RedScorpion's stats
- Review count174
- Helpfulness votes1,523
- First reviewJune 21, 2012
- Last reviewJune 15, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.5
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- Answer count14
- Helpfulness votes42
- First answerMay 13, 2016
- Last answerSeptember 30, 2020
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- Best answers5
Jam out to your tunes with these black JLab GO Air true wireless earbuds. Three sets of gel buds offer a comfortable and secure fit for all-day use, while the rechargeable 43 mAh lithium-polymer battery on each earbud offers up to 5 hours of use when fully charged. These JLab GO Air true wireless earbuds have a 30-foot Bluetooth connectivity range, letting you wander away from connected devices freely.
Posted by: RedScorpion
from Oklahoma City, OK
I should say upfront that I received the JLab - GO Air True Wireless In-ear Headphones for the purposes of providing an honest and unbiased review. And, at $30, I think they're good. I have way more expensive earbuds with fancy noise cancelling features, but, at the end of the day, I'll probably end up using these buds more. If they fall out or get lost, I'll just go to Best Buy and get another set. I had no connectivity issues; no static pops. I wish the buds put out a bit more volume, but at their current price, I think they're good earbuds.
The buds are small. I included some pictures for scale. The earbuds come with three different pads. I found the default worked the best and stayed neatly in my ear. There's a white light on each bud. If they are in your ears and you aren't playing music, other people can see the white lights.
There's a charging case. The earbuds are magnetically held into the case. However, I found that the case wasn't perfect. I accidentally knocked the case off the counter and the earbuds came out. The magnets do a pretty good job, but they aren't perfect. A lid for the case would have been a nice addition.
Also, I struggle with getting the touch buttons to work as advertised. I could get the volume to go up and down and answer calls or pause / play music, but it wasn't perfect.
But that's about all of my nitpicks. I wish the earbuds had fuller / louder sound, but at this price point, they sound pretty good. The touch controls are a bit frustrating and I wish the case had a lid, But outside of that, the earbuds worked well.
I struggled with what star review to give these. But, I think these buds do what they set out to do. They provide good, clear audio in a small package and are relatively inexpensive. They stay in my ears better than buds that are nearly seven times more expensive. I hope some of these nitpicks are addressed in future versions of the earbuds, but for what they are, I like them.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The GO Work Wireless On-Ear Headset from JLab will be your new best friend at the office. Featuring 45+ hours of playtime to get you through a full work week and Bluetooth multipoint, you can connect to 2 devices at once so you can transition from mobile to laptop without tocuhing any settings. The GO Work Headset also features 2 microphones for clear calling, a retractable boom mic with LED quick mute indicator, multi-functional buttons for controls, and 2 EQ settings for Work or Music mode.
Customer Rating
5
Comfortable Headset with a Great Mic
on May 28, 2021
Posted by: RedScorpion
from Oklahoma City, OK
The JLab - GO Work wireless office headset is yet another well made headset from JLab. A lot of people are working from home right now, and this Bluetooth wireless headset makes it easy to clearly communicate with others. The microphone does a good job at picking up the voice of the speaker while keeping outside noise to a minimum. The mute indicator makes it easy to see if your mic is on or not. The padded cushions are comfortable. All-in-all, this headset has worked great over the last few days of testing it.
I should say up front that I received the JLab Go Work for the purpose of providing my honest thoughts and feedback.
Like many people, my wife and I found ourselves working from home most of this past year. My wife works as part of a support call center. They had her on a USB wired headset. We have been taking turns with the JLab Go Work and I think we are both quite impressed. We both like the wireless freedom. I have enjoyed the battery life and how easy it is to set up and use.
I had my wife call me with the headset and she sounded super clear. Not only that, but I only heard her and not the TV or the dog barking. The dual microphones do a good job at isolating the speaker's voice. The mute button was simple and the light indicator at the tip of the microphone was a nice touch. While the mic mute was activated, no audio came through the microphone. (I have tested headsets where that was unfortunately not the case.)
Also, the multipoint Bluetooth works as advertised. It was relatively easy to have the headset working on the phone and the computer. If I could make a suggestion, I would set it up with the phone first, then turn off Bluetooth on the phone, connect the headset to the computer, and then turn Bluetooth on the phone back on.
Some things to note:
The headphones come with a USB-C charging cable and a USB-C to 3.5mm aux. Important to note that according to the included documentation, the headset needs at least some charge to work with the wired 3.5mm cable.
Also, even when off, pressing the mute button will cause the microphone tip to turn red. Meaning, even when you think the headset is not active, it could still drain battery if the microphone light is pressed.
Finally, while the volume up buttons worked fine for the phone, they did not control speaker or microphone volume within Windows.
In conclusion, I think this is a good, comfortable work headset. The Bluetooth connectivity worked well. I had no static and neither my wife or I had any problems being understood. As a wireless work headset, I highly recommend it.
4.5/5
Mobile Submission: False
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Ready to go mechanical? Look no farther than the The ROCCAT® Pyro Mechanical (Linear) PC Gaming Keyboard with Per-Key AIMO RGB Lighting, Brushed Aluminum Top Plate and Detachable Palm Rest. Its linear switches boast an optimized 2.0mm actuation point for a keystroke that is both responsive and reliable. Switches are tested to 50 million keystrokes, with a reinforcing brushed aluminum top plate providing added durability. Advanced anti-ghosting technology ensures gamers can press virtually all of the most-used keys simultaneously, with each of them registering and reacting in the heat of battle without fail. The Pyro is equipped with a detachable palm rest to suit both relaxed typing and aggressive gaming styles. Also featured is ROCCAT Easy-Shift[+] technology allowing deep control customization, doubling the function of every button just by holding down the designated modifier key (Caps Lock by default). The Pyro features the AIMO lighting engine, ROCCAT’s proprietary technology, with per-key illumination in 16.8 million RGB colors. AIMO reacts organically to your usage with vivid lighting displays right out of the box – without the need for extensive configuration. It also syncs with compatible products with state-of-the-art illumination scenarios flowing from device to device.
Customer Rating
5
Another Solid Keyboard from Roccat
on May 26, 2021
Posted by: RedScorpion
from Oklahoma City, OK
I should say upfront that I received the Roccat Pyro gaming keyboard for purposes of providing an honest and unbiased review. This is my second Roccat keyboard and the Pyro is another good keyboard from Roccat. It’s a solid, well built keyboard held back by a lack of a few connectivity features and a clunky software interface. But, despite the software, it’s an easy to recommend keyboard.
Inside the box, you find the keyboard and a detachable stand. The keyboard doesn’t sit as high as I would like. Even with the legs extended, it doesn’t provide quite the arch I’m used to, but still, it feels comfortable. The grip on the wrist pad is especially nice. Gaming sessions have been fun and comfortable.
In terms of features, the keyboard comes with linear switches. The keys are not completely quiet, but they aren’t as loud as some mechanical keyboards. They keys are responsive and springy. The keyboard has a game mode function that disables the Windows key. The volume control dial makes it easy to turn up or down audio volume.
The keyboard comes with Easy Shift +. Using Roccat Swarm software, you can set up macros and alternate keys. It works. I didn’t find it to be the most intuitive tool to use during games, but with enough practice, I’m sure it could be useful for RTS and RPG gamers.
Speaking of Swarm, I still find the free software tool, Swarm, to be one of the weaker aspects of the keyboard package. The software is clunky. Lighting options work, but the customization options feel basic. Also, on high DPI displays, the font for the app looks incredibly tiny. It doesn’t scale well on 4K displays or on my Microsoft Surface.
If I had a nitpick, I wish there were USB ports built on the keyboard itself. As is, there is no USB port and no 3.5mm audio passthrough.
But Swarm works and the lack of a USB port is not a deal breaker. This is a very solid keyboard. The brushed metal, the springy keys, and the excellent wrist pad have me sold. RGB lighting and a volume control on the keyboard are just icing.
But Swarm works and the lack of a USB port is not a deal breaker. This is a very solid keyboard. The brushed metal, the springy keys, and the excellent wrist pad have me sold. RGB lighting and a volume control on the keyboard are just icing.
Easy to Recommend 5/5
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The CORSAIR VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT delivers a high-fidelity audio experience for the most discerning players, combining uncompromising sound quality with all-day, all-night comfort from its premium memory foam earpads and headband. Connect wirelessly to virtually any device with simultaneous SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS and Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth, or wired via 3.5mm or USB. Make yourself heard with superb vocal clarity thanks to a broadcast-grade, omnidirectional detachable microphone with wide dynamic range. Lightweight aluminum construction ensures long-term durability, while up to 15 hours of wireless battery life and 60ft of range give you absolute listening freedom. Micro-perforated aluminum on each ear cup allows RGB lighting to shine through for visual flair. With immersive Dolby Atmos and CORSAIR iCUE software to enable custom audio equalizer settings, RGB lighting control, and more, you can be the maestro of your gaming experience.
Posted by: RedScorpion
from Oklahoma City, OK
The Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT Headset might be the first wireless headset I have had that gave me a wireless experience equal to a USB powered alternative. No pops. No distortions. The wireless audio performs just as you'd hope. In a home with numerous Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, the Virtuoso Wireless XT provides amazing sound over wireless. The Slipstream Wireless Tech along with the 50mm neodymium audio drivers creates great sound. A battery that lasts fifteen hours, a travel case, simultaneous Bluetooth aptX HD phone connection, a USB cable, and a 3.5MM cable with inline volume controls for Nintendo Switch or X-Box controller makes this truly the only headset you need. This is a great headset. Minor quibbles aside, this headset is very easy to recommend.
I should say upfront that I received the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT headset for purposes of providing a fair and unbiased review.
Setup: Wired connections are pretty straight forward. Make sure your headset toggle is switched from wireless to wired and then connect via USB or the included 3.5mm cable.
Pairing with a phone is pretty straight forward. On the second set of volume controls there is a pairing button. Once paired, you can take calls on your phone and adjust your phone's volume. The pairing button lights up and changes colors to indicate connection with the phone. You can pause / play music or answer phone calls from that button.
Pairing with a phone is pretty straight forward. On the second set of volume controls there is a pairing button. Once paired, you can take calls on your phone and adjust your phone's volume. The pairing button lights up and changes colors to indicate connection with the phone. You can pause / play music or answer phone calls from that button.
Set up on PC is easy. The first time you plug in the USB cable or the wireless USB dongle, Windows will install the Dolby Atmos spatial audio app / plugin. You can further configure Dolby Atmos settings from the Dolby Access app. Note, if Atmos Spatial audio is activated, you will be unable to change audio equalizer settings within iCue.
The headset will work without any additional software, but if you wish to change lighting, adjust equalizer, update firmware, or change a dozen other settings, you will need the latest iCue Software. I was provided iCue version 4.11.274 for purposes of testing this headset. I can speak from experience that early versions of iCue will not work or detect the headset. So far, lighting choices selected in iCue have synced between computers.
Dolby Atmos is a spatial audio toggle setup in windows. Easiest way to turn it on is to right click your volume icon in Windows taskbar, then left click spatial audio, then select Dolby Atmos.
Experience: Audio has been impressive with every device I have tested. As stated above, I never noticed any difference between audio quality of wireless or USB wired. Battery life has been very good. I keep switching back and forth between USB and wireless for purposes of testing the set, but so far, the battery has lasted quite a while. Corsair states that the headset should work for 15 hours and that would be consistent with my experience to date.
The spatial audio worked well. In FPS games like Titan Fall 2, I could easily pinpoint the location of enemies.
The omni directional microphone has done a good job during my calls and online chat sessions. People on the phone have said I sound very clear. Although, I did need to adjust the positioning of the mic more towards my face to keep from sounding a bit muffled to others. The microphone will glow green when on and red when off if you have iCue installed. You can turn the microphone light off in iCue if you find that light a distraction.
Speaking of lights, you will need iCue to set up the RGB lights to your liking. You can use color codes to match the RGB lighting to other devices. There are a few built-in lighting options and you can customize a few options within the app. I don't think the lights will wow anyone, but they work. I wish there had been an audio visualizer toggle, but so far I don't see one. I didn't have any problems or conflicts with other lighting software on my PCs.
Comfort: These headphones can start to feel a bit warm. The ear covers don't breath as much as a mesh material might. I never found it too distracting, but I wish it breathed a bit better. In USB mode, the USB cable connector keeps hitting my shoulder. It isn't awful, but I wish there was an angled USB-C connector instead of a straight connection. Also, while on the subject of the USB-C to USB-A cable, I wish the cable was a bit longer. Plugged into a USB hub on my desk or on my laptop, it wasn't a big deal, but if you tower is on the floor, you may find the USB cable a bit short.
But, these are nitpicks. The headphones adjust well to fit various head sizes. The cushions are pretty thick. they cover my ears well and create a good seal.
Other quirks / Bugs: I had problems with iCue on a laptop with a scaled font display. The app would over stretch the display space and was unusable. I tried running the app in compatibility mode, but I couldn't get it to work. This could just be a bug in the version of iCue I was using. I only encountered the problem on one laptop. But, it was a pretty annoying problem. Hopefully a fix is in the works.
Conclusion: Nitpicks aside, these have been really nice headphones. I can't get over how well the wireless audio works. No pops. No distortions. No interference. Hours of use and no pops. The added Blue-tooth phone connection is a feature I have only seen on a handful of headsets and I think the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT is the first headset I have used that actually got it all working flawlessly.
Really impressed with the audio quality, the build quality, the battery life, and the compatibility with a wide range of devices. I have been enjoying this headset for a week now. Really want to thank Corsair and Best Buy for giving me the opportunity to review the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT.
Easily Recommend: 5/5
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Inspiron range of laptops and 2-in1s are thoughtfully designed so you can stay connected wherever you are with long-lasting battery life. Equipped with the latest processors, graphics, and thermal solutions; your PC runs quickly and smoothly as you connect with confidence. Optimized with technology that simplifies your life, Inspiron laptops and 2-in-1s offer a range of easy-to-use features all packaged in a minimalist and modern design. A newly designed and ergonomically positioned lift hinge increases comfort for a better typing experience when on chat, writing lengthy emails or connecting to your world. Rest assured that your privacy is secure with the mechanical privacy camera shutter. Also, the single sign on (SSO) fingerprint reader on the power button provides a more personal, more secure instant access login experience. And that’s not all, your Inspiron, is now environmentally conscious – The Inspiron compliments not just your style but also your values.
Customer Rating
5
Snappy 2-in-1 Workhorse PC
on May 12, 2021
Posted by: RedScorpion
from Oklahoma City, OK
The Dell Inspiron 14 7415 2-in-1 is a snappy device. For folks in the market for a solid computer for work or school, I highly recommend it. I should say upfront that I received this 2-in-1 for purposes of providing an honest and unbiased review. I agreed to review this laptop not knowing the detailed specs of the machine in advance. With no preconceived notions, I thought the laptop was impressive.
This machine is a workhorse for those working from home or those who want a solid day-to-day computer. I spent many years in academia, I would have loved a laptop like this for taking notes in class or working on papers during breaks. This is a good device for now with some potential to be upgraded and improved upon later.
Overview: The aluminum finish has a blue tint. It is subtle, but it still stands out in a good way. The device feels good to my hands. Fingerprints were at a minimum. Unlike some other laptop surfaces, no one will ever confuse this device with a fingerprint magnet. The laptop has a 720P webcam with a privacy toggle built-in. The display acts as a stand and provides a lift to the device so that airflow can help cool the machine. It also provides a bit of an ergonomic arch to the keyboard. Keyboard is responsive and snappy. The trackpad is large. The screen showed some light bleed on purely dark screens, but nothing too noticeable. All-in-all, I thought the IPS display looked sharp. Colors looked good. I never had any problems with viewing angles. Ryzen 5 5500U processor combined with the internal NVME SSD hard drive makes for a fast machine. The PC boots in a matter of seconds
The screen flips back to transform the laptop into a touch screen tablet. It all works great. In fact, I think this works better in tablet mode than some 2-in-1 PCs that are way more expensive.
While I am heaping the machine’s praises, I should point out that the battery performed great. On a full charge, battery estimator estimates you can get around nine hours. In my own experience, I averaged around 6. I played games like “Magic the Gathering: Arena”, streamed video, and spent hours online. I am used to laptops that do not last half as long. I was impressed.
There are two USB-A 5 Gbps ports, a HDMI port, a micro-SD port, a 3.5MM combo jack for headsets, and a USB-C port that doubles as a Display Port and power port. The device supports USB-C charging. It has no other way to charge. The USB-C charging seemed fast. The 65W power brick does a good job, but unless you have the device plugged into a docking station of some sort, you lose out on the USB-C connection. I wish there were another USB-C port. I would prefer a proprietary charger and an open USB-C port, but that is me. If you work from home and are required to be on a wired LAN, you will need a USB to LAN adapter. Because there are only two USB-A ports, a solid USB hub is a necessity with this computer if you plan to have more than two USB devices plugged in at a time.
The laptop comes with Bluetooth 5.0 and an 802.11ax wireless network adapter. Wi-Fi performance was good. No dropped connections or struggles during my testing. Range was solid for me. Still, with all the wireless devices in my place, I had a good connection.
Comfort: This is not the lightest laptop / 2-in-1 out there. It is not the smallest, either, but I found it hit the sweet spot in terms of size and portability. Now, I like that the monitor doubles as a riser to help provide airflow when the laptop is on a desk, but on my lap, it gets a bit uncomfortable having the monitor dig into my legs.
The computer comes with a minimal amount of bloatware or pre-installed software, but I found what does come installed to be a bit of a mixed bag. Dell has an app installed to connect your phone to the computer. I could not get the app to work with a Samsung Galaxy S10 or a Google Pixel 4. The laptop comes with a 25-day trial to McAfee. Personally, the McAfee software got in the way. Constant onscreen pop-ups and ads were annoying. I will just use Windows Defender, but that is me. Dell software that used the system’s webcam to track my head movements for purposes of positioning audio seemed pointless and just led to a system resources crash. Running software and driver updates from Windows Update worked great, but the Dell updating software that came with the machine screwed up the display driver’s software. I was forced to reinstall the software from AMD. I would recommend just using Windows Update and avoiding Dell’s auto-updates if my experience is indicative of what the experience will be like for others. Probably the only piece of software I liked was Dell Cinema which had a guide to add various streaming subscriptions in one place for easy viewing.
Upgradeability: The model I tested came with a 256GB NVME hard drive, 8 GB of DDR4 3200 RAM in dual channel, and the 5500U AMD processor. Out of the box, this is a solid device, but I could see that 256GB hard drive filling up fast. Thankfully, Dell has a service guide online to guide any future repairs or upgrades. The components appear to be easily accessible. Upgrading the hard drive and the RAM down the line would be a good way to keep the machine running fast in the future. For the time being, I would recommend storing photos and videos either on a cloud-based service or on a Micro SD card if you are worried about space.
Conclusion: I have been building computers for over 25 years. I always have people ask what type of computer I would recommend. That has always been a loaded and complicated question. For someone looking for a solid work or school laptop, I feel confident in recommending the Dell Inspiron 14 7415 2-in-1. It is not a gaming computer designed to play the latest and greatest AAA games. It might play some games if they are not too new or too graphically intensive. This machine was meant for the user who wants to be online, stream videos, telecommute, write papers, take notes in class, perform typical day-to-day operations. In my usage, the operating system was stable. I never had a system crash or blue screen.
Conclusion: I have been building computers for over 25 years. I always have people ask what type of computer I would recommend. That has always been a loaded and complicated question. For someone looking for a solid work or school laptop, I feel confident in recommending the Dell Inspiron 14 7415 2-in-1. It is not a gaming computer designed to play the latest and greatest AAA games. It might play some games if they are not too new or too graphically intensive. This machine was meant for the user who wants to be online, stream videos, telecommute, write papers, take notes in class, perform typical day-to-day operations. In my usage, the operating system was stable. I never had a system crash or blue screen.
Hard drive space and RAM will be at a premium with this model. There is no wired LAN connection and there are not many USB ports. As an office computer, a USB hub or a docking station will probably be a necessity. I also found the Dell software to be a bit underwhelming.
But those nitpicks aside, I really like this machine. It is a solid workhorse. The performance of the Ryzen 5500U processor and the battery life really impressed me. I love how it looks. I love the display. I love the keyboard and the touch pad. It is a very solid laptop 2-in-1 computer.
I have included some hardware spec screenshots taken from CPU-Z. I hope this information is helpful. I want to thank Best Buy and Dell for letting me test the Inspiron 14 7415 2-in-1.
Recommended. 4.5/5
Recommended. 4.5/5
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Harness your PC's potential with the 980. Whether you need a boost for gaming or a seamless workflow for heavy graphics, the 980 is a smart choice for outstanding SSD performance — and it's all backed by an NVMe* interface and PCIe 3.0 technology.
Customer Rating
5
Fast and Reliable NVME 3.0 Drive
on May 6, 2021
Posted by: RedScorpion
from Oklahoma City, OK
I should say up front that I received the Samsung 980 NVME 3.0 1TB SSD for purposes of provided an honest and unbiased review. The 980 is a fast performer. Installation was easy. And as more games and programs are written to take advantage of SSD speeds, drives like the Samsung 980 are quickly becoming a necessity. In my few weeks with the drive, it has worked extremely well. I haven't noticed performance degradation and temps have remained stable. I highly recommend the 980 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVME drive to gamers looking for a fast NVME drive that is easier on the budget.
Installation: I have been building computers for over twenty-five years. I was a kid in 7th grade when I built my first computer. The process of upgrading and building computers has gotten simpler since then. Installing the Samsung 980 can be a simple task if you research your computer in advance. 1st Make sure your computer has an NVME slot. I have an Acer Nitro V laptop that did not advertise its NVME slot in advance. It took some searching online to determine that it had the slot. Also, make sure your slot is keyed for NVME and not just a SATA drive. I've attached a screenshot which shows the difference. 2nd Make sure your motherboard supports the storage size of the 980. My Lenovo computer has a NVME slot, but it does not support drives above 500GB. 3rd Make sure you have the necessary mounting hardware. There are no mounting spacers or screws included with the Samsung 980. Unfortunately, mounting requirements differ from computer to computer. My gaming motherboard included the spacer and already had the screw in place. The Nitro V had a spacer, but no screw. The Lenovo required a separate plastic mounting bracket with plastic clips. It may take some sleuthing to find what mounting hardware works best for your setup. Once your drive is in the machine and running, you can format it and give it a drive letter in Windows Disk Management.
I've been using Samsung Magician to benchmark my drives. You can download the software for free from Samsung's website. The software provides tools to update the firmware on your drive. It also keeps you up to speed on temps and drive health. Unlike the software from Western Digital, I don’t see a drive toggle for a game mode currently. Perhaps that feature will be added at a later date.
Performance: With the 980 NVME installed, I now have four hard drives installed in my computer. A 2 TB platter drive, an 860 EVO SATA SSD Drive, and another 500GB NVME 3.0 SSD drive. The Samsung 980 is the fastest drive in my computer based on the Samsung Magician benchmarks. I have attached photos that show the gains you get from moving from the old platter type drives to a SATA SSD to a NVME 3.0 X4. My WD Black NVME ran cooler, but the 980 bested it in sequential and IOPS benchmarks. Both the WD and the 980 were similar in terms of read speeds, but the 980 was a clear winner in writing speeds.
I should note that there are faster drives. For instance, the 980 Pro is faster. Many other drives have DRAM on board. But, in my experience, most day-to-day users probably will not care about that. For me, the 980 was the fastest drive on my machine. It performed great with everything I threw at it. If you are rendering a lot of videos, are working on databases, are constantly moving files around your PC, a 980 Pro might be a better fit for you. But, I still maintain for most users, this drive is going to be way faster than anything they have had before especially if this is your first NVME drive.
As said above, there is no DRAM on the 980. From my research, Samsung has gotten around the lack of DRAM on board by using a host memory buffer. Instead of utilizing onboard ram, the SSD is able to utilize the processor’s DRAM to overcome performance obstacles. And, as I said above, the performance has been great for me so far. Games installed on the drive have performed great.
The 980 got a bit hot during my benchmarking. I saw it get above 60C. During gaming sessions, it tended to stay in the upper 40s. On idle, it hovers between 38C and 42C. But, temps may be different for you. If you have your drive in an area that gets good airflow with a fan close, it may stay cooler.
Sony and Microsoft are developing games that utilize SSDs for the PS5 and Xbox Series X accordingly. We are now seeing games that are being optimized for NVME storage. Even now, some games are releasing with recommendations for SSD drives. The faster storage helps with game loading times and it can also help with in game performance. Many games today are constantly loading resources. A high-speed SSD can help minimize stutter in game. The 980 gave me a noticeable performance improvement in games like Jedi: Fallen Order. Cyberpunk 2077 is another game that benefits from an SSD drive.
The Samsung 980 is fast. It has performed well with everything I have put it up to. It did get a bit hot during benchmarking, but it typically holds an idle temp around 40c. In games, it got warm, but still stayed below 50c for the most part. If you have been debating on installing a NVME drive in your system for games, I think the Samsung 980 is a no brainer. Very few retail drives come close to this performance for this price.
I want to thank Samsung and Best Buy for letting me review the Samsung 980 NVME 3.0 1TB SSD. I hope this review and the accompanying screenshots were helpful.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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For on-the-GO peace of mind. Use UV light with or without a vacuum function so you can safely clean your phone, car and plane seat, hotel room, luggage and more.
Customer Rating
4
Portable On-The-Go UV-C Sanitation and Vacuum
on April 17, 2021
Posted by: RedScorpion
from Oklahoma City, OK
I should say up front that I received the Raycop Go UV+ Ultra-Light Cordless Vacuum for purposes of providing an honest and unbiased review. As far as I can tell, everything works as Raycop intended. The UV+ head emits light when in contact with a surface, the vacuum does pick up debris, and it is relatively easy to assembly and travel. If you have the space in your luggage and want some portable peace of mind, the Raycop-Go works. It's just not as small as you would probably like to be portable and the light doesn't always turn on or stay on as long as you would expect.
I should say early on that this is a difficult item to review because I have no way of knowing if the UV+ light is strong enough or is on the surface long enough to kill viruses and bacteria. I can't check surfaces with a microscope after using the device. I know it has a 4W UV-C lamp. The vacuum, by itself, puts out a decent level of suction. The vacuum and the UV-C light work. I just can't validate the claims made by Raycop. There was a study in the American Journal of Infection Control about UV light and the SARS COV-2 virus. UV-C light can kill viral particles. But, it takes the right wavelength and the proper amount of exposure time to kill the virus. I'm not sure if simply moving this UV-C lamp and vacuum over a surface is enough to do much of anything.
To their credit, Raycop has a report from the Guang Zhou Institute of Microbiology about testing done with the Go UV+ and a sample of the Influenza-A virus. I'm just not sure that their test translated to real world use.
But, for the purposes of my review, I'm going to talk about this as a vacuum with a UV-C lamp. And, as a portable vacuum, it works pretty well assuming you aren't trying to pick up anything too big. The dust bin isn't particularly large. The vacuum does work best over chairs, couches, and bedding. You can take the UV Head Unit off and the vacuum does a good job getting the crumbs and debris out of car seats.
I found on a full charge I could get approximately 30 minutes of usage on standard vacuum settings. I ran it until it died and it would recharge in about three and a half hours. Both times are within the specifications that Raycop advertises.
I'm not sure how portable this truly is. It will take up a sizeable portion of your carry-on luggage. It adds about 3lbs of weight if you include the case. By itself, it weighs around 1.9lbs. The promotional materials talk about pulling the vacuum out to clean up an airline seat, but I'm not sure how practical that is if you are on a crowded airplane as people are boarding. It definitely doesn't seem practical in flight.
But the vacuum works. I put it through the cookie crumb test. It picked up hair. It picked up crumbs. It just can't pick up a lot of crumbs because the dustbin is so small.
It's important to move the vacuum slowly if you intend to use the UV Lamp. If you move the vacuum too fast, the device won't always detect a surface and the light won't work. I found on some curved surfaces the UV lamp didn't want to stay on and could be a bit finicky.
I had some issues with a clip on the side of the dustbin that wanted to come off. It snaps back into place with a firm press, but best be careful when traveling that you don't lose the part.
The vacuum turns on and changes settings with a single button. I think I would have preferred a separate toggle for UV and suction level with the on-off switch. As it is, I cycle through both suction levels to turn the vacuum off.
So, if this review is all over the map, I apologize. I try to provide useful information in these reviews. As a vacuum, the Raycop Go works. The UV-C lamp does turn on. If you are looking for a portable vacuum and a UV-C lamp, the device does work. I'm just not sure how practical or ultimately useful it will be. Wouldn't a Lysol wipe or a wipe with alcohol be more convenient and effective for travel? Ride share and limo drivers, could get some mileage out of the Go UV+. I can see uses for this vacuum in a hotel or with cloth seats. But then again, if your hotel is that dirty, perhaps you should just stay somewhere else.
I'm recommending the vacuum. Everything does work. I'm just not sure how practical or effective it all really is.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ provides you the value of an all-in-one cleaning robot that mops and vacuums simultaneously. Strong 2300Pa suction power extracts hard-to-reach dirt and dust from any floor, and the OZMO™ Mopping System leaves hard floors sparkling. N8+ uses advanced laser navigation and mapping to accurately map your home, creating efficient cleaning paths for thorough coverage with fewer missed spots. Your N8+ comes with an Auto-Empty Station to enjoy hands-free cleaning for a month at a time. DEEBOT N8+ is a dependable workhorse designed for busy households that need vigorous floor cleaning on a regular basis.
Customer Rating
5
Good Vacuum with Some Caveats
on April 13, 2021
Posted by: RedScorpion
from Oklahoma City, OK
I should say upfront that I received the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8+ for the purposes of providing a honest, unbiased review. I hope that I can provide some helpful information in your quest to decide if the N8+ is right for your home.
This is not my first robot vacuum. It's not even my first Deebot. I also own the Deebot T8 AIVI. So this review will be a bit of a compare and contrast since both the N8 and the T8 share a lot of features and designs. The biggest difference is that the N8 comes with an auto-empty station (which retails separately for $250), no camera (a feature I found only minimally useful and a bit creepy depending on who might be watching), and a smaller battery. That last difference is, I think, the big sticking point on whether or not this vacuum is right for your home or not.
In my experience, the N8 ran for about an hour on a full charge with default suction before returning to the base to charge. While on the charging base / empty station, it would then take roughly 3.5 hours before the battery was full again. I found that the vacuum could cover roughly 800 square feet on a single charge. The T8 could run for two and a half hours on a single charge.
The battery life was a noticeable problem during mapping. On the initial run, the vacuum runs an advanced clean and maps out your floor plan. Afterwards, you can set up virtual boundaries and designate spaces. Those features work really well, but it took me three separate sessions or roughly 9.5 hours for that initial run because the vacuum had to return to charge after every hour of use.
This may or may not be a deal breaker. For me, it isn't. I don't mind the vacuum taking it's time. If you live in an apartment, this may not be an issue. A two bedroom apartment full of furniture would likely be covered in a single charge. Homes with split floor plans would also not be as affected.
Speaking of mapping, it is really important that you do not interrupt your vacuum during that initial cleaning / mapping. If you are afraid the vacuum might get stuck underneath furniture, block that area off and set up a virtual boundary later. If you have to pick-up the vacuum during the initial mapping, you could screw up the mapping process and have to do it all over again.
If I had a complaint, I wish that the vacuum had a mapping mode that didn't use the vacuum. Just let the vacuum run on a single charge without using power to vacuum. I'd like the map done as soon as possible. Re-mapping after a failed eight hour run is a bit frustrating.
The auto-empty station was the feature that drew me to the N8. And, it works. But, if your N8 is particularly packed with debris, the auto-empty station may not fully empty your vacuum. Best to check after cleaning sessions to make sure the bin is empty. The auto-empty station isn't quiet. I wouldn't recommend having it in a bedroom to run late at night. It's a vacuum for your vacuum and it sounds like it.
One of my big complaints when I reviewed the T8 last year was the software. And, it has gotten better. Both on my T8 AIVI and the N8, the software and app have noticeably improved over the last year. The N8 worked better out of the box. Google and Alexa integration are simple and work great in my experience.
The mopping feature works, it just hasn't been something I have used too much. If you intend to use your N8 to mop, make sure the auto-empty station is located on hard floors, preferably hard floors that go through the house. The N8 avoids carpets if the mopping plate is installed. Keep in mind, you can't put cleaning solution into the reservoir. The mopping is just using water and your respective cleaning pad to clean the floors.
Also, the N8 will need a decent amount of space for the vacuum and the auto-empty station. The included carpet ramp attached to the auto-empty station stuck out from the wall nearly 22 inches.
The N8 comes with the auto-empty station, a reusable cloth mopping pad, ten single use mopping pads. Deebot sells a kit with extra side brushes, a replacement roller, and replacement air filters. It runs roughly $50.
A lot of what I liked about the T8 AIVI is included with the N8. The auto-empty station and lower price tag make the N8 very appealing. If smaller battery doesn't seem like a deal breaker to you, then I highly recommend the N8.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Whether you prefer pods or drip, choose how you brew with the Mr. Coffee Pod + 10-Cup Space-Saving Combo Brewer. This programmable coffee maker lets you to brew a single cup using a pod, or up to 10 cups of drip coffee into a carafe. The pod holder attachment makes this coffee maker more versatile: you can brew 2 ways, and save countertop space. This coffee making machine is designed with a Strong Brew Selector, as well as an advanced water filtration system to help improve coffee flavor. This drip coffee maker also features a stainless steel thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot for hours. When brewing a carafe, if you need a cup before brewing is finished, use the Grab-a-Cup feature. Also includes removable reservoir, and a reusable single-serve filter.
Customer Rating
4
Good Coffee Maker, But A Bit Cumbersome
on March 26, 2021
Posted by: RedScorpion
from Oklahoma City, OK
I should say upfront that I received the Mr. Coffee Pod + 10 Cup Combo Brewer for purposes of providing an honest, unbiased review. I have been using the Mr. Coffee Pod + 10 Cup Combo Brewer for a few days now. My wife drinks more coffee than I do, so I asked her to help me out with this review. After brewing carafes and pods, our home smells like a coffee house. And while both my wife and I have liked the coffee from this machine, using the device has been a bit awkward.
First the positives, I love the clock feature. The ability to set a timer to brew a carafe in the morning is a great touch. This is also one of the quietest coffee makers we have had. It's quicker than other brewers I have used. Because so much of this brewer is modular, it is easy to take things apart and rinse them off.
As previously stated, the coffee we brewed has tasted good. The strong brew feature works well. The brewer also comes with a small reusable pod that you can fill with ground coffee to brew a single cup from the pod holder.
But while I liked how modular things were, it also makes simply brewing a k-cup a bit of a hassle. Instead of just flipping a lid and dropping in a pod, you have to pull out the brew basket, make sure the pod holder is inside the brew basket, open the pod holder, put the k-cup into the pod holder, snap close the pod holder, and then slide the basket with pod holder back into the front of the brewer. Then, once you have made your cup of coffee, you have to release the basket with pod holder (and hot water) out of the brewer, set the basket onto something you don't mind dripping a bit of coffee on, as you then unsnap and open the pod holder to retrieve your pod. You might get a bit wet. Simple, this ain't.
It all works, but it just feels like it could work better. The water tank is on the back of the brewer. A 10 cup carafe will empty the water entirely from the tank. To refill the tank, you have to slide forward the brewer so you can access the back of the tank. So, if you don't want to slide the brewer out constantly to refill, you need to make sure the brewer is positioned so that you have easier access to the back of the tank. This can take up more counter space than you would think based on the "space saving design."
Cleaning and maintenance are a mixed bag. The brew basket, pod holder, and reusable single serve coffee filter can be washed in the dishwasher; top rack only. The carafe, carafe lid, and removable water reservoir are hand wash only. But the carafe has a narrow opening. To properly clean it out, you will need some type of brush or sponge with a handle. Mr. Coffee recommends decalcifying the coffee maker regularly with white household vinegar. The brewer comes with a filter system and the filters need to be replaced every 30 days. The filters seem to be proprietary and I couldn't find any at Best Buy at the time of writing this review.
So, I find myself with mixed opinions on this brewer. It works and it does a good job brewing a cup or a carafe of coffee. But it's a bit of a mess to use and to clean. It's not simple. It works, I just can't help but thinking it should work more efficiently.
So, if you read all of this and don't mind some of these design decisions, then I recommend the brewer. I can't speak to longevity of the device, but for the week I have had it, it's worked well.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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9of 9voted this as helpful.
Twinkly Light Strings will add advanced technology and innovation to your home with premium decorative lighting. Getting started with Twinkly lights is easy, a quick and intuitive setup process configures your device in a matter of seconds. The Twinkly ecosystem uses a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi controller with a state-of-the-art smartphone application, bringing new levels of lighting design and creativity to customize your connected home. Like all Twinkly products, every single LED light can be controlled individually, allowing you to create and reproduce unique effects, gradients, and color animations. Twinkly Lights can be grouped together with other Twinkly devices to create larger, synchronized light installations and combined with Twinkly Music (sold separately), to offer a fully customizable light show to fit any occasion. The Festoon Light String has 20 RGB LED lights, each G45 shape measures 1.67" in diameter.
Customer Rating
4
Good Lights, But Software Needs Some Work
on March 22, 2021
Posted by: RedScorpion
from Oklahoma City, OK
Who wouldn't want an outside light show? Fully customizable outdoor lights seem like the next step in my efforts to fully customize my home's lighting and Twinkly has a very appealing offering with this set of festoon lights. The lights look great. They're sufficiently bright. The colors look nice. Effects created and downloaded via the Twinkly App look great. Unfortunately, the app itself needs a bit of polish. But even with a few nitpicks, my family and I are really enjoying these lights.
I should disclose up front that I received these lights for purposes of producing an honest, unbiased review. I have been using the lights for a week now while testing the software on Android and iOS devices.
Out of the box set up was easy enough. Following the in box instructions, I had my lights on and connected to my phone in a matter of minutes. It's easy to download effects via the app. Google home integration was easy. I can control the lights and change the color easily via Google Home on my phone.
Speaking of the set up, I should probably point out that the power brick is huge. If you have a recessed outlet or just one outside outlet, you may struggle to plug anything else in. I attached a photo for reference. I wish the brick were a bit smaller as the documentation with my lights seemed to strongly discourages plugging the lights into an extension cord.
The Twinkly app itself needs some work. I got error messages and had crashing problems while mapping my lights. And, once my lights were roughly mapped, I struggled a lot with getting my light selections to work correctly. For instance, I could see my individual bulbs, but pressing the light via my edit effect page, would often not select the light I wanted to select if it clicked with a light at all. I would say that editing effects worked better on my tablets than on my phone. While mapping, it's important to keep your camera still. If you don't, you'll get error messages.
Speaking of mapping lights, I had more luck mapping from a sufficient distance. That tends to be more difficult with patio lights as you often don't have a view of all the lights from a distance. For instance, a few of my lights were hidden by columns. 3D mapping never seemed to work for me. I couldn't rearrange the map once the app had set it up to drag lights around. Now I have a map that isn't quite right. Short of totally resetting the device, I haven't found a way to clear the map and restore the default configuration.
I have a feeling many of these features work better with the smaller lights that are more tightly grouped. But, still, the effects on the Festoon lights are pretty.
However, my biggest complaint with the app is how difficult it is to do simple things. It's easy to change an effect (and the app has quite a few to choose from), but if I want to set my lights to yellow or orange, I have to edit an effect, click on each light with my preferred color, then save the effect. It's easier to go into Google Home and set the color and brightness than to use Twinkly's app. There's a timer built into the Twinkly App, but it's hidden in the top right corner of the app.
I really like these lights. I look forward to adding more sets in the future. But right now the software is a bit buggy. It's not the worst by any stretch of the imagination. It just needs a bit more polish. But as it is, I highly recommend these lights.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Bring your A-game anytime, anywhere. Introducing a universal mobile gaming controller that fits most smartphone devices, designed to bring console-level control to your on-the-go gaming. With this controller by your side, wherever you go, victory will follow.
Will it fit my phone? I have the samsung s10e and I know it will work with the connection but I don't know if it will fit the s10e.
Yes, I am using it to play Halo on my S10e.
3 years, 8 months ago
by
RedScorpion
Hear all your games in high-quality sound with this JLab Play wireless gaming headset. With an increased mid to high frequency response and super-low 60 ms latency, this headset is able to deliver clear vocals and enhance spatial awareness without lag. JLab’s Play wireless gaming headset delivers over 22 hours of playtime and compatibility with PCs, consoles and mobile devices to handle every session.
where is the micro phone? can it be used for a call center?
The headset features a retractable boom mic on the right ear piece. In my opinion, the headset would work well in a call center or home based call center. There is a mute button built in to the headset and the mic works in either Bluetooth or the wired 3.5mm mode.
3 years, 10 months ago
by
RedScorpion
Hear all your games in high-quality sound with this JLab Play wireless gaming headset. With an increased mid to high frequency response and super-low 60 ms latency, this headset is able to deliver clear vocals and enhance spatial awareness without lag. JLab’s Play wireless gaming headset delivers over 22 hours of playtime and compatibility with PCs, consoles and mobile devices to handle every session.
Is it compatible with ps4 & xbox?
Yes.
But it is not wireless on PS4 and XBOX. To use with your XBOX or PS4, you will neeed to use the included 3.5MM AUX console cord.
But it is not wireless on PS4 and XBOX. To use with your XBOX or PS4, you will neeed to use the included 3.5MM AUX console cord.
3 years, 10 months ago
by
RedScorpion
Hear all your games in high-quality sound with this JLab Play wireless gaming headset. With an increased mid to high frequency response and super-low 60 ms latency, this headset is able to deliver clear vocals and enhance spatial awareness without lag. JLab’s Play wireless gaming headset delivers over 22 hours of playtime and compatibility with PCs, consoles and mobile devices to handle every session.
Will these headphones work with I buy power computers
Yes, if the computer has Bluetooth built-in. If the computer does not have Bluetooth built-in, you will need to purchase a separate USB Bluetooth Adapter *(they tend to run between $10 and $20).
3 years, 10 months ago
by
RedScorpion
Listen to your favorite albums and audiobooks on the go with this Memorex portable CD player. The 40-second anti-skip protection function for CDs ensures smooth, uninterrupted listening, while the dynamic bass boost system delivers rich sound. This Bluetooth Memorex portable CD player features an LCD screen and digital control buttons for conveniently choosing tracks and adjusting volume.
Can you play audio books on this CD player? And What accessories will I need to buy?
If your audio book comes on CD or MP3 CD, you can play it on this player. It doesn't come with a power cord. It includes 2 AA batteries.
4 years, 1 month ago
by
RedScorpion
Listen to your favorite albums and audiobooks on the go with this Memorex portable CD player. The 40-second anti-skip protection function for CDs ensures smooth, uninterrupted listening, while the dynamic bass boost system delivers rich sound. This Bluetooth Memorex portable CD player features an LCD screen and digital control buttons for conveniently choosing tracks and adjusting volume.
iS THIS AN MP3 CD?
Listen to your favorite albums and audiobooks on the go with this Memorex portable CD player. The 40-second anti-skip protection function for CDs ensures smooth, uninterrupted listening, while the dynamic bass boost system delivers rich sound. This Bluetooth Memorex portable CD player features an LCD screen and digital control buttons for conveniently choosing tracks and adjusting volume.
Can it be used with or without the earbuds?
Yes?
Without the included earbuds, you can use your own or connect via Bluetooth. There is no built in speaker on the player if that's what you are asking.
Without the included earbuds, you can use your own or connect via Bluetooth. There is no built in speaker on the player if that's what you are asking.
4 years, 1 month ago
by
RedScorpion
Listen to your favorite albums and audiobooks on the go with this Memorex portable CD player. The 40-second anti-skip protection function for CDs ensures smooth, uninterrupted listening, while the dynamic bass boost system delivers rich sound. This Bluetooth Memorex portable CD player features an LCD screen and digital control buttons for conveniently choosing tracks and adjusting volume.
have a 2019 mazda cx3 w/bluetooth capability. Will this work? Is a usb power cord available?
It should pair with your car, but there is no USB power cord. It still relies on an older ac or dc adapter.
4 years, 1 month ago
by
RedScorpion
Listen to your favorite albums and audiobooks on the go with this Memorex portable CD player. The 40-second anti-skip protection function for CDs ensures smooth, uninterrupted listening, while the dynamic bass boost system delivers rich sound. This Bluetooth Memorex portable CD player features an LCD screen and digital control buttons for conveniently choosing tracks and adjusting volume.
Will this work with Apple Bluetooth earbuds?
I don't see why it wouldn't. I paired it with Bluetooth headphones from Samsung, Sony, and JVC without problems. The only quirk is you have to make sure to turn on the Bluetooth feature each time you start the CD player. Also, sometimes the devices have to be re-synced every time you power on. My headphones kept the connection, but some of my Bluetooth speakers did not.
4 years, 1 month ago
by
RedScorpion
With 15 programmable controls, LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, hyper-fast scroll wheel, and the revolutionary HERO 25K sensor, G604 offers both versatility and high-performance with endless possibilities to play with mastery. Dual connectivity lets you toggle between Bluetooth and ultra-fast 1 ms LIGHTSPEED advanced wireless technology—even on separate machines. Extremely accurate tracking and class-leading power efficiency enables up to 240 hours of high-performance gaming with one AA battery.
I read online that this mouse doesnt work with windows 10?
I am using Windows 10 ver. 1903. It works fine. It works on Windows 10 over Bluetooth and with the included USB light speed receiver.
4 years, 7 months ago
by
RedScorpion