callmeageeth
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- First ReviewJune 23, 2014
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Designed for both rising gamers and those upgrading from entry-level gear, the HyperX Cloud Jet dual wireless headset offers a seamless experience with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. Effortlessly switch between PC, console, and mobile devices while enjoying rich audio delivered by 40mm drivers for an immersive gaming experience. Stay connected with a swivel-to-mute boom mic that ensures clear communication with your squad. With up to 25 hours of battery life, you can dive into longer gaming sessions without interruptions. The onboard controls make it easy to adjust volume, mute the mic, and toggle between connections. Plus, its lightweight design, breathable mesh earpads, and elastic suspension headband provide ultimate comfort for marathon gaming. Elevate your gaming experience with the HyperX Cloud Jet!
Solid, affordable headset
Customer Rating
4.0
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The HyperX Cloud Jet Dual is a decent headset for casual gamers that are looking to upgrade an older headset. It’s nowhere close to the best headset on the market - but it’s not trying to be. It works with a variety of gaming systems which is convenient, but the sound quality can be inconsistent.
In the box you’ll get the headset and a USB dongle and short charging cable. The controls and design are pretty straightforward. The buttons are easy to use and locate when wearing it. On the left cup is a switch between 2.4GHz connection (for low latency) and Bluetooth. There’s also the volume rocker, USB-C charging port and power button. The headset itself is relatively bulky with a closed-back over the ear design. Frankly, I prefer the larger headsets that go over the ear because it’s more comfortable to me than any headset that sits on parts of my ear. There’s an elastic suspension band that helps comfortably hold the headset to your head while in use. Note that the plastic headset is not adjustable, but that’s what the suspension band is for. The mesh foam earpads are some of the most comfortable I’ve used. They’re breathable and lightweight.
The boom microphone rotates up to mute. It doesn’t hide inside the headset like some premium headsets. But when you don’t need it, it’s certainly out of the way. The arm on the mic is very flexible and holds itself in place.
This headset has 40mm drivers that gives balanced audio with a decent amount of bass. When connecting via Bluetooth on my phone, I found the audio quality to be okay. Music was a little hollow and the bass wasn’t as deep as my other premium Bluetooth headsets. There’s no noise canceling, but the over the ear design helps keep noise out so it isn’t too much of an issue unless you’re in a really crowded/loud room.
I’ve used this on my Switch 2, PS5, and computer which are my primary gaming devices. I connected it easily to my Switch 2 over Bluetooth and thought the sound was pretty good. I played a good amount of Donkey Kong Bananza and felt immersed with the sound quality. It was the same experience for my PC, which I connected via the USB dongle. I played Mafia Definitive Edition and enjoyed listening to the sounds of the city. It was much better than listening to the laptop’s speakers. It was just as easy switching to the PS5 where I played some Call of Duty with friends. The only downside on the PS5 is that it doesn’t have the 3D audio that’s built into the PS5 branded headsets and some other premium headsets. While I had 3D audio hearing sounds from behind me and to the sides were a little more muted. It’s tough to describe other than to say that when specifically playing multiplayer shooter games where sound context is key, I preferred my Turtle Beach Atlas headset. My friends reported hearing me just fine although they described my voice as sounding like I was in a can. They could hear me just fine and we had no issues communicating, so it’s more of a personal preference.
The battery life has been surprisingly good. It’s rated to get about 25 hours on Bluetooth and 20 hours when using the 2.4GHz dongle. My sons and I have been using it off and on for the better part of a week and haven’t had to recharge it yet. For me, I look for a headset to last 1-2 weeks of a few hour gaming sessions before having to recharge.
While $80 isn’t nothing, I consider this to be a high quality entry level headset. You miss out on some of the better features, but again, you aren’t paying for them. The sound quality isn’t the best, but is more than adequate for gaming and will certainly suffice if you wanted to listen to music.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Alienware 16 Aurora Gaming Laptop. Pure performance. No distractions. Optimized performance in a sleek design, featuring a WQXGA 120Hz 300 nits display, stylish anodized aluminum lid and Intel Core processors (Series 2).
A good value for a beastly gaming laptop
Customer Rating
5.0
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I’m a legal professional who loves to game and needs a powerful computer to manage all the various tasks I need to perform - including video editing. This Alienware laptop is close to a perfect device to me, absent a few drawbacks that are inherent in any laptop with this much power. This is clearly built for gamers and/or content creators. It’s intended - IMO - to be a desktop replacement. It’s not something I personally would like to lug around on a daily basis, but being that it’s a laptop, it’s convenient to take desktop-ish power on the go when you need to.
To me, the big selling points are the screen, GPU and processor (although there’s a lot to like). My work desktop is a large ultra widescreen monitor, so going to a 13 inch laptop is just something I don’t enjoy. But the 16 inch screen is a nice balance of size (but again, you sacrifice some portability). And the WQXGA display is nice. The pixel count is 2560X1600 and its widescreen, meaning the ratio is 16:10. It’s more of a box than your typical HD tv for example. The refresh rate is 120 hz, which isn’t quite as high as some premium laptops or gaming monitors, but in my opinion, 120 hz is a nice sweet spot. It delivers smooth visuals handling day to day tasks, and gaming is smooth.
The GPU is a NVIDIA RTX 5060. I’m not one to get into the nuances between the 50 series GPUs, but I can speak in general, practical terms, between the generational upgrades. It supports DLSS 4 and mult-frame generation which offers significant frame rate boosts from previous generations. It creates a strong gaming performer in 1080p and 1440p. In other words, perfect for the display.
The processor is the new Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor. It has terrific multi-core performance in benchmark and practical applications. It handles games and for me, is really good at processing video for editing. I find very little hiccups or slowdown in anything I typically do.
SETUP
While the setup process is similar to any Windows laptop, and I wouldn’t say anything about it but for the quirks I ran into. I had a difficult time getting it updated and connecting to Wi-Fi. I’m not sure if it was a fluke or not, but it took longer than expected. After a few tries and once the laptop was setup and updated, I haven’t encountered any issues.
While the setup process is similar to any Windows laptop, and I wouldn’t say anything about it but for the quirks I ran into. I had a difficult time getting it updated and connecting to Wi-Fi. I’m not sure if it was a fluke or not, but it took longer than expected. After a few tries and once the laptop was setup and updated, I haven’t encountered any issues.
SPECS
I mentioned what I thought was the most important but this Alienware has lots of other features:
1 TB solid state hard drive. Great news, it has two upgradeable PCI GEN 4 SSD slots
32 GB or DDR5 RAM. This is blazing fast RAM. And like the SSDs, it includes two user upgradeable slots
Connectivity. It’s rocking Wi-Fi 7 (assuming your router supports it) as well as Bluetooth
2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) ports
1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gpbs) type-C port with power Display Port; it also includes power delivery
1 HDMI 2.1 port. This allows connectivity to larger monitors that support high refresh rates and VRR (for screen tearing)
Audio jack. These are less of a necessity in the age of Bluetooth, but it’s nice to have in a pinch
Ethernet port. You don’t see it much anymore, but a built in Ethernet port. Again, there are certain situations where this will come in handy
NO SD card slot. This isn’t a big deal with me, as I carry an adapter, but might be a bummer to some.
Camera. The selfie camera is only 720p at 30 fps. It does have dual array microphones. Unfortunately, no Windows Hello support.
I mentioned what I thought was the most important but this Alienware has lots of other features:
1 TB solid state hard drive. Great news, it has two upgradeable PCI GEN 4 SSD slots
32 GB or DDR5 RAM. This is blazing fast RAM. And like the SSDs, it includes two user upgradeable slots
Connectivity. It’s rocking Wi-Fi 7 (assuming your router supports it) as well as Bluetooth
2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) ports
1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gpbs) type-C port with power Display Port; it also includes power delivery
1 HDMI 2.1 port. This allows connectivity to larger monitors that support high refresh rates and VRR (for screen tearing)
Audio jack. These are less of a necessity in the age of Bluetooth, but it’s nice to have in a pinch
Ethernet port. You don’t see it much anymore, but a built in Ethernet port. Again, there are certain situations where this will come in handy
NO SD card slot. This isn’t a big deal with me, as I carry an adapter, but might be a bummer to some.
Camera. The selfie camera is only 720p at 30 fps. It does have dual array microphones. Unfortunately, no Windows Hello support.
DESIGN
I both like and dislike portions of the design. It’s made of plastic - probably for specific reasons - so it’s not as premium as other metal chassis laptops. But i like the soft touch plastic and I really dig the “indigo” color. It’s not as bland as a simple black laptop. One of the surprising things to me was the absence of RGB lights. RGB lights seem to be all the rage and what you’d expect from Alienware, but they’re entirely absent here. I don’t mind it, but some might want it. The keyboard is backlit (awesome) but there’s no customizable colors.
I both like and dislike portions of the design. It’s made of plastic - probably for specific reasons - so it’s not as premium as other metal chassis laptops. But i like the soft touch plastic and I really dig the “indigo” color. It’s not as bland as a simple black laptop. One of the surprising things to me was the absence of RGB lights. RGB lights seem to be all the rage and what you’d expect from Alienware, but they’re entirely absent here. I don’t mind it, but some might want it. The keyboard is backlit (awesome) but there’s no customizable colors.
The laptop is big and bulky what you might expect. It’s HEAVY and thick. It’s not a negative, and is what you should expect when getting a large laptop with this much power. Having said, it still maintains a smaller profile that somehow makes it portable. Just heavier than the average laptop.
DAILY USE
As a laptop for general purpose tasks, it’s overbuilt. If all you plan to do is perform some word processing and emails, look elsewhere. But given those tasks are essential for even gamers, this machine performs mightily. The large screen and specs allow for multiple programs mean that multitasking is a breeze. It’s a pleasure to use. The keyboard is very comfortable and I enjoy typing on it. And I absolutely love the 9 number keypad to the side. The only downside is getting used to typing on a keyboard to the side. This just means that I had a few keystroke misses and trackpad misses because it’s off center (which is standard for all keyboards with a separate number keypad).
As a laptop for general purpose tasks, it’s overbuilt. If all you plan to do is perform some word processing and emails, look elsewhere. But given those tasks are essential for even gamers, this machine performs mightily. The large screen and specs allow for multiple programs mean that multitasking is a breeze. It’s a pleasure to use. The keyboard is very comfortable and I enjoy typing on it. And I absolutely love the 9 number keypad to the side. The only downside is getting used to typing on a keyboard to the side. This just means that I had a few keystroke misses and trackpad misses because it’s off center (which is standard for all keyboards with a separate number keypad).
The speakers are great for a laptop. I typically use headphones when I’m gaming or watching shows, etc. but these speakers are pretty good. I wouldn’t call it a selling point, but there definitely not a downside.
Speaking of the keyboard, I love the shortcuts built in. It’s a small touch, but there’s an entire row of buttons (including 3 you can program) that includes display brightness, speaker volume, and putting the computer in performance or silent mode. During daily use it runs very silent and pretty cool - which can’t be said when gaming…
GAMING PERFORMANCE
I was seriously impressed with the gaming prowess. I played a few AAA game and some indies and this laptop handled them all like a champ. I was able to put the graphics settings really high all while maintaining consistently high frame rates in the 100s. The graphics are clear and smooth. I had no performance issues. I had ray tracing enabled and with DLSS 4, I was able to maintain high refresh rates. It truly was a pleasure to game on.
I was seriously impressed with the gaming prowess. I played a few AAA game and some indies and this laptop handled them all like a champ. I was able to put the graphics settings really high all while maintaining consistently high frame rates in the 100s. The graphics are clear and smooth. I had no performance issues. I had ray tracing enabled and with DLSS 4, I was able to maintain high refresh rates. It truly was a pleasure to game on.
The only downside was the jet engines of the laptop when gaming. This beast gets LOUD. It puts the infamous PS4 jet engine sounds to shame. It almost necessitates headphones to drown the noise out. It has lots of air vents, both on the bottom and the top. And while it does a good job of keeping the internals cool, it definitely means the laptop gets hot. I would not keep this on my lap when I’m gaming, the bottom gets too hot. But I didn’t find any of the keys too hot to game which is what matters.
WEBCAM and BATTERY LIFE
I do have to use the webcam for work sometimes, and I was underwhelmed. I would have appreciated a 1080p webcam with a privacy shutter and some better low light performance. But this wasn’t designed and engineered for that purpose so I kind of understand.
I do have to use the webcam for work sometimes, and I was underwhelmed. I would have appreciated a 1080p webcam with a privacy shutter and some better low light performance. But this wasn’t designed and engineered for that purpose so I kind of understand.
The only other thing to mention and this really should come as no surprise, but the battery life is absolutely abysmal. Fully charged I was only getting a little over 1 hour per charge. And that was for just everyday tasks, not gaming or editing videos. It’s just more proof that this was designed as a desktop replacement, something you will need a plug for whenever you want to really flex its muscles.
CONCLUSION
For what this is, a gaming PC, it checks a lot of boxes. It’s really difficult coming up with any negatives. The negatives it does have (battery life) is simply to be expected with a laptop with such power. But at the end of the day, it’s a great value for all the features you get and can run almost all (I haven’t tested all games obviously) games at QHD at high refresh rates and on high graphics settings. It’s easy to use and there’s a lot of little things that make the laptop more enjoyable to use.
For what this is, a gaming PC, it checks a lot of boxes. It’s really difficult coming up with any negatives. The negatives it does have (battery life) is simply to be expected with a laptop with such power. But at the end of the day, it’s a great value for all the features you get and can run almost all (I haven’t tested all games obviously) games at QHD at high refresh rates and on high graphics settings. It’s easy to use and there’s a lot of little things that make the laptop more enjoyable to use.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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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.
My favorite work out headphones
Customer Rating
5.0
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Admittedly, I primarily worked out with my Google Pixel Buds Pro. They're great earbuds, but I constantly struggle with keeping them in my ears when working out (mainly running). I missed having headphones with ear hooks to be held more secure to my ears. In comes JLab which once again delivers a quality, reasonable priced pair of earbuds specifically tailored to wearing during activities, like working out.
In the box you get the headphones inside the charging case and a short USB charging cable. Getting them up and running is as simple as any Bluetooth headphones nowadays. You will, however, also need to download the JLab app so you can update them and adjust the settings.
In the app you'll be prompted to download firmware, but you can also adjust the EQ settings (something I don't generally do, but I like the option). You can adjust the touch controls and button controls and turn on safe listening to limit the number of dBs.
The design is near perfect in my opinion. The earbuds have a nicely weighted hook that fits securely around your ear, while the speaker sits above your ear. They're open ear, so they don't fit inside your ear canal. This allows you to hear ambient sounds which is important to me when I'm running outside. They will NOT replace your noise cancelling headphones, but trust me, unless you are seeking complete noise isolation, it's not a problem, as it's not as if you can't hear your music or podcast, it gets plenty loud while still retaining the ability to hear nearby noises when you're out and about.
They're sweat and water resistant which is also important to me as I sweat a lot. Now, I will admit I've had a pair of JLabs go bad on me after long periods of sweating, but these appear to have nice shielding (for lack of a better descriptor) around the speaker. As long as you wipe them off after use, they should be perfectly fine.
The charging case charges via USB-C and it's also capable of charging wirelessly. The case gives you about 19 hours of battery while each earbud is rated to give you 7 hours of battery life. Honestly, you shouldn't have any issues with the earbuds dying on you so long as you periodically charge the case and keep the earbuds in there when not in use.
The case itself is relatively small, at least given the shape of the earbuds. It's relatively flat and light. It's made out of what feels like cheap plastic, and I'm not sure how it would fare after multiple drops, but the same can be said for most plastic earbud cases. The hinge opens up completely and the earbuds are easy to take out and put in. Although you will want to make sure you "click:" the earbuds into the case when not in use to ensure proper charging.
I was pretty impressed with the sound quality in light of the fact these are open earbuds and don't have a seal within your ear. The bass is lacking, as one might expect, but it's not as if it's non existent. But the audio is extremely clear, I enjoyed listening to podcasts and the dialogue came out nice and clear. I've made a few phone calls with them and I had no issues on my end, and no one complained about how I sounded. It has noise-canceling microphones which provides for crystal clear calls (and backed up by experience).
The only downside to me were the buttons. I had a hard time using them while working out. It has touch control and buttons. There's a complicated pattern that's pretty easy to memorize when you do it a few times, and while they're advertised as "accurate," I had a hard time getting a response when I was running. (it's easier when you're not moving). But I'm not one to change my audio when I'm running so this was less of a problem for me (I'm more of a pick a playlist and forget it type guy).
CONCLUSION
All-in-all, these are my absolute new favorite headphones for working out and just listening to podcasts around the house. The open design allows me to hear dangerous sounds (when running) and hear people talking to me when I'm in the zone listening to a podcase. It has a terrific sound quality and a great build quality, all at a reasonable price.
All-in-all, these are my absolute new favorite headphones for working out and just listening to podcasts around the house. The open design allows me to hear dangerous sounds (when running) and hear people talking to me when I'm in the zone listening to a podcase. It has a terrific sound quality and a great build quality, all at a reasonable price.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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MAG 275QPF X30 design language that conveys ruggedness and toughness, embodying the very essence of the MAG style. For gamers who are determined to dominate their digital battlegrounds, the MAG series is here to stand with you, establishing the ultimate defense.
Chunky bezels with high performance
Customer Rating
5.0
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The MSI MAG is a 27 inch WQHD monitor with 300 hz refresh rate and rapid response time. It’s definitely geared for competitive gamers, or at least those that care about performance.
IN THE BOX
You’ll get the monitor, the stand, HDMI cable, and power cable. Installing the monitor to the stand was relatively simple, but it does require a Phillips screwdriver (no such tool inside the box).
You’ll get the monitor, the stand, HDMI cable, and power cable. Installing the monitor to the stand was relatively simple, but it does require a Phillips screwdriver (no such tool inside the box).
SPECS
You have one DisplayPort and 2 HDMI and a headphone out for your inputs. The HDMI ports are 2.1 so they handle increased bandwidth. This allows for HDR and higher resolutions and higher refresh rates. In short, HDMI 2.1 gets you many of the same features that DisplayPort provides. This is beneficial to me at least, because I game on a laptop that has an HDMI port.
You have one DisplayPort and 2 HDMI and a headphone out for your inputs. The HDMI ports are 2.1 so they handle increased bandwidth. This allows for HDR and higher resolutions and higher refresh rates. In short, HDMI 2.1 gets you many of the same features that DisplayPort provides. This is beneficial to me at least, because I game on a laptop that has an HDMI port.
As is obvious, the screen size is 27 inches, and the resolution is 2560X1440. This is a slight step up from your typical HD resolution and strikes a nice balance between HD and 4K. It takes a serious machine to output in 4K at high resolutions, and the WQHD panel generates a little sharper visuals than HD while allowing more modest machines to push higher textures at higher refresh rates. Although obviously your mileage will vary depending on your machine, I’m only speaking in the most general sense.
The panel is IPS, and it offers G-Sync and FreeSync (Nvidia and AMD’s variable refresh rate technology to minimize screen tearing). The screen is flat and the brightness gets up to 400 nits. It has standard VESA mounting 100 x 100 mm for those that want to attach it to a different arm/mount.
The built in stand has some adjustability which is a really nice feature. The height goes up and down, it has a slight tilt and swivels to the side. The adjustments are easy to make as it slides easily without the use of loosening/tightening any bolts/screws.
DESIGN AND BUILD QUALITY
The design is very pedestrian, which is neither good nor bad. It’s a simple black. The bezels are pretty thick and I wish it had a more sleek look. The stand itself is rather large and imposing and takes up a lot of space. I didn’t feel any creaks or flexing when moving or adjusting it, so I was pretty impressed with the build quality. It’s very sturdy.
The design is very pedestrian, which is neither good nor bad. It’s a simple black. The bezels are pretty thick and I wish it had a more sleek look. The stand itself is rather large and imposing and takes up a lot of space. I didn’t feel any creaks or flexing when moving or adjusting it, so I was pretty impressed with the build quality. It’s very sturdy.
The navigation via the joystick is a little bit cumbersome, at least not intuitive to me at first. But this is a small quirk. You hold the joystick in to turn it on and off, and I’m used to a different pattern with my LG monitor. The menus are fairly complex yet intuitive to navigate (once you figure out how to navigate with the joystick, point is, finding the settings you want is easy as the UI is approachable).
PERFORMANCE
I found the picture quality to be very sharp. While I didn’t perform any color calibration, I found the colors to be vivid for general desktop use, and it looked great while playing Cyberpunk. The panel has a wide color gamut and I thought the colors popped. There’s a little bit of backlight as it is an IPS panel (and not OLED) it was nothing that really stood out. I thought ti has pretty good contrast. The brightness was plenty good for a bright room, although some darker scenes in Cyberpunk were a little washed out - but again, I was playing in the middle of the day in a bright room. At night, it looked great.
I found the picture quality to be very sharp. While I didn’t perform any color calibration, I found the colors to be vivid for general desktop use, and it looked great while playing Cyberpunk. The panel has a wide color gamut and I thought the colors popped. There’s a little bit of backlight as it is an IPS panel (and not OLED) it was nothing that really stood out. I thought ti has pretty good contrast. The brightness was plenty good for a bright room, although some darker scenes in Cyberpunk were a little washed out - but again, I was playing in the middle of the day in a bright room. At night, it looked great.
While I’m generally playing directly in front of the monitor, the viewing angles were superb. The HDR performance was basic, but it definitely helped make the colors pop, especially when watching content.
While I couldn’t quite get my machine to push 300Hz with my laptop, I got to about 200 (I might have gotten it higher but I didn’t want to completely sacrifice image quality). I found gameplay to be super smooth and silky. The high response rate was also on full display as I had little to no ghosting or blur when moving frantically in action sequences in Cyberpunk.
There are additional features such as MSI’s “Smart Crosshair” where you can put an aimdot on your screen. I didn’t like this feature, mostly because I don’t play competitively for a living, but I can certainly see that as a benefit to some. You are essentially able to go into the monitor’s settings and put a crosshair in the middle of your screen.
CONCLUSION
I really like the high refresh rate and the fast response time. The screen is really crisp and I like the full ergonomic stand that you’re able to easily adjust. This is a monitor for those gaming professionals or those that want the best, but you will want to make sure you have a reasonably specced PC to take full advantage of the features. I could have used a smaller base for the stand and I wish it had a USB hub, but those are only small quirks. If you aren’t gaming, this monitor is probably overkill for casual gamers or those focused primarily on office work. But it is reasonably priced for what you get, and can serve as a nice upgrade with anyone still using an HD monitor.
I really like the high refresh rate and the fast response time. The screen is really crisp and I like the full ergonomic stand that you’re able to easily adjust. This is a monitor for those gaming professionals or those that want the best, but you will want to make sure you have a reasonably specced PC to take full advantage of the features. I could have used a smaller base for the stand and I wish it had a USB hub, but those are only small quirks. If you aren’t gaming, this monitor is probably overkill for casual gamers or those focused primarily on office work. But it is reasonably priced for what you get, and can serve as a nice upgrade with anyone still using an HD monitor.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Flip into joy with Flip Folio, the iPad case featuring a stowable keyboard and front and back protection. You can type anywhere, any way you like~or stash the keyboard away and just relax. Find the right angle with adjustable viewing angles, plus portrait and landscape modes for iPad. Dock your iPhone, or connect to your TV for even more options. Now available for iPad Pro and iPad Air.
Unique concept that’s fun to use
Customer Rating
4.0
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I’m a huge fan of Logitech. I think they create quality products and push the mold when it comes to thinking about creative ways to work and protect your devices. The Logi Flip Folio melds several design aspects that we’re all familiar with into one. You have the origami like case that “folds” to make a stand, with a built in Bluetooth keyboard. At the outset, the biggest thing missing is a touchpad, which is offered in other Logi iPad products (Logi touch keyboard). Also, the iPad is “secured” in the case with magnets and there’s not cover to cover protection around the edges, so there is some concern that your iPad could get damaged or scratched if you were to drop it or otherwise mishandle it. And there’s no good solution, IMO, to secure the Apple Pen to your iPad (i.e. there’s no strap or anything like that securing it, it’s simply attached magnetically to the iPad). But all in all, it’s a nice little setup that offers flexibility when propping your iPad up and using a keyboard.
In the box you’ll find the cover/case, as well as a small keyboard. The case is made of sturdy material; it’s very firm. It has a large hinge and there’s a lip for your iPad to rest on when its folded out and it’s in use. I’ll be honest, I thought I was going to break the case when I tried to fold it into a stand. It’s somewhat difficult to manipulate, but the positive is that it’s very sturdy when open. There’s lots of magnets. Your iPad is held in place in the case by magnets. The lid stays shut via magnets, and the keyboard itself attaches to the outside of the case (upside down to protect the keys) via magnets. I found the magnets to be pretty strong. Things would certainly fall out if you dropped it, but when carrying it or placing it in your bag, everything is held together and closed tight with the magnets.
For the most part the case is pretty intuitive to use. But it took a little trial and error to figure out how the folio part of the case folded and held the iPad up. The “lip” that holds the iPad can display the iPad in either portrait or landscape mode which is nice. Functionally speaking, I really had no issues with it.
The keyboard is very compact and takes some adjustment to get used to. But that’s not unexpected and not dissimilar to any other keyboard layout for an iPad. THe keyboard connects to your iPad via Bluetooth. It’s charged by what I’ll call watch batteries (I don’t know how long the batteries are supposed to last). There’s a small power switch on the edge of the keyboard to save battery and prevent accidental input. Connecting to the iPad is dead simple and similar to the pairing of any Bluetooth device; I had no issues in that regard. The keyboard does pair to three different devices at once and you can quickly switch using the keys at the top (this feature is common in most Logitech keyboard, at least the ones I’ve seen). I don’t know how useful it is in this scenario as I’m typically going to only use this keyboard with the iPad (since it’s stored with the iPad and the Folio case) but I always like the flexibility. There are shortcuts on the keyboard to brighten the display, take screenshots, open the search bar and control your media. All very useful shortcuts to have. My only concern, as mentioned earlier, is the lack of a trackpad. I completely understand why it’s not there, and let’s not forget iPads were made for touchscreen, it’s just a bit cumbersome taking your hands off the keyboard to then use your finger on the screen (at least to me). But honestly, I find myself sitting down to type when I need to.
The part I honestly like most about the Folio is that the iPad is attached via magnets and can be easily taken out. Here’s what I mean. Other Logitech keyboard cases wraps the entire iPad in a case. While this offers great protection, it makes the iPad a heavier. When I’m reading (when watching movies, I typically use it on its stand) I like to hold the bare iPad. Here, the iPad easily pops out of the case when it’s open allowing me to grab it and hold it when I want to read. How I end up using it is placing the folio open when I’m using it, typing while it’s on the “lip” in display mode, then I just pick it up and hold the bare iPad when reading.
The biggest downside to this case is the lack of full blown protection and the pencil. As mentioned earlier, the edges of the iPad are exposed in the case. It’s not a big deal if you take good care of it, but if you drop the case with the iPad in it, I can’t imagine it wouldn’t fall out. Also, the pen is exposed. Not in the sense where I”m concerned that it would get damaged, but that it would easily get knocked off the iPad while it’s in your bag or while you’re holding it. I’m not sure what the solution would be with this particular case’s design, but I think having a place to secure your pencil to minimize losing it is a plus. But this issue isn’t limited to this case. (There’s a Spigen case that has a rubber insert to store the pencil).
All in all, this is a good option to get a keyboard and display stand for your iPad that is cheaper than some of the alternatives. I like the design although the keyboard being stored on the outside of the case does result in a pretty bulky case. It offers practical features and has the quality that Logitech is known for. I’ve had absolutely no concerns about the Folio keyboard’s performance.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Level up your productivity in a click by easily attaching Surface Pro 12" Keyboard to Surface Pro 12" [1], transforming it into a powerful laptop. Designed by Microsoft, it features a stable and durable design, full size backlit keyboard, a dedicated Copilot key for instant AI access, and dynamic hinge that unlocks new postures. Perfect for your on-the-go lifestyle.
Awesome, but should be included with the Surface
Customer Rating
4.0
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Just getting the obvious out of the way, and that is, this should be included with the Surface (at least the keyboard). But given that will never change, I do appreciate Microsoft bundling the pen and keyboard together.
Pointing out the obvious, but the keyboard attaches to the bottom of your Surface (note, this only works for the new 12 inch model). It’s a strong magnet, you could hold the Surface upside down by the keyboard and it wouldn’t fall. For those who have never used one, it’s plug and play and is that simple to use.
The keyboard is well built and looks sharp. I like the suede back of the keyboard, it feels nice, although I do get concerned about stains and discoloration over time. The top of the keyboard has a rubber feel. It feels nice to the touch. The keyboard is passable, it’s the best 2 in 1 keyboard, but will never (and it doesn’t really try to) replace a mechanical keyboard. The depth is shallow. It has a nice satisfying click to it. I found it very responsive. The biggest drawback for me is the size, I’m just used to a full size keyboard and this feels cramped. Not complaining about it, it’s just something that I have to become accustomed to.
The touchpad’s surface is very responsive to single and multi touch gesture. The clicking of the touchpad feel satisfying as well. I was able to navigate the mousepad with ease using multiple fingers. It’s not something you’ll want to use in your lap, the keyboard is too flimsy IMO. It’s best suited setup flat on a table.
The pen is a nice touch. I’m not creative by trade so I don’t know what I would necessarily use it for, but I like using it for navigating while I’m holding the Surface in my hand. It uses Bluetooth to connect. I’m not sure how long the battery lasts, but it charges in the small charging cradle (more of an indention) on the backside of the Surface. I found a journal app that was seemingly built into Windows to be the most fun option. I found the pen to be highly accurate and responsive.
I find the keyboard to be an absolutely necessary accessory to the Surface. Unlike an iPad, I think the Microsoft and Windows platform demands a keyboard. The keyboard is minimal, looks good and types well given its size and thinness. I like the pen, and it works really well, it just feels gimmicky mostly because I don’t think of a Windows platform to draw and create. Not to mention it has an odd shape and doesn’t carry the heft of an iPad pencil. But kudos for Microsoft for having included it the keyboard. I think the pen can be a fun distraction, there when you need it, and I could see its utility in digitally signing things on the go.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get the flexibility you want and the speed you need with Surface Pro 12", a Copilot+ PC and the most versatile Surface. Use it as a tablet. Express yourself with touch, voice, and Surface Slim Pen [3]. Or click in the Surface Pro 12" Keyboard for a full laptop experience [3]. And you can wear your style on your laptop with a choice of colors and finishes. When you have all this, plus advanced AI capabilities in one ultra-thin and light device, the power to go beyond what you thought possible is yours.
Beautiful and compact device
Customer Rating
4.0
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As someone who’s accustomed to Windows, I’ve always been a big fan of the Surface line of devices. They’re sharp looking and functional. Not to mention the size. It’s essentially an iPad but in Windows form. While this is a terrific all around device, it’s still not without its shortcomings, which have plagued the Surface line for a while. If you desire a light and flexible Windows laptop, this should be towards the top of your list.
IN THE BOX
The first drawback, going back to the original Surface, is the fact that the keyboard isn’t included. It’s just a fact. While the Surface line has gotten somewhat “cheaper” over the years, it’s always misleading when you factor in the lack of accessories. Even worse, you no longer get a charger anymore. In the box is simple the Surface and a USB-C cable. Now, granted, the Surface could arguably get a pass given that 27W chargers (which most of us will have with our smart phones) can charge the device, it still stings a little bit when buying an $800 computer to not have a charger.
The first drawback, going back to the original Surface, is the fact that the keyboard isn’t included. It’s just a fact. While the Surface line has gotten somewhat “cheaper” over the years, it’s always misleading when you factor in the lack of accessories. Even worse, you no longer get a charger anymore. In the box is simple the Surface and a USB-C cable. Now, granted, the Surface could arguably get a pass given that 27W chargers (which most of us will have with our smart phones) can charge the device, it still stings a little bit when buying an $800 computer to not have a charger.
SETUP
Setup is similar to any Windows computer and your experience can vary depending on a number of factors. A straight new install (i.e. not backing up from old computers) can be pretty quick, but expect it to take some time. It took me about 2 hours to get up and running after taking into account the large Windows update out of the box.
Setup is similar to any Windows computer and your experience can vary depending on a number of factors. A straight new install (i.e. not backing up from old computers) can be pretty quick, but expect it to take some time. It took me about 2 hours to get up and running after taking into account the large Windows update out of the box.
SPECS
Here, you’re getting a 12” super sharp display, 256 or 512GB of storage, Qualcomm Adreno GPU, and an 8 core Snapdragon X Plus chip. As with most new Windows laptops, has a dedicated neural processing unit which is a specialized chip to accelerate AI tasks, taking them away from the CPU and GPU. This allows it to process AI tasks on the device, rather than relying entirely on cloud processing. For everyday tasks, it’s superlative. The Snapdragon X chip allows the device to run cooler and extend battery life when (generally speaking) compared to Intel chips. But you are sacrificing some features - namely compatibility - but more on that below.
Here, you’re getting a 12” super sharp display, 256 or 512GB of storage, Qualcomm Adreno GPU, and an 8 core Snapdragon X Plus chip. As with most new Windows laptops, has a dedicated neural processing unit which is a specialized chip to accelerate AI tasks, taking them away from the CPU and GPU. This allows it to process AI tasks on the device, rather than relying entirely on cloud processing. For everyday tasks, it’s superlative. The Snapdragon X chip allows the device to run cooler and extend battery life when (generally speaking) compared to Intel chips. But you are sacrificing some features - namely compatibility - but more on that below.
While AI features are getting pushed in all our devices, individual mileage will vary depending on your use of AI features. The most obvious one is the built in Copilot function. The free version allows for conversational AI and image creation. You’ll have to pay a monthly fee to get Copilot integration with 365 apps, as well as the latest AI models for conversations.
DESIGN
I’ve always been a fan of the Surface line. Like Macs, I think they’re beautiful and elegant products and scream premium. The Surface 12 inch continues that trend and just looks absolutely great. The big design change, if you can call it that, is the recessed pen storage area on the back. I admit I was a little concerned about that because I thought the pen would come off easily, but the magnets are really strong.
I’ve always been a fan of the Surface line. Like Macs, I think they’re beautiful and elegant products and scream premium. The Surface 12 inch continues that trend and just looks absolutely great. The big design change, if you can call it that, is the recessed pen storage area on the back. I admit I was a little concerned about that because I thought the pen would come off easily, but the magnets are really strong.
The hinge is really stiff and the same time, easily movable. It has 160 degree movement on the hinge almost allows it to go from straight up to lying flat. It’s smooth and durable.
FEATURES
As stated earlier, one of the drawbacks of the Surface is the need to purchase what I believe to be, necessary accessories. The drawback is simply the price on the Surface itself isn’t the total that you will be paying. But putting that aside, you really need to invest in the Surface keyboard and slim pen to really get the most out of your Surface. I have both, and will be referencing them because I think that’s the best way to highlight the Surface’s features overall.
As stated earlier, one of the drawbacks of the Surface is the need to purchase what I believe to be, necessary accessories. The drawback is simply the price on the Surface itself isn’t the total that you will be paying. But putting that aside, you really need to invest in the Surface keyboard and slim pen to really get the most out of your Surface. I have both, and will be referencing them because I think that’s the best way to highlight the Surface’s features overall.
The Copilot+ PC is Microsoft’s big push towards everywhere AI and that’s really the star of this Surface (to be clear, it’s not limited to Surface devices). But the Surface has a dedicated neural processing unit that allows the computer to process AI on the device itself, rather than in the cloud. A few things that stick out - again, these are available on any Copilot + PC - is recall, cocreator and copilot. Recall is a somewhat controversial feature whereby your PC takes screenshots of your computer and allows you to conduct a search as to what you might have been doing or what was visible on your screen. This feature is a gamechanger for me, I use it to search through old communications whether it be letters or emails. I use it as a search function across my entire device. Cocreator is hit and miss, but allows you to create images with image prompts. It’s cool, but the novelty wears off quickly. There’s also Windows Studio Effects that allows enhanced video chat quality and filters. But this is all subjective and depends on how often you’re on video calls and whether you have a dedicated setup.
It has two USB-C 3.2 ports (with USB4/Thunderbolt support). Either port can handle charging, data transfer, and display port for connecting up to two 4K monitors. It utilizes Wi-Fi 7 (which I guess is future proofing, I don’t have WI-Fi 7) and Bluetooth 5.4.
The big feature for me is battery life and the touchscreen. The battery life is phenomenal, in no small part because of the Snapdragon chip. I use this much like an iPad, where I just hit the power button to put it to sleep and then wake it up when I need it. It just always seems to hold a charge. The touchscreen is terrific and very responsive. It’s even better with the sold separately slim pen. I very much enjoyed writing and drawing on the screen with the slim pen, even though I’m not a creative type by profession. While the novelty wore off a little bit, I do enjoy writing and drawing with the pen when I’m just sitting on the couch and reading the news, surfing the web. It’s a fun way of input.
DOWNSIDES
The big downside is also the Surface’s biggest strength and that’s the Snapdragon processor. While it brings a lot of positives, including snappy performance and very long battery life, you sacrifice a lot of compatibility. Old drivers (mostly printers at my office) are tricky and won’t work, and some software we use at my office isn’t compatible with the Arm architecture. Luckily, there seems to be a concerted effort to expand the Arm ecosystem so hopefully this becomes an absolute non issue.
The big downside is also the Surface’s biggest strength and that’s the Snapdragon processor. While it brings a lot of positives, including snappy performance and very long battery life, you sacrifice a lot of compatibility. Old drivers (mostly printers at my office) are tricky and won’t work, and some software we use at my office isn’t compatible with the Arm architecture. Luckily, there seems to be a concerted effort to expand the Arm ecosystem so hopefully this becomes an absolute non issue.
As I’ve said earlier, one of the biggest complaints is that the keyboard and pen are sold separately. I’ll also say, the AI features aren’t unique to the Surface, so the only real selling point is the Surface hardware and form factor.
CONCLUSION
The Surface line continues to shine. This is an extremely portable, great looking piece of hardware that will go for several workdays. It’s a capable performer, and will tackle 90% of all tasks the average person might throw at it, with ease. It’s just a shame the keyboard, pen, and a charging brick wasn’t included.
The Surface line continues to shine. This is an extremely portable, great looking piece of hardware that will go for several workdays. It’s a capable performer, and will tackle 90% of all tasks the average person might throw at it, with ease. It’s just a shame the keyboard, pen, and a charging brick wasn’t included.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Discover 3.1.2ch spatial sound with the BRAVIA Theater Bar 6. Up-firing speakers, a dedicated center channel speaker, and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X will surround you with expansive sound and clear dialogue. The included subwoofer adds deep, powerful bass, letting you feel the rumble in every scene.
Truly exceptional sound quality
Customer Rating
5.0
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I have to admit I’m in love with the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6. I upgraded from an aging, but still good, Samsung soundbar that was nearing 8 years old. While I was satisfied with the Samsung soundbar, the Sony Bravia Theater 6 quite frankly blew my socks off and made me wonder what I was missing. While it will never - nor will any soundbar - equal a dedicated, multi-speaker setup, this gets pretty darn close. And the ease of installation is just the icing on the cake.
IN THE BOX
Inside you’ll find the soundbar, the subwoofer, two power cables (one for each, they’re interchangeable), a HDMI cable (thank you Sony for continuing to provide essentials), a remote, and some footers that allows you to put the soundbar on the TV stand (mine’s on the wall, so I didn’t pay much attention to that).
Inside you’ll find the soundbar, the subwoofer, two power cables (one for each, they’re interchangeable), a HDMI cable (thank you Sony for continuing to provide essentials), a remote, and some footers that allows you to put the soundbar on the TV stand (mine’s on the wall, so I didn’t pay much attention to that).
I found the soundbar to be quite compact, light and small. But I’m comparing it to my old Samsung soundbar that a tiny subwoofer built into it (it was as as long as a 65 inch TV and pretty heavy).
SETUP AND INSTALLATION
It’s simple. You plug in the power cord to both the subwoofer, and then for the soundbar, and then you plug the HDMI cable into the soundbar and into the TV. IMPORTANT TO NOTE, you must have a TV with eARC HDMI port. Otherwise, it will not work. Granted, most new TVs have it, so it shouldn’t be a problem, but something to look into before dropping a lot of money on this soundbar and subwoofer.
It’s simple. You plug in the power cord to both the subwoofer, and then for the soundbar, and then you plug the HDMI cable into the soundbar and into the TV. IMPORTANT TO NOTE, you must have a TV with eARC HDMI port. Otherwise, it will not work. Granted, most new TVs have it, so it shouldn’t be a problem, but something to look into before dropping a lot of money on this soundbar and subwoofer.
At that point you’ll want to download the Bravia app (although I’m not 100% certain it’s required, but that was the instructions on the box). When you open the Bravia app, you’ll turn on some permissions and then your phone will find the soundbar and subwoofer and make sure the HDMI is working and the sub is paired. It took just a few moments. Then you’re asked some questions about placement of the subwoofer and soundbar (i.e. when sitting, are you less than 5 feet away or further?). The app allows you to control the volume and the bass level, but little else. It’s where you would change the input to Bluetooth (to stream music from your phone). Which is a little annoying, I would have preferred a button or something like that on the device itself.
But after that was all done, my soundbar was rocking. I use a Google TV plugged into one of the HDMI ports in my TV and I use that Google remote to control my TV’s power and volume. Everything worked flawlessly. I was stoked at how easy it was, and I hope everyone else would have the same experience (candidly, I’ve had issues with other soundbars and eARC inputs on my TV. But I will admit the TV I was plugging this soundbar into is a Sony TV, however, it’s about 10 years old).
SOUND QUALITY
What immediately struck me was the clarity of dialogue in TV shows and movies. I didn’t really have a hard time hearing it with my prior soundbar, but it was just so much more clear. It works especially well in complex sound environments, where the dialogue comes out crystal clear even when there’s a lot of other ambient sounds going on at the same time. I will note that if you have a newer Bravia Sony TV, you can utilize Acoustic Center Sync, whereby the TV’s speakers act as a center channel to enhance dialogue. But my Sony TV was too old to test that out.
What immediately struck me was the clarity of dialogue in TV shows and movies. I didn’t really have a hard time hearing it with my prior soundbar, but it was just so much more clear. It works especially well in complex sound environments, where the dialogue comes out crystal clear even when there’s a lot of other ambient sounds going on at the same time. I will note that if you have a newer Bravia Sony TV, you can utilize Acoustic Center Sync, whereby the TV’s speakers act as a center channel to enhance dialogue. But my Sony TV was too old to test that out.
Obviously the star of the show is Dolby Atmos and the simulated surround. Again, as I said earlier, NO sound bar will replace a dedicated 5.1 or 7.1 setup. But so long as you have minimal obstructions in your room, this soundbar does a great job at firing sounds off walls and ceilings to simulate surround sound. You won’t be spooked into hearing footsteps behind you, but the effects are nonetheless impressive. It’s not pinpoint accurate, but you definitely get the feeling of sound “around you.”
The bass is very robust. I love that the speaker is wireless, and I found it very satisfying in heavy action sequences- especially explosions. The subwoofer combined with the simulated surround really enhances the viewing experience.
Playing music was great, I like playing loud music when my family’s not home and this setup can rock the house. It provides a very balanced profile and nothing I played was distorted in any way. It’s more than adequate.
MISC.
There are some sound modes that you can adjust within the app. But it’s very minimal, such as music, movies, or night voice. The night voice made things a little softer so as not to shake and rattle your whole house while the kids were asleep. But it was too much of a pain to open the app so I prefer to do what us parents always do at night, and that’s simply turn the volume down a little bit at night.
There are some sound modes that you can adjust within the app. But it’s very minimal, such as music, movies, or night voice. The night voice made things a little softer so as not to shake and rattle your whole house while the kids were asleep. But it was too much of a pain to open the app so I prefer to do what us parents always do at night, and that’s simply turn the volume down a little bit at night.
CONCLUSION
This is expensive and may not be worth it if you already have a soundbar, but if you are just listening to your TV speakers, this is a must have upgrade. You can get really good surround sound quality audio with simple setup. While it works best with Sony Bravia TVs, you should still give it a look even if you own a different brand TV. The Atmos technology in soundbars is no joke and will vastly increase your listening and entertainment experience.
This is expensive and may not be worth it if you already have a soundbar, but if you are just listening to your TV speakers, this is a must have upgrade. You can get really good surround sound quality audio with simple setup. While it works best with Sony Bravia TVs, you should still give it a look even if you own a different brand TV. The Atmos technology in soundbars is no joke and will vastly increase your listening and entertainment experience.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The new Zenbook S 14 harmoniously blends craftsmanship and performance, featuring an impossibly thin 0.47-inch profile made from Ceraluminum. Immerse your senses in a breathtaking 14-inch 3K OLED Lumina touchscreen and experience multi-dimensional, high-fidelity sound from a four speakers tuned by Harman/Kardon. Optimized for productivity, the S 14 is powered by an all-new, supercharged Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2 processor with an Intel AI Boost NPU up to 47 TOPS that speeds up local AI processes, while a quick-access Copilot AI Assistant key streamlines your workflow. Powerful yet light, keep it portable with an all-day 72Wh battery
Great looks and stellar performance
Customer Rating
5.0
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I’ve become a big fan of ASUS over the years, and the 2025 Zenbook continues that trend. The Zenbook S 14 is a beautiful looking laptop that can handle most any task. While it lacks a dedicated laptop GPU for gaming, it more than makes up for it with killer battery life and efficiencies. If you’re looking for a light, powerful, and long-lasting non-Apple laptop this should be at the top of your list.
IN THE BOX AND SETUP
The packaging is de minimis. You only get a 65 W charger and the laptop. If you’ve set up a Windows computer before, the setup is familiar (which can be a little tedious). All in all, I ran into no issues on that front.
The packaging is de minimis. You only get a 65 W charger and the laptop. If you’ve set up a Windows computer before, the setup is familiar (which can be a little tedious). All in all, I ran into no issues on that front.
DESIGN
This laptop is made of ceramic, at least according to the packaging. It’s a striking steel metal gray like color. I much prefer it over a standard black laptop and it skips the colorful lighting that can be found in many gaming laptops. It is very elegant. I’m a big fan. The ceramic coating also prevents smudges and palm prints. Granted, I haven’t had the laptop that long, but I have yet to see any smudges. The top of the laptop lid has metal bars going across that looks futuristic and abstract. Again, I’m a big fan. It’s also extremely thin and light. Now, the rubber feet at the bottom do increase the width at its widest point, but they do a great job of keeping the laptop rooted on your table/desk.
This laptop is made of ceramic, at least according to the packaging. It’s a striking steel metal gray like color. I much prefer it over a standard black laptop and it skips the colorful lighting that can be found in many gaming laptops. It is very elegant. I’m a big fan. The ceramic coating also prevents smudges and palm prints. Granted, I haven’t had the laptop that long, but I have yet to see any smudges. The top of the laptop lid has metal bars going across that looks futuristic and abstract. Again, I’m a big fan. It’s also extremely thin and light. Now, the rubber feet at the bottom do increase the width at its widest point, but they do a great job of keeping the laptop rooted on your table/desk.
There’s not that many ports, just two USB-C, HDMI, headphone jack, and a standard USB-A (the rectangle one we’re all used to). I really appreciate the USB-A port as we all have old thumb drives and accessories that still use it.
The keyboard is satisfying for a laptop. There’s short travel with the keys, but that’s to be expected with such a thin laptop. I had no issues typing and quite enjoyed it. The keyboard is spacious for a 14 inch laptop. No complaints there.
The trackpad is plenty big and it’s very responsive, with a satisfying click. It also has some hidden functionality, you can adjust the volume of the speakers and screen brightness by sliding your finger along the edges. It’s a nice touch.
SPECS
This baby is rocking an Intel Arc GPU. I honestly don’t know a lot about it, but it is more than capable for handling everyday tasks (which in my mind, includes everything but video editing and gaming). You get an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, which is wicked fast, especially with 32 GB of RAM. This is a beast that does everything lighting quick. From cold boot up to surfing the web, it takes all of a few seconds. It has Wi-Fi 7 to handle the fastest internet speeds. But the true star of the show, the real reason to consider this laptop over a sea of other (capable) thin ultrabooks is the screen. The 3K OLED screen with refresh rate up to 120 HZ is absolutely stunning. Seriously, OLED screens are just better, and this is no exception. Colors are bright and sharp and the blacks are inky. Watching content is a joy.
This baby is rocking an Intel Arc GPU. I honestly don’t know a lot about it, but it is more than capable for handling everyday tasks (which in my mind, includes everything but video editing and gaming). You get an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, which is wicked fast, especially with 32 GB of RAM. This is a beast that does everything lighting quick. From cold boot up to surfing the web, it takes all of a few seconds. It has Wi-Fi 7 to handle the fastest internet speeds. But the true star of the show, the real reason to consider this laptop over a sea of other (capable) thin ultrabooks is the screen. The 3K OLED screen with refresh rate up to 120 HZ is absolutely stunning. Seriously, OLED screens are just better, and this is no exception. Colors are bright and sharp and the blacks are inky. Watching content is a joy.
Finally, I’d be remiss not to mention another high point of this laptop and that’s the battery. I’ve been using an ASUS gaming laptop for my daily driver. I have no complaints but for the battery, Here, this laptop is lasting a full week and more. And I don’t always shut it down. It has fast charging with 65 W charger, so charging is a breeze. Point is, the battery can last longer than you can in one work day, and charging takes no time. Honestly, between the battery life and screen, I can highly recommend this laptop.
It comes with a fancy array of microphones for video conferencing as well as a HD webcam.While I prefer a more professional setup, the equipment built in was more than adequate.
PERFORMANCE AND AI
It’s tough to talk about a laptop’s performance and comparing it to other without mentioning “benchmarks.” To me, what matters is real world performance. As I mentioned earlier, this laptop is appropriately specced to handle any tasks, including AI. Multiple windows, and programs open at the same time don’t seem to slow it down.
It’s tough to talk about a laptop’s performance and comparing it to other without mentioning “benchmarks.” To me, what matters is real world performance. As I mentioned earlier, this laptop is appropriately specced to handle any tasks, including AI. Multiple windows, and programs open at the same time don’t seem to slow it down.
I use AI on occasion, but haven’t really fully incorporated into my workflows, so I might not be the best person to talk about it, but I have been using CoPilot along with the new Microsoft Recall feature, both of which incorporate AI and I have been impressed with the processing speed - or at least the responsiveness. I can’t say for certain how that performance is specifically tied into the laptop, but all that matters is that it works and works well.
Honestly, watching TVs and movies on this screen is a treat. While I use this for work and don’t typically use it after my work day, I can definitely see the appeal of using this for both work and pleasure.
The speakers are good not great. For a 14 inch computer, I’m very pleased. But it’s not something you’re going to fill the room with.
I haven’t installed any games on this computer to test out its gaming chops, primarily because that’s not what it’s intended to handle.
SOFTWARE AND QUIRKS
There is minimal bloatware, and you can still delete what you don’t want. There were a few preinstalled ASUS apps that I quickly deleted. I didn’t find the amount of software offensive. In fact, the MyAsus program is actually a great tool to help refine your computer experience and tweak your settings. For example, I went there to change the keyboard backlight settings, and fan performance.
There is minimal bloatware, and you can still delete what you don’t want. There were a few preinstalled ASUS apps that I quickly deleted. I didn’t find the amount of software offensive. In fact, the MyAsus program is actually a great tool to help refine your computer experience and tweak your settings. For example, I went there to change the keyboard backlight settings, and fan performance.
I will just add as a minor quip, that I had some difficulties getting the settings just right. When using a new laptop, the settings are different than what you’re used to, and I seemed to have a more difficult time finding how to change the settings I wanted to. Some of this is user error (maybe you know how to navigate those settings better than me) while other times it seemed more difficult than it should have been. It’s not necessarily the computer’s fault, it’s more Windows, but at the same time, some of the issues were in the ASUS app. Bottomline is, it took me a little time to get the computer tailored to my needs.
CONCLUSION
If you’re looking for a durable, sharp looking laptop that is lightweight and can handle most any task at lightning speed, look no further than this ASUS Zenbook. I’ve been really impressed with the build quality as well as the performance. Battery life and the screen alone are reasons to get this laptop. I’ve had zero complaints and have been really impressed with it.
If you’re looking for a durable, sharp looking laptop that is lightweight and can handle most any task at lightning speed, look no further than this ASUS Zenbook. I’ve been really impressed with the build quality as well as the performance. Battery life and the screen alone are reasons to get this laptop. I’ve had zero complaints and have been really impressed with it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Samsung~s 24" S3 Monitor enables smooth performance, heightened productivity, and greater comfort. The IPS Panel delivers a stunning color experience across the entire display with less color washing, offering clarity from any viewpoint so tones stay consistent and accurate. The 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur while playing games, watching videos, or working. Game Picture Mode with optimizable game settings enables instant adjustment of color and image contrast. Eye Saver Mode protects vision, reduces blue light and screen flicker, and extends comfort even during long sessions. The ergonomic super-slim design is a stylish addition to any environment, while ultra-thin border bezels make the most of screen space. Multiple connectivity enables devices to be plugged straight into the monitor for increased flexibility.
Basic, no frills monitor
Customer Rating
5.0
Images for this Review
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If you need a quality monitor for basic tasks, or for work, this Samsung S3 model is a great option I’d recommend. While it’s certainly a serviceable gaming monitor, there are better monitors out there to fill your needs.
GETTING STARTED
Like most monitors, you’ll need to install the stand to attach the monitor (or use the screw holes in the back to mount it). There is no mounting hardware. There is no tiny screwdriver either to help you screw the base stand to the monitor. Inside the box is the monitor, two pieces of the stand, a power cord, an HDMI cord, and an instruction manual.
Like most monitors, you’ll need to install the stand to attach the monitor (or use the screw holes in the back to mount it). There is no mounting hardware. There is no tiny screwdriver either to help you screw the base stand to the monitor. Inside the box is the monitor, two pieces of the stand, a power cord, an HDMI cord, and an instruction manual.
The manual clearly lays out how to install the base stand, but honestly, it’s dead simple as there’s really only one way to do it. After that, you simply plug in the power cable and the HDMI cable and you’re off and running.
DESIGN
The design is boring, yet at the same time elegant. There are minimal bezels, so the 24 inches of the screen extends all the way to the monitor’s edges. It’s black plastic, which makes it extremely light and thin (other than some metal to weigh the monitor down inside the base stand). It’s distraction free. At its thinnest point, it gets close to OLED thin, which is quite impressive. But I doubt this was designed to “stick out.”
The design is boring, yet at the same time elegant. There are minimal bezels, so the 24 inches of the screen extends all the way to the monitor’s edges. It’s black plastic, which makes it extremely light and thin (other than some metal to weigh the monitor down inside the base stand). It’s distraction free. At its thinnest point, it gets close to OLED thin, which is quite impressive. But I doubt this was designed to “stick out.”
I will add I was very pleased with the small size of the power brick. I very much dislike large power bricks for any device and appreciate Samsung creating such a small one. My guess is the power brick exists to make the monitor smaller/lighter, but this one is small.
SPECS
It’s 1080p LED with 100hz refresh rate. For most tasks and things the average person does on a computer it’s more than adequate. There’s no RGB lights, no syncing with GPUs, and the refresh rate is nothing to write home about. Again, this is your basic working, productivity device.
It’s 1080p LED with 100hz refresh rate. For most tasks and things the average person does on a computer it’s more than adequate. There’s no RGB lights, no syncing with GPUs, and the refresh rate is nothing to write home about. Again, this is your basic working, productivity device.
It only has one HDMI port. I don’t need more than one, but I would have preferred DisplayPort (although I can’t really articulate why, as my GPU has HDMI port in addition to DisplayPort). But it works out well when using my laptop which uses HDMI. It does have a VGA cable, which seems odd to me, but I guess that’s for legacy devices.
The biggest downside to me is the limited movement adjustments the base allows of you. I had hoped to convert this to portrait landscape as a secondary monitor, but that plan was foiled. It’s landscape only (absent some sort of “arm” to attach to the mounting holes in the back). And it only tilts up and down. It has a surprising amount of range in that regard. And it also, oddly, swivels a hair left and right (as if you could rotate it to portrait mode) but that’s not the case.
PERFORMANCE
The colors are plenty vibrant and accurate, so no worries there, it’s a Samsung display after all.
If you’ve ever had the benefit of using a computer with a high refresh rate, it’s pretty cool. It makes everything look and run smoother. It’s hard going back to 60hz. The 100hz is a happy medium, a little better than “normal” monitors but not quite as nice as some newer laptops for example which pump out really high refresh rates. Watching videos was OK, but not something I’d personally do as my laptop (13 inch) has a higher resolution screen and it’s clearly not as good as my 4K TV. But it’s serviceable. Same goes for gaming. The gaming performance was good. I noticed little to no “tearing” of the visuals, but again, my laptop’s built in screen has a much higher resolution and refresh rate. I prefer the larger screen when I need multiple windows/tabs open to get work done but when I want to play games or watch movies, I much prefer the higher resolution of my smaller screen. But it really all depends on the user and your needs. If I was a dedicated gamer, I wouldn’t recommend this screen, but if you just need a bigger monitor and you will occasionally game, etc., then this will work just fine.
The colors are plenty vibrant and accurate, so no worries there, it’s a Samsung display after all.
If you’ve ever had the benefit of using a computer with a high refresh rate, it’s pretty cool. It makes everything look and run smoother. It’s hard going back to 60hz. The 100hz is a happy medium, a little better than “normal” monitors but not quite as nice as some newer laptops for example which pump out really high refresh rates. Watching videos was OK, but not something I’d personally do as my laptop (13 inch) has a higher resolution screen and it’s clearly not as good as my 4K TV. But it’s serviceable. Same goes for gaming. The gaming performance was good. I noticed little to no “tearing” of the visuals, but again, my laptop’s built in screen has a much higher resolution and refresh rate. I prefer the larger screen when I need multiple windows/tabs open to get work done but when I want to play games or watch movies, I much prefer the higher resolution of my smaller screen. But it really all depends on the user and your needs. If I was a dedicated gamer, I wouldn’t recommend this screen, but if you just need a bigger monitor and you will occasionally game, etc., then this will work just fine.
The IPS panel means you have great viewing angles. Granted you're mostly going to be looking at it straight on, it's bright, legible and clear from many different viewing angles
CONCLUSION
I’ve said it several times, but this is a no frills business monitor. Or for someone on a budget. Perfectly acceptable 23 inch monitor for 95% of people out there. Great color, easy to use and setup, little fuss, but don’t expect all the bells and whistles and customization of bigger and more expensive monitors out there.
I’ve said it several times, but this is a no frills business monitor. Or for someone on a budget. Perfectly acceptable 23 inch monitor for 95% of people out there. Great color, easy to use and setup, little fuss, but don’t expect all the bells and whistles and customization of bigger and more expensive monitors out there.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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GoPro - Karma Quadcopter with HERO5 Black - Black/White
Take aerial shots with this GoPro Karma drone. Its Karma Stabilizer lets the included HERO5 Black action camera capture shake-free videos, while the Karma Grip provides reliable stabilization for handheld and mounted filming. The game-style controller with an integrated touch display makes Karma easy and fun to fly.Fly Responsibly:Before takeoff, update all software and firmware, and read the instructions thoroughly.See the FAA website for registration requirements and information about flying a drone safely: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/. Additional state or local requirements may apply. Check your local jurisdiction. The following websites may help you make informed decisions about flying your drone: www.knowbeforeyoufly.org and www.modelaircraft.org.
Just curious what the flight time experience has been like. Says 20 minutes with no payload; however, is the camera considered "payload"? Is it 20 minutes WITH the camera? Also, how close to 20 minutes is the "actual" flight time?
Given that the camera is required to fly I wouldn't think that the camera is considered payload. I've never tried to fly with any payload mostly because I haven't needed to and it doesn't seem equipped to hold anything (you would have to use some ingenuity to attach something to it). I can speak as to how long it flies without any payload but obviously with the camera. And in my use, it's been between 18-19 minutes of flight time. The very first time I flew it, it landed itself due to low battery around the 18 minutes mark, even though on the handheld controller, the screen said there was 2 minutes of flight time left. I haven't flown it enough while taking video/stills to determine how much that drains the battery. Hope that helps.
8 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
callmeageeth
Sony - PlayStation VR Launch Bundle
Sony PlayStation VR Launch Bundle:Immerse yourself in a virtual-reality gaming world with this Sony PlayStation VR bundle. Experience body-responsive gaming with the two PlayStation Move motion controllers. The built-in camera lets you take clear photos, and the stereo headphones provide rich sound. Challenge your gaming ability with the VR Worlds game included with this Sony PlayStation VR bundle.
Is the camera of this bundle the latest one? The ps4 camera? Or the ps3 camera?
Yes, the bundle comes with the newest model camera. The packaging and promotions for the PSVR actually show the older model (which as I understand, will still work). This camera is completely different than the PS3 version.
8 years, 9 months ago
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Posted by:
callmeageeth
Google - Pixel 4G LTE with 32GB Memory Cell Phone (Verizon)
Bring the power of Google directly to your fingertips with the Google Pixel. A large 32GB of storage keep data secure, while unlimited cloud storage transfers data as needed, and it's completely automatic. The large 5-inch screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4 to ensure the Google Pixel remains scratch-free.
It is an unlocked phone, so I assume it is compatible with SIM card from other countries - is that correct?
I can't confirrm that it will work sims from other countries (depends on bandwidths) but I can absolutely confirm that putting a T-Mobile sim into this phone will work. Sorry couldn't give you a better answer!
8 years, 10 months ago
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Posted by:
callmeageeth
GoPro - Dual Battery Charger - Black
Charge 2 GoPro lithium-ion batteries simultaneously with this GoPro AHBBP-301 charger that reliably draws power from select USB chargers, USB-enabled computers or GoPro wall or vehicle chargers (not included), so you can keep your camera ready for use.
Does this have the cable to connect charger to computer? Is there a cord that connects camera directly to computer or wall charger for charging? I think we lost ours.
It comes with a mini-USB cable which you can plug into your computer (I wouldn't recommend because of slow charging) and a wall charger. The same mini-USB cable plugs directly into the camera itself
9 years ago
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Posted by:
callmeageeth
Turtle Beach - Ear Force PX22 Amplified Universal Gaming Headset - Black/Blue
Turtle Beach Ear Force PX22 Amplified Universal Gaming Headset: Enjoy more freedom and use your universal headset with more than one gaming console. Customize your audio and let it automatically boost online chatting so you hear every sound during your gaming session.
Does it work with party system on Xbox one
It is my understanding that this headset is not compatible with the Xbox one
9 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
callmeageeth
HP - Pavilion 23" IPS LED HD Monitor - Jet Black/Natural Silver
Play games, watch movies and more with this HP Pavilion 23cw 23" LED monitor, which features 1920 x 1080 resolution and IPS technology for clear visuals from a wide variety of vantage points. Enhance+ uses noise reduction to improve image quality.
Can i use apple tv on this monitor
As long as your monitor has an HDMI port you can.*
NOTE: that is the simplest answer, you can, theoretically, buy a couple different adapters to make it work.
NOTE: that is the simplest answer, you can, theoretically, buy a couple different adapters to make it work.
9 years, 10 months ago
by
Posted by:
callmeageeth
from
Louisville, KY
SanDisk - Ultra PLUS 128GB microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card
Expand the storage of your compatible device with this SanDisk Ultra PLUS microSDXC memory card that features a 128GB capacity to hold your photos and videos and a Class 10 rating to ensure speedy data transfer. The rugged design resists damage.
compatibility
I have a Dell Venue 8 Pro.Would this work with it for storage?also is it compatible with android devices?...thank you
Double check your specific Android device. Most newer devices accept it, I believe this card was intended for Android devices, but again, I know some devices only accept up to 64 GB card
10 years, 10 months ago
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Posted by:
callmeageeth
from
Louisville, KY
Microsoft - Surface Pro 3 - 12" - Intel Core i5 - 128GB - Silver
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Tablet: The new Surface Pro 3 is in a category of its own. With a stunning 12" display in a sleek magnesium frame, Surface Pro 3 has all the power and performance of a laptop in an incredibly lightweight, versatile form. It may just be the ultimate device.
How do you read a full size sd card?
You would have to get some sort of USB adapter for a full size SD card. It only accepts MicroSD
11 years, 2 months ago
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Posted by:
callmeageeth
from
Louisville, KY