Stream digital content with Roku Express. It provides access to 500,000+ movies and TV episodes to fuel binge-watching sessions, and it comes with an HDMI cable for making a secure connection with your TV. Control your Roku Express with the Roku mobile app from wherever you are.
I have never owned a Roku streaming box before now, but I have had plenty of experience with the Roku 2 and 3 prior to purchase. I was buying this for use on my bedroom TV, which I don't watch all that often. I limited my budget based on this use case which brought me to 2 options. The Express or the Stick (it was on sale at the time, so same price).
My TV is older and doesn't doesn't have USB ports to power the Stick, and its HDMI ports were on the side. This would make the Stick protrude well beyond the edge of the TV, and it would require wall power just like the Express. For these reasons I ruled out the Stick and went with the Express.
The Express is a very small device - no bigger than a roll of quarters. It comes with double sided tape so you can mount it anywhere - I stuck mine to the bottom edge of the TV. I hooked it up using the provided HDMI cable and wall charger. Setup was pretty easy - you need to have a computer nearby to login and activate the Express before you can use it. I was able to add my HULU, HBOnow, and Sling accounts from the web browser on my computer. I could also pick a few of the free streaming channels I like through the browser, and it would automatically add it to the Express. However, I had to add my Nettflix account directly on the device - not an option through the browser. This was a more time consuming way to add accounts, and I'm not sure why Netflix was singled out.
The interface on the device is pretty straightforward. Newcomers will not be overwhelmed, and its pretty intuitive. I was used to it coming from the 2 and 3, so there was no learning curve. The remote is just OK. It does what I need it to, so I guess that is good enough. Picture quality is solid. I'm watching at 1080P without it buffering/lagging/pixelating. I was worried about my router having enough signal in my bedroom to keep up, but it hasn't been an issue.
For an MSRP of $30, this is a nice little streamer.
Enhance your gaming experience with cleaner, smoother sound. The HyperX Cloud Alpha’s dual-chamber driver system separates the bass from the mids and highs, allowing them to be tuned individually for reduced distortion. Keep yourself in the zone and climb the ranks with signature HyperX comfort, perfect for prolonged gaming sessions. Get crystal-clear communication with your team and take your game to the next level with the Cloud Alpha audio advantage.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
I originally was using a pair of HyperX Cloud Core's to game and listen to music. I ended up needing another headset to use at work, so I decided to take the Core's to work and get a new headset for home. It worked out that Kingston had just released the Alpha's the week before.
The Alpha is similar to the other offerings in the Cloud lineup. The headset is very well made. It has an all metal (aluminum) super structure - no plastic to snap. The cord still comes with a woven sleeve, the mic boom is remains sturdy and flexible, and the ear cups are soft and comfortable. With my Core's, I could easily go 4+ hours without ear discomfort or neck strain. With the Alpha's, I know I could do that and more.
The Alpha is similar to the CloudX with its inline volume control. This is a nice feature for use while playing music, teleconferencing, or adjusting the volume mid game. The Alpha does not come with a USB sound card like the Cloud I/II's (this can be bought in addition for 30 bucks if you need it). It also doesn't include any extra ear cups - more are available for $10 if you need them. The boom mic is detachable like the other Clouds - a feature I appreciate when I'm just listening to music. The headset comes with a little mesh carrying bag - its nice, but a hard case would be an improvement.
Here is where the Alpha sets itself apart from the rest of the Cloud lineup. The Alpha comes with a DETACHABLE 3.5mm cord. No more junked headsets because the cord went bad. This was a huge selling point for me. I always worried about my Core's getting ruined because I abused the cable. Now if the cable starts to short, a replacement is only $10. Another feature for the Alpha's is the weight it has shed in comparison to the rest of the lineup. They are noticeably lighter than my Core's. If look at the frame above the earcups - those stylish cutouts also reduce the weight. Less weight = more comfort.
The Alpha's have also introduced the new dual chambered speaker design. I wasn't sure how much they could improve the sound quality in these headsets while maintaining the $100 and under price point. The speakers for the Cloud lineup are already some of the best bang for your buck - not overblown, no tinny sounds, good bass, and clarity. With the dual chamber design the sound quality is just - better. Not overblown, or tinny, great bass, and clarity. What I have noticed is the game sounds appear to be sharper and with greater depth. It's hard to articulate, but it really is an improvement.
The headsets plug in with a single 3.5mm 4 pole connector - so they work with phones, XBOX controllers, PS4 - anything that can do mic and speakers over a single connector. It also comes with a 3.5mm splitter for use on a PC. This is a really great headset, and definitely worth the look.
Google Home Mini is a smart speaker powered by the Google Assistant, so you can ask it questions and tell it to do things. Just start with "Ok Google" to enjoy your entertainment, get answers from Google, tackle your day, and control your smart home. Google Home Mini works on its own or you can have a few around the house, giving you the power of Google anywhere."
I bought a google home mini for both of my inlaws and my parents as presents. I personally haven't had much interaction with the devices, but they have told me over and over how much they enjoy using it.
The setup for all parties was pretty painless. My parents aren't tech savvy at all, but they didn't need hardly any help. Setup with the app was done on both iPhone and Android, both without issue. My inlaws use their mini for scheduling, making lists, and getting sports scores. They are very happy with it. My parents use it for controlling various IOT devices they have bought since getting the mini, and various questions.
Everyone is really happy with my gift, so I guess I did a good job this year.
Express your artsy, techie personality with this Logitech Doodle wireless mouse. It lets you navigate smoothly up to 33 feet from the included nano-receiver for your computer, and its 18-month battery life saves ample time recharging. The ambidextrous contours of this versatile Logitech Doodle wireless mouse provides universal, comfortable use.
Bought this for my 4 year to use on my computer. He couldn't fit his hand on my gaming mouse, and he didn't need to get distracted by 9 buttons. This mouse works great, and he has picked up a lot of fine motor skills using this mouse to play on ABCMouse. It definitely feels a little cheap, but it was only 10 bucks.
Philips Norelco RQ111/52 Click-On Beard Styler: From a smartly-trimmed short beard to a subtle five o'clock shadow, this styler provides you with a variety of options. Create the look you want with ease, using this accessory for all shavers within the SmartClick system.
I have the Norelco 1150X (6100). I bought this as a replacement, since my last trimmer attachment broke after 2 years of faithful service. My daughter was giving her stuffed animals haircuts while I was making dinner one night - it did a nice job tbh.
Attachment works great, I just wish it was a little cheaper, but no big deal.
Kwikset Kevo Key Fob: Experience touch-to-open convenience without a smartphone with the Kevo key fob. Compatible with most Kevo locks, this fob can be used to operate multiple locks, eliminating the hassle of fumbling for keys when your hands are full.
Neither myself or my wife have compatible smartphones to use the bluetooth features of the lock, so I bought a spare fob. I had it paired and calibrated in about 1 minute. Works just as advertised, and honestly its even more convenient than the phone solution. I just leave my keys in my pocket (my wife leaves hers in her purse), touch the lock, and we are in.
Kwikset Kevo Bluetooth Electronic Lock: No more fumbling for your keys with the Kwikset Kevo electronic lock. Its Bluetooth connectivity automatically syncs your mobile device to your lock with touch-to-open convenience, making your smartphone or tablet your new key. Use the Kevo app to grant access to others and track their usage.
I bought the 1st gen Kevo knowing that I would be missing out on a few features found in the second gen (metal vs. plastic cover inside, and auto-locking). This didn't bother me at all. I had a very easy time installing the lock. I followed the printed directions, and I had no issues.
The lock has been working great now for several weeks with only one issue. After a week of use, the LED ring on the outside lock face stopped lighting up. The lock still functioned normally, but I lost the status feedback of the lights. I called up support and their only solution was that I maybe tightened the bolts too much. I loosened the bolts, but the problem persisted. I then removed the battery pack (a solution that tech support said shouldn't be a fix), and reinstalled after 30 seconds. Immediately after that the LED ring started working again, and has been going strong for several weeks now.
Aside from that little glitch, I love the lock. Definitely a must if you are tired of fumbling with keys, while trying to carry groceries, and wrangle small children.
Backup data quickly with this Western Digital My Passport Ultra portable hard drive. This compact 1TB drive plugs directly into your USB port to make transfers fast and efficient. Rely on the integrated hardware-based data encryption to keep information on this Western Digital My Passport Ultra portable hard drive safe from prying eyes.
I bought this drive for my brother-in-law that I loaded up with my media catalog (99% full). I tested it out for about a month before I could give it to him, and I had zero issues. Playback was instant, no lag/buffering, read/write over USB 3.0 was quick (1.5 hours for 1 TB transfer over 3.0 vs. 5 hours for 1 TB transfer over 2.0). The bright red color makes it difficult to lose sight of, which is a plus if you are tossing it in a bag or are prone to losing things in plain sight. I bought the 2 year protection plan for him, but I don't think it will be necessary because the drive seems pretty solid.
I also have one of these drives in black running as my external for my Xbox One. I would recommend this drive for that purpose as well.
Store and share data with this Western Digital 1TB My Passport Ultra hard drive. Use the drive to quickly back up important files on your home or work computer, then secure the information with a password for extra peace of mind. This Western Digital 1TB My Passport Ultra hard drive ensures you total control over files.
I bought this as an external drive for my 500gb Xbox One. The drive has worked perfectly for almost a month now with no issues. Plugging in through the USB 3.0 port keeps the read/write speeds from bottlenecking at the interface. Setup was a breeze, and was recognized right away. I formatted it to use for game installations, and I have had no issues playing games from the drive.
Capture clear, stable videos and pictures with this Sunpak PlatinumPlus 4200XL 620-420BB 42" tripod, which features 8 leg sections that extend from 11" to 42" for use on tabletops or the floor. The nonslip rubber feet ensure stability.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
I have owned this tripod for 3 years now, and my wife and I love it. We recently bought this tripod for a family member because we have enjoyed using it so much.
The tripod itself is very compact and fairly lightweight. My wife will carry it in her purse, or in a pocket in her daypack if we are out hiking. The legs extend and retract easily. We have no problem with balancing the tripod or keeping it level. We have gotten a lot of use out of it over the years, and we expect to get several more.