vrs99's stats
- Review count220
- Helpfulness votes1,302
- First reviewJanuary 3, 2014
- Last reviewAugust 7, 2026
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
- Review comment count5
- Helpfulness votes6
- First review commentJuly 11, 2015
- Last review commentJuly 18, 2017
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count45
- Helpfulness votes47
- First answerDecember 31, 2013
- Last answerJanuary 17, 2022
- Featured answers0
- Best answers1
Get a better grip on your gaming with the HARPOON v2 WIRELESS Gaming Mouse. CORSAIR~s iconic asymmetric ergonomic shape and textured side grips deliver comfortable control and reduced thumb fatigue for all your daily gaming. Keep your aim on point with the crisp precision of the 26K DPI CORSAIR MARKSMAN sensor. Customize the 6 programmable buttons to get instant access to important abilities or powerful macros. With 140 hours* of battery life, you~ll enjoy days of wireless freedom before your mouse needs a recharge.
Customer Rating
4
Solid Gaming at Fantastic Price
on August 7, 2026
Posted by: vrs99
The Corsair Harpoon V2 Wireless delivers solid gaming performance at a fantastic price. Built on Corsair’s well known Harpoon shape, this mouse keeps things lightweight, comfortable, and fast.
It’s lighter than what I usually use, but that actually works in its favor. Movements feel snappy and effortless, and it fits my medium sized hand perfectly. It’s on the smaller side, so players with larger hands may want something bigger, but for me it’s been smooth, responsive, and consistently reliable.
This isn’t Corsair’s top tier mouse, but it punches well above its price. FPS and MOBA players who like compact mice will appreciate the comfortable shape, strong wireless performance, and excellent battery life. The 26K DPI sensor is more than enough for competitive play, and tracking has been consistently accurate.
Highlights:
• Comfortable asymmetrical design
• Six programmable buttons
• 6" braided USB cable
• Lightweight feel
• Excellent battery life
• “Iconic ergonomic shape”
• 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and USB C connectivity
• 26K DPI CORSAIR MARKSMAN sensor
• Comfortable asymmetrical design
• Six programmable buttons
• 6" braided USB cable
• Lightweight feel
• Excellent battery life
• “Iconic ergonomic shape”
• 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and USB C connectivity
• 26K DPI CORSAIR MARKSMAN sensor
The Corsair Harpoon v2 Wireless Gaming Mouse delivers fast, accurate performance, a comfortable shape, and genuinely impressive battery life at a price that’s hard to beat. If you prefer compact, lightweight mice and want reliable wireless gaming without overspending, this one earns a spot on your shortlist.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Performance never looked so good. Say hello to the OmniBook Ultra~thin, light, and military-gradedurable, with an ultra-efficient neural engine and OLED display delivering smart, immersive, cool performance for the AI era.
Customer Rating
5
Next Gen AI PC Done Right: HP’s OmniBook Ultra 14
on June 18, 2026
Posted by: vrs99
The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 (2026) makes a strong first impression. It’s compact, solidly built, and the design shows clear intention in both the lines and materials. It looks modern and confident without trying to draw attention. The chassis uses HP’s Forged Aluminum and has passed 20 MIL SPEC tests, giving it a rare mix of durability and clean aesthetics. It’s an ideal fit for mobile professionals, students, hybrid workers, or home users who want a portable, high performance laptop that adapts easily to everyday tasks.
“Next Gen AI PC” was a new term to me until the OmniBook arrived, but it turns out the label has a very specific meaning in today’s AI focused hardware landscape. It refers to Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC class - systems built around powerful on device AI acceleration, specifically NPUs delivering 40+ TOPS. The OmniBook Ultra 14 clears that bar with a 50 TOPS NPU, which is legitimately impressive.
And that matters, because HP’s 2026 redesign isn’t just a spec refresh - it’s a platform shift. The new Intel Ultra 7 Evo architecture brings noticeably better balance than my 2024 OmniBook Ultra Flip, which is already a capable machine. The CPU stays responsive under load, the integrated GPU performs above expectations, and the NPU quietly offloads background AI tasks that used to bog systems down. The result is a system that feels lighter on its feet: apps open instantly, multitasking stays smooth, and the machine runs cooler because the CPU isn’t being hammered by every AI related process.
The display builds on that foundation. HP’s 14 inch 3K OLED panel is bright, sharp, and color accurate without draining the battery. Text stays crisp, motion stays clean, and the system doesn’t need to spin up the GPU just to render the desktop. It’s the kind of screen that makes long sessions - coding, writing, editing - feel effortless.
Out of curiosity, I loaded a fairly demanding title - Civilization VI - fully expecting tearing and stutters. Instead, the game ran at the native 2880×1800 resolution with a mix of medium and high settings and stayed smooth throughout. To be clear, this isn’t a gaming machine, but the fact that it handled Civ VI this well says a lot about the efficiency of the new platform.
Intel’s Ultra 7 architecture shows its maturity here. It’s no longer about raw clock speeds - it’s about orchestration. The hybrid design, paired with the 50 TOPS NPU, gives the system a balance and efficiency the older platforms never had. The 2026 OmniBook remake delivers the kind of responsiveness that feels genuinely modern - a platform built around a new set of rules.
Key Specs
• 1 TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD
• 3× USB C (USB4 / Thunderbolt 4, 40 Gbps)
• 16 GB LPDDR5x
• Wi Fi 7 BE211 (2×2) — solid 4.8 Gbps
• Bluetooth 6.0
• Premium trackpad
• “Battery life: up to 22.75 hours”
• Fast charge: ~50% in 45 minutes
• 65W ultra compact GaN USB C adapter
• 1.28 kg, 10.6 mm thin
• Intel Core Ultra 7 356H (2 nm process)
• 3× USB C (USB4 / Thunderbolt 4, 40 Gbps)
• 16 GB LPDDR5x
• Wi Fi 7 BE211 (2×2) — solid 4.8 Gbps
• Bluetooth 6.0
• Premium trackpad
• “Battery life: up to 22.75 hours”
• Fast charge: ~50% in 45 minutes
• 65W ultra compact GaN USB C adapter
• 1.28 kg, 10.6 mm thin
• Intel Core Ultra 7 356H (2 nm process)
Bottom line: The OmniBook Ultra 14 (2026) is a confident step forward for HP’s thin and light line. The redesign is meaningful, the 3K OLED upgrade is transformative, and Intel’s Ultra platform finally feels like a complete, well orchestrated solution. For mobile professionals, students, and hybrid workers, it stands out as one of the most balanced ultraportables of the year. What surprised me most is how much advancement HP delivered in a 14 inch form factor.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Lighter gets mightier with the Google Fitbit Air Special Edition Stephen Curry.~,~ The lightweight, micro-adjustable fit is comfortable through work, play, and sleep. The water-resistant coating makes it ultra sweatproof and moisture-wicking for your toughest workouts.~,~ And Stephen Curry and his performance team joined forces with Google~s trusted innovators to bring you Google Health, so you can perform your best.~
Customer Rating
5
A device that fits your lifestyle
on June 11, 2026
Posted by: vrs99
I’ve been a Fitbit fan since 2018. My first device was the Fitbit Charge, and I’ve relied on Fitbit ever since to monitor my health, track my stats, and keep me motivated. A couple of weeks ago, Google released its new unified health platform, Google Health app, replacing the Fitbit app and bringing all of Google’s wearable health tracking devices together into one integrated experience.
Right on the heels of that release, the new Google Fitbit Air arrived at my home. At first, I wondered why it didn’t have a watch face, since I’ve grown so accustomed to the Fitbit Charge series. It only took a moment for the reasoning to click. My wife saw the new Air band and was immediately drawn to the design of the Google Fitbit Air: Special Edition Stephen Curry. I had given her a Fitbit before to help track her health and workout stats, but she never cared for wearing a watch. The Air band, though, is a completely different story - this one she actually likes.
One of the main reasons I’ve stuck with the Google Fitbit line is its reliable, consistent health tracking. Day after day, it gives me step counts, cardio heart rate readings, and activity data I can trust.
Each morning, I check my Fitbit sleep score and data, and I have to admit - it’s impressively accurate across the entire sleep spectrum. It nails the timing on Total Awake, REM, Light, and Deep sleep without fail. After eight years of Fitbit sleep tracking, I can tell you this much: when the score is good, I wake up ready for the day, and when the score isn’t so flattering, I can feel the drag before I even make it to my morning tea. Sleep tracking has always been strong, but it’s now improved further by being “calculated with new algorithms in Google Health.”
Honestly, with the range of health metrics Fitbit Air monitors, it’s basically the world’s most polite little surveillance device - quietly tracking the things that matter enough to keep me rolling along in good tune.
My favorite Health Metrics include:
- Core Health Metrics – Resting heart rate/heart rate/heart rhythm
- Weekly Cardio
- Distance – steps and miles (does not record bike miles though indicates spinning/cardio)
- Readiness – Heart rate variability/past week of sleep/resting heart rate
- Calories burned
- Zone and Exercise days
- Hydration Log
- Strength and Cario workout videos
- Core Health Metrics – Resting heart rate/heart rate/heart rhythm
- Weekly Cardio
- Distance – steps and miles (does not record bike miles though indicates spinning/cardio)
- Readiness – Heart rate variability/past week of sleep/resting heart rate
- Calories burned
- Zone and Exercise days
- Hydration Log
- Strength and Cario workout videos
Notes:
- Water resistant to 50 meters = swim proof
- Excellent battery life – up to a week
- Fast charging
- Straightforward - no nonsense design
- Seamless transition into Google’s new health ecosystem
- Focuses on health and fitness - not apps and distractions
- Proven durability - kind that builds confidence over time
- AI Health Coach (Gemini subscription): can build weekly workout plans and targets that keep you on track – Impressive
- Water resistant to 50 meters = swim proof
- Excellent battery life – up to a week
- Fast charging
- Straightforward - no nonsense design
- Seamless transition into Google’s new health ecosystem
- Focuses on health and fitness - not apps and distractions
- Proven durability - kind that builds confidence over time
- AI Health Coach (Gemini subscription): can build weekly workout plans and targets that keep you on track – Impressive
Google Fitbit Air is a full-time health tracking band, built to record your body’s signals continuously and quietly. I like how lightweight and comfortable it is. I can wear it 24/7 without even noticing it, which is a big part of why I’ve stayed with Fitbit for so many years. I’ve tried a few bulkier sports watches - nice devices with plenty of features - but even with all that, I’ve stayed with Fitbit.
Where the runner meets the road (pun intended) for me is this: it all comes down to one thing - motivation is paramount to everything that follows.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
The INKvestment 5110 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer optimizes your workflow with business-minded features and a small footprint that fits within your space. The INKvestment 5110 keeps small businesses in mind, with productivity-enhancing capabilities including single-pass duplex (2-sided) copy and scan capabilities up to 50 sheets via the automatic document feeder (ADF)(1), a 500-sheet paper capacity between two trays, and a 100-sheet multipurpose tray(1). Convenient dual-band wireless(2), Gigabit Ethernet, and Cloud connectivity options(3) are available on the 4.3~ color touchscreen. This color inkjet printer reliably outputs vibrant colors and bold, rich blacks, and Page Gauge(4) monitors your ink usage, so you know when you~re running low. When paired with the Brother Mobile Connect app you can get started quickly with an intuitive step-by-step guided setup ~ plus, you~ll gain the ability to print from virtually anywhere on your mobile device(5). Produce beautiful prints in vibrant color and bold blacks at fast print speeds with Brother Genuine LC506 Ink cartridges ~ the only brand we recommend for your Brother printer.
Customer Rating
5
Home and Office-Level Printing Done Right
on June 7, 2026
Posted by: vrs99
After years as a Director of IT, overseeing everything from desktop printers to large‑format plotters, I’ve learned to recognize quality quickly. The Brother MFC‑J5110DW delivers exactly that - a clear standard of performance with reliable output, consistent quality, and the efficiency today’s organizations demand, from home offices and small businesses to niche enterprise environments.
Spoiler alert for this review: I’ve been a fan of Brother printers for a long time, and they’ve consistently remained a go‑to choice for me. Case in point - there’s a Brother color laser sitting in my home office right next to my new Brother MFC‑J5110DW.
Impressed with the printer’s core strengths, this compact multifunction model delivers reliable performance, excellent paper‑handling flexibility, fast print speeds, laser‑quality output, and full legal‑size capability. The MFC‑J5110DW stands out as an all‑in‑one that offers strong value.
The two places where the rubber truly meets the road in printing are paper handling and output speeds:
- The versatility of the printer’s paper‑handling options in a compact, business‑level unit is genuinely remarkable, delivering the kind of flexibility that lets you move from everyday documents to specialty media without breaking stride
- Produces outstanding‑looking documents and does so with impressive speed
- Laser Quality on Best setting
- “500-Sheet paper capacity and 100-sheet multi-purpose tray”
- “Single pass duplex Copy & Scan”
- Two‑sided copy jobs process so quickly they feel instantaneous.
- The versatility of the printer’s paper‑handling options in a compact, business‑level unit is genuinely remarkable, delivering the kind of flexibility that lets you move from everyday documents to specialty media without breaking stride
- Produces outstanding‑looking documents and does so with impressive speed
- Laser Quality on Best setting
- “500-Sheet paper capacity and 100-sheet multi-purpose tray”
- “Single pass duplex Copy & Scan”
- Two‑sided copy jobs process so quickly they feel instantaneous.
iPrint&Scan is Brother’s mobile app for its printers, and it’s been around long enough to feel mature and well‑thought‑out. It’s intuitive, covers the essentials for managing your machines, and makes mobile printing straightforward. iPrint&Scan fits seamlessly into day‑to‑day use, giving you mobile printing, scanning, faxing, and basic printer maintenance from a clean, simple interface that is user friendly.
The Brother iPrint&Scan app connected to my MFC‑J5110DW instantly and integrated into my workflow just as seamlessly as my MFC‑L3720CDW, making both printers feel like natural parts of my home office setup.
Setup options include the iPrint&Scan app, the onboard LCD control panel, or a Windows installation. I chose the iPrint&Scan app (recommended), which delivered a smooth, fast, and complete setup experience.
The MFC‑J5110DW’s 4.3" LCD control panel provides access to all major functions while displaying ink levels and maintenance alerts. It also supports six customizable home screens for tailoring the interface to your workflow. Navigation is straightforward and responsive.
Notes:
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB connection
- OS’s supported; Windows, Windows Server and macOS
- Brother Utilities – access to all tools
- Built in Triple Security – Mopria certified printer – ‘Business level robust layered security features’
- Online Manuals – Complete from basic setup to IT system administration
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet and USB connection
- OS’s supported; Windows, Windows Server and macOS
- Brother Utilities – access to all tools
- Built in Triple Security – Mopria certified printer – ‘Business level robust layered security features’
- Online Manuals – Complete from basic setup to IT system administration
The Brother MFC‑J5110DW is a practical, budget‑minded A4 all‑in‑one that sticks to the fundamentals: steady, dependable everyday output. Its compact footprint slips easily into a home office, and the feature set covers exactly what light business users actually need. If your priorities are reliable text, simple scanning, and hassle‑free wireless printing, this machine fits the bill. For basic office workflows, it delivers consistent performance at a price that stays reasonable.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Meet the next wave of everyday computing with the first ASUS All-in-One powered by Snapdragon X Series. Built for fast, responsive performance and AI-enhanced experiences, this sleek 23.8~ touchscreen PC keeps everything you need in one streamlined design. From work tasks and video calls to streaming and browsing, the Snapdragon X platform delivers smooth performance with impressive power efficiency. The vibrant Full HD display with ultra-slim bezels gives you more screen and less distraction, while built-in AI capabilities help optimize performance, enhance video calls, and keep your workflow moving without slowdowns. With a clean white finish, wireless keyboard and mouse, and a clutter-free setup, this all-in-one is designed to fit naturally into any space~whether it~s your home office, dorm, or shared workspace.
Customer Rating
5
Snapdragon X - Real World Responsiveness
on May 25, 2026
Posted by: vrs99
First impression: The ASUS VM441 AiO delivers a fantastic visual presence, with a crisp, modern design that elevates the look of any room it’s placed in. Little did I know it would end up in our kitchen alcove - my wife’s idea, and a surprisingly perfect fit.
Setup is as easy as it gets: plug in the ASUS VM441 AiO, pop batteries into the included mouse and keyboard, insert the USB dongle, and power it on. That’s it - you’re up and running.
When I began installing Windows updates and apps, I was impressed all over again - the system feels snappy and responsive. It’s genuinely quick, and both updates and software installations ran smoothly. Response times for opening programs like Word, Outlook, Phone Link, and even launching other apps are as fast or faster on the ASUS VM441 AiO than on my Intel Ultra 7 machine.
This is my first Snapdragon X–powered computer, and I’m genuinely impressed with the NPU. Qualcomm’s Hexagon NPU, rated at 45 TOPS, is the same AI engine used across all Snapdragon X chips - including the X, X Plus, and X Elite. That 45‑TOPS capability allows multiple AI models to run at the same time without putting strain on the CPU or GPU. “In practical terms, you can run several AI‑driven apps simultaneously without taking noticeable hits to system performance or battery life.”
To put it another way, the NPU in the ASUS VM441 AiO (Snapdragon X) is remarkably powerful and highly efficient.
Where the VM441 AiO Shines:
- Everyday productivity (Office, web, multitasking)
- Instant wake and responsiveness
- Low power draw
- Quiet operation - fanless, cool‑running system
- Clean, modern design
- Sharp 24” monitor
- AI operations – Full AI horsepower
- Everyday productivity (Office, web, multitasking)
- Instant wake and responsiveness
- Low power draw
- Quiet operation - fanless, cool‑running system
- Clean, modern design
- Sharp 24” monitor
- AI operations – Full AI horsepower
The ASUS VM441 AiO isn’t a gaming machine, but for CoPilot+ AI, office tasks, home use, and creative work, it’s a very capable system.
That said, I ran Civilization VI on medium graphics, and the VM441 AiO surprised me with how smoothly it performed. For a system that isn’t built for gaming, that’s impressive muscle.
Tech Notes:
- Snapdragon X Processor - 8 cores, up to 3.0 GHz.
- Qualcomm Hexagon NPU - 45 TOPS
- 1080p IR camera with privacy shutter - supports Windows Hello
- 23.8” full HD display - clarity and color accuracy are brilliant (anti-glare)
- Touchscreen 75hz – Highly responsive – the best that I have used!
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 16GB LPDDR5X
- 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
- LAN Port
- Bluetooth 5.3
- 1 USB C 3.2 Gen1
- 2× USB 2.0
- 1× USB A (3.2 Gen 1)
- HDMI – out port
- Snapdragon X Processor - 8 cores, up to 3.0 GHz.
- Qualcomm Hexagon NPU - 45 TOPS
- 1080p IR camera with privacy shutter - supports Windows Hello
- 23.8” full HD display - clarity and color accuracy are brilliant (anti-glare)
- Touchscreen 75hz – Highly responsive – the best that I have used!
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 16GB LPDDR5X
- 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
- LAN Port
- Bluetooth 5.3
- 1 USB C 3.2 Gen1
- 2× USB 2.0
- 1× USB A (3.2 Gen 1)
- HDMI – out port
As my first experience with an ARM‑powered (Snapdragon) system, the VM441 AiO impressed me from the moment I powered it on, and it didn’t take long for me to appreciate just how much I like the ARM architecture. It gives the strong impression of being an extremely stable, low‑maintenance platform with very few headaches.
What I like about the ASUS VM441 AiO starts with its modern, up‑to‑date design - “crafted around a brand‑new ASUS chassis” - a beautiful minimalist look paired with quiet operation and snappy responsiveness in everyday use, making it one of the stronger Copilot+ all‑in‑one options.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Performance awaits with OMEN Components. Get game-changing performance with an AMD Ryzen 5 8400F processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics. Experience faster gameplay with AI-enhanced features, including AI-powered DLSS, real-time ray tracing, and ultra-responsive gameplay. Stand out with full aRGB control and more inside OMEN Gaming Hub, and choose from various aesthetic options to add your personal flair. Plus, with DTS: X Ultra technology, experience authentic, spatially accurate 3D sound to enjoy the best entertainment experience. Make your choice with OMEN Components inside, and when it comes time to upgrade, it's easy with an industry-standard form factor and toolless access.
Customer Rating
5
Solid Performance Across the Gaming Board
on May 12, 2026
Posted by: vrs99
I’m taking a different approach with this review and skipping the usual looks and hardware intro to give HP some well earned kudos on their packaging. I’ve reviewed a lot of computers and devices over the years, and I honestly can’t recall another moment when I opened a box and genuinely thought, “Wow.”
That said, the HP OMEN 35L makes a strong first impression - its streamlined Panda White profile, clean exterior, and neatly arranged interior all signal thoughtful engineering. The lower 16 inch stance and well executed design give it a sharp, purposeful presence in any environment.
The HP OMEN 35L with the Ryzen 5 8400F and RTX 5060 is an impressive mid range tower, delivering solid real world performance and convincing 3DMark scores (pictured below), backed by smooth, reliable power and remarkably quiet operation.
Hardware Notes
• AMD Ryzen™ 5 8400F - 6 cores / 12 threads, Zen 4, 4.2 GHz base, up to 4.7–5.0 GHz boost, 16 MB L3, 65 W TDP, no NPU
• Samsung MZVL81T0HFLB 00BH1 - PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD
• NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 Ti — 8 GB GDDR7
• Kingston HP60U40S8HA 16FRE 16GB DDR5 6000 expandable to 128 GB
• RealTek RTL88552BE Wi Fi 6 (802.11ax) - upgradable to Wi Fi 7
• Cooling - The system stays impressively cool during sustained gaming sessions, a clear sign of efficient, well managed airflow.
• RGB - Controlled via OMEN Gaming Hub
• AMD Ryzen™ 5 8400F - 6 cores / 12 threads, Zen 4, 4.2 GHz base, up to 4.7–5.0 GHz boost, 16 MB L3, 65 W TDP, no NPU
• Samsung MZVL81T0HFLB 00BH1 - PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD
• NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 Ti — 8 GB GDDR7
• Kingston HP60U40S8HA 16FRE 16GB DDR5 6000 expandable to 128 GB
• RealTek RTL88552BE Wi Fi 6 (802.11ax) - upgradable to Wi Fi 7
• Cooling - The system stays impressively cool during sustained gaming sessions, a clear sign of efficient, well managed airflow.
• RGB - Controlled via OMEN Gaming Hub
A capable, solid performing mid range gaming platform built around a modern GPU and enclosed in a well designed, visually appealing, upgrade friendly chassis. AMD’s Radeon RX 5060 produces consistently smooth frame delivery, delivering excellent 1440p Ultra results and surprisingly capable 4K performance with ray tracing engaged.
“Brilliant out of the box performance, needing little to no tuning to shine.”
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
The sleek, low-profile VANGUARD AIR 99 WIRELESS keyboard delivers exceptional performance across all aspects
of your life, making controlling everything seamless. Enhance productivity using Stream Deck integration and SD-keys
to streamline your daily tasks. Unleash serious gaming performance with ultra-responsive OPX low-profile optical
switches and 8,000Hz hyper-polling. With its elegant aluminum frame and brilliant LCD screen, it’ll be your stunning
new desktop centerpiece. Enjoy exceptional typing feel and acoustics with premium gasket mounting and 5-layer sound dampening. Connect how you want, where you want. Get tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and USB-C) and multiplatform compatibility with PC, Mac, console, and more.
Customer Rating
5
Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Delivers the Edge
on April 12, 2026
Posted by: vrs99
When my Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless keyboard arrived, my first thought was that this wasn’t just another keyboard - it immediately felt like something unique. And it truly is more distinct than anything I’ve ever typed on, thanks to its very low‑profile design aimed at hitting a sweet spot of full‑on gaming and everyday productivity.
First hands‑on impressions land a few different ways. The Vanguard Air 99’s design feels noticeably different from a standard keyboard, even compared to my daily driver - so I’ve found myself re‑learning the layout’s natural flow. The keys provide good feedback in feel and sound damping is spot on with gasket‑isolated structure combined with a multi‑layer acoustic dampening stack.
After a few days of working and gaming with the Vanguard Air 99 Wireless, it’s clear this keyboard is built for fast, competitive play while still holding its own as a solid daily driver. The keycaps reflect that intent: they’re slightly larger, flatter, and more closely spaced than usual, which makes rapid movements feel smoother and more controlled. My fingers glide across the board instead of catching on edges - something you notice immediately when you compare it side‑by‑side with a typical keyboard.
Results from gameplay were impressive. Once I acclimated to the board’s layout, the Vanguard Air 99 Wireless delivered a smooth, fast experience unlike anything I’ve used before. It genuinely elevates the pace of play and gives you that extra edge you’re always looking for on the keyboard.
Likes and Notes:
- FlashTap SOCD handling - delivering ultra‑fast, highly responsive input
- Bluetooth, USB-A, and 2.4GHz Slipstream Wi-Fi v2, (Corsair’s fastest wireless)
- Elgato Stream Deck app integration
- Integrated Stream Deck SD keys with native Elgato support
- Windows and Mac – easy switch over from one system to the other
- Two level flip out feet – nice having two elevations of height
- Plastic/metal construction – Sculpted aluminum frame
- 100% RGB with no bleed thru
- Brilliant LCD screen – a genuinely impressive display with a lot of capability
- FlashTap SOCD handling - delivering ultra‑fast, highly responsive input
- Bluetooth, USB-A, and 2.4GHz Slipstream Wi-Fi v2, (Corsair’s fastest wireless)
- Elgato Stream Deck app integration
- Integrated Stream Deck SD keys with native Elgato support
- Windows and Mac – easy switch over from one system to the other
- Two level flip out feet – nice having two elevations of height
- Plastic/metal construction – Sculpted aluminum frame
- 100% RGB with no bleed thru
- Brilliant LCD screen – a genuinely impressive display with a lot of capability
Gamers will be drawn to the Vanguard Air 99 Wireless for its combination of Corsair’s OPX optical switches, 8,000 Hz hyper‑polling, and a solid, well‑engineered build throughout the keyboard.
If you are looking for:
- A top‑tier low‑profile gaming keyboard
- Optical switches with extremely fast response
- Wireless performance that feels as immediate as wired
- Stream Deck SD keys that boost productivity or streaming workflows
Choose the Vanguard Air 99 Wireless
- A top‑tier low‑profile gaming keyboard
- Optical switches with extremely fast response
- Wireless performance that feels as immediate as wired
- Stream Deck SD keys that boost productivity or streaming workflows
Choose the Vanguard Air 99 Wireless
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
The Keychron Q6 Ultra 8K is a premium full-size mechanical keyboard engineered for gamers and power users who demand speed, precision, and customization. Its ultra-fast 8,000 Hz polling rate~available in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes~delivers exceptionally responsive input for competitive play and high-speed workflows. Tactile Silk POM brown switches provide smooth, satisfying feedback, while the sturdy backplate and redesigned rubber feet ensure a solid, stable typing experience. Triple-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth) keeps you versatile across devices and setups. With ZMK firmware and Launcher software, you can program every key, layer, and macro to match your exact workflow. A refined control knob and available color-variant keycaps elevate both function and style, giving the Q6 Ultra 8K a polished presence on any desk.
Customer Rating
5
Top-Tier Quality – High End Performance
on February 23, 2026
Posted by: vrs99
My first impression hit the moment the UPS driver handed me the box - this thing is heavy. The keyboard alone weighs 5.7 pounds. It is a full‑size aluminum‑chassis board with crisp, minimal edges and a clean, modern aesthetic that fits naturally into both office and gaming setups.
Beyond the beauty and clean lines of the chassis, you eventually discover what is sitting at the heart of this keyboard: an ARM Cortex‑M4 microcontroller with DSP extensions and floating‑point support “an architecture built for fast, efficient embedded computing.” Never in my decades in IT did I imagine I would be talking about the microchip inside a keyboard, yet here we are. Microcontrollers have been part of keyboards for years, of course, but I have never encountered one this capable.
The ARM Cortex‑M4 microcontroller Brings fast and smooth to the game. Along with ZMK, a “modern, open‑source keyboard firmware built specifically for wireless mechanical keyboards, designed to be lightweight, power‑efficient, and highly customizable.” Overall, what you find is amazingly fast processing, 8KHz Polling Rate, which is ‘The Cutting Edge’ for today’s high-end gamers. Bottom line: the microprocessor delivers strikingly low input latency and 660 hours of run-time – Best I have ever seen.
Keychron Launcher configuration tool
Centralized management of the keyboard’s advanced features:
Centralized management of the keyboard’s advanced features:
- Flexible keymapping
- Firmware Update
- Full RGB Lighting management - available through onboard keys. As good as it gets
- Macros and shortcuts customization
- Works on Windows & macOS
- Optional Sound Effects
- Firmware Update
- Full RGB Lighting management - available through onboard keys. As good as it gets
- Macros and shortcuts customization
- Works on Windows & macOS
- Optional Sound Effects
Notes:
- Keychron Silk POM Brown switches – Smooth travel
- Versatile, with full support for both PC and Apple
- Mac Mode Built In - Works with All Apple Devices
- USB or 2.4 GHz wireless - rear switch toggles between G (2.4 GHz) and BT 5.3
- Bluetooth 5.3 lets you switch keyboard between three devices
- 8KHz Polling Rate is supported in both wireless 2.4GHz and wired
- Full size layout with numpad
- “Design‑Focused Keyboard Backplane Graphic”
- Full aluminum construction
- Solid all around, with an ‘anchored’ feel on the desktop
- “Improved stabilizers with less rattle”
- Double gasket design and sound absorbing foam- excellent sound dampening
- Versatile, with full support for both PC and Apple
- Mac Mode Built In - Works with All Apple Devices
- USB or 2.4 GHz wireless - rear switch toggles between G (2.4 GHz) and BT 5.3
- Bluetooth 5.3 lets you switch keyboard between three devices
- 8KHz Polling Rate is supported in both wireless 2.4GHz and wired
- Full size layout with numpad
- “Design‑Focused Keyboard Backplane Graphic”
- Full aluminum construction
- Solid all around, with an ‘anchored’ feel on the desktop
- “Improved stabilizers with less rattle”
- Double gasket design and sound absorbing foam- excellent sound dampening
Included accessories: a keycap and switch remover for cleaning and swapping parts, a screwdriver, an Allen key, USB adapters, and extra keycaps.
I had a small hesitation about moving from a fully tactile board to the Silk switches, but that faded within minutes of typing. I’m completely won over by Keychron’s new Silk POM Brown switches - the keys feel remarkably smooth and genuinely satisfying.
Who will want this keyboard? Writers, programmers, and professionals who want a solid, quiet, premium typing experience - and gamers who care about ultra‑low latency. It’s a rare board that serves both groups well.
A keyboard I found designed and engineered to feel premium every time your hands touch it, and the Keychron Q6 Ultra 8K delivers exactly that with every keystroke.
A standout board - and one I ful
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
This bundle includes our best camera yet~HERO13 Black~plus the Dual Battery Charger, 3 Enduro batteries, a 64GB SD card and a camera case. In addition to best-in-class 5.3K60 video and legendary durability, HERO13 Black is compatible with HB-Series Lenses. These lenses expand your capture capabilities for more immersive POV shots, the ability to focus closer than ever, motion blur using neutral density filters and anamorphic footage. The powerful Enduro battery delivers incredible recording time in all weather conditions, while an updated mounting system delivers more mounting flexibility than any GoPro before it. And with essential features such as HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilization, automatic highlight videos and the ability to auto upload your footage to the cloud,2 HERO13 Black delivers an incredible combination of leading-edge tech and creative possibilities.
Customer Rating
4
Go the Distance with GoPro Hero
on December 30, 2025
Posted by: vrs99
The GoPro Hero 13 Extended Power Bundle is perfect for those who want the most battery life out of their GoPro and who already have existing GoPro mounting hardware.
The Extended Power Bundle comes with a hard case, three enduro batteries, battery charger, 64GB SanDisk MicroSD card, adhesive mount and two USB Type-C cables. The new enduro batteries introduced with the Hero 13 are 1,900mAh. A slight improvement over the 1,720mAh battery of the Hero 12. It is important to note that the Hero 12 and Hero 13 batteries are incompatible with each other. A bummer for those with stockpiled Hero 9-12 batteries.
Setup is simple; however, you have to scan a QR code to download the “GoPro Quik app to complete. The GoPro is unusable without the app, which prompts a camera update upon initial setup. Update is quick, and setup is simple.
The GoPro Hero 13’s hardware is nearly identical to the Hero 12. The Hero 13 utilizes the same 27 MP 1/1.9 CMOS sensor with the same 5.3K maximum resolution at 30fps. A 8:7 aspect ratio allows for the camera to record in both widescreen and vertical, no matter the camera’s physical orientation. Additionally, the same return
However, the Hero 13 comes with a few key upgrades. Notably, built-in GPS returns with the Hero 13, allowing for the overlay of GPS data in videos. This is a welcome feature for racing and FPV drone videos.
Another advantage of the Hero 13 over its predecessor is the ability to attach a wider variety of new external lenses. These include ND filters, ultra-wide, macro, and anamorphic lenses.
Additionally, the video engine received an upgrade with additional slow-motion options immediately available in the UI, and an improved HDR profile.
The GoPro states it can record for 2 hours and 40 minutes with the included 64GB SD card on its default 4K30 video preset. Recording in HDR cuts this down to only 1 hour and 20 minutes of video. With 1080p60 it can record 3H:50 worth of video.
Note that the Extended Power Bundle only comes with a single adhesive mount. This is perfectly fine for me, as I have amassed a multitude of different GoPro mounts over the years. However, this is something to consider for a first-time buyer, as mounts will have to be purchased separately.
Personally, I have used the adhesive mounts to attach my camera to rowing shells. In practice, the Hero 13 does an amazing job at capturing action on the water during races, while maintaining a stabilized video. Integrated GPS now allows me to overlay the course routes as well as boats race across the water. GoPro quick detach mounting system works well when having to swap the camera quickly between different shells
Overall, the GoPro Hero 13 Extended Power Bundle is ideal for those demanding maximum runtime for their action camera for longer shoots.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Designed for an uncompromising clean, the Roomba Max 705 Combo Robot + AutoWash Dock delivers heated mopping with a self-cleaning, extending roller mop and first-of-it-kind cover that protects carpets from wet messes. Dual Edge-Sweeping Brushes, Dual Rubber Brushes and Carpet Boost eliminate deep-down debris, wall-to-wall. Advanced 3D mapping ensures smooth navigation throughout your bustling home. Your robot identifies and adapts to clean around objects, auto-adjusting to activate just the right settings for the task. The powerhouse dock auto-empties debris, heat washes and dries the roller mop, and refills cleaning liquid to keep floor-cleaning forever fresh.
Customer Rating
4
Powerful - Stylish - Efficient
on December 12, 2025
Posted by: vrs99
Our new iRobot Roomba 705 Combo Vacuum and Mop arrived just in time the day before Thanksgiving. After completing the initial setup, we’re eager to discover whether this Roomba 705 will leave us feeling truly thankful.
My first impression was of the subtle, smart design that blends seamlessly with our décor and would suit most settings. The front panel adds a stylish touch with its textured dark cocoa finish. The docking station’s height and width fit neatly into our home, and it is noticeably more compact than many other advanced robotic vacuum systems.
The Roomba 705 arrived in secure, well-organized packaging. While the Quick Start Guide was not immediately accessible and its QR code initially failed to respond, I was able to quickly locate the app in the Google Play Store and complete setup. On a subsequent attempt, the QR code worked properly.
Once up and running, I directed the Roomba to map my entire home, and I was genuinely impressed by how quickly it completed the task creating a full map in record time. On its first docking attempt, it handled the procedure with ease. This was especially impressive compared to my previous advanced robotic Lidar vacuum system, which frequently malfunctioned, failed to follow a consistent cleaning pattern, struggled with docking, and often ended up lost.
The time Roomba 705 took to complete a full-home cleaning was highly efficient, showcasing the strengths of iRobot’s programming and firmware. One clear benefit of this efficiency is its ability to cover large areas on a single battery charge. I’m very impressed!
App:
- Cleaning levels can be customized for each room, specific sections, or the entire home, with a wide range of options available (see pictures)
- Maps extremely informative – easily modified to fit your needs
o 3D and Furniture (see pictures)
o No Mop Zones
o Keep Out Zones
- Robot Health complete reports on parts wear and cleaning systems
- Owner’s Manual – downloadable
- Cleaning levels can be customized for each room, specific sections, or the entire home, with a wide range of options available (see pictures)
- Maps extremely informative – easily modified to fit your needs
o 3D and Furniture (see pictures)
o No Mop Zones
o Keep Out Zones
- Robot Health complete reports on parts wear and cleaning systems
- Owner’s Manual – downloadable
The app delivers strong functionality, though its interface is not immediately intuitive and required time to learn. The owner’s manual offers basic guidance but could be more detailed. Providing clearer, user-friendly instructions from the beginning would greatly improve the overall experience.
Cleaning:
- The mopping function performs exceptionally well on hard floors, though coverage is limited in corners and along wall edges
- The carpet vacuum performs effectively on short-pile carpet in our home
- “Strong Suction: Provides up to 180× more suction than the Roomba 600 series”
- “PrecisionVision AI Technology”
- Excellent obstacle avoidance with precise LiDAR positioning
a. “LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances and generate highly accurate 3D maps of surfaces and environments. It is widely applied in mapping, surveying, autonomous vehicles, archaeology, forestry, and even space exploration.”
- The mopping function performs exceptionally well on hard floors, though coverage is limited in corners and along wall edges
- The carpet vacuum performs effectively on short-pile carpet in our home
- “Strong Suction: Provides up to 180× more suction than the Roomba 600 series”
- “PrecisionVision AI Technology”
- Excellent obstacle avoidance with precise LiDAR positioning
a. “LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to measure distances and generate highly accurate 3D maps of surfaces and environments. It is widely applied in mapping, surveying, autonomous vehicles, archaeology, forestry, and even space exploration.”
Notes:
- Wi-Fi setup smooth and solid, took a few tries to link – require 2.5
- Three lights along top indicate debris bag full and dirty and clean water tank status
- Mop roller slides out for edge and corner cleaning
- Reusable dust filters – comes with two
- Hands free docking
- Wi-Fi setup smooth and solid, took a few tries to link – require 2.5
- Three lights along top indicate debris bag full and dirty and clean water tank status
- Mop roller slides out for edge and corner cleaning
- Reusable dust filters – comes with two
- Hands free docking
There is much to appreciate in the iRobot Roomba 705 Combo Vacuum and Mop, featuring exceptional technology that excels in vacuuming, cleaning, and navigation-among the most efficient I have seen in a robotic system-along with its stylish design.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
vrs99's Review Comments
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
2of 2voted this comment as helpful.
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.
0points
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.
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
0points
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
vrs99 has not submitted any questions.
Enjoy room-filling audio in any living space with this LG Hi-Fi shelf system. Its two 150W speakers produce loud, detailed sound, and it streams music via Bluetooth when you pair it with an Android device. This LG Hi-Fi shelf system has an EQ function that optimizes the audio based on the music you're listening to.
how many cds does is play?
Enjoy room-filling audio in any living space with this LG Hi-Fi shelf system. Its two 150W speakers produce loud, detailed sound, and it streams music via Bluetooth when you pair it with an Android device. This LG Hi-Fi shelf system has an EQ function that optimizes the audio based on the music you're listening to.
Can this be connected to tv
It does connect with my LG TV via the LG Sound Sync/Bluetooth easily.
Would think that it would sync with any Bluetooth enabled TV but might need up to date version of Bluetooth.
If it does not remember Best Buy has generous return policy.
Would think that it would sync with any Bluetooth enabled TV but might need up to date version of Bluetooth.
If it does not remember Best Buy has generous return policy.
8 years, 1 month ago
by
vrs99
Run programs on this 12.3-inch HP Chromebook convertible laptop. Its detachable touch-screen display lets you enjoy brilliant 2K content, and you can write and draw on it with the included Active Pen. This HP Chromebook convertible laptop has 32GB of storage, and its Intel Core m3 processor and 4GB of RAM provide smooth performance.
I read in the specs "Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer. Supports select memory card formats." Does anyone know what formats are supported or not supported?
Run programs on this 12.3-inch HP Chromebook convertible laptop. Its detachable touch-screen display lets you enjoy brilliant 2K content, and you can write and draw on it with the included Active Pen. This HP Chromebook convertible laptop has 32GB of storage, and its Intel Core m3 processor and 4GB of RAM provide smooth performance.
Any info on this show stopper for me? (86) Access to the Google Play Store and related apps will be provided as part of a regular OS update. This feature might not be available at time of purchase;..
Your question is not clear. The Google Play Store is available with the first release of the unit.
8 years, 3 months ago
by
vrs99
Run programs on this 12.3-inch HP Chromebook convertible laptop. Its detachable touch-screen display lets you enjoy brilliant 2K content, and you can write and draw on it with the included Active Pen. This HP Chromebook convertible laptop has 32GB of storage, and its Intel Core m3 processor and 4GB of RAM provide smooth performance.
Does this computer have a camera in which I can use Skype?
Has both front and rear facing cameras, not positive but would bet that the camera will work with Skype.
If you cannot find an exact answer you could always take one and try it out. BB has a generous return policy.
If you cannot find an exact answer you could always take one and try it out. BB has a generous return policy.
8 years, 3 months ago
by
vrs99
Toshiba 4K UHD Fire TV Edition is a new generation of smart TVs featuring the Fire TV experience built-in and including a Voice Remote with Alexa. With true-to-life 4K Ultra HD picture quality and access to all the movies and TV shows you love, Toshiba Fire TV Edition delivers a superior TV experience that gets smarter every day. The Voice Remote with Alexa lets you do everything you'd expect from a remote~plus, easily launch apps, search for TV shows, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices and more, using just your voice.
Will you be able to download Amazon Apps ? Like Silk browser,and downloader ?
Toshiba 4K UHD Fire TV Edition is a new generation of smart TVs featuring the Fire TV experience built-in and including a Voice Remote with Alexa. With true-to-life 4K Ultra HD picture quality and access to all the movies and TV shows you love, Toshiba Fire TV Edition delivers a superior TV experience that gets smarter every day. The Voice Remote with Alexa lets you do everything you'd expect from a remote~plus, easily launch apps, search for TV shows, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices and more, using just your voice.
will there be a need to use a firestick or is it built into the tv already? is it wifi or ethernet?
Fire TV is built in.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet are both included.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet are both included.
8 years, 3 months ago
by
vrs99
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 Plaque Control, Rechargeable electric toothbrush with pressure sensor, White Mint HX6817/01
is this item stocked in local stores
It is in stock at our Best Buy. Check their web-site it will tell you if they have it available for pickup.
8 years, 6 months ago
by
vrs99
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.
Does this laptop have an M.2 socket that supports an NVMe SSD? Also, is there an empty socket for ram expansion?
Here is the link to the spec sheet - will answer many of your questions.
http://www8.hp.com/us/en/images/OMEN_Laptop_17_an013dx_tcm245_2468782_tcm245_2469233_tcm245-2468782.pdf
The answers I am quite sure are yes as noted by the specs.
http://www8.hp.com/us/en/images/OMEN_Laptop_17_an013dx_tcm245_2468782_tcm245_2469233_tcm245-2468782.pdf
The answers I am quite sure are yes as noted by the specs.
9 years, 2 months ago
by
vrs99
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.
recently pre ordered this laptop I was so excited about it that after I put my order for it I didn't realize it didn't have a Solid state drive I'm very concerned that my laptop won't operate at it's best is there a way I can upgrade it by adding a SSD
Here is the link to the spec sheet - will answer many of your questions.
http://www8.hp.com/us/en/images/OMEN_Laptop_17_an013dx_tcm245_2468782_tcm245_2469233_tcm245-2468782.pdf
From what I understand the answer is yes and it is noted,
http://www8.hp.com/us/en/images/OMEN_Laptop_17_an013dx_tcm245_2468782_tcm245_2469233_tcm245-2468782.pdf
From what I understand the answer is yes and it is noted,
9 years, 2 months ago
by
vrs99