The ROG Strix Morph 96 Wireless gaming keyboard is designed for customization, featuring easy disassembly from top plate to PCB, hot-swappable mechanical switches, South-facing PCB, and GearLink web-based configuration. Enjoy peak gaming performance on tri-mode connection with ROG SpeedNova technology and SpeedTap mode. MacOS supported.
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.
There is an endless sea of gaming keyboards it is getting very hard to tell one from another. Frankly, keyboards in the same price range are all relatively comparable in feature sets so it comes down to build quality, latency, key type, comfort, software and backing of the manufacturer. With that said, Asus has always been in the upper echelon in build quality and performance in keyboards but does fall short in some areas. In review :
Build quality – The Strix Morph 96 Wireless is a well-built board, with an aluminum top case in gunmetal gray. The bottom casing is black plastic. The entire package is solid and has very little flex. It is heavy at 2.5 lbs. but that is good thing. I cannot stand all plastic keyboards that move around because they are too light weight.
Keys – For me, mechanical keys are the most important aspect of a keyboard. They are the most responsible, hold up the best and provide the best typing experience by far. It brings me back to the old days of IBM keyboards. The Asus ROG Strix has excellent mechanical keys. The travel is excellent and there is little to no latency. As a 96%, the keyboard has all full set number keyboard. For me, the 96% did not feel cramped at all. However, I did notice a difference between a full-size keyboard. It may be more noticeable for other users.
Warranty – Asus falls short in the warranty and only offer 1 year. Most of the competition is 3 to 5 years, even on entry level keyboards. At this price range and quality, Asus needs to do a better job on the warranty.
Features and accessories – The Strix Morph 96 has a customizable gear knob to control different functions. The default setting automatically adjusts to what you are doing. If you are typing in word or looking at web pages, it will act like a scroll wheel. If you are watching media, it will adjust volume. The Strix Morph 96 includes a Bluetooth dongle, several keys, a key tool and a USB tool. Like most of today’s gaming keyboards, it has a full set of LED lights. The ASUS ROG Strix Morph 96% Wireless offers 3 types of connectivity – Bluetooth, wi-fi and hardwired. All worked flawlessly.
In conclusion, the overall typing and gaming experience was excellent but not anything special. Personally, I do not care about lights or extensive customization. For those that want customization, there is an online option called Gearlink. ASUS describes it as “A fast, web-based tool that helps you set up and customize your devices. Adjust key functions, lighting effects, and more — all without the need to download, so you're up and running in no time.” Personally, I could not care less nor would I want to give access to my computer if it can be avoided. The biggest disappointment is the 1 year warranty. While it is not deal breaker, the competition offers much better warrantees.
The TCL X11L Series delivers the ultimate performance for cinematic viewing, fast-action movies, and live sports. Experience an unprecedented visual spectacle with TCL's Deep Color System, which utilizes Super Quantum Crystals (Super QLED), an UltraColor Filter, and an Advanced Color Purity Algorithm to produce more vivid colors and deeply nuanced shades with exceptional accuracy and realism. Blooming is virtually eliminated by the proprietary TCL Halo Control System, an advanced architecture featuring up to 20,000 Precise Dimming Zones and an astonishing 10,000 nits peak brightness, guaranteeing pure black levels and a brilliant, "Halo-Free" image in virtually any room lighting environment. This stunning clarity is optimized scene-by-scene by the advanced TSR AI Processor, which uses machine learning to deliver an unrivaled cinematic experience, complemented by a 144Hz native panel refresh rate and Motion Rate 480 for best-in-class motion clarity. Visually, the TV blends seamlessly into any living room, featuring the WHVA 2.0 Ultra Panel with ZeroBorderTM for wide viewing angles and an UltraThin Depth of less than 0.8~. Finally, to match the premium picture, the X11L features Expandable Home Theater with Audio by Bang & Olufsen, an integrated spatial sound system complete with built-in subwoofers, surround channels, and a center channel, providing a truly immersive Dolby Atmos experience.
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.
The latest TCL - 85" X11L mini LED TV is a flagship television designed to compete with all big TV names. It is super bright, bold and fitted with every top-of-the-line feature. The TV boasts support for Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10 Plus, HDR10 and HLG, and includes an audio system by Bang and Olufsen with support for Dolby Atmos. For all the nitty, gritty technical features, the Best Buy website outlines it perfectly.
Physical set up – As one would expect, the TV is big and heavy. TCL states the X11L will fit a gamut of VESA mounts. However, that turned out not to be the case. I was going to have trouble mounting it to my wall and it would the feet were too far apart to fit on my tv dresser. I currently have a LG 77’ but it has a center stand. I went to Best buy and spoke to the sales associate about the largest tabletop stand and I was shown the Sanus Elite TV stand for TV’s up to 88 inch. It looked good on paper but the mounting holes on the TV were too far apart, and it could not be used. I was able to get some center legs to mount to the VESA holes that were tall enough, but it is not as stable as I would like. The reality is this TV is best suited to be wall mounted.
Getting the TV up and running – This was the best experience I have had with setting up a TV. The Google TV was seamless, incredibly fast and perfect. Even with the updates, I was up and running in a few minutes. I have set up Hisense, Samsung, Vizio and two different LG OLED’s in the past few years and the TCL was the best.
The remote – Simple and uncluttered with a nice backlight. It is hard to compete with LG pointer remote but there is something to be said for an uncluttered remote. What is a fantastic feature is the remote has dedicated buttons for brightness and picture mode. The brightness is simple rocker for up and down and a push button to cycle through the various picture modes. I do like it a lot.
Build quality – There is a lot of TV to pack in to .8 inches of width. While not as solid as the LG it is acceptable and little flex. The plastic on the back is a bit flimsy, it feels more like a cover. The frame itself is solid. The included foot stands do not feel solid and held in with screws on the back. They did not feel sturdy to me but that is not empirical.
Sound - The speakers are excellent. The X11L has Bang & Olufsen Tuning and you can definitely hear it on the front facing grill speaker and back sub woofers. I am not a big fan of exterior speakers like sound bars, so it was nice to hear such good sound coming from the TV. I know I am in the minority when it comes to sound bars, but this TV sounds great.
Performance and screen testing Besides the usual of looking at content, I ran the TV through a series of tests from Youtube. These tests are designed to be nit picking. Most artifacts will not be noticeable during content viewing. I would have liked to show you pictures but I just could not get the right capture to show what I was seeing.
Test 1 – full screen colors. Red and Green test screens – minute darkness in corners and bottom for green and red. Yellow and blue test screens were consistent with no noticeable darkness. Light blue showed slight darkness in corners Black was excellent, on par with OLEDs. White was relatively consistent with minute darkness in corners
Test 2 - Black and white level tests The first test consisted of 28 boxes with varying degrees of black from black to white. In the boxes there were 1 to 3 digits numbers that were all white text except for the one box that was all white; that had black text. It is good test for blooming, consistency of levels of black and text sharpness. Black levels were excellent and consistent. Blooming was barely present, below what I have seen in comparable televisions. That is a testament to the TCL Halo Control System. Text was sharp and levels of black were consistent.
The second part of the test was for white levels and contrast. It was the same parameters as the black level test. The boxes were perfect with clear gradients of on increasing darkness (from pure white, to grey to finally all black boxes.)
Brightness test – This was setting the brightness to 100 and comparing various content and Youtube brightness test. Simply put, this is the brightest TV I have ever seen. I let relatively direct sunlight and I could still see the picture. In most cases the 100 brightness is too much for most content and I cannot see many reasons to go beyond 70. It really is amazing.
Screen reflections test - I have two floor lamps that I placed in various positions, and the screen reflections are not a good as the top competitors and are more noticeable when compared directly to the LG OLED G4. It is not obscene, nor would I consider it a major problem - but it looked to me to be more reflective than I would have expected.
The overall picture was excellent when viewing content. I would put color reproduction slightly below the top-of-the-line OLED’s but only by small margin. Colors were well saturated and jump out in the right places. Blacks were deep and whites were consistent. This is a top-of-the-line picture that nearly matches the OLED's. 4k was truly beautiful.
In conclusion, this is great TV. I am going to use in place of my LG OLED C3. It does not quite match the color reproduction of LG G4 I have but it comes close and is bigger by 8 inches. There are not glaring weaknesses other than a poor warranty of 1 year parts and labor. I would expect a TV that costs nearly that of a 10-year-old used car would have a better warranty. In reference to the list price, you will see a lot of people stating it is high. It certainly is, but I have seen many TV manufacturers come out at high prices only to drop significantly as the year went on or during a sale. I cannot say whether that will happen, only what I have seen in the past. One added bonus I noticed it this TV puts out less heat than the 77 inch it is replacing. It does not sound like much, but it is noticeable in a 12 by 18 room.
So the big question is would I buy it. Yes and no. At the current price point and included warranty – no. At a sale price and coverage under Best Buy Total Tech protection – yes. My answer on basis of only the robust feature set and performance – definitely.
Monitor your home with confidence. Indoor Cam Plus delivers 2K clarity and color around the clock, in any room you need. Check in when you want to, and use the removable lens cover when you don't.
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.
When I first opened the box to the Ring Indoor Cam Plus, I was immediately concerned. It was small, exceptionally light weight and cheap feeling. Some of those concerns did carry through upon a more in-depth review but not to the extent that I expected.
Set up- As someone who no longer uses Ring devices, I expected a bit more work to set it the Ring Indoor Cam Plus. That was definitely not the case, it was lightning fast. Download the app, plug in the Ring Indoor Cam Plus and scan the QR code. A few questions for set up and an update and I was up and running in 2 to 3 minutes. Zero issues.
Build quality, fit and finish – The Ring Indoor Cam Plus is the cheapest feeling video cam I have ever tested. While that is not reflective of the performance (more on that later,) it is an indication of what great length Ring took to reduce the cost. The base is too light so the Cam Plus easily falls over if not mounted to something. The privacy cover is as flimsy as it gets, be careful not to break it when installing it.
Performance –
The performance can be broken down into several categories:
Normal light condition Relatively sharp with a moderate field of vision. Compared to an older 1080P models that I installed at another location, I could not see any difference except that the Cam Plus had better color. Ring is strong in this area. Keep in mind that is entirely subjective.
Low light conditions The camera can do both color and black and night vision. It switches back and forth depending on the conditions. The color was not great during night vision, but I really cannot fault the camera for that, it is low light after all. The black and white night vision was sharp.
Motion sensor Works as advertised. It immediately picks up on a person in front of the cam and recognizes it as a face. I tested only on myself, but it nailed it every time. I think this technology has come a long way and I thought Ring was weaker than the big competitors in the past, that is not the case anymore.
App and smart features –
The Ring app is top notch with a strong ecosystem and integration. And that is the problem. For you to take advantage of all of the features, you will need to break the paywall of subscription nonsense. There are 3 subscription plans of varying cost, and you will lose the best features unless you subscribe to the best plan. I would challenge you to walk into Bestbuy and look at the box. Try to find anywhere that you will need a subscription and how much it costs to take advantage of the features. You will not see it.
There are just too many deal breakers here. The cost of the subscription is high and not disclosed to the level it should be. There is no Google or Apple integration – the former being the absolute deal breaker for me. Sure it is a great deal in terms of initial cost, especially during Black Friday but it is not good value. If you are not already entrenched into the Ring ecosystem, this is pass. There are just better options out there.
Officially licensed for PlayStation~ consoles, the R5 SPEAR PRO HS features an all-new design for RIG headsets. 40mm graphene drivers deliver explosive game audio with ultra-low distortion and increased 3D audio accuracy. Custom-tuned for first-person shooters, the R5 PRO HS enhances game-critical sound cues for the competitive advantage. The flexible, flip-to-mute microphone offers optimal voice pickup and reduced background noise for crystal-clear comms. Customize your look with magnetic SNAP+LOCK Mod-Plates and ear cushions. A memory-foam-lined headband and ear cushions keep you comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
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.
For today’s headsets, it has gotten to the point that even budget headsets have good sound. The RIG - R5 Spear Pro HS wired headset squarely fits in that category but takes it up a notch in terms sound quality. Let’s take a look at the features and how the pros and cons stack up:
Build quality and comfort – This is where you have to set the proper expectations – this is a budget headset. It is all plastic with no structural metal. While the overall feel is solid, I would question the long-term durability. I do not think it would break from normal everyday use, but I could see it not surviving being sit on, over stretched etc. I think maybe that would only be any issue for younger children. The earpieces are on the smaller side but fit my ears fine. The foam on the earpieces I very comfortable and does block out a decent amount of ambient sound.
Performance – I was not expecting a lot from the sound but I was wrong. Even without a software driven equalizer or sound mode, I found the sound to be clear and there was no distortion at high levels. Compared to 20 years ago, a headset in the budget category would become terrible at high volumes; definitely not the case here. The R5 is lacking in bass but it is fine for games. It is not designed for dual duty of a music headset and gaming headset. The mic is clear as well and I like the basic design of muting by flipping the mic up. It worked well with no issues. RIG states the mic has noise cancellation but that it was hard for me to test other than the mic was very clear during use. A note on the volume and controller for the level. There are a few reviewers that found the control to be clunky. The control is located on the wire and it is slider that clicks into place at the highest level. Below the top volume, you just slide to the desired level. I found no issue with this at all.
Cons – There is not a lot to like at this price point. I could see people with large ears and heads having an issue with comfort. I know that sounds like a joke, but the headset is on the small side. During use, I did get some crackling coming from the 3.5 mm connecting turning but that settled down it I made sure it did not move around a lot. One thing I definitely did not like and felt it was a gimmicky waste was the "swappable mod plates." That enables you to put customizable plates on the earphones. No one is going to do that and certainly not on a budget headset. RIG should put that cost into a removeable 3.5 mm cable (because if the old one gets damaged, you will have to buy a new headset.)
In conclusion, the R5 Spear Pro HS a great value headset. It certainly does not compare to the expensive headsets, but it checks off all the boxes for a perfectly good budget headset. It reminds me of the old X-Box One head set but with much better sound. RIG does market it the R5 Spear as Playstation headset. However, the 3.5 mm connections allow it to work with other gaming systems. I tried it, it definitely works. One thing that should not be overlooked is the simplicity. There is something to be said for just plugging in a headset and it works. No set up, no software – just plug and play.
The Arlo Pro Security Camera is also a $500 value when purchased separately at regular price, making it a smart upgrade for homeowners looking for a powerful smart home outdoor security camera system that is easy to install and simple to manage from anywhere. Get more from your home security camera system with the Arlo Pro Security Camera 2K (6th Gen) Bundle and an included 30-day Arlo Secure trial. Arlo Secure enhances your wireless security camera system with powerful features like 60-day video history, Custom Detections, and Smart Alerts that notify you when people, vehicles, animals, or packages are detected. You can even create personalized notifications for everyday events, such as whether your garage door is open, sprinklers are on, or your side gate is left open. If something urgent happens, you can quickly request help using one-tap Emergency Response directly from the Arlo app. Designed to help protect your home and loved ones, the Arlo Pro Security Camera delivers advanced protection with a high-performance wireless outdoor security camera system. Capture clear 2K HDR video that lets you positively identify people, vehicles, and animals while viewing more of your property with a wide 160~ field of view. Whether you~re monitoring your driveway, yard, or entryway, this outdoor security camera helps you stay aware of activity around your home. These wireless security cameras connect easily to your network and function as reliable Wi-Fi cameras for home security, allowing you to watch live video and receive motion alerts directly on your smartphone. Setup is simple with Bluetooth, and Dual-Band Wi-Fi automatically connects to the stronger 2.4GHz or 5GHz signal to keep your wireless camera system running smoothly. The completely wireless outdoor camera design makes installation fast and flexible with no wiring required. Place your outdoor security cameras wherever you need them most around your home. The removable rechargeable battery allows you to easily recharge or swap batteries so your security camera system stays powered. See important details even at night with Color Night Vision and an Integrated Spotlight, making it easier to distinguish clothing colors, vehicle details, and facial features in low-light conditions. Low Power Mode helps extend battery life so your wireless outdoor security cameras for home security can provide dependable surveillance throughout the day and night.
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 own multiple generations of Arlo video cameras as well as several from the other big names out there. Arlo is simply the best of best. The ease of set up, the picture quality and app performance are all top notch. The 6th generation Arlo Pro is no different.
Set up – The first difference from prior generations is there is no base. In terms of ease of set up, that is great. I am not sure if that is better or worse than the old Arlo Pro’s I have since they used a base and I think they use a proprietary network that is hard wired to my router. Regardless, I was able to set up, update and start using 3 cameras in less than 10 minutes. I did have the advantage of having the app already, but I did scan the QR code in the box to start set up. It really was a pleasure and there were zero issues.
Performance and features– There is a definite improvement over the 2nd generation Arlo Pro’s I have. Arlo has always been good at picture quality but there is noticeable difference in color, brightness and low light performance. Another noticeable difference is there is a lot less latency between movement and picture (probably related to not having a base.) One of my complaints about some of the competition is the high latency of camera images was the event. and there are far more camera controls. You can set what viewing angle you want ( I found the 160 degree to be a bit too fishbowl for me, ) low light sensitivity, HDR and more. My older Arlo’s had little to none of that. All cams include a light that you turn on/off and adjust the brightness. The light will not light up a huge area but it is enough. If I had to guess, it is about twice as bright as a cell phone light.
Value – A great price was never Arlo’s strong suit. They were always the most expensive but did back it up with great quality. When I saw what you get for the price now, I was shocked. 3 cams, 4 swappable batteries, a charger and mounts for half the price I would have paid for 6 years ago. It is fantastic deal and if you catch on a sale, you cannot go wrong.
What I did not like – They removed the magnetic mount I love with other Arlo’s. It appears magnetic mounts are on the higher end models but not the Pro 2k. It is not a deal breaker by any means, but it will be missed. The mounts Arlo provided are very cheap and plastic. They will function but I will be looking for something a bit more robust in the aftermarket. Lastly, I had a slight issue with the charger. It would not recognize the battery and inconsistently charge . I unplugged the charger and took out the batteries and was able to get it working. It was not a one off, the same thing happened a few times. Odd but in the end I was able to charge the batteries. As with nearly all major video cam makers, there is a subscription option. However, Arlo’s cost is very high and is about 3 times the price it should be . There are some advantages to having the plan but core functionality will be fine for most people.
The Arlo Pro 6th generation is a great product with a lot of value. There are noticeable differences between the 6th generation and older units. Arlo has, yet again, made a great product that I recommend completely. I cannot think of single competitor that offers this level of quality for the price. This would have been 5 stars if they left the magnetic mounts.
The Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 Select delivers 2K video clarity, intelligent detection, and smart home control in one device. Advanced mmWave radar and face recognition provide accurate alerts without false alarms, while built-in Zigbee and Thread/Matter hubs connect your entire smart home ecosystem. End-to-end encrypted streaming keeps your video secure, and expandable local storage enables 24/7 recording. Compatible with HomeKit Secure Video and dozens of third-party devices, the G410 Select lets you see who's at your door, control your locks, lights, and security systems, all while maintaining complete privacy. One doorbell. Complete smart home control.
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.
Aqara is new name for me when it comes to doorbells. In researching their company, they appear to be a big player in the smart devises industry with robust ecosystem of multiple types of devices and compatibility. Out of the box, the Aqara Video Door Bell looks great but does a have few quirks that could use some refinement. In review : Set up – The instructions, or lack thereof, is an oversight. There is a QR code that you are supposed to scan but there is more than one code on the items. Once you figure it out, the app immediately pairs the hub and doorbell. It was done in less than a minute and I found it to be seamless. Camera – Clear, but a bit underwhelming. Like many of these doorbell cameras, there will always be a fishbowl effect. However, I felt to be more pronounced than I expected. Colors were okay but a bit washed out. In the end, it is perfectly useable. Design - The doorbell itself is a bit clunky with it being bigger and heavier than other models I have tested. Some reviewers have said it feels cheap, but I did not feel that to be the case at all. It is rock solid and the fit and finish are excellent. To access the inside for a wired connection or to put the batteries, there is small screw on the right side. Once I unscrewed it, I was unable to reseat it properly. It did not affect any functionality, but it was an annoyance. One thing I did not like is the use and inclusion of alkaline batteries. The device requires six double A batteries to work. Why Aqara took this approach when nearly all the competition uses a rechargeable battery I cannot fathom. Sure you can add your own, but I think they could rework design to incorporate a higher density smaller battery. The inside hub is excellent – small and discreet yet does the job. A nice feature is a slot for an SD card (up to 512 gb) , something you would be hard pressed to find offered by the competition. It also NAS support - very nice. App – The app is what you would expect from smart device company – a refined UI with a lot of thought into the functionality across their ecosystem. The navigation is not intuitive for the doorbell ( I could not find a way to turn off the doorbell in the app.) Latency between the app and a live camera event is high, far more than I have experienced from the competition ( using the same exact network.) Performance – I ran the gamut of tests without it mounted on my door. I feel I can get a better feel of all functions. The doorbell function works fantastic and the inside hub is surprising loud for such a small speaker. There is face detection option that worked relatively well but would occasionally miss my face. I think Aqara AI model could use some work in this regard. For overall sensing movement, it was incredible sensitive, and I think it is on par with some of the higher priced big names in the doorbell video cam business .
In conclusion, the big question is would I buy Aqara - Video Doorbell Camera? Yes, but not for the reasons you may think. I think where Aqara really shines is the integration and ecosystem. Aqara works with Google Home, Apple Homekit, Alexa, Smartthings, Matter and other third party systems. In reference to Aqara’s ecosystem; I had no idea they had some many different products – all types of sensors, cameras, locks , lighting and even a curtain controller. The fact is today there are many similar smart products on the market today and it comes down to integration and software. Aqara seems to recognize that and is putting a heavy emphasis across their product lines. If you are someone that buys an ecosystem rather than a just product, this doorbell is for you.
Meet GMBK 75%~a high-performance RGB gaming keyboard built for gamers who want pro-level performance without that pro-level price. Designed for customization, durability, and optimized functionality, this board delivers everything you need to easily upgrade your battlestation.Dominate matches and show off your style with GMBK, featuring double the RGB zones as the competitors. Independently control 10 vibrant RGB zones to perfectly match your gaming setup's aesthetic. Quickly adjust color, brightness, and dynamic effects in seconds with Glorious CORE software. Talk about peak style with zero hassle. Unlike other entry-level keyboards, GMBK 75% features hot-swappable keycaps compatible with MX-style stems. That means you can switch up your look anytime, no soldering or premium price tag required. Hey, life happens~spills, crumbs, rage-quits. With its IP57 rating, this board is water- and dust- resistant, ready to survive whatever energy drinks and midnight snacks you throw its way. Plus, GMBK's fade-resistant keycaps and ultra-responsive switches make sure your inputs feel clean and fast every time. The optimized 75% layout is smaller than TKL keyboards, so you're getting extra mouse space without compromising on essential keys. And yes, there~s even room for a dedicated media knob. Because adjusting volume mid-game should be quick, not clunky.
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 and tested several Glorious Keyboards. The other models I have are the higher end models including the top line GMMK 3 PRO full size. The Glorious GMMK 3 Pro was the best keyboard I ever tested. The GMBK75 is not that keyboard, nor should it be considering it is nearly 1/6th the price of the Pro . The GMBK75 is a budget friendly entry level keyboard that will satisfy beginners, but will fall short if the user is used to using a better ( and bigger) keyboard.
The keys – Passable, but not nearly as good as a true mechanical keyboard. The keys are responsive but are missing the satisfying click of a better keyboard. They also feel cheap to me. Of course, that is totally subjective, but it definitely has an inexpensive feel. The typing performance for me was awkward, the keys seemed to be smaller than most of my other keyboards. I measured the keys on my basic Logitech keyboard and the keyboard on my LG laptop. The Logitech keys are 5/8 “wide and LG keys are 9/16 “ wide . The GMBK75 are ½ “wide. Even though these are small differences, it makes a big difference in the typing experience. For beginners, it should be fine. The keyboard has a two-level height adjustment that is a clever design that works well.
Construction – The first thing I noticed is how light the keyboard is. Never a good sign and makes me wonder about long-term durability. There is a large amount of flex if you twist it. It does stay in place with the rubber feet. One great feature is the IP67 Waterproof & Dust-Resistance. There are not many of the competition that does that in this price range.
Software – I have always felt their software was very minimalistic and spotty performance. You do not need the software to do a lot of things but it needs to be rock solid. At first, I made mistake and assumed that the GMBK75 would work with the Core 2.0 software I already have loaded. It did not. You will need to download the 2.1 version. After I installed the new software, I could not get it to work until I restarted my computer. I have no idea whether that is my computer or if it is software. Not a major issue but it is worth mentioning. Once the software was up and running, you can adjust some of the performance and lighting. I do not care about the lighting and turned it off. However, I found it randomly running back on even though the software indicated the lighting was shut off.
Customization – This is Glorious’s claim to fame. You can change the keys, frame, and add graphics. What a waste of time and money on an entry level keyboard. Do not buy the GMBK75 for customization.
Warranty - The warranty of 2 years is comparable to the competition in this price range.
I am trying to keep in mind that this is a budget keyboard, but I just cannot recommend the GMBK75 for most people. The keys are too small and feel cramped, the construction feels cheap and customization is a gimmick at this price point. It is not without it merits for basic use and I think the price point works for an adolescent starting out that will eventually outgrow it. I think there are just better choices in this price point from the competition.
The Roomba 105 Combo Robot Vacuum is made for every kind of wet and dry floor-cleaning task. The 4-stage cleaning system delivers high-performance cleaning by combining 70X more intense power-lifting suction*, an edge-sweeping brush that cleans 20% better*, a multi-surface brush to pick up all kinds of dirt, and a washable, re-usable microfiber pad to wipe away spills. ClearView LiDAR quickly maps your home for precise coverage. Choose from 3 cleaning options - mop, vacuum, or vacuum-and-mop at the same time. Using water or cleaning solution**, choose the perfect amount of liquid for the job, and set SmartScrub to 2X deeper scrubbing*** of high-traffic areas the way you would to erase the messes of the day. Tap the app, push the robot's buttons or ask your preferred voice assistant**** for an on-demand clean.
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.
When I first received the iRobot Roomba 105 Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop, I did not have high hopes. I’ve experienced entry tier robot vacuums before, and they were always terrible. Well, sadly the Roomba 105 is just barely above that. It does have a few good points but they are just not enough to make this entry level robot vacuum worth.
Initial impressions and set up –
When I took it out of the box, I immediately noticed that the vacuum roller was small – very small. It is roughly half the size of what I have on my two higher end competing robot vacuums. While the overall smaller size of the unit can have advantages when navigating, the light weight gave me concerns (more on that later.) On a positive note, the fit and finish was excellent and better than I expected. For the initial set up, I plugged the base in and set the unit to charge. While it was charging, I downloaded the app – or so I thought. For some reason, there are two IRobot apps. The IRobot and the Roomba Home app, the latter is the one you will need. You can avoid my mistake by using the QR code on the packaging. I did not run into any issues once I chose the correct app and had the unit ready in a few minutes. For some reason, IRobot chose not to include an owner’s manual but included a 36 page safety manual. Weird. Regardless, once the app is set up, the Roomba 105 has to run an initial map of the areas. The mapping only took a 15 minutes. After that it was ready to clean.
Performance –
This is where things took a turn for the worst. In the app, you have a choice of light clean, normal clean or deep clean. I selected deep clean to get a good idea of its performance. The unit turned on at 7:46 PM. After several recharges, the unit was still running at 1:05 AM and not finished; I had to stop it. It covered all the areas at least once but 6 hours to clean 600 feet of floor space is ridiculous. I had hoped that it did a super thorough job but when I opened the dustbin, I found a small amount of dust. It had picked up some debris I placed in various spots but none from any of the corners. I had not vacuumed in nearly 3 weeks for this test, and I found the results to be disappointing. I ran the Roomba 105 again in regular cleaning mode and it ran for 2 hours and 25 minutes. The duct bin now had almost nothing in it. I thought that maybe my carpet was not as dirty as I thought so I ran my 10-year competing brand robot vacuum and the result was night and day. My old unit pulled in way more dirt than this new Roomba 105. Very disappointing. My old unit was 3 times the price of the Roomba 105, but I did expect better from the Roomba.
Putting that aside, I found the lidar mapping to do an excellent job and the vacuum had no trouble navigating my apartment. I put down a shoe and small box to test the Roomba 105’s obstacle avoidance and the result was mixed. The vacuum navigated around the shoe and just pushed the small box. That was comparable to the other two robot vacuums I have, and I felt the Roomba passed the test.
Battery life and charging –
The Roomba 105’s battery life is not good. I mentioned earlier that this unit was light weight, and the smaller battery contributes to that. A robot vacuum should not need to recharge 3 or more times to vacuum an 800 sq foot apartment. The charge time is a crawl, and I think that is in part to the docking station being powered by a USB connection. Not good.
In conclusion, the Roomba 105 is just too entry level for my tastes. It does offer mopping in addition to vacuuming, but I did not trust the unit enough to test it in my small kitchen (there is a carpet in the adjoining room and I could see that it would have run into the carpet.) The Roomba 105 battery is just too small and so is the cleaning roller. It left far too much debris on my carpet and the corners were mostly misses. There is no other way to put this, the carpet cleaning is just very poor. My old unit clearly did a far superior job, and I could see that result by all the dirt in the bin of my old unit -even after the Roomba had 3 passes in my apartment. This would be a unit for someone that has only hard surfaces and under 800 sq foot of area to clean. For the small areas I have that were tile, it did a decent job and performed a little better in the corners. The unit is relatively quiet, and the app is straightforward. The mapping was on point and way better than I expected. One of the inherent flaws of many round robot vacuums like the IRobot Roomba 105 is the cleaning roller are between the wheels. That limits the size of the roller and impacts performance. Better Roomba’s have a double roller that helps but I have personally found wedge or square like vacuums do a better job in corners. The final plus for the IRobot Roomba 105 is the price. This is one of the lowest price named brand robot vacuums I have ever seen. It does pack a lot technology at this price point and would be okay for a perfect scenario of all hard floors.
Life is all about finding the right balance, and Vivobook Go 14 delivers just that. Lightweight and compact, it sports a stylish new look that fits right in with your dynamic lifestyle. Designed for daily computing and productivity tasks, and boasting innovative features such as the ASUS NumberPad, Vivobook Go 14 gives you everything you need for work or play.
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 tried; I really tried to give this laptop a chance considering the price point. After more than a week with the ASUS Vivobook Go 14, the simple fact is this is a barely usable laptop. I know it is a budget laptop, but the specs are just not up to par with even the minimum of today’s standards. There are some positives, but they are outweighed by the lowest performance that I have experienced in a modern laptop. Let’s look at the basics and see where it went wrong.
Setup –
This is where the first signs that performance was going to be an issue. When you first turn on the laptop, it will take about 2 minutes for the “Just a moment” message. Not terrible but could be a lot faster. Next was installing updates, that is when the pain started. After 1 hour and 22 minutes, it was at 39% so I went to bed. I got up two hours later and it was still going. There are a lot of variables that can cause this but one that was not a factor is my network speed. I believe this long update time was driven by poor storage, limited ram and a weak processor. Regardless of the reason, a 3 GB +/- simple update should not take this long. Sadly, this does not include the cumulative updates – which take forever to update.
Build quality –
Overall, surprisingly decent considering the price point. The Vivobook Go 14 had minimal flex when closed and some flex to the body. The screen was solid with very little flex. The hinge had the right amount of tightness and stayed firm in place. I would not say it is great but a bit better than I thought it would be at this price point.
Screen –
1920 x 1080 at 60 HZ and 200 nits. Nothing great, but perfectly usable indoors. Forgot about using it in bright environments. Colors are washed out, contrast is not great, and the viewing angle is limited. However, the screen still performs enough to watch media. It does not have touch screen, but it is not needed on a laptop like this.
Speakers –
Tiny and not powerful. Passable in quiet environments, useless in loud environments Located on the backside and downward facing – they get blocked is you have it on your lap or something soft like a bed. There is an audio out jack.
Web cam –
It is 720p but it is truly awful. It reminds me of webcam from 15 years ago. Poor colors, poor low light and terrible stuttering. Barely usable.
Storage and ram –
128 eMMC and 4 GB on a Windows machine. That is a recipe for disaster. I know Asus is trying to keep the cost down, but these specs are too anemic for a Windows device. You have about 64 GB of storage space left after updates. A few programs will wipe that out. There is no SD slot to expand the storage. The 4 GB of ram is another matter; no Windows device should ever have less than 8 GB of ram. Keyboard and touch pad –
The keyboard performs well and has a good tactile feel. Key travel is spot on. The touch pad is a mixed bag, and I am not sure how much of it is the touch pad or the performance of the system interfering with the touch pad sensitivity. I kept waiting for clicks to register, not a great user experience.
Battery life –
Thankfully, the battery life is good. I was able to get 8 hours +/- of light usage.
Performance –
This is where Asus lost me on this laptop. Any basic usage slows things down. Page renderings are painfully slow. Multiple tabs open in a browser make it much worse. If you look at the task manager, the CPU is almost always at 100% if you have anything open. Using the system during an update slows things down to a crawl. I did not even bother to install the Chrome browser, I knew it would only make things worse.
In conclusion, the ASUS Vivobook Go 14 is a worthwhile attempt to make a budget laptop that ultimately fails. The user experience is not good, even for the most basic tasks (which is all I tried.) The only audience I would even consider it for is a young child to learn the basics of using a PC. I think if this was Chromebook with an SD slot, this would be much better at this price point. For a Windows PC, it just fails. Most users would be better off getting a tablet with a Bluetooth keyboard at this price point. Asus knows what they are doing, they usually make great products. I think they concentrated too much on trying to hit a price point rather than the user experience. Asus should never make another Windows laptop with less than 8 GB of ram and less than 256 GB storage.
Designed for those who crave superior sound quality and ultimate comfort, the Epic Open Sport seamlessly blends immersive audio with open-air sound. Its innovative design rests comfortably in front of the ear, offering a safer listening experience while allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings. Whether you're conquering intense workouts, navigating busy workdays, or unwinding with your favorite tracks, the Epic Open Sport delivers an audio experience that adapts to your dynamic lifestyle without compromising awareness.
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 many Jlab products over the years with mixed results. Sometimes they were good and sometimes they were truly awful (quality and battery life.) With that in mind, my expectations were not high for the JLab Epic Open Sport; especially considering the price point and open ear design. However, those expectations were way off. The Epic Open Sport are amazing good. Let’s look at the reasons why:
Construction – When you first open the case, it does feel on the cheap side. That impression goes away when you start inspecting the actual earpieces. While I cannot say they feel “premium,” they are close and comparable to earpieces that are more expensive. The case itself does feel a bit flimsy so time will tell how well it holds up. The Epic Open Sports are IP55 so they will not survive being dunked in water but enough to protect them from light moisture and dust.
Fit – The open ear design was odd for me. I felt myself adjusting frequently trying to get the best fit. I realized this was more due to my usual use of in-ear headphones and my adjustments were not necessary. They never fell off my ears, but I always felt they were about to. Some users may find the same with an open ear design. Keep in mind, this is more of a perception rather than a reality. I think most users will adjust to the Epic Open Sport design rather quickly.
Sound – Shockingly good. The sound was clear, balanced and vibrant. There is an equalizer in the app that can adjust to the media that you are listening to. There are two presets – Jlab Signature and Balanced. I found the Signature to be perfect for most media. The sound was surprisingly loud and had zero distortion. I did basic tests with phone calls and there were no major issues. There were some minor pick up of background sounds but not too bad. You should not buy these for the phone call quality, you should buy them for the sound quality when playing media.
Features – Each earphone has button and touch controls that can be assigned to a function in the app. The customization is a nice feature that can help some of the pitfalls of touch controls on the small surface of an earpiece. I did find myself miss hitting or getting a result I did not intend. It is not a deal breaker, but it will take some time to get used to. As mentioned earlier, the app has an excellent equalizer function that works well in setting the sound that best suits the environment and the media. Additionally, there is a quick selector of switching between music mode and movie mode. There is a noticeable difference between the two and I found the music mode to be best for most things. The case has a built-in charger that can be charged via USB or wireless charging. The wireless charging was a surprise on a device at this price point – very nice. Jlab claims a battery life of 30 hours with the case. I’ve been using the Epic Open Sport for a week and there is still plenty of battery life left. The reality is that nearly all the manufacturers have nailed the battery life in these types of devices
In conclusion, the JLab Epic Open Sport offers stellar sound with very little compromises. I only tried an open ear design few times before these and had some preconceived notions that were unfounded. It makes sense to have an open ear design if you are exercising outside. The Epic Open Sport strikes a balance of loud and clear sound and still letting in enough outside sound in to be safe when jogging. Are there better headphones on the market? Absolutely. Are there better headphones at the same price point? No, and some at even higher prices do not match the sound quality. Jlab backs up the Epic Open Sport with a 2 year warranty – twice as good as competition that is mor than twice the price. Good job Jlabs, I completely recommend the JLab Epic Open Sport earbuds.
Access multiple streaming apps with this Hisense 4K smart TV. The FALD display supports HDR imaging for vivid colors and excellent brightness. Connect multiple devices simultaneously using the four HDMI ports, and access the USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports to support storage device access. This Hisense 4K smart TV features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet connectivity for increased versatility.
The specs say the tv with stand is 11.1 in. deep. I would like to put the tv on a fireplace mantle that is only 10 in. deep. Any chance the TV would still be stable if the stand overhung the end of the mantle by 1 in.?
No, I think the stand will be unstable. I measured between the two grommets on the stand legs and they are 10 1/4 inches. I think 10 in mantle would cause the TV to have a very good chance of tipping over.
Pump up the volume with these Sony wireless on-ear headphones. Advanced drivers produce clear high-fidelity audio, while the EXTRA BASS feature helps you feel the beat by enhancing low-end frequencies. A 30-hour battery life keeps the music coming. With a lightweight construction and soft swiveling earcups, these Sony wireless on-ear headphones keep you comfortable while you listen.
Does it come with an actual headphone cord or is it just Bluetooth
Keep your files in one place with this 2.5-inch Samsung 2TB internal solid-state drive. Boasting read speeds of up to 550MB/sec., this solid-state drive improves system performance by reducing startup and file loading times. This Samsung internal solid-state drive accommodates large numbers of files and programs with its 2TB capacity.
This drive should not be used with the Yoga 910. The Yoga 910 has a 512GB PCIe SSD. While it has smaller capacity than Samsung - 860 QVO 2TB, the PCIe SSD is much faster .
Dive right in and do something amazing with your photos. Auto-generated photo and video slideshows and collages are created just for you and delivered upon launch. Get up and running quickly with the new home screen - see what's new since your last version, discover fun things to try, and get inspiring ideas, help, and tutorials. Effortlessly organize, edit, and create thanks to photo and video automation powered by Adobe Sensei AI technology. Try artistic techniques and effects with 73 step-by-step guided edits. Easily make movies in the redesigned Quick Edit mode. And share your favorite memories in everything from fun memes and animated GIFs to printed artwork and full-length movies.
Add stability to your home network with the Amped Wireless HELIOS-EX Wi-Fi Extender. With DirectLink technology, it avoids signal loss by adding another 5GHz Wi-Fi channel to the standard setup, which it then uses strictly for receiving signal from the source. This Amped Wireless HELIOS-EX Wi-Fi Extender covers an area of up to 12,000 sq. ft. and includes four Gigabit network ports.
Wake up in the morning to this Sony ICFC1TBLACK AM/FM dual-alarm clock radio that features a gradual wake alarm to gently bring you out of sleep. The large, easy-to-read LCD ensures you can view the time in a variety of lighting environments.
Wake up in the morning to this Sony ICFC1TBLACK AM/FM dual-alarm clock radio that features a gradual wake alarm to gently bring you out of sleep. The large, easy-to-read LCD ensures you can view the time in a variety of lighting environments.
My Sony clock radio is randomly going off in the middle of the night. I have it set at 5:30am. Why is it doing this?
Wake up in the morning to this Sony ICFC1TBLACK AM/FM dual-alarm clock radio that features a gradual wake alarm to gently bring you out of sleep. The large, easy-to-read LCD ensures you can view the time in a variety of lighting environments.
Just had a power failure - the screen went dark. But when the power came back - the time was accurate and alarm times were still set. Is that normal for the display to go away even with with battery backup?
Wake up in the morning to this Sony ICFC1TBLACK AM/FM dual-alarm clock radio that features a gradual wake alarm to gently bring you out of sleep. The large, easy-to-read LCD ensures you can view the time in a variety of lighting environments.
Browse the internet or play your favorite apps on this Acer tablet. It runs on an Android operating system and is powered by a quad-core 64-bit processor for full functionality. Google Mobile Services and Microsoft Office Suite are preloaded on this Acer tablet for out-of-the-box work or play capabilities, and DTS-HD Premium Sound lets you enjoy videos.
Does it have an office program like Word, Excel and Powerpoint?