vrs99's stats
- Review count200
- Helpfulness votes1,288
- First reviewOctober 30, 2013
- Last reviewNovember 3, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
- Review comment count8
- Helpfulness votes6
- First review commentDecember 29, 2013
- Last review commentJuly 18, 2017
- Featured review comments0
Questions
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- Answer count45
- Helpfulness votes47
- First answerDecember 31, 2013
- Last answerJanuary 17, 2022
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- Best answers1
Unleash the power of the Samsung 980 PRO PCIe 4.0 NVMe Gen4 SSD for next-level computing. 980 PRO delivers 2x the data transfer rate of PCIe 3.0, while maintaining compatibility with PCIe 3.0.¹ ¹The NVM Express® design mark is a registered trademark of NVM Express, Inc.* Results are based on a comparison with Samsung PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSDs and SATA SSDs.PS5 compatible with heatsink as recommended by Sony; heatsink sold separately.
Customer Rating
5
Samsung - Fast - Stable - Good Price
on December 3, 2020
Posted by: vrs99
from TN
This is my sixth review I have written for various Samsung NVMe M.2 and SSD drives. The reason for the number of reviews is I have found them to be extraordinarily reliable drives going back to my first Samsung SSD which continues to perform well in one of our machines.
The 980 PRO 1TB has been installed into our top gaming machine replacing a NVMe M.2 500GB system/boot drive. The system drive was migrated to the new 980 PRO with Samsung’s Data Migration software. Fun thing about migrating a system with two top end NVMe M.2 drives is the blistering speed at which the migration is performed. As always in using Samsung’s Data Migration Tool the system upgrade ran smooth and all the data arrived safely on the new 980 PRO. Like that.
Spotlight:
• Blazing Speed
• PCIe 4.0 – compatible with PCIe 3
• Form factor which can be used even in laptops
• Samsung Magician Software - Manage your drives health - Excellent tool
• Data Migration Software
• Five Year Warranty – That is a lot of Reading/Writing
• Nickel coating for managing controller's heat level
• Blazing Speed
• PCIe 4.0 – compatible with PCIe 3
• Form factor which can be used even in laptops
• Samsung Magician Software - Manage your drives health - Excellent tool
• Data Migration Software
• Five Year Warranty – That is a lot of Reading/Writing
• Nickel coating for managing controller's heat level
Samsung has continued in its leadership of speed, development, and warranty coverage and if you are looking for a no-nonsense drive for the gamer in you or managing and keeping your data safe at excellent price take close look at the 980 PRO.
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Cutting edge protection, picture perfect. Zoom in to see and record video in 4K with HDR for a clearer, undistorted picture, day or night. Spend less time recharging with 6 months of battery life.¹ With free local storage, remotely access your locally stored videos from the included Arlo SmartHub². The Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera is wire-free and weather-resistant to deliver fast, easy installation and flexibility to get the perfect camera view, year-round. With the integrated spotlight, see important features like faces and licenses plates in full color, at night with color night vision. Get the big picture with the 180° diagonal view. Receive smarter alerts for quicker action. Receive notifications for people, vehicles and packages and take quicker action like sound the siren, call a friend or dial emergency services with the included 3-month trial of Arlo Secure.³ Ward off unwanted guests by triggering the siren or integrated spotlight automatically or manually from the Arlo App. Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings.
Posted by: vrs99
from TN
Will start by acknowledging that I have been big fan of the Arlo system since 2017 and continue to appreciate the new advancements in strengthening their camera security system, gives me peace of mind at home.
Arlo’s latest the Ultra 2 continues its development of their cameras with 4K & HDR technology while enhancing the night vision range with color. The camera views and the video are excellent, in the systems that I have reviewed I have not seen better.
Have completed an addition of two Arlo Ultra 2 cameras into my existing Arlo system which now consist of Arlo Ultra 2, Arlo Pro 2, and Ultra cameras and two Ultra Base Stations. The Arlo system covers my home and detached garage with the two base stations being installed approximately 150’ apart and connected via a hard-wired network extending from my office on the far side of my home to the detached garage. Previously my garage equipment was linked into my home network via Mesh Wi-Fi which works fine.
Having two base stations situated near the installed cameras in the two separate buildings delivers exceptional Wi-Fi signal throughout the system for all cameras. Love it.
Even with reconfiguring my Arlo system with the addition of the two new Ultra 2’s and an additional Ultra Base Station the setup went smoothly. When installing the first step is to load the Arlo App to either your Android or Apple device, the app will walk you completely through the setup.
That Arlo continues to support Windows based management is a Big Plus, allowing you to go to any PC and login into your account to view and manage your system.
Short history on my developing Arlo system:
• Two Pro 2 Cameras installed November 2017 – Home and Garage
• Ultra Camera and upgraded Ultra Base installed April 2019 – Garage Exterior – durability A+
• Ultra 2 Cameras and additional Base Station installed December 2020
Happy to report that all cameras have been operating 24/7 without incident.
• Two Pro 2 Cameras installed November 2017 – Home and Garage
• Ultra Camera and upgraded Ultra Base installed April 2019 – Garage Exterior – durability A+
• Ultra 2 Cameras and additional Base Station installed December 2020
Happy to report that all cameras have been operating 24/7 without incident.
Good Stuff:
• App has been continually improved
• Wi-Fi camera connectivity 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz – So much easier than wires and simple to relocate
• Resolution 3840 X 2160
• Cloud and Memory Card storage
• Field of view 180 degrees
• Two-Way Audio – startled my friend years ago while checking my home while I was away
• Powerful Spotlight lights up the night
• Minimum Operating Temperature -4 degrees Fahrenheit – Makes a difference in cold climes
• Six Month Battery Charge
• Smart Siren
• Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
• App has been continually improved
• Wi-Fi camera connectivity 2.4 GHz, 5.0 GHz – So much easier than wires and simple to relocate
• Resolution 3840 X 2160
• Cloud and Memory Card storage
• Field of view 180 degrees
• Two-Way Audio – startled my friend years ago while checking my home while I was away
• Powerful Spotlight lights up the night
• Minimum Operating Temperature -4 degrees Fahrenheit – Makes a difference in cold climes
• Six Month Battery Charge
• Smart Siren
• Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
I have experience with home and commercial camera security system installations of other equipment and I have chosen to Protect my Home and Family with Arlo.
Bottom-Line is Security, and for three years Arlo has been delivering Peace of Mind for us.
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Go Epic! Immerse yourself in a new type of streaming experience with the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300 Smart Streaming Laser Projector. Utilizing an advanced, ultra-short throw design, viewing content has never been easier. Simply place the projector just inches from the wall and watch TV shows, sports, movies and more up to an astonishing 120". Featuring built-in Android TV and wireless connectivity, the Epson EpiqVision LS300 Streaming Laser Projector gives you seamless access to popular streaming services including Hulu, HBO and YouTube, right out of the box. So, whether you’re binge-watching your favorite TV shows or hosting movie night, the Epson EpiqVision LS300 Streaming Laser Projector makes it easy to stream bright images virtually anywhere in your home. Audiophile 2.1 Speaker System by Yamaha. Epson has partnered with Yamaha to create a unique audio experience unlike anything it its class. Developed exclusively for the Epson EpiqVision LS300 Streaming Laser Projector, Yamaha’s leading Acoustic Engineers designed a unique 2.1 sound system to deliver a true audiophile performance. Designed within a custom 3D Acoustic Enclosure, two high-end Yamaha drivers and a dedicated woofer are powered by a discrete amplifier and tuned, using Yamaha’s latest AudioEngine DSP technology to produce an impressive, deep and wide sound stage that rivals dedicated higher-end audio systems and soundbars.
Customer Rating
5
Lights, Camera, Action! - Epson Ultra LS300
on November 29, 2020
Posted by: vrs99
from TN
First impression of the EpiqVision Ultra LS300 is Epson has designed a trendy device which will look marvelous as a focal point in living rooms or Home Theaters. It looks fantastic and is nicely accented with the Yamaha speaker mesh along the front of the unit. Typically, I am not redundant in my reviews but the LS300 is worthy.
Flowing naturally from the first impression was the simplicity of the product I discovered in unboxing. There are four items in the product mix, the projector, Quick Start Guide, remote and power cable. Control Panel consists of four buttons. The remote has a total of seventeen selection buttons compared with my other remote which has thirty-eight. The remote supports Google Assistant, and it works very well. The Quick Start Guide will walk you through the basic setup quickly, though I recommend downloading and utilizing the Owner’s Manual for complete setup.
Appreciate how thoroughly Epson has researched and designed the whole product and delivered an impressive system that does not require an engineering degree to get it off the ground. Kudos.
The LS300 utilizes innovative Ultra-Short Throw technology/design, in a nutshell that means you set the projector on a typical TV table/stand inches away from the wall where the picture is projected directly up to the screen. This is a totally cool.
Android TV is the built in OS and which I have used and find to be a solid system. Managing the TV and apps with Android TV is easy to use and intuitive.
The Android TV supports many streaming apps such as HBO, Hulu, YouTube and many more. What is very surprising though is Netflix and Prime are glaringly missing? Fortunately, I had a streaming box available to access Prime and Netflix so not a big deal, but I have gotten away from streaming boxes years ago due to all available apps on Smart Systems. Though not a big issue it is a pain having to keep one more remote… Hopefully Prime and Netflix will show up in an early update.
The Good Stuff:
• Built-in Android TV with an uncomplicated/excellent remote
• Supports Voice Search with Google Assistant
• Supports Chromecast
• Two HDMI HDCP 2.2 inputs with HDMI ARC support
• Optical Audio Out
• Yamaha 2.1 Channel sound system
• Bluetooth – speaker mode
• Up to 120” Projection - amazing with projector inches from wall
• 3600 Lumens Color Brightness
• “1,500,000:1 Contrast Ratio and Dynamic Contrast”
• 60hz refresh rate
• 2-year warranty which includes “full-unit replacement, along with free technical phone support for the life of the product”
• Laser Light is rated at 20,000 hrs which should translate into about 14 years
• Wi-Fi 5 Mbps or higher - Would have liked a hardwire option for the network
• Superb Owner’s Manual (download)
• Built-in Android TV with an uncomplicated/excellent remote
• Supports Voice Search with Google Assistant
• Supports Chromecast
• Two HDMI HDCP 2.2 inputs with HDMI ARC support
• Optical Audio Out
• Yamaha 2.1 Channel sound system
• Bluetooth – speaker mode
• Up to 120” Projection - amazing with projector inches from wall
• 3600 Lumens Color Brightness
• “1,500,000:1 Contrast Ratio and Dynamic Contrast”
• 60hz refresh rate
• 2-year warranty which includes “full-unit replacement, along with free technical phone support for the life of the product”
• Laser Light is rated at 20,000 hrs which should translate into about 14 years
• Wi-Fi 5 Mbps or higher - Would have liked a hardwire option for the network
• Superb Owner’s Manual (download)
Have not desired a screen over 65” in the past and felt that the picture may overwhelm the living room.
Upon turning the Epson LS300 it was Love at First Sight! The system is gorgeous, the picture is dynamic and as has converted our living room into a family theater. It is marvelous experience that fills the senses. My family loves the new addition.
Upon turning the Epson LS300 it was Love at First Sight! The system is gorgeous, the picture is dynamic and as has converted our living room into a family theater. It is marvelous experience that fills the senses. My family loves the new addition.
After receiving the LS300, I ordered a ALR 100” screen from Best Buy and installed which compliments the LS300 brilliantly. I am fully converted from the TV box, to borrow from an adage, “seeing is believing”. Two of my friends came by to watch football with me, one will be replacing his 70” screen and the other his 75” screen.
If you are looking into Home Theater or just desire a large screen, I would suggest giving the Epson system a long look, it delivers.
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The Swann 8 channel 1080p Enforcer™ system is armed with the latest in Home Security, such as police-style flashing lights, color night vision, TrueDetect™ Heat & Motion Detection, Google & Alexa compatibility, and much more. The Tracker Camera can auto-track movement of up to two objects at once and stores video on the included 32GB microSD card. The included Wifi dongle allows you to wirelessly connect your DVR to your Wifi connection.
Customer Rating
4
Solid Security System - Vivid Camera Resolution
on October 28, 2020
Posted by: vrs99
from TN
Believe this about my 8th installation of camera security systems both at two commercial sites and various units at home. First impression of the Swann Enforcer is the DVR appears very solid and well-constructed. The plastic cameras on first look are light and not quite sure of long-term outdoor durability. That said the performance of the cameras are fantastic.
Setup is relatively simple; all items are well packed and ready for installation upon opening the box. Being knowledgeable of networking is a plus when installing as well as having a well thought out plan of your wiring and placement of the DVR and cameras.
The Swann is like two other systems I have installed previously in terms of system settings and wiring. The Swan DVR Settings Menu interface is well laid out and readily understandable. That is a definite improvement over some older systems I installed and operated.
Two aspects of the system I appreciate are the gorgeous video and the build quality of the DVR. The video at 1080p is vivid and night vision is so sharp it picked up a small flying insect clearly at eight feet!
System supports Wi-Fi which I welcomed as my detached garage installation site has Wi-Fi and was able to complete installation prior to completing the wiring of ethernet to the garage.
The system does support 4K which I have not tested which is cool except for video storage. My experience of running an eight-camera system at 720p allows for approximately about 30 days of video recording on 1TB drive. 720p was always sufficient for security use playback. Though if your main use is monitoring with app from phone 1080p or 4K may be a good idea.
Good Stuff:
• Alexa, Google Assistant, and Dropbox support
• 100 ft night vision
• Indoor & Outdoor
• Expandable to Eight Cameras
• Wi-Fi as well as Ethernet support
• Robust Networking support
• Cloud support option
• Siren and police style lights – great for spooking an intruder - Can be triggered from app
• Camera Spotlight
• Support for up to eight cameras
• Downloadable manual – good documentation
• Lots of window stickers – Having in the windows deters intruders
• Phone app for remote real-time viewing and management
• TrueDetect™ Heat & Motion Detection
• IP66-rated weatherproofing
• Alexa, Google Assistant, and Dropbox support
• 100 ft night vision
• Indoor & Outdoor
• Expandable to Eight Cameras
• Wi-Fi as well as Ethernet support
• Robust Networking support
• Cloud support option
• Siren and police style lights – great for spooking an intruder - Can be triggered from app
• Camera Spotlight
• Support for up to eight cameras
• Downloadable manual – good documentation
• Lots of window stickers – Having in the windows deters intruders
• Phone app for remote real-time viewing and management
• TrueDetect™ Heat & Motion Detection
• IP66-rated weatherproofing
Other:
• Would like if the DVR had two rear panel USB ports, if you use Wi-Fi you will have to choose to either plug the mouse or Wi-Fi antenna into a front USB port. There are two USB’s on the front Panel.
• Camera directional mount adjustment is difficult, a bit flimsy.
• Would like if the DVR had two rear panel USB ports, if you use Wi-Fi you will have to choose to either plug the mouse or Wi-Fi antenna into a front USB port. There are two USB’s on the front Panel.
• Camera directional mount adjustment is difficult, a bit flimsy.
If you are looking for an expandable DVR Camera Security system you will find the Swann meets the requirements and exceeds technically in several areas.
Bottom-line with security systems is that they provide protection for your home and family or business which is active and available 24 hours a day remotely anywhere.
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Find a comfortable typing position with this ergonomic Logitech mechanical illuminated corded aluminum keyboard. The linear Cherry MX Red switches offer quiet performance and a smooth, responsive feel, which is ideal for gaming. This Logitech mechanical illuminated corded aluminum keyboard features five lighting selections for enhanced visibility, while the high-quality construction withstands up to 50 million keystrokes.
Customer Rating
5
Professional Keyboard With Soul of a Gamer
on October 26, 2020
Posted by: vrs99
from TN
The Logitech K845 Mechanical Keyboard is an ideal choice for serious typists. Right out of the box I noticed the keyboard’s sturdy construction with an anodized aluminum top with a high-quality plastic casing. This means absolutely no deck flex even when pushed to extremes. The keycaps have a nice feeling texture and a bold font which pairs well with the per-key backlighting.
The soft white backlight has 4 adjustable levels including off. Found this especially useful when typing in dark environments. Additionally, there are 5 different lighting effects easily toggleable through a function shortcut.
The Cherry MX-Red switches in the keyboard are buttery smooth with a perfect actuation weight. With 5 different choices of keys, this keyboard will suit any typist and all keys are rated by Logitech for over 50-million presses.
Another feature which was immediately apparent is the ergonomically curved profile and angled keys. I was able to type for long sessions without experiencing fatigue. While being a full-sized keyboard, it still has a small footprint and function key shortcuts which I find particularly useful for quickly skipping tracks and adjusting the volume.
The Logitech K845 is an excellent choice for typist, the K845 keyboard is sure to suit your needs with key features to take your typing to the next level comfortably.
If you enjoy Game Play during breaks from typing the K845 delivers “with all the mechanics of a gaming keyboard.”
Icing on the cake, the K845 performs solidly at the level of other professional keyboards at half the price.
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The A20 Wireless headset Gen 2 is designed to give you gaming audio freedom on several levels. Its 2.4 GHz signal provides an extended wireless range and with the flip-to-mute microphone you can easily choose if you want to be heard or not. Additionally, the headset’s long lasting comfort and battery life allow you to game through those marathon sessions.
Customer Rating
4
Solid Wireless Gaming at Attractive Price
on October 22, 2020
Posted by: vrs99
from TN
The Astro A20 Wireless headset is a good gaming headset with great sound. Out of the box the headset comes with the USB transmitter and a USB type-A to USB type-C charging cable. The USB dongle is huge at 2” when plugged in, long by today’s standards. The type-C charging cable is a nice addition as it is much more durable than micro USB.
First impression of the A20’s was reminiscent of Star Wars gear; they look amazingly cool and ready for Gaming!
The exterior of the headset is made entirely out of plastic which is a bit rigid. The headband flexes the most but held up to excessive twisting. Earcups are made from the same cloth as other Logitech headsets which felt comfortable even during extended periods of use. Headband material is made of a rubber-like material which is comfortable as well. The earpieces do not twist/swivel front to rear like similar gaming headsets. The feeling of the headset when I touch them is an overly plastic tactile sensation with accompanying plastic sound to the ear, not an upscale impression.
Controls on the headset are easily accessible nicely designed and effortlessly controlled in the middle of gaming or chatting.
With “Astro Audio V2” technology the headphones have exceptional sound with three preset EQ settings easily accessible with a single button. The integrated microphone sounds noticeably clear and is outstanding compared to similar headset microphones.
Key specs:
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 100 dB SPL 1kHz @ 1mW
• Nominal impedance: 32 Ohm
• Total harmonic distortion: < 3% (20 Hz - 10 kHz)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 100 dB SPL 1kHz @ 1mW
• Nominal impedance: 32 Ohm
• Total harmonic distortion: < 3% (20 Hz - 10 kHz)
The headset is intended to last over 15 hours off a single charge; however, my headset never ran out of charge, probably thanks to the 10-minute auto shutdown “feature”. The auto shutdown had me constantly having to restart my headphones frequently when no audio is playing. Found the auto shutdown to be annoying and an option to turn off the auto shutdown would be welcomed.
With the charging cable being quite long you can continue gaming while on charge. Nice.
With a 2.4ghz connection the headset’s range is 15 feet. Expected a bit longer range from the size of the transmitter but this should not affect anything. Did notice that when the headphones are almost out of range you get a popping sound, which is not a significant issue.
Delivering wonderful audio with an extremely attractive price point makes the Astro A20 Wireless headset a solid choice if you are looking to go wireless.
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No matter your child’s interests or skill-level, the Root rt0 brings learning to code to life through art, music, and exploration. Its combination of activities, features, and interactive sensors result in engagement for hours at a time and offer many opportunities for family bonding. Spend time with your child while learning new skills and inspiring a lifelong love of code with the Root rt0.
Posted by: vrs99
from TN
The iRobot Root coding robot is perfect for beginners learning to code. Out of the box the iRobot comes with foldable whiteboard, dry erase marker, eraser, and stickers. The instructions are remarkably simple with images depicting how to power on and connect the robot. Setup is straightforward and the instructions will have you up and running in a matter of minutes.
Coding is done through the mobile app or website which both are extremely simple and intuitive. From the home page you can create a new project, download a program, or access the learning library. The learning library offers free and paid activities and lessons. The coding interface has a straightforward layout that will be easily understood by anyone. Three different levels of coding are present which range from graphical blocks to full text coding. Take note that with full text code you are not actually typing the code, however you drag text blocks to create the full text code.
The robot itself is very sturdy and has an assortment of features and sensors. The features include four touch sensors, two front-facing bumpers, two light sensors, RGB lights, and speaker. All these add up for a fun and engaging experience which enriches creativity. Favorite feature is the motorized dry-erase marker holder which allows you to create remarkable drawings with your robot which is entertaining as well as educational.
Overall, the iRobot Root coding robot is an ideal choice for children beginning coding. iRobot is an engaging and fascinating coding lab which opens the world of coding up with many fun adventures.
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Offering the ultimate true-wireless experience for any fitness-loving music lover, JLab Epic Air Sport ANC offers customized sound and active noise canceling plus industry-leading 70+ hours playtime. Transition from gym to calls or from work to a run, effortlessly, with features like wear-detect, movie mode, wireless charging and more.
Posted by: vrs99
from TN
Jlab Epic Air Sport ANC True Wireless earbuds are the perfect lightweight earbuds for on the go. Was quite excited to review these earbuds since I have never had true wireless earbuds and heard many things about them. The earbuds come with 6 different sized ear tips including the exclusive “cloud foam” tips. My favorite ear tips are the cloud foam tips since they expand in the ear to create the best seal. The earbuds fit snugly even during prolonged exercises thanks to the earhook which fits around your ear.
Noticed immediately the incredible lightness of the product with each earbud only weighing 10 grams. Setup is simple, the earbuds connect right out of the box and I have had no trouble with them randomly disconnecting. A great feature is a sensor that detects when the earbuds are not in your ear and it automatically pauses your music, nice. It took me a few tries to get used to the tap gestures with the touch sensors, but after practicing they became second nature.
Audio is the most impressive feature of these buds with drivers that can go from 20hz to 20kHz. Even at the maximum volume of 110 decibels the audio is still crisp and clear. The instrument separation is incredible and sounds extraordinarily good in VR gaming. The bass is punchy but never drowns out the other sounds. Touch gestures allow easy access to a few EQ presets such as balanced, bass boost, and Jlab signature. Through the optional Jlab Air ANC app, you can create your own EQ preset which is a welcome feature.
The active noise cancellation is a big selling point of these earbuds and they certainly delivered. The “Smart active noise cancellation” uses 6 microphones (3 in each earbud) to lessen the pressure commonly felt on your ears while using active noise cancellation. This feature works very well, with having the least amount of “eardrum suck” out of any active noise canceling device I have tried. Be aware that the noise cancellation does not completely block out ambient sounds, as some still seeps in. But playing music drowns out the noise even more. There are three noise cancelation options which are, ANC on, ANC off, and Be Aware. All of which are easily accessible through the touch gestures. I especially like Be Aware, since it boosts surrounding noise to raise awareness to cars passing while on a run.
The battery life is another stunning feature of these earbuds. They can last 11-15 hours (depending if ANC is on) on a single charge, and the carrying case holds an additional 55 hours of charge. Approximately 70 hours of playtime before having to think of recharging again. The earbuds and case have relatively quick charging times (3 and 3.5 hours respectively). The carrying case is made from a high-quality matte plastic which feels nice to the touch. It has 4 LEDs on the front to display charge levels and a solid magnetic lid. Wireless charging of the case defines what it means to be truly wireless, yet still has an integrated USB Type A port.
Jlab Epic Air Sport ANC True Wireless are exceptional earbuds which checks all the right boxes.
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This Oster countertop oven features a built-in air fryer so you can make everything from healthier versions of fries and chicken nuggets to cakes and pizzas, using just one appliance. Air fry using 99.5% less oil compared to a 3.7L deep fryer. The mesh basket makes the fryer easy to use and clean, while the fryer fan ensures perfectly crispy results. The convection oven offers fast, even, efficient heating, while the roomy interior fits up to 4 slices of bread for toasting. Independent dial controls let you set temperature, cook function, and the 60-minute timer.
Customer Rating
4
Brilliant Countertop Oven - Great for Everyday Use
on September 24, 2020
Posted by: vrs99
from TN
The new Oster Oven and Air Fryer is an excellent kitchen appliance that is stylish and performs much more than its size would suggest.
Have found the Oster is a go to countertop oven for warming foods that typically we would be putting into the microwave. An ideal alternative that preserves food flavors and textures far better than the microwave. Cooked chicken Quesadillas for Sunday brunch and had one left over for Monday morning which I popped into the Oster oven and toasted. Tortilla came out toasty while retaining its lovely crunch, and the good stuff inside, if possible, tasted better than day one including the guacamole spread.
First evening we had the oven, whipped up a recipe for a honey-based chicken hot wing bake that was totally delicious. Wings came out looking gorgeous (see attached picture) and cooked evenly throughout.
Cooking the wings in the Oster oven was faster and simpler than cooking in the large oven. Cleanup is a breeze and you will appreciate using less oil when cleaning.
Oven is simple to use having only three knobs:
- Function Settings for Air Fry, Toast, Bake, Convection, and Broil.
- Temperature Setting which goes to 450 degrees.
- Timer and Toast Shade Setting.
- Function Settings for Air Fry, Toast, Bake, Convection, and Broil.
- Temperature Setting which goes to 450 degrees.
- Timer and Toast Shade Setting.
User instructions are professionally written and illustrated eight pages along with quick tips and Air Frying Cooking Chart.
Power cord is 24” which is like other countertop appliances, dimensions of approximately 15” H, 16” W and 16” D. Requires a fair amount of countertop but is light and can easily be moved to and from the counter.
Heats much faster and uses what I imagine is far less electricity than our traditional oven that can cook a meal for a small family utilizing two shelves to prepare dishes. Makes a great addition in a support role for your larger oven in preparing more dishes concurrently.
This is an oven I would love to have back in my college days for my small apartment, small footprint, cooks great with easy cleanup!
Bottom-line the Oster Oven and Air Fryer is a solid choice for a convenient oven that can prepare a main dish for the family or simply a quick lunch.
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The Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill is the Smart XL grill that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. With an XL capacity and innovative Smart Cook System, grill even more and achieve the perfect doneness from rare to well done at the touch of a button.
Posted by: vrs99
from TN
First Impression and the bottom-line is I really like the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill and Air Oven.
From the moment I unpacked the oven to our first meal that evening I was won over. A rewarding experience, to evaluate a product that captures one’s attention and covers all the bases of its intended role in today’s contemporary kitchen.
The Ninja Foodi is brilliantly designed, engineered, solidly built, and implemented. The style and quality perfectly match its cousin the Ninja 8 qt Pressure Cooker. They make Fabulous Bookends on our kitchen counters.
Preparing meals with the Ninja Foodi XL Air Oven and the 8 qt Pressure Cooker in the kitchen I envision a day that is free of the traditional oven and certainly in a kitchenette. Space and energy saving.
Setup of the Ninja Oven is simple. Basically, you set the oven on the counter remove the accessories read the instructions look up a favorite meal in the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill recipe book plug in and start cooking. Truly quite easy with astonishing results.
Note on Foodi Smart Thermometer: After cooking the grip on the thermostat is Hot, use oven mitt to withdraw.
Proof is in the pudding:
- First evening cooked three 9” long Rib-Eyes using the Thermometer, aroma of cooking garlic drew family into the
kitchen. Rib-Eyes cooked consistently throughout all the steaks, tender and juicy.
- Steaks were cooked to order, two were prepared between Medium-Rare and Rare and one Well-Done. Simply
select a number between 1-9 to select Rare to Well Done.
- Second evening it was Salmon Filets with roasted vegies. Salmon was delicious and the vegetables were the best I
have ever enjoyed.
- The salmon did not require flipping over and the thermostat control alerts when to flip the steaks.
- There was no smoke from the oven in either steak or salmon dinners – nice.
kitchen. Rib-Eyes cooked consistently throughout all the steaks, tender and juicy.
- Steaks were cooked to order, two were prepared between Medium-Rare and Rare and one Well-Done. Simply
select a number between 1-9 to select Rare to Well Done.
- Second evening it was Salmon Filets with roasted vegies. Salmon was delicious and the vegetables were the best I
have ever enjoyed.
- The salmon did not require flipping over and the thermostat control alerts when to flip the steaks.
- There was no smoke from the oven in either steak or salmon dinners – nice.
Likes:
- Ease of cooking. Ninja states:
“Choose your food type”
“Select desired doneness”
“Insert Foodi Smart Thermometer”
“Foodi Grill Smart XL Grill does the rest”
“Choose your food type”
“Select desired doneness”
“Insert Foodi Smart Thermometer”
“Foodi Grill Smart XL Grill does the rest”
That is exactly how easy it is to cook on the Foodi Smart Grill, even makes me look smart in the kitchen!
- Foodi Smart Thermometer. The application of the Smart Thermometer and supporting processes is astonishing. Like
having AI built into your oven. The thermometer cooking system is reason enough to have the XL Smart in the
kitchen.
- Front Panel is in an uncomplicated layout that provides ease of control and feedback
- Low noise level.
- Build quality is exceptional.
- Cook time is remarkably quick.
having AI built into your oven. The thermometer cooking system is reason enough to have the XL Smart in the
kitchen.
- Front Panel is in an uncomplicated layout that provides ease of control and feedback
- Low noise level.
- Build quality is exceptional.
- Cook time is remarkably quick.
Decided to have Rib-Eyes again this evening and asked family if they want the steaks cooked outside on our $1000 grill or the XL Smart Grill. Steaks are being cooked on the Ninja, yes it really is that good.
Family loves the dinners, style, and ease of use.
For the Foodi XL Smart Grill my Rating is a strong Five Star Rating.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+11points
12of 13voted this as helpful.
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.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
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.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
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.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
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.
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.
Is this laptop too heavy for college or university students?
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
http://www8.hp.com/us/en/images/OMEN_Laptop_17_an013dx_tcm245_2468782_tcm245_2469233_tcm245-2468782.pdf
7 years, 4 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.
Is this laptop VR ready?
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
http://www8.hp.com/us/en/images/OMEN_Laptop_17_an013dx_tcm245_2468782_tcm245_2469233_tcm245-2468782.pdf
7 years, 4 months ago
by
vrs99
Add stability to your home network with the Amped Wireless HELIOS-EX Wi-Fi Extender. With DirectLink technology, it avoids signal loss by adding another 5GHz Wi-Fi channel to the standard setup, which it then uses strictly for receiving signal from the source. This Amped Wireless HELIOS-EX Wi-Fi Extender covers an area of up to 12,000 sq. ft. and includes four Gigabit network ports.
Can this extender be connected with a hard wire from my router? or does it have to get its signal wireless from the router and then broadcast the wireless signal to computers. Where the extender located will better if its signal can be hard wired
Typically if you want to use a wire you will run it from your computer to the box, and that you can do with this device.
7 years, 4 months ago
by
vrs99
Browse the internet or play your favorite apps on this Acer tablet. It runs on an Android operating system and is powered by a quad-core 64-bit processor for full functionality. Google Mobile Services and Microsoft Office Suite are preloaded on this Acer tablet for out-of-the-box work or play capabilities, and DTS-HD Premium Sound lets you enjoy videos.
THIS Acer - Iconia One 10 - 10.1 - Tablet - 32gb - White IN SALE in best buy, IS NEW OR USED?
It is a new model. To be sure you can check to see if it is model B3-A30.
8 years ago
by
vrs99
Which is better: AMD A8-Series or Intel® 4th Generation Core™ i3
I am going to purchase a new laptop and I've narrowed it down to either:the HP Pavilion 12-E017DX or the HP Pavilion 12-E019DX. The thing holding up my puchase it that I don't know what the diference is between the processors. I only use my laptop for general use...email, web surfing, facebook, etc. Can someone please tell me what the difference is and which one is better? Thanks
Personally without going and looking at the specs of the AMD card I would recommend going with the i3. The Intel chips are superior and deliver more performance for the price.
If you can stretch it go for the Haswell i5 which offers superior performance over the i3 and sips juice from the battery. Good Luck
If you can stretch it go for the Haswell i5 which offers superior performance over the i3 and sips juice from the battery. Good Luck
Products from my answer
HP - Split 2-in-1 13.3" Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel Core i5 - 4GB Memory - 128GB Solid State Drive - Black/Silver
(175)10 years, 10 months ago
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vrs99
TN