Nerdninja's stats
- Review count194
- Helpfulness votes177
- First reviewDecember 7, 2013
- Last reviewOctober 11, 2023
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.2
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- Answer count30
- Helpfulness votes19
- First answerJune 21, 2017
- Last answerDecember 19, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers3
Designed for Xbox, the RIG Nacon Pro Compact Controller is built for competitive gamers wanting to optimize their play style. Featuring an ergonomically compact design with larger buttons, this controller is built reduce hand fatigue and allows you to play longer. Textured high grip surfaces and concave thumb sticks offer superior comfort and precise control. Achieve pro levels of customization through a dedicated App that lets you map buttons, set thumb stick sensitivity, trigger dead zones and much more. Store one custom profile or switch to classic mode which allows it to function as a standard controller. The Pro Compact Controller offers a low latency solution for gamers that improves reaction time and never runs out of battery when it matters most. A highly durable and flexible nylon, braided cable measuring 9.8FT/3M ensures that you have more than enough length to suit your gaming setup. Seamlessly unlock Dolby Atmos® for headphones the moment you plug in your controller, giving you access to precise 3D Audio (headphones required). React faster and more accurately as you are able to detect the distance and direction of your threats.
Customer Rating
2
Good, but not for me
on September 23, 2021
Posted by: Nerdninja
from Pennsylvania
My hands are on the smaller side so I thought I would check this controller out. Unfortunately, although a solid controller, the size just didn't work out for me.
Fist off I do like the wired connection. My Xbox Series S is on my desk with my monitor in front of me, so a wired connection is easy to use. The cable is plenty long, even for sitting back from the TV or monitor and has a break-away connector that should, in theory, break apart if someone trips on the cable. This way your expensive console should be safe.
Also included is a headphone jack. Connecting the controller activates Dolby Atmos on the Xbox, so you get the Dolby surround effect in your headphones. It's handy in games that support it, as you can hear where shots are coming from. It also makes movie audio sound like it's coming from the front and back, not just from the sides.
There's a PC utility that allows you to set up options, like tweaking the sensitivity of the sticks and swapping buttons, much like the built in app on the Xbox for first party controllers for better customization.
Overall, however, I just had too much trouble using the controller due to its size. While it's smaller, it's mainly the same width but has much shorter grips. As a result I couldn't get the leverage I needed to properly reach the shoulder buttons. I didn't realize how dependent I was on the grip size on the first party controller to shape my hands correctly and reach the buttons. It's a shame really. because the controller feels great in the hand, but is practically useless to me in practice.
If your hands are particularly small, or you're getting this for a child you may have better luck.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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MEET INNER SOUND: Sound is music we love, noise we wish to avoid, and voices we do not want to miss.Introducing Devialet Gemini True Wireless earbuds: giving you the best of sound, in all its dimensions. Transforming 15 years of acoustics R&D and engineering into a portable design you can enjoy on the move.
Customer Rating
5
Outstanding Sound
on September 8, 2021
Posted by: Nerdninja
from Pennsylvania
I've amased a small collection of true wireless IEMs and these are the best of the bunch, even beating out my beloved Sony WF1000XM3.
Sound quality is expecially on point. Sub bass is punchy and solid. None of the bass bleeds into the mids, so sound is clear throughout the frequency range. Highs are clear and clean with no sibilance and a warm presence. Treble is clear and crisp without being tiring. The overall sound has a slight V-shape but does not color the music at all.
What impresses me most is the resolution, especially when using APT-X to listen to high resolution music files. Distorted guitars have texture to them. I can make out the different tone that each guitarist uses rather than just hearing distorted guitars. Bowed string instruments have a distinct sound from the bow running over the strings. The raspy qualities in vocalists' voices stand out. The old cliche about hearing new things in music I've always listened to is very much true with these buds! Supposedly these will analyze your ears and the fit thousands of times a second and adjust sound. I tried playing around with it by purposely loosening the fit a little and it seems to compensate somewhat, but you will still want to be sure to get a good seal.
Speaking of seals, these come with silicone tips. I tried out some of my foam eartips and found the sound quality suffered and the case wouldn't close. As far as silicone tips go, these are the most comfortable ones I've used.
After about 4 hours of burn-in I found the treble loosened up a little, but not in a bad way.
Of course, this all comes at a price. Good recordings sound absolutely amazing but poor recordings will sound really bad. Such is the life of an audiophile, better gear brings out every imperfection.
Sound cancelation is solid and on par or better than the Sonys, which are often called "industry leading" when it comes to active noise cancellation. The app allows you to switch between normal cancelation (low and high levels) and a "plane" setting, which I assume highlights frequencies associated with travel. I've seen a couple reviews that call out a big change in sound quality if you turn off noise cancellation, but I don't hear much of a difference. Don't let that scare you off. Also included is a transparency mode to hear the world when you're listening to music.
The app also shows levels for the earbuds and the case , and there is an equalizer kind of buried in the settings.
Charge time is good (they say six hours, but I haven't had them out of the case that long) and the case can be recharged via USB-C or wireless charging. There's a screw on the bottom of the case and a part number for the battery under the lid, so it may be user-replacible. I didn't have the courage to try opening it.
The case itself is very sturdy if a little large, but it's more on the flat side. Maybe a little big for pockets if you're into a tighter fit.
I did make one phone call with these and the other party didn't comment on not being able to hear well, so I'll assume they sound fine. Sound on my end was excellent during the call.
While these are on the higher end of the price range for IEMs, they are very reasonably priced for Devialet gear. look up their speakers for a small shock! Having listened to these and comparing them to others in the price range, these are hands down the best I've heard and are sharp competition for even my wired headphones.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The CORSAIR HS80 RGB WIRELESS Gaming Headset connects with hyper-fast SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS, delivering incredibly detailed sound through custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers. Immersive Dolby Atmos® on PC puts you into the game with three-dimensional precision, while a broadcast-grade omni-directional microphone captures your voice with outstanding clarity. Play in plush comfort with memory foam earpads and a stress-free floating headband design, with years of durability thanks to sturdy construction reinforced with aluminum. Connect to PC with USB wired for 24bit/96kHz sound or wirelessly to PC, PS5, and PS4. Powerful CORSAIR iCUE software enables in-depth customization of audio settings and RGB lighting, letting you hear every shot, step, and shout like never before.
Customer Rating
5
Great for games and more!
on August 19, 2021
Posted by: Nerdninja
from Pennsylvania
While the HS80 is intended for gaming, I've been really happy with this headset for general use beyond gaming.
First off, yes, the HS80 is an extremely capable gaming headset. I played around with it in Overwatch and was really impressed with the sound quality. Everything sounded crisp and clear without being boom in the low end, and people I talked to said the mic sounded good on their end. One of my favorite features is the fact that the mic becomes muted when you flip it up. Not all of the gaming headsets I've used do this, and I think it's an important feature.
Comfort is very good. These are the kind of headphones that use an elastic strap for suspension on your head below the hard arch similar to the RIG headsets. What's different about these is the elastic is adjustable by means of hook and loop strips on the inside of the headset. The elastic band has a lot of give, so it's not likely you will need to make much of an adjustment, but it is available if need be. The earpads are a soft velour type fabric an are very cushy. My ears get a little hot with them on, but they breathe well enough that I don't sweat. I don't really notice the heat until I take them off and my ears feel warm in the cool room. The pads don't seem to be replacible, but I didn't try too hard for fear of breaking something.
The software to run them is the same software you would use to manage your other Corsair peripherals. When I first loaded up the software I noticed there was an update for the headset and the dongle. Updating the headset requires plugging in the included USB cable and went smoothly. You can also change the RGB lighting, which is really just the logo on the sides and a cool looking light strip around the mic. If you're looking for something really flashy, these may be a little understated for you. You can also turn off the lights for better battery life.
Speaking of connections, these can be connected via USB or with the included wireless DAC, which also lights up depending on connection status. The dongle allows for wireless HD Audio so you can get the most out of an HD streaming service or your collection of HD FLAC recordings.
Music is where the HS80 really impressed me. Often gaming headsets are one-trick ponies, tuned to gameplay and movies. These, on the other hand, sound amazing with quality music. Separation and resolution are excellent, even at low volume. I've found myself using these over my Sony 1000xm4 headphones for music a lot. The iCue software includes a 10-band EQ for fine tuning, too. Bass is excellent and punchy without sounding mushy and highs are warm and clean. I'm finding them to be my go-to for not just gaming but everything else.
Speaking of everything else, I work from home and have a lot of MS Teams meetings. These are also my go-to for conferencing. Once the software is installed they integrate perfectly into Windows. Flipping up the mic puts Teams into mute and the volume dial on the headset changes the volume on my laptop (the Windows volume indicator changes along) not just on the headset.
Out of curiosity I also plugged the wireless dongle into my Sansung S7 tablet with a USB-C to USB adaptor and it worked seemlessly! Again, my HD music streams were in HD and everything just worked. This usage is off-label, so your result may be different, but I was kind of excited to be able to use them with my tablet, too.
I cannot recommend the HS80s strongly enough. They're an amazing all-around headset that happen to be great for gaming, rather than other gaming headsets that don't do much else. Highly recommended!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The ARRIS SURFboard mAX AX6600 Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System (Model W121) delivers faster speeds, greater coverage, and expanded capacity to your home network. With speeds up to 6,600 Mbps per unit and coverage up to 5,500 square feet per system, it provides more speed and coverage then most 3-unit systems. mAXimize your Wi-Fi with the ARRIS SURFboard mAX Wi-Fi 6 Mesh System.
Customer Rating
5
Rocky Start, Good Results
on July 19, 2021
Posted by: Nerdninja
from Pennsylvania
I had just come back from vacation when this arrived and my former WiFi router decided to die, so I had to install the new one in a hurry. Honestly, I had a few issues setting the new one up, but I'm very glad I stuck with it.
Initial setup was fairly easy. I went in through the app and set up the base station. So far so good. Then I had to set up the satellite...
At first, Ihad set it up too far away from the base, which is my fault. It did connect at first, but throughput was terrible and after a day or so it lost connection with the base. I then moved it closer (from the second floor to the first, with the base in the basement) and all was well for a few minutes. Then it lost connection again and seemed to have forgotten all of it's paramenters. I had to set it up as it if was new again, except that the base wouldn't recognize it at all. I then did the full reset by putting a paperclip into the reset hole on the bottom (really, a recessed button would have been better, why make me find a paperclip?) and set it up again. Again, all was well until a few minutes later when I got a flashing red light and a message in the app that network optimization had failed.
One more reset later I was in buisness. This time things held and have so for for several days. I'm not sure what the issues was, I can only guess it was failing trying to update firmware or something.
Here's where it gets good; my house has been very difficult to cover for some reason. It's not particularly huge (2800 sft with the modem in the basement and two floors above) but I've struggled with several mest systems. I've had 2, 3 and 4 node systems and usually can't get decent throughput in the family room (even with a node in the room with me) and in the master bedroom.
Not so with the AX6600! The first thing I tried was my Samsung S7+ tablet since it has WiFi 6. The WiFi icon immediately showed a tiny "6" so I knew I was on AX. Throughput in my family room, usually 50 mbps on a good day was 600 now! Up in the master bedroom it was 200-300. I wandered around the house and had pretty consistent results throughout.
My phone, a Samsung Z Flip does not have an AX chipset but was still getting around 200 mbps. Outstanding! Even my Ring cameras all seem to load much faster.
Other than the original setup, I am really impressed, and I'm thrilled withe the throughput.
Either node can be the base or satellite, and both have a WAN and LAN port. I wish there were more LAN ports. My old router had 4, so I had to also purchase an unmanaged switch to incorporate the new one into the network. The LAN port on the satellite can be used as a bridge to connect another device with a wireless backhaul.
The mobile software, unfortunately, is very bad. On Android I've had several times when the app just sits on the splash screen. Only deleting it and re-installing fixes it. It's also very basic. You can set up port forwarding, but nothing advanced like VPN, Quality of Service or Dynamic DNS. The help section just pulls in a very disorganized FAQ directly from the Arris support site. I needed to look up what the different status lights mean and couldn't find that information. It should be top and center. Speaking of lights, burried in the app is the ability to control the brightness, which is good because it will light up a dark room pretty well.
I'm glad I gave these a chance once I ran into trouble, because the results so far have been amazing!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Designed for Xbox, the RIG 500 PRO HX Gen 2 is everything gamers loved about the Gen 1 edition, with an upgrade. Featuring an all-new steel frame which is lightweight, highly durable and flexible. The dual-material ear cushions help block outside noise while also providing enduring comfort. Signature RIG exoskeleton earcups encompass low distortion 50mm drivers that are engineered for 3D game audio. Including a 2-year Dolby Atmos activation code, you can now react faster and more accurately as you can detect the distance and direction of your threats.
Customer Rating
4
Good sound, very comfortable
on July 19, 2021
Posted by: Nerdninja
from Pennsylvania
I owned the first Gen version of these and the new version, while mostly the same, seem to be more comfortable and sturdy so far.
One of the things I love about the Rig is the way they adjust. Rather than the usual up-and-down sliding mchanism the Rig headset actually allows you to pop out the earcups and attack them higher or lower on the headband in one of three positions on each side. Then the sling that goes over the top, below the headband, stretches into the correct position for fine position control. The result is the weight of the headphones being supported by the soft headband rather than the hard portion sitting on top of your head. This, combined with the deep-cushioned earpieces make these especialy comfortable for long gaming sessions. Clamping force on the sides seems to have improved and is lighter, probably thanks to the all-metal construction now, not that I had any complaints about the first-gen.
Sound quality is still the same, which is to say very good. While the overall sound is a little too warm and recessed for listening to music (which isn't what these are really for) gaming and movies sound amazing. They're obviously tuned with these in mind. Explosions and gunshots have a nice, punchy low-end, while everything else in the high end is tuned in such a way that you won't get fatigued listening for long periods.
One area of concern for me is the cable. It's non-removable and seems a little flimsy. It's a flat cable and has an inline volume control that also feels a little janky. So far I've had no problems, but I would be concerned about the effects of rolling up the cable and tossing it into a bag to travel a lot. The headset itself, on the other hand, feels like it will stand up to a ton of abuse.
The microphone swings up and down and is very flexible for exact positioning. There's a foam wind screen on it, which I can see falling off in a bag easily and becomming lost. I'm not sure how necessary it really is. I've had no complaints from anyone online about mic quality, so I'll take that as a good sign about sound quality!
Included in the box is a code for Dolby Atmos for headphones on the Xbox One/S/X series. Once enabled the headphones really come alive and sound seem like they're coming out of the air around you more. This is great in FPS games where you can get a better feel for an enemy's postion in front or back, rather than just left/right. It also adds a more cinema-like dimension to movies!
These have astandard mini-plug so they can be plugged into ax Xbox controller, or really any other device with a normal headphone jack. They should be usable with most devices, but check to be sure first.
Overall the Rig 500 Pro is a good value if you're looking for something comfortable and rugged with good sound quality for gaming and movies.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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JVC Marshmallow True Wireless headphones offer two sizes of soft memory foam earpiece for superior comfort. Experience total true wireless headphones with no wires connecting the earpieces. Each earpiece offers a one button remote to control music and phone calls at the touch of a button. The Touch & Talk feature makes it quick and easy to reduce playback volume and take in outside sounds, which allows for conversation with others without removing the earbuds. Keep on listening for hours with plenty of time to spare. You get 8 hours battery life on a single charge, then recharge in the included carrying case for another 2.5 times, total 28 hours. Also available is a quick 10-minute charge which provides 1-hour playback. These headphones are rated IPX5 so you can enjoy sports or other activities out in the rain without hesitation. The convience of automatic power on allows you to connect to your device when simply removing the earbuds from the charging case, for quick and easy operation. Bluetooth 5.1 provides a stable connection. Individually, you can use either right or left earbuds by themselves whenever you desire.
Customer Rating
4
Pleasant Surprise
on June 14, 2021
Posted by: Nerdninja
from Pennsylvania
I was taken completely be surprise with the sound quality on these! While they don't quite stack up to my more expensive IEMs like the Sony 1000XM3, the difference was in no way worth the extra price.
Lows are solid and hit well without bleeding into the midrange. Bass is clean and not boomy in any way. If you're a bass-head you may not like the sound, but if you're a fan of balanced sound these are great.
Overall sound is slightly V-shaped with slightly recessed mids and good highs. Treble is clean and has some presence but is not overpowering or harsh in any way. The signature is overall clean and good for all-purpose use with a preference for rock/jazz music.
Comfort is good, and they come with a variety of eartips. Two are foam (hence Marshmallow) and the rest are silicon. Sound quality with the silicon tips is not as good and produces harsher highs, Comfort was better for me with the silicon tips but the foam ones gave me a better seal.
These are not noise cancelling, but they are noise-isolating thanks to the foam tips. They close out most outside noise anyway.
At first I couldn't get these to play back loud enough, but it turns out double-pressing the right button increases volume in the earbuds independently of device volume. Once I set that up properly volume was no issue. Resolution is good at high volumes and doesn't break down like many cheap TW headphones.
Battery life is much improved over the past generation, and the case charges pretty fast, too. The case is just a little big for pants pockets, but is completely fine for a bag or back-pack. They're also apparently water resistant, which I haven't tried. I would anticipate in this case that exercise or yard work while sweating is totally fine with these, as is running in the rain,
I ended up really liking these and would highly recommend them, even if you're in the market for some higher-end true wireless earbuds. The price to performance ratio here is incredible, and you always have money left over in case you misplace them!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Acer’s Intel® Evo™ platform-based Chromebook Spin 713 is ideal for heavy multitasking since it comes with powerful specs, long battery life, plenty of storage and enough ports for external monitors and accessories. Designed to give users a premium experience with increased speeds from the 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor, this sleek convertible features a vivid, 13.5” 2K IPS VertiView touch display with vivid Intel® Iris® Xe graphics, a long-lasting and quick-chargeable battery, and speedy Chrome OS performance. At just over 3 lbs., this sleek machine is faster than ever. It features a built-in HDMI port, two USB Type-C™ Ports with Thunderbolt™ 4, a backlit keyboard and a unique 3:2 ratio display—that delivers an extra 18% more vertical space—making work and play more fun and extra easy on the eyes! The 360° durable hinge provides four different modes for you to enjoy. And this awesome Chromebook is fitted with a high-quality, military-grade tested aluminum chassis!
Customer Rating
5
Wish I could give it more than 5 stars
on June 10, 2021
Posted by: Nerdninja
from Pennsylvania
It's been a few years since I've used a Chromebook and wow, how things have changed! This is now my new favorite laptop. Considering the collection of laptops I've had over the years that's saying a lot.
I've spend the last year and a half or so working from home using a Dell Windows tablet from work with a 16:9 screen. I use it and a 32" TV mounted over my desk as a second monitor for video conferencing. At any point I usually have several software apps open and a video meeting open.
I thought there would be no way to replicate that workflow on a Chromebook, but not only am I able to, but switching focus from one app to another is much faster because I'm using the browser-based versions of them. Also, I'm able to run the big separate monitor thanks to the built-in full size HDMI port (as opposed to the USB-C to HDMI cable I need to use for the work setup)
I'm a project manager and spend most of my life in Jira, Slack and the Microsoft Office suite. The Spin's 3:2 aspect monitor allows me to see more information in Jira without scrolling, and the 2K display is bright and tack-sharp. It's a genuine pleasure to read text off this thing!
Fortunately, most of our apps like Jira and Office are able to be accessed through the browser. I am surprised at how well the web versions of things like Microsoft Teams works, and there are absolutely no compromises in accessing them through the Acer Spin. In fact, the screen shape is a huge advantage since I can see more information on one screen or arrange things side to side better than I can on a 16:9 monitor.
In addition to the browser I can load up the Android versions of any apps I need (many Chromebooks have full access to the Google Play Store) and run those as needed. Thus far, however, I haven't needed anything beyond the web apps.
Battery life is muuuuch better than my work-issued machine, too. I have been able to get through most of an 8-hour day on full brightness and can work from anywhere in the house. I can even sit on the couch and swing the screen around into tablet mode and work from there to catch up on emails while drinking coffee in the morning. Even crazier, if I start running out of juice I'm able to top off the battery for 30 minutes and it gives me another 3-4 hours of charge.
Typing is a pleasure on the backlit chiclet-style keyboard. Backlighting comes on automatically when you touch the keys or trackpad and don't seem to have a way to change brightness. The keys have a nice travel and solid feel. There is no flex to the keyboard or anywhere else for that matter. The trackpad is perfect and is an Apple style glass topuchpad.
The overall look is a little understated but by no means boring. The entire thing is a bead-blasted aluminum and feels extremely sturdy. It's not flashy enough to draw attention on a train, but wouldn't be mistaken for a school Chromebook either. No creaking at all and fit and finish are all very good. Overall weight is perfect for travel, but just a tad heavy for use as a tablet all the time. It's best suited for the occasional sit-down on the couch in tablet mode.
Best of all is performance. With 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core processor the Spin can handle tons of open tabs and Android apps all running simultaneously without breaking sweat. All around performance is extremely smooth and snappy. I’ve even run some more processor-intensive Linux apps like GIMP, Firefox (yes, you can run other browsers in a Linux container!) and KDNLive and have had no problems. Even Borderlands 2 works from Steam in a Linux container in low-graphics mode.
This particular model does not have the fingerprint reader some other Spin models have. Also while the fan doesn’t wind up too often at idle it has a weird low-frequency growl that I can hear in a quiet room. Once it spins up the growl goes away. Not sure if this is common to all of this model or just mine. Other than those two minor complaints I have absolutely nothing bad to say at all!
If you’re on the fence about Chromebooks, I would urge you to try out this device to see everything Chrome OS can offer.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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This 14-inch Full HD display provides stunning visuals, while the AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 8GB of RAM power through everyday software and support smooth multitasking. This Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled ASUS ZenBook laptop has a 256GB SSD for rapid boots.
Customer Rating
5
Amazingly Fast, Wish the Screen Was Brighter
on May 26, 2021
Posted by: Nerdninja
from Pennsylvania
I am completely blown away with this ultrabook!
If you're at all concerned that the ZenBook is sporting an AMD processor rather than an Intel, don't be. The Ryzen series has come a long way and is just as good if not better than the equivalent Intel processor. I even have a 4K virtual pinball machine running the exact same processor the ZenBook is, so I know it can pull a ton of weight. So far everything I've thrown at this processor has been fine, including streaming several videos at once, light gaming and huge downloads.
The screen has almost no bezel. A couple years ago this would be a 12.5" laptop in the same size chassis, but now they can cram a 14" 16:9 screen into the same area.
Size, thickness and weight are all perfect for a portable machine. If you're looking for a Windows alternative to the MacBook air, this is it. Overall weight is next to nothing and would hardly be noticed in a backpack or bag.
Despite the light weight, Asus claims the Zenbook is built to military specifications for durability and it definitely feels that way. The body is all aluminum, even the bottom and the lid. There is no flex to the top around the trackpad area or keyboard. The keys can be pounded and there is no give to them. The chassis isn't unibody like a MacBook, but fit and finish are very good. The bottom portion below the trackpad is a little sharp. I wish it was rounded off, but it's not a big issue. Handling the case is a pleasure and there is no clicking or creaking. I feel like I could take this on the road and not worry about babying it.
The keyboard feels excellent to type on. They are backlit, but unless you're in a dim room the light makes them harder to see because they cause the letters to blend in with the silver keys. In a dark room they work okay but aren't very evenly lit.
The top row features dedicated function keys for volume, backlighting and quick access to MyAsus, which allows for handy wireless syncing with your mobile phone. I have my Android phone paired and am getting notifications from the phone on my laptop screen and have successfully transferred a photo wirelessly. It's similar to what Samsung has for their phones but boiled down to the essentials.
On one side are two USB C ports with power delivery. THANK YOU for the USB C charging. I'm really excited to see how fast charging is standardizing. Also on that side is a full size HDMI port! Again, perfect for a road warrior for presentations or to plug in to a hotel TV for entertainment.
The other side has a legacy USB port, a microSD card slot (the card doesn't go in completely flush and is ejected by pushing it in) and a headphone jack.
I'm really happy they haven't gotten rid of the headphone jack yet. In testing I was able to driver my Audio Technica ATH-M50X headphones to a painful level without distortion. The installed DTS software has a built-in EQ I was able to tweak for perfect sound. Amazon Music HD reports the internal audio card can handle 24/96 files. The built in speakers are better than I had expected and are tuned by harmon/kardon. They get plenty loud for media consumption and aren't as tinny as many other laptops in this size range and bigger. I spent a lot of the day streaming live news and found the sound to be more than adequate.
It's interesting that Asus included an NVIDIA discreet video card when the integrated GPU on the Ryzen 5 is really good to begin with. For the heck of it I tried out Doom and Tom Clancy's the Division. Both played above 60FPS in 1920x1080 on low settings. On a screen this size the low graphics settings still look great. Keep in mind that if you want to keep a game or two on here for travel that the SSD is only 128GB.
On the subject of the screen, the 1080p display looks great, but I wish it was juuuuuust a tad brighter. I'm becoming spoiled by bright phone and tablet screens. A lot of laptops are going to 2K or 4K screens, but the screen on here is sharp and works perfectly for its size. Also, not having to push that many pixels is much better for battery life.
The battery life is amazing so far, too. I haven't been able to run it down doing normal things in the course of a day. Even at full brightness and streaming video I've gone a few hours and the battery says it has 6+ hours left.
In summary, if you have a need for something like the MacBook air but want to stick with Windows, you absolutely can't go wrong with the ZenBook 14! Despite my desire for a little more brightness I would call this a perfect laptop, especially for travel.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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See more of the action with this Full HD ASUS gaming monitor. Quick 1 ms video response time lets you play action games in real time without lag. This ASUS gaming monitor comes with a stand for use on any flat surface.
Customer Rating
3
Good Entry Level Gaming Monitor
on May 22, 2021
Posted by: Nerdninja
from Pennsylvania
I found this monitor to be decent for a lower-end gaming rig, but can't recommend it unless you're on a budget (you spent your budget on the graphics card, right?) or have a need for a smaller monitor for your setup.
I'm not usually impressed with packaging, but the way it came packed was kind of remarkable. It fits in a thick styrofoam clamshell with a clear plastic band around it. You pull the whole thing out with the band like a handle and separate the two halves to get to the monitor. If you're ordering this via shipping rest assured it will get there in one piece.
Inside is the monitor, pre-mounted on a stand and a heavy base embedded in one half of the foam. Assembly is super easy. One screw on the base goes into the monitor mount and even has a tab on it so no tools are required.
The base is a great design. The whole monitor swivels, tilts and rotates very easily. You can also slide it up and down to different heights or rotate it 90 degrees to portrait mode. The mount is very sturdy and the monitor does not move when the desk is bumped. If you prefer to wall-mount or use another mounting method, it appears you can use a standard VESA type mount.
Video quality is good, but not great. I would prefer it was a lot brighter. Out of the box it was set to 90% brightness and there wasn't a lot of difference when it was turned up to 100%. Black levels were OK, but a little muddy. Colors seemed a little muted, but it may be because I prefer a glossy monitor. This one is matte, which is good if you're in a place where glare can be an issue. I'm becoming spoiled by higher resolution monitors and couldn't help but fixate on the screen-door effect on brighter backgrounds.
What makes this monitor special are some of the more unique built-in gaming options, available via the built-in menus.
For instance, there are settings for built in frame-rate display and several reticles that you can superimpose over the top of your game. I found this to be a little odd. I can't think of a shooter that doesn't have built-in crosshairs, so I'm not sure why you would need them superimposed. Also, FRAPS reported the game I was playing as getting 120+ FPS, but the built in monitor frame counter reported 60.
Speaking of high FPS, this monitor supports Freesync. If you've ever played a game that is graphics intensive and high FPS you've probably noticed that when you turn quickly the top and bottom of the screen aren't always in sync, so you get a vertical tear across the middle. Freesync eliminates that for smoother motion, provided you have a graphics card that supports it. Also, the response time on this monitor is impressive. There is absolutely no "smearing" or ghosting and no lag whatsoever! It also supports refresh rates up to 75MHz. Again, more expensive monitors usually handle higher refresh rates, but 75 is a huge improvement over a normal monitor intended for general use.
There are only two inputs, one HDMI and strangely, one VGA. I haven't seen a gaming PC with a VGA port in forever, so I'm not sure why it's here. Otherwise, no display port and no second HDMI jack. There's also a headphone jack on back, in an awkward place. There are no built in speakers, but you can control the volume on the headphone jack through the menus.
Which brings me to the controls. The controls and the menu system are really frustrating. There is a series of hardware buttons on the bottom that are only marked with dots. The menus dynamically change and the dots correspond to menu items. There are seven buttons, but I found myself having to drill down into menus using 3 or four of them. Why not spread out the options to use all of them?
Side and top bezels are nearly non-existent, and the bottom bezel is only about a half-inch tall. Build quality seems very good. The monitor is light-weight and would be easy to tote around to gaming sessions at a friend's house.
If you're on a tight budget, you can't go wrong with this as a gaming monitor. If possible, however, I would save up a little longer to get something a little brighter. I kept wishing I could turn up the brightness just a little more in darker scenes.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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This is not a laptop. It’s so much more. Meet Combo Touch, the keyboard case with trackpad that enables new levels of versatility with iPad Pro. Navigate and work in apps like never before with a new click-anywhere trackpad — our largest ever* — that gives you more space and allows for Multi-Touch trackpad gestures. SMART CONNECTOR technology helps to deliver an incredibly responsive trackpad experience and also makes powering and pairing the keyboard instant. Type comfortably for hours with laptop-like backlit keys that automatically adjust to your environment. You can always see what you're typing thanks to 16 levels of brightness. Enjoy convenient access to volume controls and more with a full row of iPadOS shortcut keys. The iPad Pro meets its aesthetic match with a slim, sleek design — the thinnest keyboard case we've ever designed with a trackpad.* The elegant woven outer fabric feels as great as it looks and the case is molded to fit your iPad Pro, protecting the front, back, and corners from scrapes and bumps. Your iPad Pro is held securely in place so you can have peace of mind that it won’t slip out and focus on what matters most — getting things done. *Compared to Logitech keyboard cases with trackpad released in 2020.
Customer Rating
5
Perfect Keyboard Case
on May 21, 2021
Posted by: Nerdninja
from Pennsylvania
I’ve had the Apple Smart Keyboard folio and have been pretty happy with it, but after using this Logitech folio I am absolutely thrilled!
Having used the Microsoft Surface in the past I have been wishing for a keyboard case where I can remove the keyboard portion but leave the back on. Finally, this case does that and is perfect for when I want to hold the iPad without having to flip the keyboard around to the back awkwardly.
Also like the Surface, the back has an adjustable flap for angling the pad at any angle, including an almost-flat drawing mode.
The trackpad is excellent. Very responsive and bug without making the case overly bulky. Unlike a lot of trackpads, it doesn’t seem to be a big rocker switch, so you can click anywhere without it getting hung up. The click itself is a satisfying, confident click and works every time.
The keyboard has chicklet-style keys with a colicky-low travel feel and are very slightly scooped in the middle. It’s a comfortable size and has the usual row of function keys for playback controls, lighting and a home key. They are also backlit. Backlighting is a little weak. SInce this keyboard pulls power from the iPad via the accessory port, this was probably a compromise to extend overall battery life.
All cutouts are perfect, the volume keys work with the cover on, and there’s a cutout on the top so you can charge an Apple Pencil with the case on.
My favorite part is that the keyboard flap kind fits into a lip on the back case and stays shut and is extremely hard and protective. While I’m not perfectly comfortable with my iPad in a case with the Apple Smart Folio, I feel like the Logitech case is very safe.
In photos the material looks like a wool felt, but it’s really a textured vinyl or something that will resist dirt. If you’re hesitating because you’re afraid of stains, don’t be,
Oddly enough it only lists the Gen 5 iPad for compatibility, but I found it works perfectly on my wife’s Gen 2 and everything lines up.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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An industry defining 49” 1000R curved screen, equipped with a cutting edge Quantum Matrix HDR2000 panel, 240hz refresh rate, G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro support, 1ms GTG response rates, and fully customizable Odyssey Infinity Core lighting.
DP 2.0?
Yes, in the menu you can select 2.0 and above or 1.4
2 years, 4 months ago
by
Nerdninja
Portable and palm-sized with a built-in extension rod, DJI OM 5 is a versatile companion that unlocks the full potential of your smartphone. Enjoy flawless selfies, super-smooth video, automatic tracking, and much more. A new ShotGuides feature even provides creative tips, empowering you to get stunning shots wherever you go. With DJI OM 5, get ready to master every shot.
Will it work with only a phone
Yes, it's designed for phones and I don't see an easy way to mount a camera of any kind
2 years, 7 months ago
by
Nerdninja
Portable and palm-sized with a built-in extension rod, DJI OM 5 is a versatile companion that unlocks the full potential of your smartphone. Enjoy flawless selfies, super-smooth video, automatic tracking, and much more. A new ShotGuides feature even provides creative tips, empowering you to get stunning shots wherever you go. With DJI OM 5, get ready to master every shot.
Will this work with an iPhone 12Max with a Mous Limitless 3.0 case. Anyone foolish enough to use any gimble w/o some sort of protection is just asking for trouble IMO. I really want to pick one up but not if it won’t work with a case.
I don't know about that specific case, but the magnetic clip seems to work with every case I've thrown at it on my S21 Ultra.
That said, the clip and magnet are really strong and I would feel comfortable trusting them under most conditions
That said, the clip and magnet are really strong and I would feel comfortable trusting them under most conditions
2 years, 7 months ago
by
Nerdninja
MEET INNER SOUND: Sound is music we love, noise we wish to avoid, and voices we do not want to miss.Introducing Devialet Gemini True Wireless earbuds: giving you the best of sound, in all its dimensions. Transforming 15 years of acoustics R&D and engineering into a portable design you can enjoy on the move.
Can you use one Earbud at a time while one is charging?
See more of the action with this Full HD ASUS gaming monitor. Quick 1 ms video response time lets you play action games in real time without lag. This ASUS gaming monitor comes with a stand for use on any flat surface.
I recently purchased this monitor from my local Bestbuy, and I cannot get audio through it. Does this monitor have built-in speakers? I am unable to find information online regarding whether this monitor has integrated speakers.
It does not have speakers. There is a headphone jack on the back you can connect to amplified speakers
2 years, 11 months ago
by
Nerdninja
See more of the action with this Full HD ASUS gaming monitor. Quick 1 ms video response time lets you play action games in real time without lag. This ASUS gaming monitor comes with a stand for use on any flat surface.
How many hz does this get?
See more of the action with this Full HD ASUS gaming monitor. Quick 1 ms video response time lets you play action games in real time without lag. This ASUS gaming monitor comes with a stand for use on any flat surface.
Do I need to buy a pc box for this or dose it come with a built in pc or is it just a screen
This is just a monitor. It needs to be connected to a PC, either a desktop or a laptop (as a second screen)
2 years, 11 months ago
by
Nerdninja
With an immersive 4K HDR3 viewing experience, Epson Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector represents a new generation of digital projection that redefines the everyday television experience by offering a stunning 130" picture. Equipped with proprietary 4K PRO-UHD®2 3LCD technology, Epson Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector produces vivid colors and deep blacks for an exceptionally bright, colorful and sharp picture in virtually any viewing environment. Whether you’re watching a live sporting event, streaming your favorite series, gaming on the latest generation of consoles, or watching a blockbuster movie, Epson Ultra Short Throw Laser Projectior will simply amaze you.
Does its support 3D?
The marketing sticker on it says it does. Not sure what kind of active glasses it takes though
3 years, 2 months ago
by
Nerdninja
With an immersive 4K HDR3 viewing experience, Epson Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector represents a new generation of digital projection that redefines the everyday television experience by offering a stunning 130" picture. Equipped with proprietary 4K PRO-UHD®2 3LCD technology, Epson Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector produces vivid colors and deep blacks for an exceptionally bright, colorful and sharp picture in virtually any viewing environment. Whether you’re watching a live sporting event, streaming your favorite series, gaming on the latest generation of consoles, or watching a blockbuster movie, Epson Ultra Short Throw Laser Projectior will simply amaze you.
My existing screen is 100 inches. What is the recommended distance away the projector should be?
I have mine about 2.5 feet from my 100" screen
3 years, 2 months ago
by
Nerdninja
With an immersive 4K HDR3 viewing experience, Epson Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector represents a new generation of digital projection that redefines the everyday television experience by offering a stunning 130" picture. Equipped with proprietary 4K PRO-UHD®2 3LCD technology, Epson Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector produces vivid colors and deep blacks for an exceptionally bright, colorful and sharp picture in virtually any viewing environment. Whether you’re watching a live sporting event, streaming your favorite series, gaming on the latest generation of consoles, or watching a blockbuster movie, Epson Ultra Short Throw Laser Projectior will simply amaze you.
What is the response time "ms" for 4k gaming?
16.7 MS according to what I was able to find online
3 years, 2 months ago
by
Nerdninja