it’s a very unobtrusive design that showcases Apple’s aesthetic well, without pushing too much of its own. Branding on the actual case is minimal and looks nice enough.
If the colorfastness and yellowing stays away I may have to stock up on these for my whole family, who all seem to prefer clear cases (whether ti show off their phones styling, embedded stickers, or just our kid’s preferences for no additional style provided by the case. Protects and showcases. Job well done.
Let’s keep it clean and clear and we have a winner!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
The new Inspiron Compact Desktop with responsive features in a modern design empowers you to stay connected with the people and content key to your day-to-day life. It features the latest 12th Generation Intel®processors and 12GB memory.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Good basic but capable Dell!
on June 27, 2022
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
This Dell desktop is smartly simplified and delivers GREAT home productivity performance while maintaining features that home users aren’t ready to give up yet.
I was able to connect this system to an existing HDMI monitor flawlessly and the included keyboard and mouse were a nice simple, but sturdy set to replace my old ones.
This device coming with a DVD ROM drive was a welcome addition, one that some home users are still looking for and the mixture of a small SSD for Windows and apps and a larger HDD for data and large apps/games is a nice design. It allows for the speediness of the SSD in Windows where needed but the HDD seemed plenty fast enough for my OneDrive data and the Windows Store apps I directed there.
I didn’t try any games on the device, besides a few Windows Store basic games, as this device has Intel’s integrated graphics, which really aren’t designed for complex graphics work or gaming.
Besides the GPU, the rest of the machine is pretty powerful. It’s upgradeable all the way to 64GB RAM from the included 12GB, which is STILL enough for most homes. Storage is all standard modular, as well as WiFi, which is a Bluetooth 5/WiFi 6 combo card that should serve well for a while.
This system is also built in Dell’s standard mini-tower chassis, which allows for Power Supply upgrades from the included 180w (base) to 300w adapters that will then support modern GPU PCIe upgrades. From Dell, official support for up to a GTX1650 card is available with PsU upgrade, but online people seem to be able to push to an RTX 2060 card in some variants, which start to turn this capable little desktop into a VERY nice casual gaming rig.
Remember that it’s all air-cooled, but the included cooler looks adequate for an i5, and the air direction hood seems logical in this level machine. No guarantees on cooling or additional fan needs if you upgrade the graphics or CPU.
All in all a nice modular, easy-to-service system that should serve families or small businesses well, and still includes the audio connections and DVD capabilities for legacy needs or entertainment use cases.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
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Introducing MX Mechanical - a full-size keyboard with extraordinary feel, precision, and performance. Low-profile mechanical typing delivers satisfying feedback in your choice of key switches – Tactile Quiet, Clicky, or Linear. MX Mechanical is crafted for ergonomic comfort, with smart illumination and easy-switch – allowing you to connect up to 3 devices and stay in your flow for hours.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
All the features of MX series with mechanical!
on June 16, 2022
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
Finally - All the features of MX series with mechanical characteristics!
I'm already a BIG fan of the MX series, owning a full-size MX Keys keyboard and a separate Craft keyboard for my second workstation at my desk (for my creative work!). I also have both an MX Master 3 and 3S mouse, an MX Vertical mouse, and the MX Anywhere portable mouse for travel (spoiler alert, I'm a Logitech peripheral fan!). Alas, I loved the MX series, but the keyboards required a compromise to take advantage of their build quality, backlighting, and reliability - Chiclet keys (low profile keys like a Laptop has!)
The MX Mechanical doesn't disappoint. It has smooth, reliable key travel with a satisfying, but not-too-loud "clack" feedback that mechanical keyboard users crave. ALL of the MX Keys features are here, including customizability, EXCELLENT backlighting, and compatibility with Logitech's own receiver format, and bluetooth PCs, tablets, phones and other compute devices.
There are a few new features specific to the mechanical keyboard that I thought were great:
- The keys are two-tone, separating alphanumeric keys from functional counterparts - ABCDEFG1234 etc are all in a lighter gray cast, while SHIFT, ALT, CTRL, TAB, SPACE, etc are a darker color - It just gives the keyboard some style without losing the professionalism of the MX line - It would fit in with a business PC on an office desk, or in front of the latest gaming PC and frame sync monitor. It really bridges the two worlds.
- The keys aren't just backlit, but customizable... There are multiple backlight settings available - Not just brightness adjustments... A few of note include a "wave" pattern to show off the variable backlighting in a wave pattern across the keyboard, and "breathe" pulse of all the keys, and a "contrast" feature (my favorite) where the functional keys are highlighted vs the alphabetical keys - Something that makes a difference for me in finding my way around the keyboard in my peripheral vision in a dark office.
There are a few quirks as well, mostly due to a generational leap that Logitech is making:
- This keyboard is NOT compatible with Logitech's UNIFYING receivers that they've been including with peripherals for YEARS now. They have upgraded it to a new technology called Logitech BOLT which will replace UNIFYING in their lineup. BOLT has some technical advantages, such as reduced USB bandwidth and I believe better coverage/reduced latency but this will disappoint those who are only upgrading one peripheral and expected backwards compatibility with their other desktop components. BOLT is the new UNIFYING at Logi, but you'll need to upgrade everything to take advantage.
- Just as with the hardware, the software is being replaced also- Gone is support for Logitech Options, the keyboard and mouse customization software for the rest of the MX series, to be replaced by Logitech Options+, which gets nary a mention on their Options website. I spent about 30 minutes troubleshooting how I had the latest version of Options and STILL couldn't see my MX Mechanical in its configuration screen. The good news here is that Options+ DOES support many of the older MX series items also, so upgrading to it in a mixed estate should be no problem.
All in all this is a generational change, which will delight some and infuriate others, but I'm so happy to have this device, no doubt inspired by Logitech's gaming division and enabled as well as the rest of the EXCELLENT MX Series, in the stable. I loved it so much I went out and added an MX Master 3S to the set (which I will review separately) just to have everything on my station on BOLT and Options+ and to take advantage of its improvements.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
If you want a powerful clean in half the time, Tineco’s Floor One S3 Extreme is the perfect tool. With this floor washer, you can mop and vacuum in one quick sweep. Featuring exclusive iLoop technology, the Tineco Floor One S3 Extreme will automatically adjust water flow, brush roller speed, and suction based on the clean-up required. This translates to a better, deeper clean with less battery used. Consider it your intelligent assistant, helping you tackle any mess in a short amount of time. This wet/dry vacuum is designed to give you a clean and easy clean each time . A dual-tank system means no more pushing dirty water across your floors. Instead, the floor washer uses fresh water to clean your floors, powerfully sucking up dirty water and storing it safely in a separate tank. And, when you want to vacuum up a mess without water, simply switch to the featured suction-only mode. The cordless design makes it easy for you to quickly clean up any room in your home without cumbersome cords. Say hello to a fresh and clean home with the powerful cleaning action of Tineco Floor One S3 Extreme.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Multi-purpose floor cleaner with limited range
on June 16, 2022
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
The Tineco S3 Extreme is a good floor cleaner with a nice light design, excellent charging dock, and seems to be well constructed for regular duty use in a household setting.
The product was packaged nicely and easy to set up, and getting ready to clean my first floor was a breeze. I assembled and charged the unit, and after the recommended charging cycle, went about cleaning my first floor. Word of note: This device requires being fully loaded with battery power AND cleaning solution before it can be operated, so this unit CANNOT be used as a floor vacuum alone.
The unit cleans hard floors well - I was able to test on laminate and vinyl floors, where the scrubber did a good job of distributing solution, and wiping up the floor. Some more stubborn dirt required revisits and slower cleaning, but was eventually removed. The cleaning head is much like a traditional vacuum cleaner, and as a result, had a difficult time on inner corners and edges of the floor. When cleaning a whole house area I had to go back with a sponge and towel and clean against the baseboards by hand, which sort of defeats the purpose of upright tools, save for maintenance cleaning where deep cleaning and detailing are a task for a different cleaner.
Another issue was the capacity - Of both the battery and the solution tank - This tank is small, so I could only do a few dozen square feet at a time before running out - Think the average kitchen floor or maybe a small breakfast area also. My home has vinyl and laminate throughout so to clean the whole first floor and office took a few recharges and refills.
This is a good touch-up cleaner and works well, but for seasonal spring cleaning or deep cleaning (or anything where edges and details matter) it misses the mark. The vacuum and mop features worked well together otherwise.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
 
The Canon imageFORMULA RS40 photo and document scanner provides high-resolution photo scanning along with full-featured document scanning. Users can quickly and easily convert paper photos and documents to digital files for sharing or storage. The RS40 includes software to enhance scanned photographic images, extract and convert text from scanned documents. Reduce clutter, categorize and organize paper photographs and documents efficiently with the RS40.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Fast, quiet, crisp image scanning...
on March 3, 2022
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
from Lebanon, OH
This is my first form feed scanner that supports, and in fact FOCUSES on, photography... I was able to set up the device in minutes - Installation on my desk was as simple as power and USB connection. The driver/software installation was simple on my Windows 11 PC and my Mac. I was able to effortlessly scan documents, as well as old 4x6 and 3x5 photos. The scan software is simple, but there is also a TWAIN driver for use with Photoshop and other professional apps.
The scanner is extremely quiet and smooth operating. Most of my images were old 35mm prints of questionable quality, but the high-resolution prints I scanned turned out well. The scanner definitely represents color VERY accurately and this feels exponentially better than my flatbed all-in-one scanner at image quality reproduction. I also scanned several pre-printed photos printed at 600dpi from my inkjet printer, and observed very little/no half toning, artifacts, or effects from re-scanning digital images. This is a killer capability to help duplicate or digitally archive digital prints.
I'm impressed with the output quality and would recommend this to anyone looking for a professional capture device for photo prints or documents.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
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GadgetGuy1981's Answers
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Turn your tablet into a laptop with this Logitech Smart Connect keyboard for iPad Pro. Skip the Bluetooth pairing, and simply set your iPad Pro in typing position to set up instant pairing with the keyboard. Backlit for easy viewing, this Logitech Smart Connect keyboard offers a full 9-inch QWERTY setup, so you can work or correspond wherever you are.
 

Can the keyboard be removed from the case and does logi make a replacement case. My case cracked and needs to be replaced but keyboard is still in good working order

They are only sold as a single unit. I believe if the case breaks then the entire unit needs to be replaced. Its NOT a modular or user-serviceable item.
6 years, 11 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
 
Create a reliable internet connection throughout your home with this Google Wi-Fi system. The convenient package of three connectivity points effortlessly covers even large homes up to 4,500 square feet. This Google Wi-Fi system eliminates uneven bandwidth usage among multiple devices, including cellphones and tablets, for an unimpeded connection that doesn't lag behind.
 

Have Netgear N900 modem-router-wifi device. What do I have to do to connect Google Wifi network? Will Genie still provide a network map?

Disable WiFi on the Netgear. Genie will still show a map of devices including the mesh APs, but will not necessarily show them by node. The Google App however will.
7 years, 4 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
 
Create a reliable internet connection throughout your home with this Google Wi-Fi system. The convenient package of three connectivity points effortlessly covers even large homes up to 4,500 square feet. This Google Wi-Fi system eliminates uneven bandwidth usage among multiple devices, including cellphones and tablets, for an unimpeded connection that doesn't lag behind.
 

I have my own "Router" firewall device that I don't want to change. Can I use the Google Wifi as simply as a smart Wifi grid behind my security device?

Yes! Simply use your router without WiFi turned on and make sure that a single Ethernet connection passes through the router on its way to the Google setup as the only connection to any wireless hotspots.

You may want to put the whole system in Bridge mode when doing it this way but in doing so you'll lose priority device mode and some of the parental controls.
7 years, 4 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
 
Create a reliable internet connection throughout your home with this Google Wi-Fi system. The convenient package of three connectivity points effortlessly covers even large homes up to 4,500 square feet. This Google Wi-Fi system eliminates uneven bandwidth usage among multiple devices, including cellphones and tablets, for an unimpeded connection that doesn't lag behind.
 

Is this compatible with FiOS?

As long as the FiOS modem isn't also a wifi router, or you can disable wifi and just have the modem output via Ethernet you'll be good.
7 years, 4 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
 

What speakers are available for my Dell desktop Optiplex 380?

Your OptiPlex 380 has both 2.5mm audio jack and USB ports so just about any standard speaker set would work and even some advanced USB speakers would if you have a free USB port.

To see if your computer can support 2.1 or 5.1 audio natively, check to see if you have blue, green, and tan audio jacks in the back. If you do, you've got enough ports to install 5.1 surround. If only 1 audio out is back there (usually green or black colored) then you'll want to get a 2-speaker or 2.1 (two speaker and integrated wired subwoofer) system.

My advice for a simple desk setup would be to get something like these Logitech sets and just run the two speakers unless you demand floor-shaking bass.
7 years, 10 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
 

Subwoofer? Compatible Speakers

I have an older subwoofer I had with a previous computer. The speakers I have on my new one don't have a place to plug the subwoofer in. What kind of speakers should I get to be able to use this?
Only a set designed for a "2.1" or higher channels will support your sub. Most 2.1/5.1/7.1 systems will come with their own, newer subwoofer.
7 years, 10 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
 
Connect with family and friends on this Dell Inspiron laptop computer, and clearly connect with the wide 13.3-inch screen and integrated webcam. Touchscreen capabilities provide the function of a tablet, while a full backlit keyboard lets you type all day and night. This Dell Inspiron laptop features Windows 10 Home for easy loading and running of software and apps.
 

Does something similar come in 15.6? Why do no Dell's have DVD/CD drives? What are my options if I need it?

There is a similar "flip hinged" 15" model available (I believe it's called the Inspiron 15 7000 Series 2-in-1, but I'm unsure of the specific model/SKU).

Most PCs are forgoing optical/CD/DVD drives in contemporary years as the demand for these drives has reduced greatly. While many desktop PCs (who have also seen a demand decline) still include them, removing them from laptops was a key element in getting these devices to be thinner/lighter, longer lasting on a single charge, etc. If you think about it, when is the last time you burned a CD or DVD and transferred files that way. With today's cloud storage and send services and with the low cost of thumb drives, home made DVDs/CDs quickly obsoleted.

As far as commercial discs, music has for a long time been more about streaming and online purchases from iTunes/Google Play/Spotify/Pandora/etc... Movies have largely gone the same way with Google Play/iTunes Movies/Netflix/Hulu.

I'm not saying that we don't all have discs we need to play/copy/install here and there, but for the most part, they aren't a primary medium anymore so the trade off for space and battery capacity drove them out of mobile devices.

You might be saying: "I don't care where the lemmings are going! I want my MTV, DVD and CD! I'm still angry about losing the tape deck in my new car!" For you my friend, I recommend one of the offered external USB DVD/Blu-Ray drives available at BestBuy which would allow you access to your optical collection without having to keep a drive attached for the 90% of the times you don't need one.
7 years, 10 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
 
Acer Chromebook: Stay connected when on the go with this 14-inch Acer Chromebook. Dual-band MIMO technology provides ultrafast wireless speeds ideal for streaming or downloading, and an HDR webcam lets you video chat effortlessly. This Acer Chromebook has an antiglare screen and Full HD resolution for optimal viewing, and its 12-hour battery life increases productivity.
 

Can you download Microsoft office onto this? I want to use this for school so I need to be able to use word and PowerPoint.

You cannot install typical Microsoft Office apps on this device, as it runs ChromeOS. You can however edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint files using the included Google Apps (Docs,Sheets,Slides) that are FREE apps on the Chrome Web Store and are compatible with most/all files from Office proper...

Also, Microsoft makes web-based versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint that are also in the Chrome Web Store and these would better support existing files but these have some limits to their functionality, and I believe full usage requires an active Office365 account/subscription.

I hope this helps! Sorry it's not a yes/no answer. YOU HAVE OPTIONS!
7 years, 10 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
 

I need advice on what camera to buy her

My wife is a very fine artist I would like to buy a digital camera for her she does most of her paintingon location. She says she needs a digital camera with a zoom lens plus one that would take portraits and the best quality pictures for her work ,she speaks of a Digital SLR with at least
a 12.o pixel ? what do you recommend I buy her. I have a limited budget of between $ 750.00
and a $1000.00 dollars and I need some professional advice.

Thank you
Wm Bertsche
.
I have photographed many paintings for customers that needed a digital gallery with my Sony Alpha A33 DSLR/SLT.

14.2 megapixels, great zoom lens options, and noise reduction and light sensitivity settings that allow for accurate color capture in gallery light settings.

You're looking at 799-999 for a decent package with at least one zoom lens, but I would recommend the 18-55 kit lens with the body, and the additional 55-200 lens that Best Buy carries for longer zoom. Also, for portraits, I recommend a "brighter aperture" lens, such as the SAL50F18 50mm F1.8 portrait lens, which gives fantastic low-light performance at low ISOs, for maximum detail and clarity.

For the body and all three lenses, you're likely looking at 900-1100... Shop around, but Best Buy carries all of it and their photo guys do great bundles with warranties.
13 years, 4 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
   Cincinnati, OH
 

Can a 35mm film camera lens be used on a digital SLR camera

I have a Cannon EOS Rebel and would like to purchase an SLR camera. If the lenses I have for the EOS Rebel will work on a SLR I would like to purchase that camera
The Canon EOS Digital Rebels will use the EOS lenses, with few exceptions, if i recall.

The difference is, that the EOS Digital Rebel's like the XS, or XSi, have smaller APS-sized sensors, vs. the focal design of the 35MM film counterparts.

This will mean a different focal range for the digital camera using the lens. It may also mean varying aperture performance, considering that less exposed area is resulting in an exposure on the sensor, than what was being exposed to the film, and the depth dimension of the digital camera will be different than it's film predecessor.

It may just take some experimentation to determine which lenses work best for digital. Its best to get Digital EOS lenses for work with Digital cameras, but many pro photographers interchange lenses to this day between their 35mm film and digital cameras. Your mileage may vary.
13 years, 4 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
   Cincinnati, OH