skylog's stats
- Review count182
- Helpfulness votes361
- First reviewJuly 19, 2013
- Last reviewMay 14, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.8
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
Answers
- Answer count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First answerNone
- Last answerNone
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
Sharpen your senses and prepare for your match. Our INZONE H9 headset immerses you in the zone with 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming and noise cancelling for supercharged hearing and super sharp reflexes. Take performance beyond your best, detecting enemies before they see you.
Customer Rating
5
A WH-1000XM vibe, but for gaming. Great Headset.
on August 12, 2022
Posted by: skylog
I am impressed with this headset. It has a nice set of features, looks good, has a great build, and performs well. Further, it has the add of ANC and it just sounds good.
It is extremely comfortable and easy to wear, generally, and for an extended duration. It sits well on my head, and while it feels secure, it isn’t too tight. Not too much pressure. All good for glasses as well. The padding on the headband and cups is thick, soft, and comfortable. Cup rotation and headband adjustments are easy and smooth. No issues here, I think most would feel the same.
Everything is solid and nicely put together, and they feel good in the hand. A nice weight that won’t get heavy on your head after some time. There are some LED light rings on the sides of the cans that shine either blue or white depending on your connection. The mic has a nice swivel, and some flex to it, which I really like, but it is not removable. I get it, but it is a bit of a bummer for me. The controls are more or less standard and what you would expect. On the left side there is an ANC/Ambient mode button, a USB-C charging port, and a volume rocker. On the other there is a power button, bluetooth button, and an independent chat voice volume button. I think these are all done mostly well, but maybe the volume button could be “out” a little more to make it easier to access.
Connectivity is great, with both bluetooth and 2.4 Ghz options. I have had rock solid performance, and minimal delay. I can roam around about 15-20 feet and not have any trouble with interference or cracking sound. I’ve just had zero issues here.
As for the styling, I do like it, and I “see” what they are going for here. Mostly plain, white, and black, clean looking, with some subtle LED use. I do have to say I would probably really love to see these in all black, but again, on some level they are going for a PlayStation match. I should note they are a bit “big looking.” Nothing crazy, but they are not some sleek, tiny cans. I think this is good, as I think fit should not be an issue for those with small ears or those with big ears. Both comfort and seal should be great across the board.
It hasn’t seemed to be a thing in gaming headsets, but I like the add of ANC, especially given Sony’s prowess here. I think it is done well. It may not get everything, but rather most of those steady consistent sounds around you. This is my first headset with it, but I like it. In some ways, you get a bit more immersed. On the flipside, Ambient mode is also done well, and works as expected.
The mic is…solid. Frankly, it isn’t the best (TY HS 80), but it is good. It will work for you, and no one will complain. At this price, I would have liked to see better, but it is on par with most, and it is not a major issue for me. Just something to note.
The mic is…solid. Frankly, it isn’t the best (TY HS 80), but it is good. It will work for you, and no one will complain. At this price, I would have liked to see better, but it is on par with most, and it is not a major issue for me. Just something to note.
As for sound, well, it is very good. I should clarify all of my experience is with my PC, so keep that in mind with all of my thoughts. I think these cans sound great out of the box, but the software you can pair with them is fantastic on the computer side. There are quite a few customization options that you should definitely explore to dial the headset in to your tastes. However, as I said earlier, they just sound good. Full stop. Everything is detailed, clean, with minimal distortion, not tinny, not muddled. Good.
Ultimately, I really like this headset, and I think it would be an easy purchase for most gamers. Very, very, comfortable, it sounds great, has nice features, and has a look I think many would appreciate. I feel like Sony put a lot of the good they have going on with their lifestyle WH-1000XM line into this. My only pause would be if you “need” the “best” mic, which this does not have.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Meet Google Pixel Buds Pro, the wireless earbuds with premium, immersive sound that adapts to you. Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal blocks outside sounds, so your music shines.
Customer Rating
5
Great Buds. Excellent Pixel Integration. I like.
on August 10, 2022
Posted by: skylog
I don’t even want to think about how many earbuds I have tried over the years, but as an Android user it has been a bit of hit and miss. I haven’t really found a pair to stick, although I have liked what Sony has done. I also used Google’s first PixelBuds offering, but, after a fit that did not really work for me, and not the best experience, they went back. I was intrigued by their more budget offering, the A Series, but just wasn’t compelled enough to make the move. After that somewhat drawn-out background story, I can simply say that I think these are fantastic, and I really like them.
The unboxing is typical of most Google products these days. Cardboard, paper, little to no plastic, and about as minimal as you can get. That said, everything is done well, and looks good. I appreciate the effort. No need for more. Other than the buds and case themselves, you get the typical 3 sizes of ear tips (in a rather unique case), some paperwork, and well, that is about it. No power brick, which frankly, I again like, and also no charging cable. Fine by me, but I suppose others may wish it were included. I have cables, too many, I do not need more. Just something to note.
As for the build, I really like it. They are “similar” to other PixelBuds (and most earbuds in general), but the shape is a bit more unique, and, thankfully, for me, there is no “wing/fin” in this version. As usual, fit is going to be a personal thing, but these are more comfortable for me and on par if not better than most if not all earbuds I have used. I haven’t found my ears bugging me even after a couple of hours of “mostly” continuous use. Further, they stayed in place. Again, this may depend on your ears. I think most people would find the fit would work for them, given the shape, tip size options, and fit, but you are just going to have to see. It is a roll of the dice. They are quite light, but they do seem solidly built. I think they will hold up over time. There is some water resistance IPX4 (on the case as well IPX@), which is a nice add, but I would lean more towards being careful with these near any water. Lastly, while they look like many in the space, I really like the way they look. The black is plain and muted, and I like that they sit mostly flush with my ears. They don’t stick out. They don’t have stems. Perfect for me.
When it comes to the case, it is more of the same. It is a bit of an egg shape (and color), but it is solid, feels good in the hand, and has a great “clicky” feel and sound (if you are into that). It is fairly small, in line with most other brands, and it easily pocketable. Here, again, I think it will hold up over time. The buds are easy to get in and out. There is a charging indicator light on the front, and a pairing button on the back. All in all, no complaints here, and I can’t really ask for more.
Connecting the buds for me was an absolute breeze. Now, I am using a Pixel 6 Pro, so I think the experience was somewhat catered to that, but my understanding is it should be very similar on just about any Android phone. For iPhone I do think you are simply required to hit the pairing button on the back of the case. Anyway, all that was required for me was to open the case with the buds inside. There was a little setup process that you are walked through, and after a brief period (and a probable firmware update), you are good to go. Very easy. Once connected, I have not suffered any connection issues. I have not run through every scenario I may see quite yet, but they have been solid. Hands down better than the original PixelBuds.
Sound on these is quite good. It is hard to compare across so many brands/models/price points, but these are definitely great for their place in the market, and about a tick or two below some of the more expensive known best sound performers. I would say it is a bit more of a neutral/balanced sound, but at the same time they do deliver solid mids and highs. The bass is good, and clean, but not thumping. Through the software, there is a generic “Volume EQ” that I think does improve the sound. Unfortunately, a more robust EQ as well as Bass Boost are missing in the software for the Pro version at the moment. I think the sound is good as is, but it is a little unfortunate these settings are missing at launch. Google is promising a full 5-band full Equalizer during “Fall 2022” that will make bass boost irrelevant and let you dial in your settings more to your liking. Like I said, a bit of a miss not having this at launch, but it should be a nice add going forward. Further, they are also promising spatial audio during that same timeline. Again, a nice add.
One of the main things that differentiates these Pro PixelBuds from previous iterations is the inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation. It performs rather well. It truly does block out the outside world. Again, I can’t say it is best in class, as I have to say Sony has that claim on lock, but they stack well against almost all others. I think a proper fit does wonders here, so make sure to test the ear tips and go through the “seal test” they offer. As for the Transparency Mode, it seems to also work well, but, frankly, I am not sure how much use I will get out of this. We shall see as I go forward.
Briefly, I have had no issues using these on calls. It is not something I do a lot, especially in this way, but everything sounded good on my end, and people on the other end said I came through clear, and even somewhat better than in the past.
Now, this may be a hit of a hit or miss depending on your phone, but I think in some ways the best part of these buds is how they work with my phone. Again, I am on a Pixel, and I cannot speak to how this all works on another Android phone or iPhone, but the integration is fantastic. This is in conjunction with the absolutely outstanding touch controls on the buds themselves (which should work as well no matter the phone/platform). I have not often used a lot of touch controls, because I have found them finnicky, often not registering, or mistaking a movement, but that is in no way the case here. The controls themselves are somewhat standard, volume, track, etc… but you can also map Google Assistant to one bud, and toggle ANC on the other. Further, the taps, swipes, and holds seemingly all register correctly, and it seems they have a little “leeway” when you do an action. That is, if you are slightly “off” and hit your ear briefly before swiping forward, they sort of get it and still do the correct action. Beyond the physical controls, you can also choose to go hands-free with Google Assistant, using a key word for activation. You can have notifications read. You can use Google Translate. In a lot of ways, I think you get a lot of the advantages one has from being all in with the Apple ecosystem, but with Android and Google. It is a not a bad thing.
One last thing along those lines is the “Multipoint” connectivity. It allows you to switch audio between devices rather seamlessly. There is a bit to getting it setup among devices the first time (essentially the same setup as other earbuds that offer it), but once I had it up it worked better than I originally thought it would. All in all, I like it.
Lastly, battery life has been outstanding. So far it seems the rated times (for buds and case) hold up, although it will really vary based on how you use them. Do keep in mind that the rated times for ANC are lower than when not in use. Charing (in the case) is via USB-C (and wireless, but it is slow), which is great, and it does include fast charge. 5 minutes in the case gives you 1 hour with ANC. 15 minutes gives you 3 hours with ANC.
I didn’t mean to sit down and write a book here, but, ultimately, I really do like these buds. They are my favorite to date. I think for what you get, they are a great buy and value, although they probably? will go on sale every now and again. I think if you are in the Android/Google ecosystem, and even more so a Pixel user, you will be happy with these earbuds. They sound good, look good, and you definitely get a lot of utility and a frictionless user experience. That said, I even think people in the Apple ecosystem would like these buds, given fit, sound, etc…but there are some tradeoffs. You would lose some Apple ease of use benefits, and at the same time you would lose some of the Android ease of use benefits. Just something to keep in mind..
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Introducing Alienware Aurora R13 - our new gaming desktop with an evolved chassis, enhanced airflow and quieter acoustics. Enjoy the freedom of gaming, streaming and creating on a multi-threaded capacity desktop with the latest 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processors and NVIDIA GeForce 30-series graphics.
Customer Rating
4
Great performance. Future proofed. Not perfect.
on August 2, 2022
Posted by: skylog
To put everything in the simplest terms, this is a great system that performs very well. Frankly, I could not really be happier in that regard. That said, that does not mean I find it perfect.
The machine has great specs, and it performs as such. The 3080 and 12900KF really show why they are still near to top of the class when it comes to hardware in their respective markets. Further, the 32GB of RAM (you can expand to 128GB) allows for headroom and both it and the 1TB SSD perform as expected (although for the price I would have loved the bump to 2TB). Fast. Everything is fast. Everything works. Everything works well. All in all, it is a beast of a machine. Every game I threw at it was smooth. No issue. Photo work. Same. Video work. Same. Anything in the day to day, including endless open tabs. Same. I really not one to put too much into synthetic benches, but everything excelled there as well. From a spec/performance standpoint, I am quite pleased.
Further, while I am typically somewhat conservative when it comes to looks, I do like the case presentation here. It is not “too” flashy, and I think the RGB use is somewhat subdued and works well (there are loads of options). While I do think I would have more preferred the black, I think most people would generally like the styling. Beyond that, the port connectivity is absolutely fantastic. Front I/O is robust, and there are just a seemingly endless number of USB ports overall. A, C, and loads of them are 3.2 spec’d (20Gbps). You also have networking options, with a great wired option as well as wireless capabilities. All in all, some good work here.
That said, while the case looks “good” and they made sure to cover the port and connectivity department, it does pump some heat. I mean, this is expected with the level of hardware in use, but I am just not sure they did as much as they could have here. The cable management, honestly, was better than I expected, so that helps with air flow, but I am just not sure there is enough running through the case. Further, while the AIO is welcome, the minimal rad is somewhat of a disappointment, and it has to be having an effect on temps. In some ways, I would have preferred a larger, more vanilla case that would have allowed for more (and better) cooling. To be clear, I have not had issues to this point due to temps (although it can get a bit loud), but I do think this is a bit of a miss here. We shall see.
As it stands, this system is a great performer now, and with its current hardware I expect it will be for some time. I really do think there is a fair amount of future proofing with the hardware this system has. I expect to be good for some years here. This, however, is where part of my issue with this system has its roots. Whenever you build or buy a system, part of that investment is spent knowing computers will change over time, and you can upgrade, add, delete, or change your system to get even more out of that initial investment. With this system, yes, you can certainly do that…but to a degree. Several components of this system are proprietary parts (motherboard, PSU) that in some ways limit what you can do. Further, as I alluded to above, the case also limits what you can do cooling-wise in the system, which, in turn, sort of limits what you could do hardware-wise down the road.
Ultimately, in the end, I think that is what it comes down to with this PC. It absolutely gives you top level performance right now, and it should for some time. You will be able to tinker with that in the future, but you may be slightly limited. I think those that are into building systems should look elsewhere, both for value and future upgrade paths. Those who are just looking for a great machine that is ready to go and will do what you want, with a bit of piece of mind for the future, would really enjoy this system, and see the value it provides.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
The G5 gaming laptop powered by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series GPU combines gaming, entertainment, work and more! Its powerful 11th Gen Intel Processor allows you to effortlessly handle multiple tasks at the same time. It features a 3 screen display output, built-in SD card slot, and next-gen Wi-Fi 6 technology; with a tool for every task, this laptop provides great balance between gaming, entertainment, and work capabilities. Welcome to your new go-to laptop.
Customer Rating
5
Great for gaming or work. Outstanding value.
on August 2, 2022
Posted by: skylog
This is my first time with a Gigabyte laptop (although I have been using their video cards for some time), but they have delivered a quality machine that performs quite well and provides some great value in the price / performance department.
Everything was shipped and packed securely, the unboxing was vanilla, but about what you would expect, and everything was presented well. The machine itself is somewhat understated, which, frankly, is more my style. Plain, black, modern, stealthy looking. Plain logo. It does seem to love fingerprints, but that is just normal for the materials/color choice. The build is solid, “feels good in the hand,” and is a nice weight. Not too light, but not heavy, somewhat standard for a laptop with this size in this class. It is not an ultralight by any means, but you can definitely pack it up and take it on the go if you want.
The first thing I noticed about the machine was the display. It is FHD (1920x1080), so not 4K, but I really think that is a good thing here. You can get great game play with the rest of the included hardware while getting “some” more battery life along the way. Colors are bright, vivid, seemingly quite accurate, and the fact that it is fast refresh (at 144Hz) keeps everything extremely smooth. Obviously, it will depend on what you play, how you play, but you can tick up the settings and still get solid frame rates, smooth gameplay, and everything will just look good! Personal preference, but they went with anti-glare versus glossy, and I think it makes for a better experience. Beyond gaming, even just in everyday use, everything looks good. I know most are curious about games but given how much time I spend on my machines not gaming, I figured it was worth a quick word. The only really “negative” I can talk about with this display is the bottom bezel or “chin.” While the top and side bezels are on the thinner side, that chin is a big boy. Perhaps not out of line with others, but it was noticeable to me. It doesn’t take away from all the good the display has going for it, but just something to note.
System sound is…good. The speakers do get loud, but don’t expect the cleanest sound from them. The do lack a bit on the low end. You can definitely dig in and adjust some settings to cater them more to your ear, and I think it is worth the time. Further, everything does do quite a bit better when you take the speakers out of play. Headphones or another audio output can be the better option.
The keyboard has somewhat surprised me. Spacing is good, the keys have a nice feel to them, are quiet, and it generally is great to use. I feared everything would be a little cramped, but I haven’t found that to be an issue, and I am probably in the minority here, but I absolutely love the addition of the number pad. Like I alluded to earlier, I do use my computers for “life stuff,” and I use the num pad often. A nice add. They give you some nice lighting options/control, and while I am “boring” when it comes to this kind of stuff, I think they have done a great job here and it looks fantastic. As for the trackpad, well, it is good, about standard. It is not the largest, and it is “offset” a bit to line up with the keyboard minus the number pad. Not the best, but by no means an issue.
I think when you look at a laptop in this class, the hardware choices are where everything can be won or lost. Generally, I think Gigabyte did a good job here. The CPU choice (Intel i5 11400H) was a good one, especially when in conjunction with their choice of GPU (Nvidia 3050TI). With that CPU, I have had enough power to do several things at the same time without issue, although keeping my expectations reasonable. The GPU, while on the lower end of gaming scale, is still an excellent card that gives you great 1080 gaming performance (which is why I like the display choice). Again, it will depend on what games you play, but you should see solid performance here across the board. I will say, there is a fair amount of power here, and while have not seen any “issues” yet, the machine can run a bit hot when you are hitting it pretty hard. Gigabyte does have a fair amount of intake and venting, and all of this is pretty typical, just keep this is mind when in use.
When I said I think they “generally,” did a good job with hardware choices, I was mostly referring to their choice of only including 8GB of RAM. It has worked for me, and I imagine I will not run into many issues. I also imagine when you pack so much good into a machine and keep it at a price point you have to make choices, but in 2022, it is hard to accept 8GB of RAM on a machine. A gaming machine. You can add more if you find the need. I move on.
A “similar” thought could be applied to the choice of 512GB of storage on the SSD. That said, I don’t think so, and I am much more OK with this choice. It is a fair amount of storage, and it is fast. Very fast. PCIe Gen 4 use is the main culprit, but as someone who grew up with spinny disks, it is just wild to see. Zero issues here (you can also add more).
Same when it comes to the ports on this machine. As time has gone on, ports seem to be vanishing (on some brands more than others). I absolutely value a clean machine and look forward to the possible perfect world scenario of 1 cable to rule them all, but we just are not there yet. Close? Sure. Give me some options until we are there though. I much prefer those over dongles. You get 3 USB-A, USB-C, SD card, Mic, Audio, and both Mini Display and HDMI. Most of the USB are Gen 3.2 as well. It is a similar situation with connectivity. WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. All of this is a fantastic add in today’s market.
Lastly, I have to hit on battery life. So much of this will depend on brightness, how you use your machine, what you are doing, keyboard lighting, etc…so it is hard to pin down numbers. Further, it is a gaming machine, so this is often not a strength. I would say the battery life is “average” for this type of machine. You probably are looking at 2+ hours of gaming, and somewhere at 4-5 hours of non-gaming use. Your best bet is probably to use some of the power saving features available via Windows and see how you use your machine. Dial in screen and keyboard brightness. Go from there.
Ultimately, in the end, this is a fantastic laptop for its class. Full stop. Good build, nice looks, quality components, solid performance, fun and easy to use. I think most people looking would be more than happy with all it can do. It easily can handle the day to day while delivering great gaming performance at the same time. A great value!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
The Normatec 3 by Hyperice is the next evolution of the iconic Normatec series, using dynamic air compression to advance your wellness, recover faster, improve your training, and maximize your performance. Normatec’s patented precision pulse technology helps to increase circulation, revive muscles, and reduce swelling and has long been the choice of elite athletes and consumers throughout the globe.
Customer Rating
5
Improved Physical (and Mental) Well-Being
on July 20, 2022
Posted by: skylog
As someone who only quite recently learned of and experienced the benefits of compression therapy, I was excited to give these a try. After some time with them, I can definitely say they have been good for me.
Just a quick bit about my situation. I am recently back from a knee injury. Prior, and currently, my main exercise has been cardio work. Running inside and out, rowing, and quite a bit of stationary biking. Frankly, it has been a bit of a struggle getting back to my pre-injury state. Being out for an extended period of time and trying to find the “right” mix of activity, work, rest, and recovery has been difficult. Further complicating things, my job requires me to be on my feet, all day, for roughly 55 hours a week.
To be blunt about it, through the use of this system/boots, I have reduced stiffness, soreness, and weakness in my legs and am also seeing less pain and stiffness in my recovered knee. Further, I know this is not a metric, but it just makes my legs feel better. Feel good. This has helped me. Period.
As for the system itself, everything is built well and has a good “feel.” It is easy to clean (my legs DID sweat), and the entire set is “small enough” and is a nice light weight. The cables and connectors are robust, and I think they will last over time. The “head” or base unit has a nice clean look, with easy to read and understand markings, again, a nice weight, and responsive buttons. All in all, I have no complaints with the hardware. That said, while I do appreciate the system is “small enough” to pack up, as well that it is TSA approved for travel, and that they do offer a Backpack (for $150), I do think for the price, a bag of some sort should be included. It would have been a nice add.
Setup is quick. Easy. It is a rather simple process that is not much more than opening the app (which I did find to be a finnicky…at first) charging up, attaching a few cables, and putting the boots on. That is about it. I would say, given the nature of the product, you should take things slow and get a feel for the system for a bit first. Familiarize yourself a little, then see how it can benefit you.
As is often the case, no matter how “good” a thing may be, if you do not use it, it is more or less rendered “not good.” I tend to suffer from this problem. A lot. Here, not so much. This is easy to use. The process from start to finish is pretty quick. It is comfortable. It isn’t loud. There is a nice amount of customization (5 various zones, pressure, time, quite a few routines/programs, 1 leg, 2 legs, etc…). Lastly, it just works. They have done a great job of removing obstacles, reasons, or simply excuses not to use them. At least for me.
In the end, as I stated from the beginning, I really like this system. It works for me. The day after workouts, and even simply after my long days at work, my legs simply feel better. Frankly, they feel better during and right after use. This is a bit of an investment (but I do think the price is more than competitive in the space), but for the convenience, improved physical (and mental) well-being, and a better overall quality of life, it is worth it to me. I think many would feel the same.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
The CORSAIR K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS RGB 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is big on both performance and customization, connecting with hyper-fast, sub-1ms SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS, Bluetooth®, or USB. CHERRY MX SPEED mechanical keyswitches are easily swappable with any MX-compatible switches for a customized gaming and typing experience. Durable PBT DOUBLE-SHOT PRO keycaps and an aluminum frame are illuminated by per-key RGB backlighting with a 360° LightEdge. CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology transmits keystrokes up to 8x faster over USB wired mode. With up to 200 hours of battery life, the K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS delivers customized performance, no strings attached.
Customer Rating
5
Quality construction. Flexible. Complete package
on July 14, 2022
Posted by: skylog
Corsair has done a nice job here. I really like this keyboard. It more or less has all of the features I was looking for in this type of deck. 60%. Speed. Connectivity. Quality construction. Customization with cap and switch swapping. RGB with excellent software. Some good battery life. It does most to all of this very well. It comes at a bit of a price, but I think the value is there for what you get. All of that said, I do have a couple of nitpicks here and there.
I like the look of the keyboard, compact, black, about what you would expect. The build is solid, with a metal frame. Honestly, I don’t love the switches that come stock, but being able to adjust as I like is a nice option. Same with the keycaps, although I am a little torn here. The caps feel great, are PBT, and generally look good. This is personal to me, but I just don’t like the font. It is not a big thing, but it is what it is. It also leads to another issue for me, adding some caps I love would be great, but I would lose track of so many of the function options that are on the stock keys (given the 60% nature of the deck). Again, not a big thing, but something to think about.
While I am not the “biggest” RGB guy, I have to admit, I am liking it here. It may not be the “super brightest,” but it works, the keys look good, and the software control and implementation are just fantastic. There are so many options, preset and otherwise, that I can’t imagine someone not finding something that they like. Patterns. Layers. Profiles. Just a lot of control over nearly every aspect of the lighting. Further, there is a “ring” or “RGB LightEdge” around the base of the keyboard that looks wild, but it is a bit lost in that you can’t really see it when you are using the board. It can make your system stand out from afar, but I just wasn’t seeing it glow around the board in use.
I think one of the main things they nailed with this board was the connectivity. Several options. They all work. They all work very well. Sure, a lot of the draw is the wireless capability, but wired up is great as well, although the well for the USB-C plug is a bit deep. It may come into play if you have cables, you already use. As a whole, zero issues for me so far with connectivity. Fast. Stable. What you are looking for.
Battery life? It has been “good.” I will have to see how this plays out over time. I would say I am a tick below the rated numbers, but as I use it more and see how I really use all the lighting I think it will end up being fine. I can see myself not using the lighting all the time, and the rated hours for that are very high. Further, I will probably be plugged in a bit as well.
In the end, this is a very good keyboard, and I like it. I would say it more or less is the complete package. It performs well, has a great build, looks good, and is very feature rich. Further, Corsair gives you everything you need from a customization standpoint. Extreme keyboard heads may want to take a more custom route, and I guess it would be best to have “the perfect keyboard” out of the box, but for those want to play and change it up, you can. For many though, I think the stock board will be great as is and I think most will be happy to add it to their setup.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Easily turn an iPad into a powerful and professional point of sale with built-in payments, without all the clutter of extra cables and card readers. Get started in minutes with a POS that’s as easy to set up as it is to use — no manuals or training required. Then, keep your lines moving with an intuitive checkout that guides customers through order confirmation and payment. Pay just 2.6% + 10 cents per tap or dip, with no hidden fees or long-term contracts, and free POS software included. Compatible with: IPad (9th generation 2021), iPad (8th generation 2020), iPad (7th generation 2019),iPad Air (3rd generation 2019),iPad Pro 10.5",iPad sold separately
Customer Rating
5
Great for those in need of a P.O.S. solution
on July 12, 2022
Posted by: skylog
Square has come a long way since they offered their first card reader, and this Point of Sale stand is a great example of how much they have moved forward.
Everything from the packaging/unboxing to the product itself is done well. The stand itself is well-built, with a nice weight, focused on the bottom to give it some stability. Further, the base has a grippy bottom to help it remain in place. If that does not work for you, there is a drill mount that will allow for a more permanent solution. In either configuration, I think it would be solid and stable. The “dock” area for the iPad is more of the same. Once in, I have no concern about the iPad, there is a security latch to lock it in. Lastly, the stand swivels, very smoothly, so both employee and/or customer use can be done easily.
As for looks, I think this easily can fit into any location. It is rather sleek and modern looking, and frankly, these are pretty much ubiquitous and the standard more and more these days.
Honestly, I am most impressed that this is such a complete and simple solution. Yes, clearly you need to bring the iPad to the table, but with the provided power and dock, the power for the iPad is taken care of, and with the dock you can add any other accessories you may want. They are not needed, but if your situation calls for a barcode scanner, receipt printer, drawer…etc, they can easily be added. Further, the ease of use for the customer in addition to the options the customer has available to them are fantastic. Tap to pay, via card or phone, and chip payment are intuitive and easy to spot given the alert lights and even card swipes can be done via a plug-in reader on the bottom. All in all, I think this is a great stand.
I know this is not a review of the Square software, but it goes hand in hand with what this stand offers, and I think the combination of the two makes this a device that would work rather well for most people.
My only caveat with this stand is you need to supply the iPad. I do not really see this as a big issue, as it does give you a little flexibility, as the iPad can be used for other needs when not in use in the stand. You just have to be extremely careful to make sure you have the right model. There are several that can be used, so there is some flexibility there; but, also be aware if you are thinking VERY long term Apple seems to be moving the iPad line to USB-C (finally) so compatibility may be an issue down the road.
In the end, if you are looking for a mostly simple, mostly all-in-one solution, I think this stand is a great choice. Everything is provided (even some nice stickers to advertise what you accept), it is easy to set up, is well-built, looks great, is easy to use for both employee and customer, and…it just works.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Nothing about your personal style is standard. So why should your appliances be? Created for those who want to reflect their true style in every room of their home, Café is distinct by design. Backed by showstopping features, every Café appliance gives you the form and the function you've been craving. Now that exceptional style is coming to your countertops thanks to elegant and efficient toaster ovens with air fry which feature the signature Café copper accents that truly elevate your experience. Embrace a toaster oven that you can be proud to present on your counters that also boasts 14 essential cooking modes that allow you to flawlessly prepare any recipe, from kids snacks to dinner party hors d'oeuvres. The innovative CrispFinish setting melts, caramelizes, browns or crisps, and puts the perfect finishing touch on any of your signature dishes. Delight in simpler, smarter cooking by using your voice to control your countertop oven through Echo or Google Home devices. Plus, use the SmartHQ app to start and program recipes remotely and even download updates and new features.
Customer Rating
5
Looks Great. Works Better. Very Versatile.
on June 15, 2022
Posted by: skylog
This is easily the most robust “toaster oven” I have ever been fortunate to use. It has numerous cooking modes, is a great size, is simple to use, and looks great in my still too small kitchen. Yes, it also features air fry.
I have typically used a “standard” toaster oven through the years so seeing this box arrive was a bit of a shock. Now, while the unit is large-ish, I found the box was so due to all the packing material used to ship it. It was packed well, but the unboxing was easy, and everything was more or less ready to go. Just a plug and a quick pre-burn and I was on my way.
The oven is fairly large, and it is suggested not to put this unit directly under cabinets (without 4” of clearance), so you will want to make sure you have a space for it. I absolutely already struggle for counter space, so my unit is simply replacing my old oven on its cart/shelf. With the size, the oven still feels well-built. Solid. It opens and closes smoothly. It is not overly heavy, but a good weight. Further, I love the internal size. This is one of the biggest improvements for me over my old oven. I can just do more. As such, they give you a nice set of accessories to do just that. You get the standard oven rack, enamel baking (non-stick) and pizza pans (12”), a wire mesh air-fry/dehydrate basket, and a removable crumb tray. Just having more space gives me so many more options.
As for looks, the oven looks fantastic. My unit is Stainless with the Café copper accents, as it fits with most of the rest of my appliances. Classic. Plain. A great look. That said, in my dream kitchen, I would have loved the Matte Black finish. Beyond that, dials and buttons are labeled well, responsive, and intuitive. The LCD is very clear and easy to read. All in all, I really like the build and design.
The additional space is one of my favorite aspects of this oven, but the versatility of it is easily my absolute favorite part. With my old oven I was somewhat constrained as to what I could do even with the space I had. Here it is the best of both worlds. I am able to do all of the standard toaster oven things…toast, bagel, tuna melt, etc…all with more even, consistent, and better results (more heating elements), while also doing so much more. I have cooked asparagus, chicken, corn, and a large frozen pizza so far with the “oven” feature while even hitting a few “air fry” staples which was entirely new to me. People have been telling me how great air fryers are and I just did not believe or commit to it, but I was wrong. Very wrong. To be able to get that here, in one appliance, is just a great value add.
I have been able to throw a lot at this in a short time, and I am impressed, but I think I am only getting started. I am looking forward to trying to bake some cookies and even though I don’t really know anything about dehydrating, the idea of fruit and jerky is something I want to explore.
I feel I have to say a quick something about the “smart” features of this oven. They are there, you can use them. Thankfully, there are some protections in place, given the nature of this product, to protect against possible accidents. I just question why this is even a thing? Eventually, down the road when the tech is foolproof, sure, but maybe you don’t need to speak to your oven. At least those are my thoughts.
In the end, I just love this oven, I am dropping the toaster part. It is well-built and looks great. More importantly, it works well. Very well. Lastly, it is both extremely versatile (part toaster, oven, air-fryer, warmer, dehydrator) and easy to use. It replaces some of those devices all in one device for me, and at the same time will reduce my reliance on my main oven. There just is not really anything I don’t like about this unit. For me the value is just there, and I think most would feel the same.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
The Dream Team of Clean. With Imprint Link Technology, the Roomba i3+ EVO robot vacuum and Braava jet m6 robot mop team up to vacuum then mop automatically in perfect sequence, giving your floors a comprehensive clean with just a command to your voice assistant or in the app. With breakthrough Imprint Technology, we’re building a world where robots intelligently communicate with each other and the rest of your connected home.
Customer Rating
3
I really wanted to like this…
on June 14, 2022
Posted by: skylog
I’ve been curious about robot vacuums for some time. I have always been hesitant as my space is not that large, I have a certain “way” I like things cleaned, and I just wasn’t sure the value was there for me. Well, after some time with this combo, I think my concerns were warranted.
To be clear, I really like the tech involved. I think there is a future in this for many, perhaps even me, but at least in my first experience it just did not really work out.
Everything was packaged well, and the unboxing was simple. The build of the vacuum unit, base, mop unit, all of it, is quite good. Everything is solid, seems put together well, and frankly, looks very nice. It would fit in in just about any household. I followed the brief guide, downloaded the app and kind of pieced it all together. Once up and running, the unit seemed to struggle to map my space. Now, my space is not that large, but there are quite a few walls, turns, hallways…etc… and it is quite cramped, so I “guess” this was the problem, but it took a few runs to get there. I suppose I understand this, but it still never seemed to get it “just right”. Maybe with more time? I do not know.
The sweeping runs had a little trouble with my furniture as well as a lot of the transitions from room to room. Quite honestly, while the vacuuming the unit did was good (and I do appreciate the straight lines), I feel there are just spaces that aren’t getting hit. I also suffered quite a few reboot requests and connection issues. Is this the app? The system? Both? Further, while the unit itself was not that loud, the fact that it took quite a bit longer that I had hoped meant a lot of time with noise. Also, while I appreciate the self-emptying, that noise, that noise was loud. Short, but loud. In my brief experience, It also seemed to have trouble with the emptying process too often. All in all, taken as a whole, not the best experience with the vacuum unit.
As for the mop unit, well, it seemed to do quite a bit better. I have very little space for this unit to cover and it is all mostly free of any obstructions. You have to fill it with cleaner and your desired cleaning pads, but that is about it. I did not seem to have the same issues with this space/unit. The unit was “quiet” and has done a better job with coverage. If I had more need for this unit, this could be what I was looking for.
In the end, I just don’t know. I was hoping for this futuristic experience, set it and forget it, everything clean, and for some people, maybe that is what they have gotten. My experience has not been that. Perhaps it is as simple as the nature of my space, or maybe over time it will get better, I just don’t know. For those that have the right space, or even for those who are just looking for a little upkeep between cleaning, maybe this can be a good choice. For me though, the inconsistency in performance (mapping, vacuuming, app), some added costs (bags, cleaner, pads), and the overall package just don’t have enough value. I think I can clean what I need to faster and better on my own. Trouble-free.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Ideal for espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos, cortados, and flat whites, the new Ember Cup, 6 oz, offers a premium coffee experience that does more than keep your coffee hot. Our smart mug allows you to set your preferred drinking temperature, so you can enjoy your expertly crafted hot drink —just the way you like it— from the first sip to the last drop. Ember Cup’s built-in battery maintains your precise drinking temperature for up to 1.5 hours or all day with the included charging coaster.
Customer Rating
5
Simple To Use. Works Perfectly. Looks Great.
on June 14, 2022
Posted by: skylog
Admittedly, I love both coffee and tea, and probably have a borderline caffeine…problem, as a result. Putting that aside, this cup does exactly what it says it will. It does it well. Either to my betterment or my detriment LOL.
The cup itself looks great. Plain. Matte Black. Simple. Clean. More or less perfect for me (the charging coaster looks the same). They do also offer a Copper version, which while not my thing, does look very nice (although it is more expensive). There are no handles, but it is comfortable to hold for me and I’ve found it doesn’t get hot on the outside. Beyond that, it just “feels good in the hand.” It is on the “smaller” size, given the 6oz, so just something to keep in mind for your own use case (more on that later).
Setup is very easy. More or less plug the cable to charger and then into the AC wall outlet. The power button is on the bottom of the cup. That’s it for the hardware. As with most devices, you should fully charge before the first use. Perhaps there are power requirements, and/or they want to prevent people from charging from questionable USB sources, but a USB option would have been nice to see. Many people, myself included, have outlets with added USB ports these days. My kitchen counters are space challenged but there is no shortage of things that need plugged in. A little versatility would have been nice to see.
You can choose to use the cup as is (stays at a constant 135F), but you lose functionality without the downloadable App. Pairing was painless for me and the App is simple, intuitive, clean, and rather nice looking. Here you can update firmware, adjust the customizable LED, see battery levels, set favorites, and, most importantly, set your desired temperature. For me, simple, and zero issues. That said, I am primarily an Android user, and the App is riddled with poor reviews and reported issues. As someone who also uses iPhone, it was no different with the iOS store. I can’t say exactly what the story is, but that was not my experience. Just something to note.
As for actually using the cup in the day to day? I love it. It is a simple idea/concept, and they nail it. You put your beverage of choice in, and the cup keeps it at a temperature for up to 1.5 hours. I typically drink a mix of coffee, cappuccinos, and a variety of teas. For me, what I drink, where I drink it, and how I drink it, simply, it just works. Frankly, I think the whole experience is better. Tea making is fantastic given the temperature control. My only concern is some people may not like the 6oz size. It seems designed more for cappuccinos and similar drinks, and It works for me, but some people may want to look at Ember’s other offerings. I would say most would probably be ok, as you can just refill the cup, but if you are downing giant coffees maybe check your caffeine habits before picking this model.
Cleanup is cleanup. Hand washing is required, but no handle and the smaller size make it quite easy. You will need to make sure the bottom where the charging pins are located is dry before placing it back on the charger (and the charger itself I imagine). Lastly, it should go without saying, but this is not microwave safe. Given this product, you shouldn’t need to, but just make sure not to.
Ultimately, I really like this cup. It does exactly what it promises to do, and it does it well. It looks great and it is simple to use. For someone who uses it daily, the value is there.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
skylog's Review Comments
skylog has not submitted comments on any reviews.
skylog's Questions
skylog has not submitted any questions.
skylog's Answers
skylog has not submitted any answers.