vrs99's stats
- Review count185
- Helpfulness votes1,275
- First reviewAugust 21, 2013
- Last reviewApril 15, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.5
- Review comment count8
- Helpfulness votes6
- First review commentDecember 29, 2013
- Last review commentJuly 18, 2017
- Featured review comments0
Questions
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- First questionNone
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- Answer count45
- Helpfulness votes46
- First answerDecember 31, 2013
- Last answerJanuary 17, 2022
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- Best answers1
The perfect blend of scooter and bike, the FLEX VOYAGER is great for errands or just riding in comfort. Free storage basket included. Improved speed and range. The FLEX VOYAGER can reach 15-19 miles per charge with a 15.5 MPH top speed. It is the perfect way to make it to class on time. Powered by a 350W Motor and a 36V 8.0aH battery.
Posted by: vrs99
With a 15-mile max range, the GoTrax Flex Voyager is a fun electric scooter for small trips and riding around the neighborhood.
The scooter comes partially assembled from the box. It took me little under an hour to get the scooter out of the box and charging. All tools are provided, and the instructions were clear and straightforward. Both 14-inch tires came already inflated with air at the recommended 36 psi. There is also an adapter included to make it easier to inflate the tires.
Scooter clocks in at 61 pounds and is solidly built. As well, it folds for more compact storage or to fit in the trunk of a car. It also sports a large, height adjustable cushioned seat and coilover suspension over the rear wheel. The spring rate is easily adjustable by hand to change the suspension stiffness, yet I found the stock suspension tuning to be just right.
Other features of the scooter include a metal basket on the rear, a kickstand, and fenders. I found the basket particularly cool and is a nice touch. In my testing, I drove through shallow water and mud, and nothing flung from the tires due to the fenders.
In the rear wheel, a 350-watt electric motor propels the scooter to 16 mph. On a full charge the scooter accelerates smoothly; however, it does not perform well offroad or on steep hills. One thing to note is that once the battery is mostly drained the motor loses power considerably.
The scooter also comes with 2 keys which can be turned to 2 positions: run and light. In the latter position, the front LED headlight and rear taillight are illuminated. The headlight’s angle is adjustable by hand and is moderately bright. Additionally, the taillight flashes when the brakes are applied. The headlight works in a decently lit environment, but I would not ride this scooter in pitch darkness.
From the box, the lithium-ion battery showed to be almost fully charged, yet I charged it the remainder of the way per the instructions. Full battery charging time is marketed to be 6 hours. In my testing, the scooter seems to use a form of regenerative braking which charges the battery slightly as it decelerates.
Brakes don’t seem to be disk brakes and they do not lock up the wheels on paved ground. Nonetheless, the brakes are adjusted well from the factory and the scooter stops briskly.
Overall, the GoTrax Flex Voyager is a good electric scooter for Campus Life, cruising the beach, neighborhood cruising, along with quick fun trips to store.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Elevate your listening experience with JLab’s Epic Lab Edition Earbuds. Engineered with Hybrid Dual Drivers, the Epic Lab Edition is the first true wireless headphone to feature the audiophile-acclaimed Knowles® Preferred Listening sound curve. These earbuds redefine true wireless sound. Hi-Res Audio via LDAC or AAC advanced codecs, coupled with Smart Active Noise Canceling, offer the best sound experience we’ve ever created. Featuring Bluetoooth LE Audio, enjoy low latency, and pristine audio quality. Enhance every moment with a remarkable playtime of over 13 hours per earbud and a total of 56+ hours total playtime.
Customer Rating
5
JLABS "Epic Lab Edition" Innovation on the Move
on February 1, 2024
Posted by: vrs99
The JLAB Epic Lab Edition are innovative wireless earbuds for those on the move.
Included in the box are the earbuds, case, charging cable, extra eartips, and quick start guide.
Out of the box the case was already fully charged. 6 pairs of eartips are included with sizes ranging from small/medium/large and a choice between “cloud foam” and regular silicone. It is my understanding that cloud foam is a type of memory foam. Have found the preinstalled medium silicone to be the best fit for me.
Zinc alloy charging case feels premium and clasps with a satisfying metallic sound. Rubberized bottom is a nice feature as well. Three indicator lights on the front provide an indication of charge level. JLAB claims over 13 hours of playtime in each earbud and over 56 hours combined with the case. Case can be charged with either USB-C or wirelessly.
Earbuds connect easily with Bluetooth. They also have support for the emerging Bluetooth Low Energy Audio and LC3 codec technology. This tech allows for improved audio quality even at low data rates, improving battery life. For devices not equipped with Bluetooth, a USB-C dongle is also included in the case. This makes the case slightly bulkier, and I do not see a need for it, especially with modern devices.
Earbuds sound superb with rich bass and a wide soundstage. Can pinpoint the location of different instruments in stereo tracks. The earbuds use “hybrid dual drivers”, one for bass and mid-range frequencies and another developed by Knowles for high frequencies. They also support LDAC and AAC codecs for hi-resolution wireless music.
Capacitive touch control is accurate and works very well. Can flawlessly adjust volume, tracks, and noise cancelling mode. Noise cancelling works well while being comfortable without any discomfort/”pressure” felt by earlier noise cancelling systems. JLAB’s “be aware” mode is slightly quieter yet more refined than other wireless earbuds I have tested. A demonstration of the earbud’s quality microphones.
The JLab app is straightforward and allows for control of noise cancellation, equalizer, and touch controls. Earbuds connected seamlessly to the app and a firmware update was prompted. Currently use the “Knowles Preferred” EQ preset which gives the best balance between bass and treble for my taste.
Overall, the JLAB Epic Lab Edition wireless earbuds are for those who enjoy convenient, high-quality music.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Say hai to a smart sustainable showerhead. Water-powered Bluetooth technology connects to the hai app, helping you track your water usage - no batteries required. Save water with customizable LED alerts, indicating when the water's reached your perfect temperature and when you're at your set water use target. A specially designed patented spray slider makes it easy to adjust between a high-pressure stream to a steamy fine mist. hai features more coverage than the average showerhead and is perfect for low-flow environments. Constructed with durable, high-quality, stainless-steel materials and a smooth bacterial-resistance hose, hai can be mounted on the wall or used as a handled shower device. A 2-year warranty lets you buy with confidence.
Customer Rating
5
Game Changer in Bathing - Style & Comfort
on January 28, 2024
Posted by: vrs99
First, Hai Showerhead comes in an assortment of colors and water pressure heads. Offering six distinct colors for the spray head and two pressure delivery systems supporting both 1.8 GPM low flow and 2.5 GPM high flow.
We have the low flow version we are definitely saving water, though I think I would have enjoyed the higher water delivery head.
The wand head face cover colors are cool, allowing for a wide choice to fit your taste, style and even mood.
One specific technology that Hai developed for the system that I find to be brilliant, is their innovative “Impeller” system which provides the energy/electricity for the electronics built into the showerhead. When I first that saw, Bluetooth is employed to communicate to an Android or Apple device to report water usage and water temps, I thought, OK now we are getting a bit geeky when we need Bluetooth to take a shower. Though in hindsight I love it. It’s great technology and so very innovative to use the power present in the flowing water to operate the system. No batteries to buy, nor need to be manufactured and end up in a landfill. Kudos.
The Engineering of the Showerhead is stunning. You see right away in the Hai Showerhead project that the designers went all out with developing a system that is a game changer. Beyond the looks the product is of high-quality development and build with all components from fittings to the shower wand are marvelous.
If you like style, creature comforts and conservation, you’ll love the Hai.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Levoit Superior 6000S Smart Evaporative Humidifier is perfect for extra-large homes troubled by dry air. Evaporative technology quickly humidifies your space without wet mist that can damage furniture, while the included hose and built-in wick filters enable you to easily refill the tank with tap water from the sink. No matter where you are, adjust settings, create schedules, connect to voice assistants, and more with the VeSync app.
Customer Rating
5
Whole-House Solution for Health and Comfort
on January 19, 2024
Posted by: vrs99
First, the Levoit humidifier performs brilliantly. We had one humidifier, and with two back-to-back Arctic Storms delivering extreme dry cold and with heaters running almost nonstop we could not keep our home humidity in a comfortable range. The old humidifier was a high-quality unit but could not keep up and maintain a comfortable range.
Enter the Levoit Superior 6000S. Included in the box is the humidifier itself, quick start guide, full owner’s manual, storage bag, cleaning brush and fill hose.
Out of the box some assembly is required as the humidifier is in 4 parts to allow it to be stored compactly. Assembly was quick and easy with easy-to-follow guides both on the box itself and in the quick start guide. Additionally, the box and user guide have instructions on how to quickly store the humidifier. Humidifier breaks down almost half its size for easy storage. The Minimalist design and white and black color scheme fit in nicely with the décor of the home.
After the quick setup of the Superior 6000S humidifier and with unit running on auto mode our whole home hit the sweet humidity spot within thirty minutes. Each room was at 50% humidity which is perfect for our room temperature.
A 6-gallon tank easily lasts days and is effortless to fill using the included hose and funnel. This humidifier can be used with tap water straight from our sink, I recommend built-in water filter. Wheels on the bottom of the humidifier allow it to easily be moved across my house on both carpet and hard floors. It is claimed the tank can last up to 72 hours and this is reflected during my usage once the humidifier is maintaining a specific level.
This humidifier works by using a large fan to draw water through filters and evaporate into the surrounding air. In practice this technology is very efficient and superior to traditional humidifiers which still use heating elements and produce a stream of mist. The humidified air from the Levoit system is invisible and mist-free. Fan is very quiet, even on its highest setting and can output a surprising amount of humidified air.
Levoit states that the humidifier can humidify a space up to 3,000 square feet. This is shown in practice, after only an hour the humidifier increased the humidity of my whole house from 40% to 50% and easily maintained a comfortable humidity with a lower fan speed. Within the first 24 hours the humidifier output almost 3 gallons of water into the air. Am very impressed at how quickly and efficiently this humidifier can make air comfortable in large spaces.
Humidifier has a few modes to choose from including auto, manual fan speed, and target humidity. The auto mode automatically determines the optimal humidity according to the current temperature in the room. It also has a night mode which keeps the fan at a lower setting. The top of the device has an LCD display for monitoring humidity percentage as well.
VeSync app allows for remote control and monitoring from a smartphone. Initial setup with the app took minutes. Simply created an account and linked humidifier to Wi-Fi. Usage of the app is important as it prompted a firmware update upon initial setup. App also tracks filter life which is recommended to be changed every 3 months. A “dry” mode can be activated which thoroughly dries out the filters to prolong filter life during usage and storage.
My family all realized how much more comfortable we felt right away, breathing was easier, skin stopped feeling dry, and there was no longer static electricity in the home. The wife greatly enjoys it as it keeps her plants at an optimal humidity range.
Huge bonus for Plant Lovers, the Levoit offers a highly evolved system of fine tuning your home’s humidity for your specific plants. The App offers in-depth plant care listings, overall care, and food/watering schedules for many species of the following plant categories:
• Foliage
• Flowering
• Succulents & Cacti
• Vegetables
• Shrubs
• Flowering
• Succulents & Cacti
• Vegetables
• Shrubs
Overall, the Levoit Superior 6000S Humidifier is the best of the best for those wanting complete comfort for the entire house.
Highly Recommended
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Meet the new Dell 25" Gaming Monitor - a super fast gaming monitor featuring an incredible 280Hz over-clocked refresh rate (240Hz Native) and 0.5ms minimum Gray-to-Gray response time for fast fluid gaming experiences.
Customer Rating
5
Full On Gaming at an Excellent Price!
on January 10, 2024
Posted by: vrs99
The Dell 25” Gaming Monitor is versatile and packs an impressive punch for the price point.
Included in the box is the monitor itself, a 6ft DisplayPort, 3.3ft USB-C to DisplayPort cable, and 6ft USB 3.2 upstream cable. Was quite pleased to see the inclusion of DisplayPort cables as this monitor can be connected to most PCs or laptops out of the box. A step ahead of many other manufacturers which usually only include a single HDMI cable. Upstream USB cable allows for the 2 USB ports on the monitor to be connected to the host computer.
Assembly is quick and straightforward with the stand locking into place on the monitor without tools. Features a large cable management hole. Stand allows for 5 inches of height adjustment, 45 degrees of swivel, and 90 degrees of rotation allowing for the display to be completely vertical. Monitor can also be VESA mounted. Very versatile in my opinion.
Monitor has very straightforward on-screen display which is navigated using a combination of both a “nipple” controller and regular buttons on the rear of the monitor. This combination is odd as monitors usually only have one type of control, but getting used to the OSD was easy enough. Display settings, inputs, and gaming-specific settings are accessible through the OSD.
Monitor has 2 DisplayPorts, an HDMI 1.4 port, as well as a USB upstream and 2 USB 3.2 downstream ports. The high-speed USB ports located on the bottom left of the display are a convenient addition when using flash drives, connecting peripherals, and even charging my phone.
The 1920x1080 Fast IPS panel sports impressively wide viewing angles and very minimal ghosting. The Fast IPS technology also has a claimed max response time of 0.5ms. An important factor when fractions of a second count while gaming. Thin bezels and matte anti-glare coating on the panel is a huge plus as well.
Refresh rate comes standard at 240hz and can be “overclocked” up to 280hz. Have tested the monitor at both 240 and 280hz with no noticeable differences in motion blur. Monitor also exhibits Nvidia Gsync and AMD Freesync Premium adaptive refresh rate technologies, further eliminating screen tearing and contributing to a buttery-smooth gaming experience. Am highly impressed with the panel’s in-game performance and near-perfect results on the Blur Busters UFO Test. Display also covers 99% of the SRGB color space.
Although this display may not have pricey features such as HDR and an ultra-HD panel, it still overperforms and is the best display I have seen in its price point. If you want a no-nonsense gaming monitor with all the essentials for smooth, fast-paced gaming, the Dell 25” monitor is for you.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Alienware m18 Gaming Laptop - Play like a boss with a high-powered, 18-inch gaming laptop that features advanced Alienware Cryo-techcooling, 7000 Series AMD Ryzen 9 processors and AMD Radeon graphics.
Customer Rating
5
The m18 Aliens have Arrived Dominate the Game Grid
on December 15, 2023
Posted by: vrs99
The Alienware m18 R1 AMD is the zero-compromise gaming laptop from the future. Included in the box is the 18-inch laptop itself, the power cable, quick start guide and 2 metallic Alienware stickers. Although only a quick start guide is included in the box, extensive documentation including a 94-page service manual is readily available on Dell’s website.
The first thing I noticed when unboxing the m18 is the weight. Clocking in at 8.9lbs this laptop is no featherweight; however, this is expected for performance of this caliber. Reflecting the weight, aluminum construction is rugged with no deck flex whatsoever. On first boot, Alienware SupportAssist program prompts to register for the 1-year premium warranty and automatically prompts for a driver update. The SupportAssist program also can automatically optimize performance, network, and clean files. SupportAssist is a first-rate maintenance program provided for their line of computers.
330-watt power brick is huge yet necessary for powering this beast of a laptop as I measured peak CPU power draw of 100 watts and peak GPU draw of 266 watts during testing.
RGB keyboard is tactile and has superb key stabilization on all keys. Keyboard includes a number pad. Per-key RGB is controllable through the Alienware Command Center app. Large “glass” trackpad is superb.
The large 18-inch screen has a matte finish which I prefer as it cuts down on glare. 1080p display has exceptional color, a 3ms response time, and a mind-boggling 480hz refresh rate. Display covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut which is 25% wider than SRGB. Additionally, the display supports adaptive sync technologies and has exceptionally wide viewing angles. 300 nits peak brightness is on par with many higher end laptops. Even with all this tech, the bezels on this laptop are remarkably thin.
One thing which I find most impressive is how quiet the laptop stays under load. The keyboard and deck stay relatively cool as hot air is exhausted out the rear and sides of the laptop.
Benchmark Scores:
• 3DMark Time Spy Extreme:
o Overall Score: 9212 (Legendary)
o GPU: 9013
o CPU: 10535
• Unigine Superposition (1080p Extreme):
o Score: 10965
o Avg FPS: 82.02
• BMW27 Blender Render:
o CPU: 01:11:10
o GPU: 00:20:13
• Crystal Disk Mark (NVME SSD Profile):
o Sequential 1MiB read: 7043.78 MB/s
o Sequential 1MiB write: 5739.13 MB/s
o Random 4KiB read: 3757.69 MB/s
o Random 4KiB write: 2659.74 MB/s
• GTA V Benchmark:
o Average Framerate: 125
o Average Frametime: 8 MS
• CS:2 Simple FPS Benchmark:
o Average Framerate: 360
• 3DMark Time Spy Extreme:
o Overall Score: 9212 (Legendary)
o GPU: 9013
o CPU: 10535
• Unigine Superposition (1080p Extreme):
o Score: 10965
o Avg FPS: 82.02
• BMW27 Blender Render:
o CPU: 01:11:10
o GPU: 00:20:13
• Crystal Disk Mark (NVME SSD Profile):
o Sequential 1MiB read: 7043.78 MB/s
o Sequential 1MiB write: 5739.13 MB/s
o Random 4KiB read: 3757.69 MB/s
o Random 4KiB write: 2659.74 MB/s
• GTA V Benchmark:
o Average Framerate: 125
o Average Frametime: 8 MS
• CS:2 Simple FPS Benchmark:
o Average Framerate: 360
The numbers speak for themselves. Benchmarks and in-game performance blow all other gaming laptops I have seen out of the water. Ryzen 9 7945HX and Radeon RX 7900M are an unstoppable duo in terms of computational power and raw gaming performance. Paired with 32 GB DDR5 4800 of ram (upgradeable to 64 GB), this laptop is well suited for workstation use, video editing and rendering as is evident with the blazing fast Blender render results. It even beat my 9th Gen Intel i9 equipped desktop in CPU rendering. Although CPU temps reached 100 degrees Celsius during certain tests, fans never ramped up and thermal throttling was not recorded.
Kioxia 1TB NVME SSD is blazing fast as well. There is a second slot in the laptop to install an additional NVME SSD too.
BIOS is basic yet does allow for 2 levels of CPU overclocking. This option is vague yet in testing it seems to boost the base clock speed. Alienware Command Center allows for different performance levels to be selected which corresponds to the OC levels found in the bios.
I/O:
• Rear:
o Barrel Charger Port
o Full Sized SD Card Reader
o Mini DisplayPort
o Full Sized HDMI 2.1
o 2x USB 3.2 Type-C w/ DisplayPort
o USB 3.2 Type-A w/ PowerShare
• Sides:
o Slim Ethernet Port
o 2x USB 3.2 Type-A Ports
o USB 3.2 Type-C Port
• Rear:
o Barrel Charger Port
o Full Sized SD Card Reader
o Mini DisplayPort
o Full Sized HDMI 2.1
o 2x USB 3.2 Type-C w/ DisplayPort
o USB 3.2 Type-A w/ PowerShare
• Sides:
o Slim Ethernet Port
o 2x USB 3.2 Type-A Ports
o USB 3.2 Type-C Port
I/O is impressive. Appreciate the Full-size SD card slot as it is useful for offloading pictures from cameras.
Stereo 2-watt speakers sound adequate for laptop speakers, yet I would recommend wearing headphones for any serious gaming. Alienware Command Center integrates with Dolby Atmos too. 1080p webcam and integrated dual-array microphones are sufficient for video calls and include Windows Hello facial recognition. Hello is a huge plus as you are logged right into Windows upon opening the laptop.
Overall, the Alienware m18 R1 AMD is the ultimate, somewhat portable, gaming powerhouse. Have been reviewing performance gaming laptops for years and am genuinely impressed by the capabilities of this machine. Truly desktop level performance in a laptop form-factor.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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With two 10 GbE ports and Wi-Fi 7 technology, eero max 7 can provide more than twice the speed of Wi-Fi 6. This isn't a minor upgrade, this is a whole new level of fast.
Customer Rating
5
eero Max 7 - Tower of Power - Styling - Impressive
on December 5, 2023
Posted by: vrs99
eero Max 7 has introduced Wi-Fi 7 in my home office, now to have a look into the near future of wireless networking. What I see is quite exciting and a far far away time from when we used phone cup modems (300 Baud - 30 bytes/s) and sneaker nets at home and in the office. Spoiler Alert - the eero Max 7 is a tremendous leap forward.
First impression, the eero Max 7 is stylish and looks fantastic. I know, because my wife told me so and she appreciates that I swapped our entertainment center’s older black router with huge antennas for the eero. It does look amazing amid our techie entertainment system and blends smoothly with our décor.
Box opening, the routers were bit larger than I thought from online pictures, apparently full of highly cool tech stuff.
Setup. Most incredibly straight forward router installation that I have ever worked on, have performed hundreds of corporate, mid-small business and home router installations over the years. And of course, the ongoing maintenance of systems. Hands down, the eero installation with the app is the smoothest plug and play system I have ever had the opportunity to install. And that speaks volumes when compared to most router installations.
The setup is simplified and believe any level of user would find they can easily install in their home network quickly and with little effort. It is really that easy.
What is Wi-Fi 7? To put it into perspective, Wi-Fi 6 was a step-up increase in speed over Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 7 on the other hand is all about heart pumping adrenaline-driven fast connections. In industry speak you have “802.11be EHT," for ‘Extremely High Throughput.’ That is what Wi-Fi 7 is, the fastest breakthrough in wi-fi technology since wi-fi was introduced in 1997. It is remarkable how fast and safely we can now transfer data through the air.
We have several computers that have Wi-Fi 6e and we have excellent response rates with the new eero Max 7. One is a new Alienware laptop with Killer Wi-Fi 6e AX16190i 16-Mhz Wi-Fi adapter, running a steady solid 2.4 Gbps. My wife’s Dell laptop is also pulling a solid 2.4 Gbps throughout our home.
Keep in mind when computers and devices are updated to Wi-Fi 7, they will be running at 4.3 Gbps!!! We’ll be waiting in line for the upgrades. How ever you cut it, 4.3 wireless is smoking fast.
Run several sub-nets on our home network and switched over my entertainment center sub-net by simply unplugging the existing router and plugging in the eero. With DHCP running on the main eero all my equipment switched over automatically. The only issue I had was a TV and Dish Joey in one room which required a reboot to hook up with the configuration. Too easy.
Notes:
- With eero’s wired speed up to 9.4 Gbps the wired network will be quick. An understatement.
- One eero provides 2500 sqft of coverage - Two eero’s provide 5000 sqft - Three will be 7500 sqft
- Supports Bridge Mode
- Ethernet Standard 10/100/1000/2500/10000
- Frequency Band 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz, 6.0 GHz
- Wired Backhaul - “Also known as Ethernet backhaul or backbone, this capability can be enabled to directly wire a secondary (mesh) router or satellite to the main router via Ethernet cable. This connection allows for faster and more stable data upload.” Wired Highly Effective
- * First tested the two Router Nodes wirelessly from one side of home to the other – speed was incredible
- eero Max 7 App is exceptionally well deigned and intuitive
- With eero’s wired speed up to 9.4 Gbps the wired network will be quick. An understatement.
- One eero provides 2500 sqft of coverage - Two eero’s provide 5000 sqft - Three will be 7500 sqft
- Supports Bridge Mode
- Ethernet Standard 10/100/1000/2500/10000
- Frequency Band 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz, 6.0 GHz
- Wired Backhaul - “Also known as Ethernet backhaul or backbone, this capability can be enabled to directly wire a secondary (mesh) router or satellite to the main router via Ethernet cable. This connection allows for faster and more stable data upload.” Wired Highly Effective
- * First tested the two Router Nodes wirelessly from one side of home to the other – speed was incredible
- eero Max 7 App is exceptionally well deigned and intuitive
Other Notes:
- Cables are short - ethernet cable 3” - power cable 5”
- Lack of Web Interface - Closed System - Must use app
- No Firewall (that I am aware of) but with subscription there is offer of security? The first router that I’ve worked on that placed paywall in front of security.
- Cables are short - ethernet cable 3” - power cable 5”
- Lack of Web Interface - Closed System - Must use app
- No Firewall (that I am aware of) but with subscription there is offer of security? The first router that I’ve worked on that placed paywall in front of security.
I am a power user with an extensive state-of-the-art network and sub-nets running in an environment that sports five routers and five switches to manage/process our data requirements. Our new two node eero Max 7 quickly found a way into our network displacing a three-router mesh system.
Besides the sheer power and cutting-edge technology of the Max 7 was how easily I was able to join the router to our network. The Max 7 has some serious smarts and programming built into the gorgeous case. When joining the eero Max 7 to our complex Entertainment and Internet of Things (IoT) sub-net, which is the net my wife uses, the system just snapped into place.
Anyone considering taking the dive into Wi-Fi 7, along with future proofing your system and running at the cutting edge of speed I would recommend having a long look at the eero Max 7.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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DJI Mini 4 Pro integrates powerful imaging capabilities, omnidirectional obstacle sensing, ActiveTrack 360° with the new Trace Mode, and 20km FHD video transmission, bringing even more things to love for pros and beginners alike.
Customer Rating
5
DJI Mini 4 Pro Raises Bar on Drone Flight
on December 5, 2023
Posted by: vrs99
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is the pinnacle of portable drones with a 4k camera, long battery life, and 360-degree obstacle avoidance.
Out of the box, the combo includes a premium soft carrying case with shoulder strap, 3 sets of replacement blades, USB-A to USB-C cable, USB-C to C cable, 3 intelligent flight plus batteries and charger. The included batteries last for 45 minutes and are heavier than standard, pushing the drone slightly over 250-gram limit for unregistered drones in the US. However, only a $5 FAA registration is required to be in compliance. The carrying case has neat compartments for the drone and each accessory. Also included are replacement screws and even a screwdriver for the blades.
Drone kicks out some serious heat, even when sitting on the ground. Concave vents on the front of the drone behind the gimbal provide cooling to the battery and electronics. Best practice is to take the drone off shortly after it is powered on, if possible, to avoid overheating. When browsing the gallery for extended periods of time drone does go into an “eco” mode to conserve battery life and reduce heat.
In daylight, drone effortlessly avoids obstacles due to a sensor array which detects 360 degrees around the drone, including above and below. However, at night or in sport mode object avoidance is unavailable. Drones can either bypass obstacles and continue its course or will halt nearly a foot before the obstacle. Tested obstacle avoidance with a variety of objects. An audible warning and directional alert on the screen are triggered when the drone approaches an obstruction. Flew the drone straight into the woods and it gracefully avoided even small trees. Drone only failed at bypassing 1 obstacle in my testing, a very slim flagpole. Although impacting the flagpole at a high speed I could not see any damage.
GPS positioning makes drone effortless to fly. Even at high altitudes on a windy day the drone held its position precisely. My wife was eager to try it out and was able to fly the drone confidently with no prior experience. Have flown the drone out over a quarter mile away, past trees with no issue/signal degradation. In the case the drone does lose connection or runs low on battery, an auto return-to-home protocol is prompted where the drone autonomously flies back and lands right where it took off.
Camera can record at 4k and 1080p at 60fps in normal mode and at 30 fps in night mode. In slow motion mode, the camera can record at 4k100 or 1080p200. Videos can be shot in normal, HDR HLG, or D-Log M color profiles. Additionally, the camera can record in either horizontal or vertical aspect ratios with a turn of the gimbal. Vertical aspect ratio is especially handy for the mobile content creator. Drone can bank nearly 90 degrees with the gimbal keeping the footage completely stable.
Camera quality is top notch, even at night with crisp details. Photos can be taken in either jpeg, raw, or both formats. Can also choose between a 12 or 48 megapixel image. Double-stage photo button allows for focusing before an image is shot. There is also a choice between auto focus and manual focus. Images are quite sharp for such a small camera. Pro controls make a return as well for the tweaking and fine-tuning of camera settings.
Drone has internal storage of 2GB. While being adequate for a few pictures, I was unable to get more than 2 minutes of 4k30 footage. Both the drone and controller have a microSD slot.
The new DJI RC2 Remote Controller addresses many of the shortcomings which plagued older controllers. For starters, the new controller has its own touchscreen. A big step-up for me as I once had to remove my phone’s case each time to mount it on an older DJI controller. Controller also runs the DJI Fly app natively on its own version of Android. Ergonomics of the controller are great with textured, rubberized grips which fit my hands comfortably. New controller features some extra buttons, such as the return to home button, speed selector, and 2 programmable rear buttons. Wheels on the top of the controller control the up to 3x optical zoom and camera vertical tilt. Up to 60 degrees up and 90 down. Like previous DJI controllers, joysticks unscrew and are stored on the rear of the controller.
At night, drone activates a bright LED spotlight when nearing the ground. This is useful for landing at night when paired with the AR representation of the drone’s position and size over the ground in the DJI Fly app. Programmable button is handy for quickly snapping the camera to face directly down to aid in landing as well. Home point and waypoints are also represented on the screen.
Overall, if you are looking for the best, cutting-edge Drone in a compact form-factor, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is for you.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Swann's ActiveResponse™ Smart Mobile Personal Safety Alarm is stylish yet discreet but has the power to potentially save your life. When you find yourself in the presence of danger or become lost, pull the pin for a loud 110 decibel siren, and / or push the button to alert your primary emergency contact of your location for FREE. A perfect personal security alarm for women. Pair the Mobile Personal Safety Alarm with the Swann Security app on your phone via Bluetooth, to ensure your family, friends, and even emergency services (via subscription), can be alerted to your location. Use the included keyring to clip the Alarm to your keys, bag, backpack, school bag, or use the lanyard to wear it around your neck. Stylish and discreet, it is small enough to carry in a handbag or in your hand. A useful accessory. Use as safety device while running or hiking. With a sturdy, compact design and long battery life, they are the perfect companion for a walk, run, hike or trek. Take one with you when you travel, as they are even allowed on planes where pepper spray and tasers aren’t. A perfect personal safety Alarm for women's self defense. ActiveResponse™ is also a great gift idea for family, students, seniors, the disabled, shift workers, outdoor enthusiasts and more.
Customer Rating
4
Full on 24/7 Family Personal Mobile Safety
on December 2, 2023
Posted by: vrs99
Have been a fan of Swann Security Systems for years, providing security and protection for our home and businesses. Now they have introduced the Mobile Personal Safety Alarm, which when I first saw the release info the first thought was family members.
First takes, the safety fob is an exceptionally solid constructed hardened metal case accessory that is well designed for swift ease of use. All of which are primary attributes you should have in a security device for personal use.
Setup is a quick and easy with the Swann Security App, drop the battery in and proceed to pair with your mobile device.
There are two modes you may use the device in, one is with subscription to 24/7 full on monitoring by Swann. You may also select to have the device simply send a text to a contact. Hands down if you are looking for personal safety the subscription plan offers a strong suite of emergency support at $4.99 a month, approximately seventeen cents per day.
Notes:
- 110dB Siren Alarm
- “… seniors to call for help when falling, feeling unsafe, physical threats, medical emergencies, accidents, or allergic reactions. A great gift for parents, students and anyone who works at night. A defense siren keychain for women.”
- CR2 Battery Life up to one year
- Backpack/key/handbag clip
- Lanyard – can wear about neck, etc.
- “… seniors to call for help when falling, feeling unsafe, physical threats, medical emergencies, accidents, or allergic reactions. A great gift for parents, students and anyone who works at night. A defense siren keychain for women.”
- CR2 Battery Life up to one year
- Backpack/key/handbag clip
- Lanyard – can wear about neck, etc.
My home and surrounding land areas are under full surveillance 24/7, the Swann Mobile Personal Safety Alarm extends the reach of safety for my family.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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This awesome bundle comes with everything you need to capture and share amazing GoPro footage. It includes the GoPro HERO12 Black—a tough, lightweight camera with incredible image quality, even better HyperSmooth video stabilization and a huge boost in battery life. Thanks to its improved power management, it delivers 2x longer continuous recording at 5.3K60 (70 minutes). After recording, simply charge your GoPro and your footage will auto-upload to the cloud and a highlight video will be automatically sent to you. This bundle also includes The Handler (Floating Hand Grip), Head Strap 2.0, an extra Enduro battery and a case.
Customer Rating
5
GoPro's Hero 12 Black - Peak of Perfection
on November 28, 2023
Posted by: vrs99
GoPro hits it out of the park again with its Hero 12 action cam: boasting unparalleled recording ability in a compact package.
Physically, Hero 12 features the same rugged construction as its predecessors. Yet, Hero 12 possesses specs of blue on its black exterior which is a subtle reflection of the recording power inside. A tripod thread on the base of the unit is a welcome addition as it allows the camera to mount to standard camera equipment, unlocking even more limitless possibilities. A small, front facing screen enables the GoPro to be used for selfies and vlogging. USB-C charging is icing on the cake.
The 27-megapixel camera can shoot at 5.3k60, 4k120, or 2.7k240. Also, the Hero 12 can record in 10-bit HDR and Log. However, framerates are cut in half when recording in HDR. 8:7 aspect ratio sensor allows for both widescreen and vertical recording, no matter the orientation of the camera. The fisheye lens has numerous Field of View settings, including a linear setting which removes the fisheye effect and a horizon lock which stabilizes the video up to 27 degrees of tilt. The fidelity and specs of the Hero 12 are impressive to say the least, especially considering its compact formfactor.
In practice, the video quality is crisp and colorful no matter the recording mode. The user interface of the camera is intuitive with its familiar touchscreen. Large, tactile rubberized buttons for power/mode, and recording is a notable feature. Swiping left and right effortlessly transitions the camera from timelapse, video, and picture modes. Dragging up from the bottom exposes the gallery/media player where all locally stored videos/pictures can be viewed. Functions like basic editing, aided by the integrated speaker, can be achieved through the media player as well. Pulling down from the top of the screen reveals a familiar dropdown menu akin to modern smartphones. It is in this menu where options such as orientation lock, storage, and full settings can be accessed.
Camera has 2 distinct UI modes. “Easy and Pro”. The easy mode is suitable for most use cases with 3 preset recording qualities from 1080p, 4k, and 5.3k. However, the Pro mode unlocks the full functionality and tweakability of the camera as each recording parameter can be adjusted to the heart’s content. In this mode, users can create and save recording presets for different scenarios. This camera was designed both for the adventurer who wants effortless plug-and-play action, and the experienced cinematographer who enjoys the full controls of the camera.
The accessory bundle comes equipped with a carrying case, headstrap, floating hand grip, adhesive mount, and two batteries. The headstrap is comfortable, well-padded, and easy to adjust. With the action cam weighing in at only 4.5 oz it sits firmly on the wearer’s head, even for long periods of time. The floating hand grip has a large, comfortable foam handle and a flame orange end cap in case it gets dropped in the water. As an aside, the Hero 12 is waterproof up to 33 feet. The included quick release mount was simple to install and works with many GoPro accessories.
If the included accessories aren’t enough, GoPro supplies many more accessories to suit almost every need. From numerous camera cases, mounts, and even a wide-angle lens, the possibilities and truly endless.
Accompanying the Hero 12 is the GoPro Quik app. App connects and syncs with the GoPro during setup. It allows you to view, download, and edit GoPro footage on the fly. Upon initial setup, it enabled me to update camera firmware as well. App is easy to navigate and understand.
A subscription service unlocks more premium features and perks like unlimited cloud storage, GoPro auto upload to cloud, discounts on the GoPro store, and a guaranteed camera replacement among others. Normally, am not a big fan of subscription services as nowadays core features are blocked behind paywalls. However, all core features and functionality of the GoPro and app are available for free, and the low cost of the subscription ($4.99 per month or $24.99 annually at the time of review) makes it worthwhile for those who desire the extra perks.
Personally, I have used this camera and accessories to timelapse car trips and record POV videos working on my car. Have been thrilled at the ease of use of the camera and am excited for the weather to warm up to record fishing videos on my kayak!
Overall, the GoPro Hero 12 is the no-compromise solution for effortless, quality clips for the true adventurer and content creator.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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vrs99's Review Comments
p>HP Split 13-g110dx Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: With the power of a laptop as well as the portability of a tablet, this split convertible HD touch-screen laptop provides the best of both worlds to work or play wherever you go.Learn more about the New Windows ›
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Good value with limitation
By CSatTX
from Houston, TX
I am writing this review using the Split X2. Bought it on Black Friday. This is a tablet and a laptop combined. With a i5 CPU, 13 inch screen, and the price, this is a very good value. For a laptop, the weight (4.4 lbs) is OK, not great.
The only con on this item is it is non-expandable. First, the memory is only 4GB and soldered. It cannot go to 8GB. Second, there is supposed to be a HD space in the keyboard unit like the other X2 models. For some reason this particular model does not have that feature.
So if you can live with 4GB memory and 128GB SSD, this is an excellent machine. I am running Lightroom and MS Office on this machine and performance could have been better.
vrs99
Drive expansion
December 29, 2013
The X2 does accept a 500GB drive in the keyboard.
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p>HP Split 13-g110dx Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: With the power of a laptop as well as the portability of a tablet, this split convertible HD touch-screen laptop provides the best of both worlds to work or play wherever you go.Learn more about the New Windows ›
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 54 convience of tablet and power of a real computer
By nearlynormal
from springfield, IL
4 out of 5. Works as advertised. The screen works as a nice sized tablet. It could certainly use aUSB port onthe screen. If you aren't carrying the keyboard and want to show some photos from a flash drive you're out of luck.
vrs99
TN
Adding flash storage
December 31, 2013
It is true the tablet does not have a USB port to throw some pictures into. But you can insert a micro SDHC card into the top/tablet. You can currently get 64 GB Micro SDHC card class 10 which will fit nicely and increase the tablets storage by 50%.
Personally I store almost 11,000 high resolution picture files which requires 29 GB of storage. So I am guessing that 64 GB would suit the average user.
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Utilizing 4 high-performance antennas and power amplifiers, this Linksys Smart Wi-Fi WRT1900AC dual-band Wireless-AC router offers optimal wireless strength and signal coverage, so you can easily connect devices throughout your home or office.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Rock Solid
By vrs99
from TN
Replaced my Linksys EA 6700 router with the WRT1900ac on my home network. The EA 6700 is a good router but it is not in the same class as the WRT1900ac.
The signal is outstanding, solid and fast throughout the whole house and outside too boot.
Setup is smooth and easy, especially if you are familiar with latest versions of the Linksys software. The router has plenty of features and added a few more since the last router versions.
Has the best Network Map I have seen, informative and quickly shows where your bandwidth is being used.
If you need/want a powerful router that is flexible and expandable (according to Linksys) in the future take a hard look at the WRT1900ac.
vrs99
TN
Plan on using eSATA? MUST READ - be Forewarned
September 3, 2014
One of my main decisions in purchasing the WRT1900ac was to attach my NetGear NAS on the eSATA port for easier access across my network.
No such luck.
Spent time with Linksys tech and neither my eSATA NAS from NetGear nor my external eSATA drive will work with the WRT1900ac.
Linksys does have a compatibility chart - somewhere - but not in their spec listings of what works with their router.
If you want to use eSATA do your homework and see if your device is compatible.
Tough Luck if your device is not on the list.
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Upgrade your laptop's storage with this Samsung 850 PRO MZ-7KE512BW internal SATA III solid state drive, which offers a generous 512GB capacity for digital data. SED (Self-Encrypting Drive) technology controls access to private information.
Overall
1 out of 5
1 out of 5Crashed and Burned after 44 Days - Good Luck
By vrs99
Fast SSD - and Extra Fast to Crash in just 44 days. Of course it was on a Friday evening and cannot speak to Samsung until Monday. Cannot Chat with them as they do not offer Chat for SSD's.
Luckily it crashed two weeks after the 30 day return period to Best Buy. Guess it is a good thing they offer 10 year warranty? But have heard they will return a refurbished unit, which will not be good on 44 day old product. Must be living on the bleeding edge, should have stuck with the Toshiba, which I can't see a real life difference in speed.
vrs99
TN
After a Day of Wrestling with the SSD
July 11, 2015
After pulling every rabbit out of my hat I finally got the SSD going again. Have to completely reload OS, etc. starting at Windows 8. Not fun.
But I am "somewhat" happy that I was able to get the drive working. Not sure what happen to the drive, but have some suspicion of a setting in Magician (software system for the 850 Pro) which boosts speed?
+2points
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Only at Best BuyUpdate your portable technology kit with this HP Omen 17-inch laptop. Ideal for gaming, this machine combines a 7th generation Intel Core i7 processor with 12GB of DDR4 RAM for ultra-fast performance on the go. An island-style backlit keyboard equipped with dedicated macro keys makes this HP Omen 17-inch laptop easy to use in the dark.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Hp omen gaming laptop
By Martinezjorge7
I recently bought the 16 omen laptop and I was able to return mine and be able to upgrade the the newest one it has a better graphic card and an new design with a better cooling vent with a 1 tb hard drive
vrs99
TN
NO DVD
July 12, 2017
There is no DVD built, you would have to use external.
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HP OMEN by HP Laptop: Power through the virtual landscape with this versatile HP Omen 15-inch laptop. Ideal for gaming, this machine packs a 7th generation Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX video card for superior graphics performance. The 1TB hard drive inside this HP Omen 15-inch laptop provides plenty for space for gaming profiles and other multimedia files.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Excellent laptop, but not the best value
By Xephyroth
from Colorado Springs, CO
This HP Omen is the 3rd gaming laptop I've ever owned, and it's undoubtedly the best one I've had the pleasure of using. However, this product isn't perfect out of the box.
FIRST IMPRESSION / UNBOXING:
Out of the box, the first thing that I noticed is that this laptop has impressive build quality. The sand-blasted brushing brings a pleasant aesthetic while also bringing solid weight and durability. It's not incredibly flashy, so it doesn't scream "gamer" like a lot of other laptops, but it definitely brings a touch of the "gamer" aesthetic without being overzealous. The notebook is also much thinner than I expected, as I've been used to much thicker gaming laptops, but I suppose the lack of an optical drive attributes to that. The power brick is fairly small and compact for a machine that's capable of entry/mid-level gaming.
Out of the box, the first thing that I noticed is that this laptop has impressive build quality. The sand-blasted brushing brings a pleasant aesthetic while also bringing solid weight and durability. It's not incredibly flashy, so it doesn't scream "gamer" like a lot of other laptops, but it definitely brings a touch of the "gamer" aesthetic without being overzealous. The notebook is also much thinner than I expected, as I've been used to much thicker gaming laptops, but I suppose the lack of an optical drive attributes to that. The power brick is fairly small and compact for a machine that's capable of entry/mid-level gaming.
DISPLAY:
Turning the display on, the 1080p IPS matte display is nice and bright, and viewing angles are decent without too much color shifting. Bezels aren't too large, and it's not something I noticed until just now while writing this review. While I'm used to Quad-HD and 4K resolutions, I was not displeased with this display in any fashion. The webcam is above the display and can record at 720p/30fps. Not the best, but not the worst webcam I've seen.
Turning the display on, the 1080p IPS matte display is nice and bright, and viewing angles are decent without too much color shifting. Bezels aren't too large, and it's not something I noticed until just now while writing this review. While I'm used to Quad-HD and 4K resolutions, I was not displeased with this display in any fashion. The webcam is above the display and can record at 720p/30fps. Not the best, but not the worst webcam I've seen.
KEYBOARD:
Typing on the keyboard is pleasant with the chiclet-style keys. It didn't take me too long to get used to the keyboard, having come from mechanical keyboards and MacBook Pro keyboards. The addition of the num-pad is certainly nice, as well. The keyboard is backlit red (as you'd expect with the Omen), but settings are very simplistic compared to other gaming laptops. The backlighting has 3 states: fully on, WASD on, or fully off. No, there are no fancy effects, and I wouldn't expect any at this price. I do find it a little bit surprising that you can't dim the backlighting, but I rarely dim the backlight on my keyboards, anyway, so it'd be a useless feature for me.
Typing on the keyboard is pleasant with the chiclet-style keys. It didn't take me too long to get used to the keyboard, having come from mechanical keyboards and MacBook Pro keyboards. The addition of the num-pad is certainly nice, as well. The keyboard is backlit red (as you'd expect with the Omen), but settings are very simplistic compared to other gaming laptops. The backlighting has 3 states: fully on, WASD on, or fully off. No, there are no fancy effects, and I wouldn't expect any at this price. I do find it a little bit surprising that you can't dim the backlighting, but I rarely dim the backlight on my keyboards, anyway, so it'd be a useless feature for me.
TRACKPAD:
Out of the box, the trackpad sensitivity was incredibly low for my personal taste. After making some adjustments to the Touchpad Settings in Windows 10, I found a sensitivity that worked well for me. The touchpad does not physically click, but there are left/right trackpad buttons. Initially, I did find the buttons to be awkwardly placed, but I actually got used to them fairly quickly. While the touchpad isn't the best I've ever used, it is pretty good, in my opinion. 2 and 3 finger gestures work, as well.
Out of the box, the trackpad sensitivity was incredibly low for my personal taste. After making some adjustments to the Touchpad Settings in Windows 10, I found a sensitivity that worked well for me. The touchpad does not physically click, but there are left/right trackpad buttons. Initially, I did find the buttons to be awkwardly placed, but I actually got used to them fairly quickly. While the touchpad isn't the best I've ever used, it is pretty good, in my opinion. 2 and 3 finger gestures work, as well.
SOUND:
The Bang & Olufsen speakers surprised me. They have good volume and a pleasant sound signature. However, they're bottom-firing, so when you put the laptop on your lap, the frequencies dampen and you lose a bit of treble/mid-range impact. Keep in mind, this is with the "B & O Play Experience" toggled on from the "Omen Audio" application. You'll definitely want to leave that on if you're using the speakers, or else the bass will disappear and will sound really anemic. I did notice some clipping at max volume when bass-heavy music was involved. Headphone jack works well as you'd expect, but doesn't promise anything fancy, so don't bother trying to drive headphones with high impedance. The built-in microphone array is good for video/voice chat session, but don't expect it to compete with a USB desktop microphone in terms of sound quality. For all casual purposes, it does just fine.
The Bang & Olufsen speakers surprised me. They have good volume and a pleasant sound signature. However, they're bottom-firing, so when you put the laptop on your lap, the frequencies dampen and you lose a bit of treble/mid-range impact. Keep in mind, this is with the "B & O Play Experience" toggled on from the "Omen Audio" application. You'll definitely want to leave that on if you're using the speakers, or else the bass will disappear and will sound really anemic. I did notice some clipping at max volume when bass-heavy music was involved. Headphone jack works well as you'd expect, but doesn't promise anything fancy, so don't bother trying to drive headphones with high impedance. The built-in microphone array is good for video/voice chat session, but don't expect it to compete with a USB desktop microphone in terms of sound quality. For all casual purposes, it does just fine.
PERFORMANCE:
This laptop comes with a 4-core / 8-thread Intel Core i7 processor. For most basic tasks, this is actually overkill. But for gamers, this is great, as more games are utilizing more threads. The GTX 1050 can play any older game at very high settings, and can still play many modern titles at medium / high settings at 1080p. 8GB of RAM is enough for most people, but individuals who multi-task with a lot of resource-intensive chrome tabs and extensions may find themselves wanting more. While the 1TB hard drive is rated for 7200RPM, I still find it unacceptable to not have the operating system installed on a Solid State Drive (SSD) for a machine at this price point. You will not be unlocking the full potential of this machine while your OS runs on a slow drive like this. Thankfully, the upgrade process is fairly simple. After consulting the service manual found on HP's support website, I unscrewed the 10 screws from the bottom of the laptop and removed the bottom panel by starting with the side closest to the display hinge. From there, you'll have access to the SATA drive bay, the M.2 SSD slot (unoccupied, but does support NVMe drives), and 2 RAM slots (with only 1 occupied). I suspect that each RAM slot supports up to 8GB, but I could not find any confirmation in any of the documents available on HP's support website.
This laptop comes with a 4-core / 8-thread Intel Core i7 processor. For most basic tasks, this is actually overkill. But for gamers, this is great, as more games are utilizing more threads. The GTX 1050 can play any older game at very high settings, and can still play many modern titles at medium / high settings at 1080p. 8GB of RAM is enough for most people, but individuals who multi-task with a lot of resource-intensive chrome tabs and extensions may find themselves wanting more. While the 1TB hard drive is rated for 7200RPM, I still find it unacceptable to not have the operating system installed on a Solid State Drive (SSD) for a machine at this price point. You will not be unlocking the full potential of this machine while your OS runs on a slow drive like this. Thankfully, the upgrade process is fairly simple. After consulting the service manual found on HP's support website, I unscrewed the 10 screws from the bottom of the laptop and removed the bottom panel by starting with the side closest to the display hinge. From there, you'll have access to the SATA drive bay, the M.2 SSD slot (unoccupied, but does support NVMe drives), and 2 RAM slots (with only 1 occupied). I suspect that each RAM slot supports up to 8GB, but I could not find any confirmation in any of the documents available on HP's support website.
I happened to have an unused SATA-based SSD, so I swapped that with the 1TB HDD and used the software that came with my SSD to transfer the OS from the HDD to the SSD. After this process, my HP Omen was substantially faster with booting the OS and running applications—a night & day difference.
BATTERY:
I haven't tested the battery life to an enormous extent, but enabling a battery estimation feature in the BIOS allows Windows 10 to report the estimated time (not just %) on battery. Depending on your brightness, power profile and workload, HP estimates 9 hours of mixed usage, and almost 7 hours of video playback. So far, I think that claim is accurate.
I haven't tested the battery life to an enormous extent, but enabling a battery estimation feature in the BIOS allows Windows 10 to report the estimated time (not just %) on battery. Depending on your brightness, power profile and workload, HP estimates 9 hours of mixed usage, and almost 7 hours of video playback. So far, I think that claim is accurate.
I/O:
The HP Omen doesn't support Thunderbolt 3, but all the USB ports support USB 3.1 (1 Type-C, 3 Type-A. There's also a gigabit ethernet jack, HDMI (HDCP 2.2, 4k@60Hz), and Mini DisplayPort. It also supports a full-size SD card which can be fully inserted into the laptop without sticking out. As mentioned before, it also sports a headphone and microphone jack.
The HP Omen doesn't support Thunderbolt 3, but all the USB ports support USB 3.1 (1 Type-C, 3 Type-A. There's also a gigabit ethernet jack, HDMI (HDCP 2.2, 4k@60Hz), and Mini DisplayPort. It also supports a full-size SD card which can be fully inserted into the laptop without sticking out. As mentioned before, it also sports a headphone and microphone jack.
CONCLUSION:
The HP Omen is a great laptop. It provides great features while also having room for a few upgrade. However, I do feel that an SSD should be included at this price—even a cheaper SATA-based M.2 or 2.5" drive would be fine. For a performance-oriented machine like this, skimping on the SSD is a poor decision on HP's part—especially at this price-point. I have seen competitor's laptops with the i7-7700HQ, GTX 1060, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD go on sale for cheaper. So in that regard, I do feel the HP Omen isn't providing as good a value, but it is objectively a good laptop—perhaps, just not as good a value when compared to other options around the same price.
The HP Omen is a great laptop. It provides great features while also having room for a few upgrade. However, I do feel that an SSD should be included at this price—even a cheaper SATA-based M.2 or 2.5" drive would be fine. For a performance-oriented machine like this, skimping on the SSD is a poor decision on HP's part—especially at this price-point. I have seen competitor's laptops with the i7-7700HQ, GTX 1060, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD go on sale for cheaper. So in that regard, I do feel the HP Omen isn't providing as good a value, but it is objectively a good laptop—perhaps, just not as good a value when compared to other options around the same price.
vrs99
TN
Support Manual web site?
July 14, 2017
Do you have the link to the HP Support Site that has the Support Manual?
Have been looking and must be in the wrong place - Thanks
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0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
HP OMEN by HP Laptop: Power through the virtual landscape with this versatile HP Omen 15-inch laptop. Ideal for gaming, this machine packs a 7th generation Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX video card for superior graphics performance. The 1TB hard drive inside this HP Omen 15-inch laptop provides plenty for space for gaming profiles and other multimedia files.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Zoom Zoom Zoom – Game On
By vrs99
from TN
This machine looks like it is going fast sitting on the desktop. The exhaust system vents on the back edges of the laptop brings to mind the tailpipes a supercar might be sporting. When it is cranking through benchmarking the cooling system and exhaust ports are doing a job, pushing volumes of hot air away from the machine.
The HP Omen is the most bang for the buck that I have ever seen in a laptop, this box is loaded with edgy technology. Not going through a list of specs, those are easy enough to find, what is impressive is that all techs are up to date, not last year’s stuff. Too many times have seen corners cut to save a dollar. Not here. Not one USB 2.0 in sight, which is surprising seeing that we just built beast of a desktop a month ago with the latest Z270 Kaby Lake i7 7700K, USB 2.0 ports still in use on an advanced motherboard. Kudos to HP.
Take a close look at the specs, you will find 802.11ac with a solid 866.7 Mbps connection. “Dual Force functionality splits traffic across two data streams, sending gaming traffic over the fastest connection available (typically wired), and all other traffic over WiFi.”
Other ports of interest (not a complete listing check the spec sheet):
1 USB 3.1 Type C
3 USB 3.1
Mini DisplayPort
3 USB 3.1
Mini DisplayPort
What I love is the fact you can purchase a HDD Omen model and then add your M.2 NVMe drive of choice, that is cool. If you are not yet familiar with M.2 NVMe you should take a look. In a word (or more) they are fast, about seven times that of a standard SSD.
What is interesting is that with the HDD the system boots up in 9 seconds, that is fully populated with my programs/anti-virus and all my files. Impressive. Being spoiled by SSD’s I must tip my hat to HP; this machine runs tremendously smooth with the 7200 RPM Hitachi HDD.
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 (4 GB GDDR5 dedicated memory) discrete GPU ran through the Unigine Heaven Benchmark smoothly turning good numbers while the cooling system kept the GPU at a respectable 68 degrees. Notable, that with all the heavy iron under the hood the system manages the temp easily.
Ran my favorite game, Civilization VI through its paces today set on the highest graphic settings and it ran like a champ.
Looks, it has the looks, brushed aluminum case with an excellent finish. Nice touches all-around.
Know it is a way cool machine as my kid, the gamer in the house is explaining all the great and subtle reasons why it would be better for him to hang onto the machine. Yeah right!
What I am getting use to is the keyboard offset, a bit to the left to make room for the full size numeric pad, which is a nice touch. Keyboard is fine and well suited for heavy accurate work, or gaming for that matter.
Want a blistering rig in your hands at an excellent price point, one that can kick it at games and can be easily expanded, check out The Omen.
vrs99
TN
Maintenance and Service - Upgrade Manual
July 15, 2017
If you purchase the Omen and wish to upgrade memory or add M.2 SSD you can find the manual here:
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05533785
+3points
3of 3voted this comment as helpful.
HP OMEN by HP Laptop: Power through the virtual landscape with this versatile HP Omen 15-inch laptop. Ideal for gaming, this machine packs a 7th generation Intel Core i7 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX video card for superior graphics performance. The 1TB hard drive inside this HP Omen 15-inch laptop provides plenty for space for gaming profiles and other multimedia files.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Zoom Zoom Zoom – Game On
By vrs99
from TN
This machine looks like it is going fast sitting on the desktop. The exhaust system vents on the back edges of the laptop brings to mind the tailpipes a supercar might be sporting. When it is cranking through benchmarking the cooling system and exhaust ports are doing a job, pushing volumes of hot air away from the machine.
The HP Omen is the most bang for the buck that I have ever seen in a laptop, this box is loaded with edgy technology. Not going through a list of specs, those are easy enough to find, what is impressive is that all techs are up to date, not last year’s stuff. Too many times have seen corners cut to save a dollar. Not here. Not one USB 2.0 in sight, which is surprising seeing that we just built beast of a desktop a month ago with the latest Z270 Kaby Lake i7 7700K, USB 2.0 ports still in use on an advanced motherboard. Kudos to HP.
Take a close look at the specs, you will find 802.11ac with a solid 866.7 Mbps connection. “Dual Force functionality splits traffic across two data streams, sending gaming traffic over the fastest connection available (typically wired), and all other traffic over WiFi.”
Other ports of interest (not a complete listing check the spec sheet):
1 USB 3.1 Type C
3 USB 3.1
Mini DisplayPort
3 USB 3.1
Mini DisplayPort
What I love is the fact you can purchase a HDD Omen model and then add your M.2 NVMe drive of choice, that is cool. If you are not yet familiar with M.2 NVMe you should take a look. In a word (or more) they are fast, about seven times that of a standard SSD.
What is interesting is that with the HDD the system boots up in 9 seconds, that is fully populated with my programs/anti-virus and all my files. Impressive. Being spoiled by SSD’s I must tip my hat to HP; this machine runs tremendously smooth with the 7200 RPM Hitachi HDD.
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 (4 GB GDDR5 dedicated memory) discrete GPU ran through the Unigine Heaven Benchmark smoothly turning good numbers while the cooling system kept the GPU at a respectable 68 degrees. Notable, that with all the heavy iron under the hood the system manages the temp easily.
Ran my favorite game, Civilization VI through its paces today set on the highest graphic settings and it ran like a champ.
Looks, it has the looks, brushed aluminum case with an excellent finish. Nice touches all-around.
Know it is a way cool machine as my kid, the gamer in the house is explaining all the great and subtle reasons why it would be better for him to hang onto the machine. Yeah right!
What I am getting use to is the keyboard offset, a bit to the left to make room for the full size numeric pad, which is a nice touch. Keyboard is fine and well suited for heavy accurate work, or gaming for that matter.
Want a blistering rig in your hands at an excellent price point, one that can kick it at games and can be easily expanded, check out The Omen.
vrs99
TN
Adding M.2 SSD
July 18, 2017
Added a M.2 SSD to the Omen and nuked all the partitions on the HDD and added it back to the system. Day and Night performance. That is one aspect I like about this model is that it does not come with an installed M.2 drive, you can pick your own SSD ads capacity.
Screams with the new M.2 and have an additionally terabyte of storage on the HDD, whcih I use to sync my files to frequently before syncing with the NAS.
Great machine.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
vrs99's Questions
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Unleash the power of the Samsung 980 PRO with Heatsink for next-level computing. With a PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ interface, get up to 2x the data transfer rate of PCIe® 3.0¹ while remaining compatible with PCIe® 3.0. ¹Results are based on a comparison with Samsung PCIe® 3.0 NVMe SSDs and SATA SSDs.
When is the release date for these on bestbuy.com?
Unleash the power of the Samsung 980 PRO with Heatsink for next-level computing. With a PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ interface, get up to 2x the data transfer rate of PCIe® 3.0¹ while remaining compatible with PCIe® 3.0. ¹Results are based on a comparison with Samsung PCIe® 3.0 NVMe SSDs and SATA SSDs.
Anyone know if the heatsink is easily removable in case I want to use it in a gaming laptop? I am not sure this will fit my laptop 2nd bay, Asus ROG m16 SSD slot. Thanks!
Look for product Samsung - 980 PRO 1TB PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe Gaming Internal Solid State Drive
Model:MZ-V8P1T0B/AM
SKU:6431939
Has no heatsink
Model:MZ-V8P1T0B/AM
SKU:6431939
Has no heatsink
2 years, 3 months ago
by
vrs99
Unleash the power of the Samsung 980 PRO with Heatsink for next-level computing. With a PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ interface, get up to 2x the data transfer rate of PCIe® 3.0¹ while remaining compatible with PCIe® 3.0. ¹Results are based on a comparison with Samsung PCIe® 3.0 NVMe SSDs and SATA SSDs.
When is the release date for these on bestbuy.com?
It’s easy to transform your home into a safe haven with SimpliSafe’s award-winning security system. Everything is simple to set up, effortless to use, and designed to do one thing only: keep your home and family safe. Outdoor security cameras let you see everything happening in full HD. So you can spot trouble before it comes knocking and capture the evidence if it does. And if someone tries to break in, the burglary sensors will sound the alarm right away. But that’s not all. Whenever your alarm goes off, we’ll call you and send police, firefighters, or ambulances to your door in a snap — and stay on the line with you until they arrive. So no matter where you are or what you’re doing, your home is protected 24/7.
Are the outside cameras motion sensor and shine a light in dark areas?
It’s easy to transform your home into a safe haven with SimpliSafe’s award-winning security system. Everything is simple to set up, effortless to use, and designed to do one thing only: keep your home and family safe. Outdoor security cameras let you see everything happening in full HD. So you can spot trouble before it comes knocking and capture the evidence if it does. And if someone tries to break in, the burglary sensors will sound the alarm right away. But that’s not all. Whenever your alarm goes off, we’ll call you and send police, firefighters, or ambulances to your door in a snap — and stay on the line with you until they arrive. So no matter where you are or what you’re doing, your home is protected 24/7.
How do the cameras attach to the house?
It comes with mounting plate that uses two screws to mount and a magnet which the camera attaches to. Believe they may have another mount that will screw into back of camera housing, that would be more secure.
2 years, 4 months ago
by
vrs99
It’s easy to transform your home into a safe haven with SimpliSafe’s award-winning security system. Everything is simple to set up, effortless to use, and designed to do one thing only: keep your home and family safe. Outdoor security cameras let you see everything happening in full HD. So you can spot trouble before it comes knocking and capture the evidence if it does. And if someone tries to break in, the burglary sensors will sound the alarm right away. But that’s not all. Whenever your alarm goes off, we’ll call you and send police, firefighters, or ambulances to your door in a snap — and stay on the line with you until they arrive. So no matter where you are or what you’re doing, your home is protected 24/7.
Do you have tonoay for monthly monitoring
No, you can monitor your own system.
They have two monitoring plans which I believe are $15 or $25 depending on what works for you.
They have two monitoring plans which I believe are $15 or $25 depending on what works for you.
2 years, 4 months ago
by
vrs99
Connecting virtually with friends and co-workers gets a major upgrade with the monitor’s built-in camera, noise-cancelling microphones and dual 5W speakers. You’ll enjoy amazing video clarity and crystal-clear sound. Versatile USB-C connectivity delivers video, audio and data, and charges your laptop. Plus, with just one cord, you'll have a clutter-free desk space. A super clear 5MP IR pop-up camera features facial recognition through Windows Hello for convenient, instant sign-on to Windows. The best part? The camera stays hidden until you're ready for video chatting or selfies. A height-adjustable stand and a monitor that tilts, swivels and pivots so you look your best and feel your best for all-day conferencing.
Does this computer have a webcam and a USB - C port?
Smart security that is designed for every home. Set up in minutes, and receive notifications from the app whenever a visitor presses your Video Doorbell or motion is detected. You can also choose to wire it to sound your existing home chime. Blink Video Doorbell lets you answer your door no matter where you are. Receive customizable alerts right from the Blink Home Monitor app, and experience helpful features like HD day and night video and two-way audio. Best part – Blink’s long-battery life technology provides peace of mind for up to two years.
Does it come with mounting bracket
Smart security that is designed for every home. Set up in minutes, and receive notifications from the app whenever a visitor presses your Video Doorbell or motion is detected. You can also choose to wire it to sound your existing home chime. Blink Video Doorbell lets you answer your door no matter where you are. Receive customizable alerts right from the Blink Home Monitor app, and experience helpful features like HD day and night video and two-way audio. Best part – Blink’s long-battery life technology provides peace of mind for up to two years.
Can you record live videos with the module also ?
Harness your PC's potential with the 980. Whether you need a boost for gaming or a seamless workflow for heavy graphics, the 980 is a smart choice for outstanding SSD performance — and it's all backed by an NVMe* interface and PCIe 3.0 technology.