Share PeteR's profile
PeteR
PeteR's stats
- Review count74
- Helpfulness votes12
- First reviewAugust 3, 2018
- Last reviewNovember 7, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.5
- Review comment count3
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentAugust 31, 2020
- Last review commentJuly 18, 2025
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count69
- Helpfulness votes56
- First answerAugust 3, 2018
- Last answerDecember 19, 2024
- Featured answers0
- Best answers11
ASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus is expertly engineered to elevate your competitive edge, combining advanced power, speed, memory, and high-speed storage. The crisp touchscreen display and high-definition camera offer an optimal visual experience, while built-in video call controls enhance clarity, lighting, sound, and background blur. Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra 5 processor and ChromeOS with Google AI, it delivers smart, seamless performance. With premium features like a fingerprint sensor for secure access and an all-metal chassis, it's the Chromebook that lets nothing hold you back.
Customer Rating
4
Good for Chromebook Plus other than weak audio
on November 7, 2025
Posted by: PeteR
Verified Purchase:Yes
tl;dr - best if on sale or open box (got mine for $535 in excellent condition)
A powerhouse with a beefy processor, plenty of RAM, and good storage (as most Chromebook apps are cloud based). Audio is a let-down as the speakers are down-facing - even if the laptop in on a hard surface, the audio quality is poor. So, bluetooth headphones and/or speakers help
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Battery Life
5
Speed
5
Display
5
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
The ARRIS SURFboard S33 is a DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem that delivers the fastest speeds and the latest technology. With a 2.5 Gigabit and a 1 Gigabit Ethernet port, the S33 enables a multi-gig experience for things like online gaming, 4K video streaming and more. It~s best for cable internet speed plans up to 2.5 Gbps and setup is simple with an easy-to-use app. It's compatible with any Wi-Fi router and saves you money on monthly rental fees. Upgrade your home network with an SURFboard S33 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem.
Posted by: PeteR
Verified Purchase:Yes
tl;dr - good choice if you have Xfinity gig-speed service
Updated from 800 Mbps (thank goodness for competition from fiber) to 1.2 Gbps with unlimited data. Unfortunately, to take advantage of this, I had to upgrade both the modem and router to utilize the 2.5 Gbps ethernet port. While I prefer Netgear modems, they were $100 more for a 2.5 Gbps ethernet port, so went with Arris
Despite its small size (about 3/4 the size of a Netgear) and that it runs warm (keep in a well-ventilated space), its run flawlessly. Highly recommended
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Connection Quality
5
Performance
5
Setup
5
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) dual-band extendable router boosts speeds up to 3600 Mbps, with 4096-QAM increasing a single frequency band~s transmission speed by 1.2 times
Customer Rating
4
Good upgrade overall with one rare issue
on July 18, 2025
Posted by: PeteR
Verified Purchase:Yes
tl;dr - good choice when I upgraded to 1.2 Gig plan
This replaced an Asus RT-AX5400 (when I was on an 800 Mg plan) because I needed both a modem and router with a 2.5G port to take advantage of the higher speed. Though it isn't tri-band (and the range of the extra band is so short that you need to be in the same room as the router to use it), it does work well with Asus AiMesh (I have Asus Zen XD5 nodes connected via ethernet). Mesh is the way to go for better wifi coverage and minimizing (if not eliminating) dead spots
While I don't have Wifi7 devices, I no longer have disconnects with some 2.4 Ghz devices (Ring chimes), While minor, it still was a hassle to reboot them every few days
The rare issue is that the router is connected via ethernet to an old Intel Mac Mini running obsolete MacOS Sierra (10.12.6). Initially, it would connect, then disconnect rapidly so I couldn't access the internet. After making some changes in the network preferences, this hasn't been an issue so far). At worst, a reboot of the Mac does the trick
For geeks only - the router software is terrific. I prefer using the web to manage but the app is ok if you just want to check speed, number of devices connected, which node they're connected to, etc. While some of the options are easy to figure out (initial setup, network map, setting up nodes and AiMesh, and terrific security via AiProtection), it's also easy to select an option that'll require a reset of the router to start over
Overall, I recommend this router, especially if you have some basic geek skills and might consider upgrading to Gig internet speeds and Asus Mesh networking
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Setup
4
Signal Strength
5
Range
5
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Enter a new era in gaming audio with the PULSE Elite wireless headset. Enjoy extraordinary lifelike sound in your favourite games with planar magnetic drivers, and hear every detail with a lossless and lightning-fast PlayStation Link wireless connection. Let your squad hear you loud and clear through a fully retractable microphone equipped with AI-enhanced noise rejection. Plus, with up to 30 hours of battery life and quick charging, you can stick by your teammates through extended gaming sessions.
Customer Rating
5
Great cans but not for everyone
on May 30, 2025
Posted by: PeteR
Verified Purchase:Yes
tl;dr - great if you're looking for planar driver quality audio
Though I've used many gamer headphones with dynamic drivers (HyperX) and while I've used Audeze Mobius (quite pricey), I was intrigued by Sony's integration (especially since they purchased Audeze)
While I like the audio quality (playing Gran Turismo 7, Pinball FX, and PGA Golf - great sound stage), the fit takes a bit getting used to. Also, I need to clean them after each use as skin and hair oils are very apparent on them. Can't speak for the mic (haven't used them) but if you're looking for clean sound for your PS5, this is a great choice
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
4
Quality
5
Value
5
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
The LG OLED B4 is a premium watching experience that offers more than meets the eye. Entertainment extras like Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos~ and FILMMAKER MODE give you the big-picture experience straight from your couch. Enjoy outstanding picture powered by the ~8 AI Processor, which uses AI to detect what you're watching and automatically improves the picture and sound quality of whatever you're watching. Search less and stream more, thanks to the next generation of AI technology from LG webOS 24. With Quick Cards, group your favorite apps into categories and even have instant access to over 300 free channels with LG Channels.~ All LG OLED TVs have NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium and VRR to further improve gaming quality. And four HDMI 2.1 inputs allow you to plug in all the devices you need for the win. Whether you game on consoles or on the cloud,~ the LG Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer put all the control at your fingertips.
Customer Rating
5
Fantastic TV, but smart - not so much
on December 19, 2024
Posted by: PeteR
Verified Purchase:Yes
tl:dr - great picture complimented by AI, too bad it doesn't help smart TV functionality
Bought this through a Black Friday deal (under $600) to upgrade to a TCL LED and well-worth it. The picture is fantastic and the AI does an great job upscaling lower resolution content, may it be from video sources (Dish @ 1080) or game consoles (games look great on a PS4 and Nintendo Switch). The 48" works great in a small room - it's well-lit with a southern exposure
That said, the webOS isn't really user-friendly, bothersome to navigate (hate the cursor), and is ad-heavy. I use an Apple TV 4K to handle streaming and other smart TV functions as it doesn't have ads. Also consider a soundbar or other audio device for sound output as the built-in speakers are just ok
Length of ownership: 32
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Picture Quality
5
Sound Quality
3
Brightness
4
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Boost your skills with the controller innovations from Nacon. Officially licensed for PlayStation, the Revolution 5 Pro delivers unmatched performance and reliability in a wireless game controller for PS5, PS4 and PC. Revolutionary features include magnetic Hall effect joysticks, adjustable trigger blockers, swappable D-pad designs, and Bluetooth audio.
Customer Rating
5
Bought for PS4 - futureproofing for PS5
on September 30, 2024
Posted by: PeteR
Verified Purchase:Yes
tl;dr - good for this casual gamer
Picked this up from Best Buy (open box) as I had a $25 credit that was expiring. This is a backup to an Astro C40 (great controller but the triggers are squeaking annoyingly). This is about the same size and weight of the Astro but grateful for the USB-C connection (I mainly use it wired), There was a short learning curve as I'm used to the PS4's joysticks being thumb-controlled (vs asymmetrical) but I do see the benefit
I like the heft - this is a solidly built controller. The only minor nitpick I have is that the sound EQ, 1) doesn't seem to stay set, and 2) doesn't really sound different - I've tried the racing and the arcade setting and they sound the same to me. Other than that, a good choice especially if you're planning to upgrade from PS4 to PS5
Length of ownership: 6
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
4
Quality
5
Value
4
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Geek Squad~ Certified Refurbished products are thoroughly, painstakingly and lovingly tested, so you can be sure that your device will work right, right away. Geek Squad~ Certified Refurbished products.AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB-C deliver up to 2x more Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, with Transparency mode that enables you to hear the world around you, and all-new Adaptive Audio that dynamically tailors noise control to your environment. Conversation Awareness helps lower media volume and enhance the voices in front of you while you~re interacting with others. A single charge delivers up to 6 hours of battery life. And Touch control lets you easily adjust volume with a swipe. The MagSafe Charging Case is a marvel on its own with Precision Finding, built-in speaker, and lanyard loop.
Customer Rating
5
Late adopter, unexpectedly great performance
on July 30, 2024
Posted by: PeteR
Verified Purchase:Yes
tl;dr - excellent sound for Apple devices
Though I'm an unabashed Apple fanboy (started with an Mac IISI back in the 90s and haven't looked back) but I wasn't impressed with AirPods. When they first came out in 2016, the price was way higher than I'd pay and their look seemed to scream "steal me"
Fast-forward to 2024 and BB Christmas in July sale. I first picked up AirPods2 for $70. While likeable, I really wanted to try Spatial Audio and other features in the Pro2, so I picked up the refurbs (also at a steep discount)
AMAZING - easily the best earpods I've owned and I own many, including PixelBuds and Jabra. The AirPodsPro2 are comfortable, light, and the spatial audio is exceptional. While watching the Olympics on an iPad, I was so incredulous that the announcers' commentary seem to come from the iPad (how/wherever I held it) while the sound of the event surrounded me
The only downside I have experienced is that the AirPods will sometimes connect to another Apple device while I'm listening to the one I'm using. This can be changed in settings (from "automatically" to "last connected"
If you have an Apple device, I wholeheartedly recommend this
Length of ownership: 7
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Connectivity
5
Sound Quality
5
Battery Life
5
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Do what's best for your body. Fitbit Charge 5 + Premium connects the dots between your activity, sleep and stress so you can make the best decisions for your body, mind and health. It all starts with your 6-month Premium membership1 and Daily Readiness2, a score based on activity, sleep and heart rate variability (HRV) that helps you optimize your workout routine. Your score comes with personalized activity recommendations: low means go easy and recover--light yoga, deep breathing--while a high score gives you the green light to go all out. Enhance your recovery routine with advanced stress-management tools like the on-wrist EDA sensor. Stay ahead of heart health with atrial fibrillation (AFib) heart rhythm assessments using the on-wrist ECG app.3 And you'll always have motivation to reach new goals with hundreds of guided workouts, a gallery of refreshing mindfulness sessions plus the fitness features you know and love like Active Zone Minutes and built-in GPS. Fitbit is part of the Google family.
Customer Rating
3
Returned due to broken band
on June 2, 2023
Posted by: PeteR
Verified Purchase:Yes
Really wanted to like this even though I've had Apple Watches 4, 6, and 8 (traded up each time) - I planned to wear it on the opposite wrist to see what health data it would gather. But when the band broke a few days after receiving (no longer would stay connected at the hinge), I returned it. 4 stars for battery life, data recorded, multiple faces. Subtracted 1 star because of the poor band connector
Length of ownership: 25
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Battery Life
5
Durability
3
Comfort
4
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Play your favorite tunes almost anywhere with this Marshall Stanmore speaker. It has Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, so you can listen to music without remotes or wires, and its two 15W Class D amplifiers ensure precise, clean sound. This Marshall Stanmore speaker has a textured vinyl covering for added durability and style.
Customer Rating
5
Great sound, classic looks in a small shelf size
on December 16, 2022
Posted by: PeteR
Verified Purchase:Yes
tl;dr - retro looks and sound from a legendary company
Picked up this multi-tasker (I use both the BT and RCAs) on a black Friday sale, choosing an open box and BB bucks to get the price under $200. Sounds great for games as well as music.
Note that the power on/off is a toggle switch that needs to be pulled AND held until power on sounds. I didn't know this at first, so when I flicked the toggle and it didn't power up, I thought that the speaker was defective. It was user error.
Length of ownership: 24
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Value
5
Ease of Use
4
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Take beautiful photos and hi-speed video with this hybrid Panasonic LUMIX 25mm lens. Compatible with LUMIX cameras, this lens attaches easily without adding weight to your camera. The natural viewing angle works well in a wide variety of applications, and this Panasonic LUMIX 25mm lens features motor focusing for ultra-clear images.
Customer Rating
3
Ok for the $$$ but not sure about focal sharpness
on October 7, 2022
Posted by: PeteR
Verified Purchase:Yes
tl;dr - good price for low f-stop but photo sharpness is spotty
Been using the lens to take flower pics - though I expect a prime lens (fixed focal length) to shoot better than a zoom but it's not working out that way. Pic #1 was shot with the 25mm lens - the center has more detail but the some petals are blurred. Pic #2 is taken with the zoom that came with the camera - the whole flower is sharp but not as close detail. So, a good lens to get as an open-box discount
Length of ownership: 30
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Value
5
Quality
5
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
PeteR's Review Comments
Enjoy a multi-colored wave of light every time you play with this LED-equipped CORSAIR K95 RGB gaming keyboard. Program the unit's 18 G-keys with up to 108 macros to traverse your gaming universe quickly and efficiently. Equipped with mechanical key switches, this CORSAIR K95 RGB gaming keyboard makes a reliable, user-friendly addition to your gaming setup.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Solid keyboard to get when on sale
By PeteR
summary - d*mmit Jim, I'm a typist, not a gamer
Picked up this highly rated keyboard (multiple websites) for $130 because I was curious what a top-of-the-line mechanical keyboard was like. I have a reverse learning curve (Microsoft ergo keyboard 4000 are my go-to) and other than constantly hitting the Cap Locks key when I want to Tab, this has been a terrific purchase.
PeteR
SW burbs of Chicago
Follow-up: quick silver (switches)
August 31, 2020
If you feel the need for speed, this keyboard is for you as the silver switches live up to their name (speed) as they are currently the fastest. Great for gaming but for takes a bit of getting used to for typing. I type faster but also make more errors as it's a bit unforgiving. Still happy with the purchase and am slowly getting better
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
A new standard of comfort and precision. Logitech's most advanced trackball for trackball enthusiasts and consumers searching for alternatives to mice and touchpads. Delivers 20% less muscular strain compared to a regular mouse. MX ERGO PLUS features a unique adjustable hinge and extra 10~ wedge for customized comfort and the latest tracking, scrolling and power management technology. Logitech FLOW enables effortless multi-computer control.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Upgrade from M570 Trackball
By PeteR
tl;dr - consider buying if, 1) you're familiar w/using a trackball, 2) you want a trackball that controls two computers, 3) you want an 20º angle (or 30º with the base that comes Best Buy version), and/or 4) precision mode is desired. If not, the M570 is a better value.
I've used trackballs since corded Trackman Wheel (early 2000s), then upgraded to wireless M570 five years ago. Decided to try the Ergo because I had some Best Buy points and $10 off Best Buy birthday credit.
I like that the Ergo can control two computers. I'm neutral on the different angles, and haven't really used the precision control
PeteR
SW burbs of Chicago
Trackballs are interchangeable
September 19, 2020
The blood red one from my Trackman Wheel fits perfectly in the Ergo. Also, Papermate Stick pens are the right size to pop out the ball if you want to clean the sensors
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) dual-band extendable router boosts speeds up to 3600 Mbps, with 4096-QAM increasing a single frequency band~s transmission speed by 1.2 times
Overall
1 out of 5
1 out of 5Good except…:
By 1Buk
Had potential to be very good. Solidly built, good response to controls. However, no direct method to program it into AiMesh system. This is a huge negative for me.
PeteR
SW burbs of Chicago
Worked with my AiMesh using Zen XD5 nodes
July 18, 2025
Had to reset them a few times as they were paired to a prior Asus router but they're up and running
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
PeteR's Questions
PeteR has not submitted any questions.
HP x360 Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook, speed up work and games with this HP Chromebook x360 laptop computer. An Intel Core i3 processor delivers impressive computing power to take on heavy digital tasks, while the Chrome OS simplifies operations with an easy-to-use interface. This HP Chromebook x360 laptop computer boasts 8GB of memory, which is ideal for multitasking across open tabs, and internal storage of 64GB for robust data access. Easy video chatting with HD webcam equipped with privacy off/on switch.
Can I play DVD's and CD's in this Laptop?
The Sense joins the AIMO fight to make the lighting eco-system bigger and better than ever before, for an even more immersive experience. Its soft cloth surface is bordered by a vivid RGB light guide with two programmable zones. Together with your compatible mouse and keyboard, it lets you experience AIMO the way it~s supposed to be experienced ~ with a powerful trio of devices immersing you in a world of ambient light
Meet the ultimate streaming player, Roku Ultra. It~s the fastest and most powerful Roku player ever, with channels like Sling, Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and HBO Max and that launch in a snap and a lightning-fast interface. Bring out the rich detail in your entertainment with stunningly sharp 4K picture, four times the resolution of HD. Immerse yourself in three-dimensional sound when you combine this Roku streaming device with Dolby Atmos~ audio, and watch in awe as colors pop off your screen with spectacular Dolby Vision~ picture. Streaming in the highest picture quality requires a strong, steady Wi-Fi~ connection, especially in rooms farther from your router. That~s why we boosted our best Wi-Fi in this Roku 4K device with even more speed and range, so you can enjoy fast, uninterrupted TV streaming in any room in your home. Use the Roku voice remote to easily search across thousands of channels with your voice, enjoy private listening with included headphones, power up your TV, and set personal shortcuts for your favorite channels~there~s even a lost remote finder. Your favorite channels are front and center on the customizable home screen, so you can spend your time streaming~not scrolling. After a simple setup with everything you need in the box, you~ll be able to stream a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV, including Roku~ Originals only on The Roku Channel. This Roku Ultra also works with popular voice assistants. Ask Alexa or Hey Google to control your streaming, launch channels, search for entertainment, and more. You can also control your TV using the Apple Home app or Siri on your Apple devices.
Experience powerful sound with this CORSAIR PRO SURROUND gaming headset. The custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers deliver high-quality audio for an immersive gaming experience, while the adjustable ear cups fitted with plush memory foam offer lasting comfort. This CORSAIR PRO SURROUND gaming headset has a noise-canceling unidirectional microphone that minimizes background noise for clear communication.
Experience powerful sound with this CORSAIR PRO SURROUND gaming headset. The custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers deliver high-quality audio for an immersive gaming experience, while the adjustable ear cups fitted with plush memory foam offer lasting comfort. This CORSAIR PRO SURROUND gaming headset has a noise-canceling unidirectional microphone that minimizes background noise for clear communication.
Experience powerful sound with this CORSAIR PRO SURROUND gaming headset. The custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers deliver high-quality audio for an immersive gaming experience, while the adjustable ear cups fitted with plush memory foam offer lasting comfort. This CORSAIR PRO SURROUND gaming headset has a noise-canceling unidirectional microphone that minimizes background noise for clear communication.
Experience powerful sound with this CORSAIR PRO SURROUND gaming headset. The custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers deliver high-quality audio for an immersive gaming experience, while the adjustable ear cups fitted with plush memory foam offer lasting comfort. This CORSAIR PRO SURROUND gaming headset has a noise-canceling unidirectional microphone that minimizes background noise for clear communication.
Experience powerful sound with this CORSAIR PRO SURROUND gaming headset. The custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers deliver high-quality audio for an immersive gaming experience, while the adjustable ear cups fitted with plush memory foam offer lasting comfort. This CORSAIR PRO SURROUND gaming headset has a noise-canceling unidirectional microphone that minimizes background noise for clear communication.
Experience powerful sound with this CORSAIR PRO SURROUND gaming headset. The custom-tuned 50mm neodymium audio drivers deliver high-quality audio for an immersive gaming experience, while the adjustable ear cups fitted with plush memory foam offer lasting comfort. This CORSAIR PRO SURROUND gaming headset has a noise-canceling unidirectional microphone that minimizes background noise for clear communication.
Protect your files with this 10TB Seagate Backup Plus hub drive. Boasting a 10TB capacity, this drive connects easily to a variety of devices and lets you store and back up a considerable number of files. This Seagate Backup Plus hub drive delivers data transfer rates of up to 160MB/sec to take the time out of transferring files.
Is it durable enough to where nothing happens when it drops from 2ft to the ground?
Probably not as this is a mechanical drive with moving parts. The drive is especially vulnerable to drops when operational.
Also, it depends on the surface it's being dropped on - carpeted, hard wood, concrete?
Otherwise, it seems to be durable. If the drive is parked (unplugged), it should survive a 2ft floor on a carpeted surface. Possible cosmetic damage could take place if dropped on hard wood, concrete, and other un-padded surfaces
Also, it depends on the surface it's being dropped on - carpeted, hard wood, concrete?
Otherwise, it seems to be durable. If the drive is parked (unplugged), it should survive a 2ft floor on a carpeted surface. Possible cosmetic damage could take place if dropped on hard wood, concrete, and other un-padded surfaces
5 years, 11 months ago
by
PeteR