callmeageeth
Top 50 Contributor
callmeageeth's Stats
- Review Count346
- Helpfulness Votes1,289
- First ReviewJune 23, 2014
- Last ReviewJune 27, 2024
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating4.4
Reviews Comments
- Review Comment Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First Review CommentNone
- Last Review CommentNone
- Featured Review Comments0
Questions
- Question Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First QuestionNone
- Last QuestionNone
- Featured Questions0
- Answer Count28
- Helpfulness Votes52
- First AnswerJune 23, 2014
- Last AnswerDecember 15, 2021
- Featured Answers0
- Best Answers8
Your SWFT journey starts here. Wherever you’re headed, FLEET will get you there with style, safety, and a fresh design that’ll turn heads as you turn corners. Move ahead of the pack with a SWFT e-bike with a detachable, rechargeable battery. Multiple modes allow you to use pedal-assist or your throttle to propel you forward. With a 19.8 mph max speed, you can travel up to 37.2 miles on a single charge of your battery alone. A built-in monitor display indicates your battery output and speed. Let the journey begin.
An absolute joy to use
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
on September 14, 2021
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
Ebikes might be my new favorite thing. While they take some of the exercise out of biking, they put a lot more fun in it. Cruising around at 20 MPH like you’re on a moped is exhilarating. My only real complaint relates to the installation (very little instructions were provided) and adjustments. For those that know their way around bikes, adjusting brakes, etc. this isn’t an issue, but it was a little frustrating for someone like me. But once I had everything put together, it has been nothing but pure joy.
IN THE BOX
It comes in a giant box weighing some 88 pounds. You obviously get the bike, the battery, charger, and tools for putting it together. The bike is in pieces, so know that you will need to put it all together. Everything is wrapped up nice, it’s a pain to take all the wrapping, straps, etc. off, but that’s the cost of doing business and making sure your new ebike is pristine when you get it.
It comes in a giant box weighing some 88 pounds. You obviously get the bike, the battery, charger, and tools for putting it together. The bike is in pieces, so know that you will need to put it all together. Everything is wrapped up nice, it’s a pain to take all the wrapping, straps, etc. off, but that’s the cost of doing business and making sure your new ebike is pristine when you get it.
PUTTING IT TOGETHER
Like I said, my main complaint was putting the bike together. The instruction manual is pretty bare bones. For example, it just says something like “tighten the brakes” without really giving you any pictures or detailed info on how to do it.
Like I said, my main complaint was putting the bike together. The instruction manual is pretty bare bones. For example, it just says something like “tighten the brakes” without really giving you any pictures or detailed info on how to do it.
The frame has the rear tire installed and good to go. It’s the front tire you have to put on. You will have to detach the front brake to get it on. Again, for someone unfamiliar with the putting of bikes together, this took a few minutes to figure out. I will also point out that virtually everything needs to be tightened, from the handlebars, to the seat, to the pedals. Not a huge deal, but it takes a little time and determination. Especially if you don’t have a way to hang it up in the air (like you would see at a bike shop). And while they do provide some rudimentary tools, I HIGHLY recommend using your own sets of allen wrenches, sockets and a screwdriver. It makes things go much quicker. I also recommend tightening everything, going for a short ride and then checking all of your connections. The final piece of installation was pumping the air.
BATTERY
You will need to charge the battery before taking off for the first time. The battery itself is a monster of a battery (think car battery, but obviously not that large or heavy). You have to flip open a small flap to access the charging port, and then you can charge it for about 6 hours. The instructions say not to leave it charged in after it's fully charged. So be mindful of that when you’re putting your bike away for the winter. Don’t want to end up with a weakened battery.
You will need to charge the battery before taking off for the first time. The battery itself is a monster of a battery (think car battery, but obviously not that large or heavy). You have to flip open a small flap to access the charging port, and then you can charge it for about 6 hours. The instructions say not to leave it charged in after it's fully charged. So be mindful of that when you’re putting your bike away for the winter. Don’t want to end up with a weakened battery.
There’s a button on the battery that you can push to see the charging/battery level status. You’ll also notice a flip switch (to turn it on) and a key lock.
Once the battery is charged, it’s pretty easy to slide it in on the post in the bike. Then I suggest locking it. I assume the purpose of the lock (which was smart) is to both prevent someone from taking the battery while it’s locked up (say outside a store or park) and to prevent it from coming loose. It gives you one more key to worry about having, but luckily it comes with 2 so you can always keep one safe at home in case you lose one.
RIDING EXPERIENCE
After everything is assembled, it’s time to ride. I’ll go ahead and note that the seat on the Fleet bike is super comfy. This is a bike meant for cruising and having a good time, not racing. But don’t get me wrong, it goes plenty fast. To turn it on, you simply hit the switch on the battery. On the left handlebar there is a small digital controller with 3 buttons and a large-ish LCD screen. Once the battery is on, you hold the power button on that controller for a few seconds. Then it lights up. It will display the level of pedal assist (one through three) and the MPH and battery level. It defaults one level of pedal assist, the other two buttons on the controller are up and down arrows that obviously toggle the pedal assist levels. On the right handle bar you’ll find the throttle. It’s just like any moped or motorcycle where you turn it to go forward. Other than that, the handlebar looks like a classic cruiser bike.
After everything is assembled, it’s time to ride. I’ll go ahead and note that the seat on the Fleet bike is super comfy. This is a bike meant for cruising and having a good time, not racing. But don’t get me wrong, it goes plenty fast. To turn it on, you simply hit the switch on the battery. On the left handlebar there is a small digital controller with 3 buttons and a large-ish LCD screen. Once the battery is on, you hold the power button on that controller for a few seconds. Then it lights up. It will display the level of pedal assist (one through three) and the MPH and battery level. It defaults one level of pedal assist, the other two buttons on the controller are up and down arrows that obviously toggle the pedal assist levels. On the right handle bar you’ll find the throttle. It’s just like any moped or motorcycle where you turn it to go forward. Other than that, the handlebar looks like a classic cruiser bike.
The way the pedal assist works, you have to pedal about approximately 2 rotations before it kicks in. So, say you’re at the bottom of a hill, before you get any assistance you have to get started with the pedaling itself. At the bottom of a hill, with a single gear bike, it can be a bit tough. You also can’t just use the throttle from a standstill; the same principle applies, you have to be moving before you can engage the motor. This is almost certainly for safety reasons. You can imagine if you’re at a standstill, your front tire is off center or turned to the side, you don’t want to engage the motor.
But once you get going, the assist kicks in. You can hear the motor engage and you can feel the assist. It makes pedaling much much easier. But the real fun is when you turn the throttle. You don’t have to hit any buttons on the controller, you simply turn the throttle once you’re moving. And it takes off. You can hit 20 MPH in no time. I’ll add that even with pedal assist level 3 on, I couldn’t hit 20 MPH. I only hit top speed when I was using the throttle alone.
Like I said, it’s exhilarating. It’s just fun going that fast on a bike. Not to mention it’s relatively silent, no loud combustible engine. Obviously you have to be careful, as most of us don’t typically ride a bike quite that fast.
I haven’t driven the bike the full 30 miles on battery that it claims it can do, but I did ride it for about an hour for about 4 days straight alternating old school pedaling, pedal assist and full throttle and the battery had one bar left. Luckily, I always know that if the battery did or does happen to run out on a ride, I can still use my trusty legs to pedal me back home.
The only other thing I’ll add is that this bike has a light on the front. I haven’t ridden it at night to see if it automatically turns on, but I can’t for the life of me figure out how to turn it on. Also, I can say that it can tow a bike trailer for kids. I took my two kids for a ride and was able to hit 20 MPH even pulling them. I don’t recommend going that fast on a busy road, but it was fun to hit that speed and it was nice knowing it can pull kids too.
CONCLUSION
I can’t say enough, ebikes are a blast. You won’t get near the exercise as a traditional bike, but they are a blast. The SWFT Fleet bike is a reasonably priced ebike that’s loads of fun. It’s only real downside is that it is a bit heavy, and installation can be slightly frustrating. But those are just minor inconveniences.
I can’t say enough, ebikes are a blast. You won’t get near the exercise as a traditional bike, but they are a blast. The SWFT Fleet bike is a reasonably priced ebike that’s loads of fun. It’s only real downside is that it is a bit heavy, and installation can be slightly frustrating. But those are just minor inconveniences.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+20points
21out of 22found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Geo - GeoBook 120 12.5-inch HD Laptop - Intel Celeron Dual Core Processor - 4GB Memory - 64GB eMMC
GeoBook 120 is a 12.5-inch Windows 10 laptop complete with a 1-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal. Powered by an Intel Celeron Dual Core Processor and 4GB RAM, this lightweight laptop makes easy work of essential tasks, browsing and more. 64GB eMMC storage is built in and can be expanded with the addition of a MicroSD card (up to 64GB). GeoBook 120 also features a 2MP webcam, dual microphones and integrated speakers, plus reliable AC Wi-FI.
Great kids Chromebook Alternative
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
on September 11, 2021
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
This is a budget laptop through and through but is perfect for a young child for both school work and some very light gaming. It’s essentially a Chromebook, but with windows. Please note that I am commenting on the laptop both from the perspective of a parent buying this for their child and from my son’s perspective.
IN THE BOX
You get the laptop along with a charger. The purchase also includes a year subscription of Office 365 which you can sign up for after setup.
You get the laptop along with a charger. The purchase also includes a year subscription of Office 365 which you can sign up for after setup.
DESIGN
I actually like the look and feel of this laptop a lot. It’s really slim has a cool light blue hue to it (which is different from the black and silver laptops you see everyday) and it has a nice “rubber” feeling coating to the outside that makes it easy to grip.
I actually like the look and feel of this laptop a lot. It’s really slim has a cool light blue hue to it (which is different from the black and silver laptops you see everyday) and it has a nice “rubber” feeling coating to the outside that makes it easy to grip.
It has a decent size trackpad, and the typical keyboard you’d expect in a small laptop. It has the up and down arrow keys jammed together which I don’t love, but is almost a necessity given the small footprint.
The only thing I wish it really had was backlit keyboard. I get it, it’s a super cheap laptop, but the light blue color with white lettering is more difficult than normal to see without good lighting. And the brightness of the screen doesn’t help much.
In terms of ports, it has 2 USB-A 3.0 (blue) ports which is nice, a USB-C, also nice, headphone jack and microSD slot. I like that it includes HDMI out, but it’s HDMI-mini. I don’t have one of those hanging around, so that’s a bit of a bummer, but I get why a full sized HDMI wouldn’t have worked. It’s too big. And it obviously has a proprietary charging port which is a tiny circle. My other main complaint would be for USB-C charging. I charge most of my electronics with one, and when my kid loses his charger (inevitably) it would have been nice to charge it via USB-C.
SETUP
It’s like any Windows laptop. No “kid” skin to speak of, it’s a full fledged Windows laptop through and through. I will say that I had issues setting up my son’s account, which I set up as a part of my family account so I can lock certain apps and websites when he signs in. But this was undoubtedly user error, nothing to blame the laptop for.
It’s like any Windows laptop. No “kid” skin to speak of, it’s a full fledged Windows laptop through and through. I will say that I had issues setting up my son’s account, which I set up as a part of my family account so I can lock certain apps and websites when he signs in. But this was undoubtedly user error, nothing to blame the laptop for.
I will add that I use an Alienware as my desktop, and it comes full of bloatware (some helpful, others I never use). I was happy to see the Geobook comes with no bloatware. Which is a good thing given its limited storage space and computational power.
USE AND PERFORMANCE
In the world of QHD, 4K, and even 8K, a lot of people might balk at this laptop’s screen resolution. I’m here to say that it’s just fine. I’m not just saying that because a young kid might not care or know any better, but even using it myself, the 1366X768 resolution is just fine for everyday tasks and school work (and light gaming). My only complaint about the screen was that it came with a dead pixel. It is only noticeable when the screen is on and completely black, but in day-to-day use, I don’t see it at all.
In the world of QHD, 4K, and even 8K, a lot of people might balk at this laptop’s screen resolution. I’m here to say that it’s just fine. I’m not just saying that because a young kid might not care or know any better, but even using it myself, the 1366X768 resolution is just fine for everyday tasks and school work (and light gaming). My only complaint about the screen was that it came with a dead pixel. It is only noticeable when the screen is on and completely black, but in day-to-day use, I don’t see it at all.
The 64 GB hard drive however, is a bit more difficult to swallow. Windows 10 itself takes up a bulk of that space. Putting movies, videos, pictures, maybe some games, will eat up the hard drive space quickly. My kid doesn’t edit videos, photos or play large games (think Call of Duty) so the lack of storage isn’t a big concern (at least for now). I like that it is expandable via microSD. I’m comfortable upgrading HDDs in a laptop and wouldn’t have minded the ability to do so here, but for my kid who doesn’t know what bleeding edge tech looks like, the relatively slower speeds of a microSD card compared to high end SSD isn’t an issue.
It also only has 4 GB of RAM, which when you think about it, isn’t a lot since most newer phones have at least that much. But when your kid is browsing the web, watching YouTube videos, doing Google Classwork or even playing Minecraft or Roblox, there is virtually no performance hiccups. I haven’t opened a bunch of tabs or opened programs to really stress it, but I can tell you that day-to-day use (and having heard no complaints from my son about slowdowns, etc., the 4 GB of RAM is more than adequate for this laptop.
I mentioned gaming. My son plays Roblox and it runs just fine on this laptop. So does Minecraft. I don’t let my kids play high end games (like GTA or Call of Duty) so I don’t see a reason to install it and test its capabilities, but I’m certain for AAA games it won’t run them very well. But again, for what this laptop is, that’s perfectly ok.
BATTERY LIFE
I have to mention the battery life. It’s great. It has close to 15 hours of battery life. I’m certain its’ the Intel Celeron processor combined with the low resolution screen that helps it last that long. For kids who aren’t accustomed to charging their electronics regularly, this can be extremely helpful.
I have to mention the battery life. It’s great. It has close to 15 hours of battery life. I’m certain its’ the Intel Celeron processor combined with the low resolution screen that helps it last that long. For kids who aren’t accustomed to charging their electronics regularly, this can be extremely helpful.
CONCLUSION
This is a terrific laptop for what it is. A budget laptop for kids. It seems durable (although we haven’t really dropped it, etc., so I can’t say how it would hold up to kids handling it long term). It has everything they need and it’s Windows. Obviously Google Classroom will work through Chrome, which, if your kid does NTI from home is a plus. While I like Chromebooks, I do prefer Windows and having a budget Chromebook-ish Windows laptop for my kids is better (in my opinion).
This is a terrific laptop for what it is. A budget laptop for kids. It seems durable (although we haven’t really dropped it, etc., so I can’t say how it would hold up to kids handling it long term). It has everything they need and it’s Windows. Obviously Google Classroom will work through Chrome, which, if your kid does NTI from home is a plus. While I like Chromebooks, I do prefer Windows and having a budget Chromebook-ish Windows laptop for my kids is better (in my opinion).
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+55points
62out of 69found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Digipower - RGB On Camera - Portable Video Light with Built-in 4000mAh Powerbank - 21 Lighting Effects, 3200K-5600K - LCD Screen
Capture professional-grade pictures and videos with this Digipower RGB multimode LED light. A rechargeable battery offers up to 14 hours of use, while 24 brightness settings let you adjust the light to capture perfect shots. This Digipower RGB multimode LED light supports vertical and horizontal mounting for a customized setup.
High Quality and Versatile
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
on August 12, 2021
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
I was expecting this light to be cheap and made of plastic. But I was completely wrong. The light itself is the size of a large phone (albeit, heavier), made of metal and extremely well built. It’s versatile in that it produces a broad range of lighting colors (vs. just a white light), brightness, and it can even charge your phone. Not to mention that it’s dead simple to use. If you are in the market for a light for video/photography (DSLR or phone) you should definitely consider this light.
IN THE BOX
You get the light itself, and a USB charging cable, as well as (I guess I’ll call it) an adapter that screws into the light so that you can mount it to the hot shoe in your DSLR.
You get the light itself, and a USB charging cable, as well as (I guess I’ll call it) an adapter that screws into the light so that you can mount it to the hot shoe in your DSLR.
EASE OF USE
It came charged up, (at least for me), but I plugged it in anyway. It took about 30 minutes to be completely charged. Turning it on is simple, there’s a hard switch on the top of it. When it’s on, the screen on the back is luminated which gives you a battery indicator, tells you how long it will last until the battery dies, and then it tells you the hue and brightness.
It came charged up, (at least for me), but I plugged it in anyway. It took about 30 minutes to be completely charged. Turning it on is simple, there’s a hard switch on the top of it. When it’s on, the screen on the back is luminated which gives you a battery indicator, tells you how long it will last until the battery dies, and then it tells you the hue and brightness.
I have to admit, the hue is presented in degrees, and as a camera novice, it didn’t mean much to me at first. But when you use the buttons on the right side of the light to adjust the hue, it changes the colors (as well as the percentage). For me, it ended up being trial and error. The light ranges from red, to yellow to green and more. I simply adjusted the settings to achieve the color that I felt best for what I was doing. And then obviously you can adjust the brightness, which is a plus and minus button immediately below the hue settings.
I make a lot of stop action movies at home with my kids (we are very much amateurs) and the light really came in handy. It’s portable, so you don’t have to keep it plugged in, and the different lights helped us create different vibes in our movies which we couldn’t do before. We’ve used it outside at night, and it worked great. It’s extremely bright.
MISC
The product description life says it can last 14 hours, but after I charged it up, it said it would last 2.5 hours. So I'm not sure what that's about. While I didn’t run the battery down in a straight 2.5 hours, I was able to charge it up, then use it at different times over the course of a week without issue. I don't know if the 14 hours rating is for the lowest brightness settings or what. I didn’t use it as an external battery pack, but I always appreciate flexibility in devices (I generally wouldn’t carry this light without a phone charger). And some people might use this light to record with videos on their phone, where this feature would be more handy.
The product description life says it can last 14 hours, but after I charged it up, it said it would last 2.5 hours. So I'm not sure what that's about. While I didn’t run the battery down in a straight 2.5 hours, I was able to charge it up, then use it at different times over the course of a week without issue. I don't know if the 14 hours rating is for the lowest brightness settings or what. I didn’t use it as an external battery pack, but I always appreciate flexibility in devices (I generally wouldn’t carry this light without a phone charger). And some people might use this light to record with videos on their phone, where this feature would be more handy.
You can adjust the light so it is horizontal or vertical. Meaning the adapter that attaches to your DSLR (or equivalent) can attach to the long spine or the shorter ends. I’m not sure why this matters, but I’m sure for some that know way more than me it might.
CONCLUSION
All in all, this is a well-built device with a lot of different color and brightness options that makes it extremely versatile.
All in all, this is a well-built device with a lot of different color and brightness options that makes it extremely versatile.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Share this review:
WD - BLACK SN850 500GB Internal Gaming SSD PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe
The future of gaming has arrived with the WD_BLACK™ SN850 NVMe™ SSD. Long load times are obsolete with PCIe® Gen4 technology, reaching up to 7,000MB/s read speed and up to 4,100MB/s write speed. Spend more time playing and less time deleting, storing your latest and favorite games with 500GB capacity (not intended for NAS or server environments). This WD_Black internal SSD has a compact form factor and a PCIe Gen4 interface for compatibility with select PCs or laptops.
Terrific performance, worthy upgrade
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
on August 3, 2021
I feel like it’s pretty common knowledge at this point, but upgrading the hard drive in your computer is one of the easiest ways to improve performance. When moving from spinning HDDs to 2.5 inch SSDs you would see a marked improvement. Now, when moving from a 2.5 inch SSD to M.2 PCIe 4, there’s an even greater performance boost. If you can swing it (both financially and in terms of the computer you have), putting this Western Digital drive in your computer can offer tangible and noticeable improvements in your computer (especially for PC gaming). The load times for games and even processing video editing is an improvement over my “slower” (and smaller) M.2.
INSTALLATION
While I imagine most people who are shopping for this drive have replaced their hard drives before, I do want to at least mention the process for those that are new to PC upgrades and are looking to improve their computer’s performance.
While I imagine most people who are shopping for this drive have replaced their hard drives before, I do want to at least mention the process for those that are new to PC upgrades and are looking to improve their computer’s performance.
First, you need to check compatibility. Unfortunately, that’s very much dependent on your computer. Let’s assume this WD drive is compatible with your computer. Next, will you be replacing your existing hard drive or using it as a secondary drive? Assuming your PC has two M.2 slots (mine does) I would make this WD drive your main drive (the one with Windows on it) and use your existing one as a secondary drive.
If you have an open M.2 bay, the transfer process is relatively straightforward. But if you don’t, you’ll need some kind of USB device to plug your new WD drive into your computer’s USB port.
Either option you choose, you will need to download Western Digital’s Acronis software. It will allow you to mirror your bootable drive. Once it’s mirrored, all you do is put it in the computer and remove the old one.
PERFORMANCE
You can find more details about benchmarks and other data points about this drive’s performance on other sites. Based on real world performance, all I can say is that you won’t be disappointed. Whether it’s just booting up or loading a game the speeds are truly remarkable. I loaded Halo Master Chief Collection on my Acer Nitro 5 (which to be honest, was no slouch to begin with) and it loaded and I was off playing in no time.
You can find more details about benchmarks and other data points about this drive’s performance on other sites. Based on real world performance, all I can say is that you won’t be disappointed. Whether it’s just booting up or loading a game the speeds are truly remarkable. I loaded Halo Master Chief Collection on my Acer Nitro 5 (which to be honest, was no slouch to begin with) and it loaded and I was off playing in no time.
I edit family videos for fun, and I am able to render 4K movies in significantly less time than before. I can’t necessarily quantify it, but it’s noticeable, which is what matters to me.
Honestly on day-to-day tasks such as drafting Word documents, creating spreadsheets, video calls, surfing the web, I can see the difference in performance. It’s not night and day (from my older M.2) but it’s appreciable. And I’m certain if you were coming from a spinning hard drive or SSD 2.5 inch, it would be night and day (although I’m skeptical if your computer has a spinning HDD if it’s motherboard could support the faster speeds).
MISCELLANEOUS
One thing I wanted to mention is the WD Black dashboard program. I was unaware of it until I happened to stumble upon it. It wasn’t something that caught my attention in the packaging (assuming it says anything about it). But the WD Black Dashboard is a handy tool to check out the performance and health of your drive. It also monitors the temperature (which can be a big deal, as this drive can supposedly get pretty hot). It’s also where you can update the firmware (I didn’t know there was such a thing for HDDs, but when I first opened the program it said I needed to update the firmware in my brand new drive). It’s also where you can toggle the “gaming mode” on. This supposedly increases performance for gaming loads. It’s not a program you’ll be opening frequently, but it’s nice to periodically check on the status of your drive, namely the firmware, temperature and its health.
One thing I wanted to mention is the WD Black dashboard program. I was unaware of it until I happened to stumble upon it. It wasn’t something that caught my attention in the packaging (assuming it says anything about it). But the WD Black Dashboard is a handy tool to check out the performance and health of your drive. It also monitors the temperature (which can be a big deal, as this drive can supposedly get pretty hot). It’s also where you can update the firmware (I didn’t know there was such a thing for HDDs, but when I first opened the program it said I needed to update the firmware in my brand new drive). It’s also where you can toggle the “gaming mode” on. This supposedly increases performance for gaming loads. It’s not a program you’ll be opening frequently, but it’s nice to periodically check on the status of your drive, namely the firmware, temperature and its health.
PS5. As a PS5 owner, I have to mention that this drive is listed as being compatible for the PS5 (as an internal HDD). WITH THE CAVEAT that this model doesn’t have a heat sink. Sony tells you that you should only install a M.2 compatible drive into your PS5 with a heat sink, but you can buy an aftermarket heatsink for like 10 bucks and attach it. Just know that it is cleared to work with your PS5.
CONCLUSION
As a big fan of new tech, and someone who is pretty knowledgeable about PCs (even there are many more people out there with more expertise than I), the biggest endorsement I can give this drive is that it just works and the performance boost is noticeable. If you game, or any type of video editing or photo editing, things that demand a fast read-write speeds, you will benefit from the new generation of M.2 drives.
As a big fan of new tech, and someone who is pretty knowledgeable about PCs (even there are many more people out there with more expertise than I), the biggest endorsement I can give this drive is that it just works and the performance boost is noticeable. If you game, or any type of video editing or photo editing, things that demand a fast read-write speeds, you will benefit from the new generation of M.2 drives.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
eufy Security Smart Wi-Fi 2k Video Doorbell with Chime is a battery powered (or wired- you choose) video doorbell that is the perfect protection for your home. With no monthly fee, enjoy 2K resolution so that you can see who is at your door, clearly. Talk to them via the 2-way mic, and be alerted when a human is at the door instead of the neighborhood dog. IP65 Weatherproof Ensures the Video Doorbell camera continues to operate in extreme temperatures from minus 4°F to 122° F (minus 20°C to 50°C). Installation is easy. No need to mess around with complicated wiring, self-installation in minutes. Wireless Video Doorbell camera will also work with old chimes.
Terrific Value
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
on July 27, 2021
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
Who says good security cameras have to be expensive? The market is flooded with home security cameras/lights, etc. Most are either really pricey (Arlo) or require a subscription service (Simplisafe). For most people, I’d like to think there is a middle area where you don’t necessarily want a monitoring service, but don’t want to pay out of the ear for security cameras. In comes Eufy. Eufy is an Anker brand, who is mostly known for its charging cables and adapters (which are great). So it’s a company you can trust. With all that being said, I found the Eufy camera to be pretty impressive and worthy of your attention.
IN THE BOX
You get the doorbell camera, Wi-Fi chime that plugs into an outlet, wires (in case your house already has wiring), charging cable (micro-USB), two mounting brackets (one can put the doorbell at a 15 degree angle), some security stickers and mounting hardware. You also get a microSD card which is already installed in the chime itself.
You get the doorbell camera, Wi-Fi chime that plugs into an outlet, wires (in case your house already has wiring), charging cable (micro-USB), two mounting brackets (one can put the doorbell at a 15 degree angle), some security stickers and mounting hardware. You also get a microSD card which is already installed in the chime itself.
SETUP
I judge security systems, or really any home networking or smart home device, by their ease of setup and integration into your existing system. If this is your first smart home device, then you’re golden. And even if you have a house full of Alexa or Google Speakers, you’ll be just ok, as the doorbell integrates well with both (I use Google Home).
I judge security systems, or really any home networking or smart home device, by their ease of setup and integration into your existing system. If this is your first smart home device, then you’re golden. And even if you have a house full of Alexa or Google Speakers, you’ll be just ok, as the doorbell integrates well with both (I use Google Home).
The instructions are well thought out, both in print and the app. It took me all of 10 minutes to be up and running. The only snag was naming the chime, that failed. I eventually “cancelled” the setup process and kept the device’s name.
So the first step is downloading the app, and signing in. Then you can follow the prompts. You plug in and connect your chime. It gives you recommendations on where to place it in your house. It’s relatively small but does stick out from the wall a couple of inches. After that’s connected (which only requires you to take a picture of the QR code), you then connect the doorbell. Then the app walks you through mounting, asking you a few questions about your front porch and suggesting where to place it for maximum motion detection. You get a nice sticker that you can use to attach to your wall and lets you easily figure out where to drill your holes for the mount.
Now your setup could be a little more involved if you use wiring, which my house didn’t have, so I used the battery. Using the battery did require me to charge the doorbell first. I very much appreciate the built in rechargeable battery vs. wasting double A batteries. Charging really doesn’t take long.
But once you connect the two devices to your app, attach the mount to the wall, the doorbell just snaps in. It’s really secure and the only way to take it off the wall is to use a small metal pin (one is included in the box). Of course someone could steal it, but if your device is charged you’ll catch them in the act. I don’t think there’s much to worry about there.
REAL WORLD USE
So in addition to ease of setup and use, it also matters how well it works. I think the Eufy doorbell works great. Great footage and the motion detection is accurate. If someone walks within about 15 feet of your doorbell, it will detect motion and an alert will be sent to your phone. It’s default setting is to record 60 seconds of the event (although it can be adjusted). You can watch it live at any time.
So in addition to ease of setup and use, it also matters how well it works. I think the Eufy doorbell works great. Great footage and the motion detection is accurate. If someone walks within about 15 feet of your doorbell, it will detect motion and an alert will be sent to your phone. It’s default setting is to record 60 seconds of the event (although it can be adjusted). You can watch it live at any time.
It will also sent an alert to your phone when someone rings the doorbell (as well as the chime ringing) so you know someone is at the door. You might ask, why would I need that if it detects motion? But if your phone isn’t nearby to alert you to the motion or ring, you can hear it inside the house.
The Eufy is billed as 2K, but it doesn’t really stream 2K to your phone. Sure, the image is really sharp (more than you really need) but the 2K footage comes into play when you look at it on the computer from the microSD card. And your computer monitor might not be 2K, but the high resolution will allow you to zoom in without losing much detail.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Eufy doorbell has a lot of settings within the app to customize how it works based on your needs. For example, you can turn the volume of both the doorbell and the chime up or down. You can snooze the doorbell’s motion detector if you’re kids are playing in the front yard. You can set it not to detect motion if you’re home and only alert you when the doorbell rings. The app is relatively intuitive, there’s a lot of choices within the menus but they make sense, so it’s easy to navigate. You can set it up within Google Home (through the Google Home app), you can even send video to any smart home devices with screens. So it’s really flexible.
The Eufy doorbell has a lot of settings within the app to customize how it works based on your needs. For example, you can turn the volume of both the doorbell and the chime up or down. You can snooze the doorbell’s motion detector if you’re kids are playing in the front yard. You can set it not to detect motion if you’re home and only alert you when the doorbell rings. The app is relatively intuitive, there’s a lot of choices within the menus but they make sense, so it’s easy to navigate. You can set it up within Google Home (through the Google Home app), you can even send video to any smart home devices with screens. So it’s really flexible.
The only minor downside, is the saving of the footage. You are stuck with the microSD card capacity, which is both a good and bad thing. It’s good because you don’t have to pay any service fees to store it in the cloud. It’s bad because your history is what it is. Generally, if you have reason to check the video you would pop out your card shortly after the event and it will be there. But you won’t be able, to go back in your entire history because the event might have been written over because the card ran out of space. In my opinion, having the option to have the footage secured in your house, in the chime, it’s much better than worrying about the cloud.
Battery life is rated for 6 months, but that depends on the settings. So if you want to maximize security and record 60 seconds of an event when it detects motion, and say it’s detecting motion on a busy street, your battery life might be shorter. But again, this is customizable; there are options within the app to optimize battery life. It’s easy to recharge, but I do worry about the small pin that you use to take it off the mount. It’s easy to lose. Especially when you only have to worry about using it every few months. You could probably find a needle or something else that might do the trick (think the small pin that releases sim cards in phones), but I can see that being a hassle if you misplace it.
CONCLUSION
Eufy has built a reasonably priced doorbell camera that works remarkably well. Not to mention it’s extremely customizable to fit your needs.
Eufy has built a reasonably priced doorbell camera that works remarkably well. Not to mention it’s extremely customizable to fit your needs.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+23points
23out of 23found this review helpful.
Share this review:
APC - Back-UPS Gaming 1500VA - 10 Outlet/3-USB Battery Back-up and Surge Protector - Arctic White
A gaming uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a battery backup for your PC and console. APC Back-UPS™ Pro Gaming keeps you protected, connected, and in the game.
Expensive for limited use, but works very well
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
on July 24, 2021
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
Battery backup aps
I don't want to say that this is a must-have, but it's a good thing to have battery backup if you suffer somewhat frequent power surges like I do. This is billed as a device that will allow you to keep gaming even if the power goes out, but for me if the power is out for an extended period of time I have bigger issues than simply staying online and playing video games.
However, as I said my house seems to suffer frequent power surges which can harm my consoles specifically my PS5. And as you probably know, when the power goes out when your PS5 or PS4 is on and you have extended storage there's always a risk that it will be damaged and it has to rebuild itself after powering back on. So for me, I think this APS gaming battery backup system is a nice addition to have so I don't have to necessarily worry about corrupt data on my hard drives. It works great, but it does have some shortcomings.
For anyone that's not familiar with APS battery backup systems, which are commonly used for computers and servers, they are essentially a fancy surge protector with a built-in battery. They usually have only a select number of outlets available to run off the battery. From my perspective, they aren't really designed to run computers for long periods of time but to give you the opportunity to safely shut down your computer if the power does in fact go out.
IN THE BOX
The first thing you'll notice that this box is extremely heavy. Contained inside is a gigantic device that really looks like a game console. It's extremely heavy and has a power cord built into it. You'll also find a USB data cable that I haven't quite figured out what to do with.
The first thing you'll notice that this box is extremely heavy. Contained inside is a gigantic device that really looks like a game console. It's extremely heavy and has a power cord built into it. You'll also find a USB data cable that I haven't quite figured out what to do with.
SET UP
Getting up and running is pretty simple. Just like any surge protector. You plug in the device into the wall and you plug all of your equipment into the back of the unit. Although I will add that before you use it you do have to plug in one of the power cables to the battery. You have to slide off the side of the device, which is easy to do, then you simply slide the red cable into the battery pack and put the case back together.
Getting up and running is pretty simple. Just like any surge protector. You plug in the device into the wall and you plug all of your equipment into the back of the unit. Although I will add that before you use it you do have to plug in one of the power cables to the battery. You have to slide off the side of the device, which is easy to do, then you simply slide the red cable into the battery pack and put the case back together.
As I said previously, not all of the outlets on the back of the device will be powered by battery in the event The power goes out, those outlets simply act as a surge protector. But I was pleasantly surprised to see how many outlets that can be powered by the battery. There are 10 total outlets which is more than most common search protectors and six of them are connected to the battery while four are simply standard surge protected outlets.
As you could imagine, anything you want to be running on battery power should the power go out should be plugged in one of the six outlets. This device is designed to plug in your router, TV, and game console so that you can stay connected and continue playing games if the power goes out.
SHORTCOMINGS
While my power has yet to go out since I've owned it, and I haven't tested the length of the battery time when the power's out, it's rated for x hours. But again if your power is going to be out for a while you might have other issues than just gaming like your refrigerator. So to me that's not really a big selling point, but I could see it being one for others.
While my power has yet to go out since I've owned it, and I haven't tested the length of the battery time when the power's out, it's rated for x hours. But again if your power is going to be out for a while you might have other issues than just gaming like your refrigerator. So to me that's not really a big selling point, but I could see it being one for others.
The main shortcomings of this device are pretty obvious when you simply look at it. It's pretty darn big, imagine an Xbox 360 but even bigger and a lot heavier. So you have to find space in your setup for this device to sit. And it can only be positioned vertically, not horizontally. So space in your entertainment setup could be one issue. For me, that wasn't much of an issue as I had plenty of cabinets based to hide it but what I did have issues with and this is common with virtually all surge protectors, is the fact that all of the outlets are really close together. If all home entertainment devices had standard three-prong plugs it would not be an issue, but as we all know some devices have large power bricks. For example I use Phillips lighting around my TV and that has a large adapter that takes up two spaces. I also have my router, which also has an extremely wide power adapter. So plugging in those two devices essentially take up four outlets in and of themselves. Of course you can always get small outlet extenders which luckily I have a few, but it's something that you might have to deal with.
DESIGN
I just want to highlight some of the thoughtful design aspects of this device which may not sway anybody who's considering buying it, but I think it does speak to the level of detail that was put into its design. Number one, it has some pretty cool lights and a LCD screen telling you about its status. You can hit a button to cycle the colors of the lights which is cool, and give it a futuristic look. I also really appreciate the lighting on the back of the device where the outlets are. There's a light on the back that illuminates just enough, the location of the plugs so you can see when you're plugging things in should, like me, you place The device in a cabinet or other dark space. This isn't a huge deal as you will probably only plug things in once and be done, but it's a nice little touch. You can cycle through on the display and see the voltage, watts, how much is left in the battery, which is nice but I have to admit that I don't always know what that means. I know what wattage and volts are generally speaking, but It doesn't mean anything to me in the context of having my devices plugged into it.
I just want to highlight some of the thoughtful design aspects of this device which may not sway anybody who's considering buying it, but I think it does speak to the level of detail that was put into its design. Number one, it has some pretty cool lights and a LCD screen telling you about its status. You can hit a button to cycle the colors of the lights which is cool, and give it a futuristic look. I also really appreciate the lighting on the back of the device where the outlets are. There's a light on the back that illuminates just enough, the location of the plugs so you can see when you're plugging things in should, like me, you place The device in a cabinet or other dark space. This isn't a huge deal as you will probably only plug things in once and be done, but it's a nice little touch. You can cycle through on the display and see the voltage, watts, how much is left in the battery, which is nice but I have to admit that I don't always know what that means. I know what wattage and volts are generally speaking, but It doesn't mean anything to me in the context of having my devices plugged into it.
CONCLUSION
If you're someone with frequent power surges where your power might go out for just a few brief moments, or if you're someone who is concerned about your electronics being damaged by power surges, or if you are a person that just wants to be prepared for all circumstances and be able to game when the power goes out, this is something that's definitely worth considering. But for the average person who isn't concerned about those types of issues, it's a pretty pricey surge protector. Not to mention that you will at some point have to replace the battery, and while I don't know how expensive that is, I imagine it's not cheap.
If you're someone with frequent power surges where your power might go out for just a few brief moments, or if you're someone who is concerned about your electronics being damaged by power surges, or if you are a person that just wants to be prepared for all circumstances and be able to game when the power goes out, this is something that's definitely worth considering. But for the average person who isn't concerned about those types of issues, it's a pretty pricey surge protector. Not to mention that you will at some point have to replace the battery, and while I don't know how expensive that is, I imagine it's not cheap.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: True
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Tweezerman - Baby Nail Clipper & File Set - Green/Grey
Shorten, shape, and smooth baby nails with Tweezerman's Baby Nail Clipper and Nail File Set. Designed with safety in mind, this nail clipper and file are gentle on tiny fingers and toes.
Easy to use; but pricier than alternatives
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
on June 22, 2021
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
Tweezerman is (I think) a relatively new company specializing in high end manicuring devices, notably, tweezers. (and other items). But they have recently made a baby manicure set that is worth trying if you have little ones.
If you’ve ever cut a baby/toddler’s nails, you know it can be a harrowing process. Kids won’t sit still, they have tiny fingers and toes that require precision, and heaven forbid if you hit skin, they scream. And don’t get me started on cheap clippers. Baby’s nails are extremely thin and if you don’t have a good sharp clipper, it can make the process more cumbersome.
Bottomline is that baby manicuring is something that is important and doesn’t get enough attention. The Tweezerman clippers are something you didn’t know you needed. The baby clippers are large and sturdy and frankly, well put together. The top hinge when in use doesn’t swivel to the side, and it’s large enough to fit comfortably in your hand. The blades are sharp and make precise cuts. There’s also little overlap in the blades. What I mean by that, traditional clippers can go underneath the nail and if you’re not careful can push on that sensitive part of the skin under a kiddo’s nails. The Tweezerman version has plastic protecting the blade from going underneath the blade. What’s that mean? It ensures you won’t be jamming the bottom of the clipper blade too far underneath the kiddo’s nail. This works both ways, longer nails of say, a 5 year old, might require an extra snip, but it’s worth the trade off because my boys no longer complain that “it hurts” when I clip their nails.
And the file is thick and sturdy and really helps eliminate the jagged edges of baby nails (which can get surprisingly sharp).I didn’t used to file my kids’ nails, as clipping them was torturous enough for me and my kids, but filing them down smooth to remove sharp edges is painless and something I wish I did sooner.
Bottomline is that it’s a good purchase. It’s a little pricey, sure, but they work extremely well.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Pixel Buds A-Series bring you rich, high-quality sound for a lot less than you’d expect. Their beamforming mics help make calls crystal clear.*** The flush-to-ear design is stylish, and the stabilizer arc keeps them in place so you can wear them even during the sweatiest workout.**
A must buy for Pixel Phone Owners
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
on June 22, 2021
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
I own a Pixel 4XL and the Pixel Buds A Series are my new favorite earbuds. You can find better sounding earbuds with active noise canceling (Sony) but the price point, built in Google Assistant, and ease of use/pairing makes this a must have for Pixel Owners.
IN THE BOX
It’s a tiny box, you get the charging case with two ear buds, three sizes of tips (the medium size are already on the ear buds) and a USB-C to USB-A cable. Note that the case does not have wireless charging.
It’s a tiny box, you get the charging case with two ear buds, three sizes of tips (the medium size are already on the ear buds) and a USB-C to USB-A cable. Note that the case does not have wireless charging.
DESIGN
I just want to briefly mention the design, both of the case and the ear buds themselves. The case is made of plastic that has some grip to it. Meaning it doesn’t feel “slippery.” The case is pretty small, about the size of a Tic Tac container. The ear buds themselves are pretty small, with a small rubber hook that doesn’t come off that I personally like because it helps them stay secure in my ears. I found the Pixel Buds to be comfortable to wear for hours at a time.
I just want to briefly mention the design, both of the case and the ear buds themselves. The case is made of plastic that has some grip to it. Meaning it doesn’t feel “slippery.” The case is pretty small, about the size of a Tic Tac container. The ear buds themselves are pretty small, with a small rubber hook that doesn’t come off that I personally like because it helps them stay secure in my ears. I found the Pixel Buds to be comfortable to wear for hours at a time.
EASE OF USE
Bluetooth has been around so long, I feel pretty comfortable pairing anything with my phone/computer. That said, pairing the Pixel Buds A Series was incredibly easy (I’ve never used Airpods, but I’m confident it’s a similar process). Just having taken the earbuds out of the box, I simply flipped open the top lid, pulled out the ear buds, and almost immediately I got a notification on my Pixel to pair my headphones. It was that easy.
Bluetooth has been around so long, I feel pretty comfortable pairing anything with my phone/computer. That said, pairing the Pixel Buds A Series was incredibly easy (I’ve never used Airpods, but I’m confident it’s a similar process). Just having taken the earbuds out of the box, I simply flipped open the top lid, pulled out the ear buds, and almost immediately I got a notification on my Pixel to pair my headphones. It was that easy.
Even better than that, they pair instantaneously every time you take them out of the case. I’ve had other earbuds that sometimes pair immediately when I take them out of the case, other times I have to cycle Bluetooth on/off and sometimes even re-pair them. Not with the Pixel Buds. They simply work every time.
FEATURES
I mentioned earlier that the case doesn’t have wireless charging like last year’s Pixel Buds model. To me, that is not a big deal. The surface of the Pixel Buds have touch sensitive controls. Much has been made that you can’t control the volume, you can only tap it to stop tracks, double-tap to advance a track and three taps to go back. I’ve always found it hard to use touch controls on earbuds, they just aren’t always responsive. While you can’t control the volume from the Pixel Buds themselves, I found the controls to pause, advance tracks, etc. to be extremely responsive. I’ll take limited functionality (which can be difficult to memorize and use if it’s too complicated) for having features that work every time.
I mentioned earlier that the case doesn’t have wireless charging like last year’s Pixel Buds model. To me, that is not a big deal. The surface of the Pixel Buds have touch sensitive controls. Much has been made that you can’t control the volume, you can only tap it to stop tracks, double-tap to advance a track and three taps to go back. I’ve always found it hard to use touch controls on earbuds, they just aren’t always responsive. While you can’t control the volume from the Pixel Buds themselves, I found the controls to pause, advance tracks, etc. to be extremely responsive. I’ll take limited functionality (which can be difficult to memorize and use if it’s too complicated) for having features that work every time.
Google Assistant is also extremely responsive and frankly, I dig it a lot. I don’t always use it, but when you say “Hey, Google” with the Pixel Buds on, it activates the assistant and you can ask Google to do anything you would ask a Google Nest or your phone (i.e. ask for the news, weather, control lights, play a song, etc.). This is extremely helpful when you’re doing yard work or some other activity that makes accessing your phone difficult.
When you take an earbud out, say someone walks up to you and starts talking, the music just pauses. Then, when you put it back in, the music automatically resumes. This worked for me each and every time.
Battery life is also on par with what you’d expect. 5 hours on a full charge, with the ability to charge the earbuds in the case 4-5 more times. Honestly, I’ve never used them 5 hours straight, so I can’t say they actually make it that far, but I think you’d be hard pressed to wear them on a full charge and complain they didn’t last long enough.
They also have some water resistance. I went running with them and they came out no worse for the wear. And even better, they didn’t fall out or even come loose. I was never concerned that they would fall out.
I just want to mention that I heard the older model Pixel Buds suffered from audio connection issues. Meaning they would cut out. I didn’t own those so I can’t validate those concerns, but in the time I’ve owned the Pixel Buds A Series, they’ve yet to drop out even once. Although I admittedly kept my phone in my pocket when I used it; I’ve never walked away from my phone to see how they would work in that scenario.
SOUND QUALITY
Last but certainly not least, the sound quality. These Pixel Buds don’t have deep bass, but they make up for it with sound accuracy and clarity. I listen to podcasts, audiobooks and all types of music. I found the quality to be pretty solid. The only drawback is that the Pixel Buds let in a lot of noise. So if you’re walking on a sidewalk near a busy road, you’re going to hear background noise (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing). When there’s a lot of ambient noise, I found the music to be a little muted. But all-in-all, the sound quality is pretty darn good.
Last but certainly not least, the sound quality. These Pixel Buds don’t have deep bass, but they make up for it with sound accuracy and clarity. I listen to podcasts, audiobooks and all types of music. I found the quality to be pretty solid. The only drawback is that the Pixel Buds let in a lot of noise. So if you’re walking on a sidewalk near a busy road, you’re going to hear background noise (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing). When there’s a lot of ambient noise, I found the music to be a little muted. But all-in-all, the sound quality is pretty darn good.
CONCLUSION
These are must haves for Pixel phone owners and deserve serious consideration for Android users. I can’t say the same for Apple iPhones, but when you combine the sound quality, price, built in Google Assistant, you have a great value. And like I’ve mentioned before, at least speaking from a Pixel phone owner’s perspective, they just simply work, and that means a lot.
These are must haves for Pixel phone owners and deserve serious consideration for Android users. I can’t say the same for Apple iPhones, but when you combine the sound quality, price, built in Google Assistant, you have a great value. And like I’ve mentioned before, at least speaking from a Pixel phone owner’s perspective, they just simply work, and that means a lot.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+11points
17out of 23found this review helpful.
Share this review:
ASUS - ROG 13.4" Touchscreen Gaming Laptop - AMD Ryzen 9 - 16GB Memory - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti V4G Graphics - 1TB SSD
ASUS ROG Gaming Laptop. Enjoy everyday gaming with this ASUS notebook PC. The AMD Ryzen 9 processor and 16GB of RAM let you run graphics-heavy games smoothly, while the potent NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti V4G graphics produce high-quality visuals on the 13.4-inch WUXGA Touchscreen display. This ASUS notebook PC has 1TD SSD that shortens load times and offers ample storage.
Nearly perfect ultra portable
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
on June 15, 2021
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
I’m a traveling professional who likes to play video games. I’m a little late to the PC gaming scene, but I’ve been enjoying it after investing in a several year old Alienware desktop and several year old Acer Nitro 5. It goes without saying that gaming laptops can’t replace desktop, but man, for me, someone who travels a lot with a laptop, this ASUS simply can’t be beat for the money. I can’t comment on all gaming laptops and compare one to another, but if you are in the market, ASUS demands your attention.
I’ve owned an older Alienware desktop, and have an Acer Nitro 5 for travel. This new Asus is now my go to. The Nitro is nice, but the NVIDIA GTX card was outdated (relatively speaking). And, it was pretty thick (not unbearably though). I haven’t tried the Razer Blade 13 inch, but I’d have to imagine the ASUS is the functional equivalent. Plus, the ASUS gives you the 360 degree hinge (which I’ll admit, isn’t a huge deal to me). The only downside is the limited number of USB ports, but it at least has a full size HDMI 2.1 port.
IN THE BOX
Not much. The laptop and USB charger. Some models I’ve heard come with a stylus and a sleeve, not this one. I’m okay without the stylus, but I’d like a sleeve. But no big deal.
Not much. The laptop and USB charger. Some models I’ve heard come with a stylus and a sleeve, not this one. I’m okay without the stylus, but I’d like a sleeve. But no big deal.
SPECS
I won’t go over the specs in detail, Best Buy’s website is better for that. But know that it has two GPUs, an iGPU (AMD Ryzen integrated) for low power consumption. Obviously the RTX 3050 kicks in when you’re gaming, the iGPU integrated graphics kicks in when doing basic computing tasks. The screen is also full HD with 120 hz. While I’m a guy who always wants the highest resolution, 1080p on a 13 inch screen is more than sufficient. And the high refresh rate on the screen makes everything silky smooth, not just games.
I won’t go over the specs in detail, Best Buy’s website is better for that. But know that it has two GPUs, an iGPU (AMD Ryzen integrated) for low power consumption. Obviously the RTX 3050 kicks in when you’re gaming, the iGPU integrated graphics kicks in when doing basic computing tasks. The screen is also full HD with 120 hz. While I’m a guy who always wants the highest resolution, 1080p on a 13 inch screen is more than sufficient. And the high refresh rate on the screen makes everything silky smooth, not just games.
GAMING
As a casual PC gamer (meaning I don’t build my own PCs, and don’t do my own upgrades) who plays a broad range of games and generally lets the computer tell me what the best graphics settings are, I found the ASUS to handle everything I could throw at it. I played Cyberpunk 2077, Far Cry 5, and NBA 2K21, with a splash of Anno 1800. I let the computer pick the default graphics settings and I was pleasantly surprised. When gaming I used a Logitech gaming mouse and an Xbox controller (for NBA 2K).
As a casual PC gamer (meaning I don’t build my own PCs, and don’t do my own upgrades) who plays a broad range of games and generally lets the computer tell me what the best graphics settings are, I found the ASUS to handle everything I could throw at it. I played Cyberpunk 2077, Far Cry 5, and NBA 2K21, with a splash of Anno 1800. I let the computer pick the default graphics settings and I was pleasantly surprised. When gaming I used a Logitech gaming mouse and an Xbox controller (for NBA 2K).
I thought the RTX looked great, as good, or almost as good as the new generation of consoles. Of course, you’re playing on a smaller screen, but in having such a small laptop, that’s a tradeoff I’m willing to take. Not to mention the HDMI 2.1 port. I plugged in my Dell 27 inch gaming PC and I was able to run most games at QHD resolution on higher settings (with the higher refresh rate) and was, again, pleasantly surprised at the quality. I thought there would be some sacrifices and I’m sure there are when compared to a dedicated desktop PC with desktop grade graphics card but for the most part, the RTX card in the ASUS is all you need in most cases. The higher refresh rate is something you don’t know you need until you see it. It truly makes a huge difference in all games, not just competitive FPS. I really enjoyed playing Cyberpunk on this laptop and thought the game looked better than my several year old Alienware.
GENERAL LAPTOP USE
I dabble in video editing, mostly home movies of my kids captured on drones and GoPros. I found the ASUS to handle that well. It didn’t slow down much, if at all, when editing 4K videos. Of course, it’s not as quick as a desktop and I much prefer editing on a larger screen, nonetheless it’s more than capable of handling those types of tasks.
I dabble in video editing, mostly home movies of my kids captured on drones and GoPros. I found the ASUS to handle that well. It didn’t slow down much, if at all, when editing 4K videos. Of course, it’s not as quick as a desktop and I much prefer editing on a larger screen, nonetheless it’s more than capable of handling those types of tasks.
In terms of normal day-to-day computing, obviously this machine can handle it without problems. From web browsing, to video chat, to creating Excel spreadsheets and Word documents, it does great. And I can say the 16:10 ratio is particularly nice in having windows side-by-side. It’s not much more screen real estate, but at 13 inches, every little bit counts.
I found the battery life to be superb. I went nearly a week of general computer use without having to charge it. Obviously, gaming will knock the battery life down considerably.
KEYBOARD
You can’t really discuss a laptop without mentioning the keyboard. I type on a computer for work everyday, so the typing experience is a big deal to me. I prefer my mechanical keyboard, but you obviously don’t have the luxury of having a separate keyboard when traveling. In any event, this keyboard is pleasant to type on. It’s got plenty of travel and has a nice “clicky” sound/feeling that is satisfying to use (and not too loud to bother others. It doesn’t replace my mechanical keyboard on my desktop but it’s great for a laptop.
You can’t really discuss a laptop without mentioning the keyboard. I type on a computer for work everyday, so the typing experience is a big deal to me. I prefer my mechanical keyboard, but you obviously don’t have the luxury of having a separate keyboard when traveling. In any event, this keyboard is pleasant to type on. It’s got plenty of travel and has a nice “clicky” sound/feeling that is satisfying to use (and not too loud to bother others. It doesn’t replace my mechanical keyboard on my desktop but it’s great for a laptop.
QUIRKS
I would be remiss to not mention some of the little quirks of this machine, or drawbacks. But they’re not really drawbacks per se, some are just limitations of any 13 inch thin laptop. The first is the fingerprint reader. I found it abysmal. I set it up when I started my computer but it recognizes my fingerprint maybe 10 percent of the time. I don’t even use it anymore. It’s on the power button, which I don’t mind, but it’s so unresponsive I wonder why it’s even there.
I would be remiss to not mention some of the little quirks of this machine, or drawbacks. But they’re not really drawbacks per se, some are just limitations of any 13 inch thin laptop. The first is the fingerprint reader. I found it abysmal. I set it up when I started my computer but it recognizes my fingerprint maybe 10 percent of the time. I don’t even use it anymore. It’s on the power button, which I don’t mind, but it’s so unresponsive I wonder why it’s even there.
Ports. I know this is a small gaming laptop, but there are only 3 ports. HDMI, USB-C and your standard USB-A. There is a spot for ASUS’ proprietary docking cable, which is suited for the base model of this laptop (so you can plug in the RTX card to an external graphics unit). But for this particular model it ends up taking space that could have been used for an additional USB port. Obviously there’s little utility in plugging in another laptop RTX card in the external port when one is built in. But I digress. The biggest issue with the lack of ports is that you need the USB-C to charge it. So when you’re gaming, there goes one of the USB ports.
I need to mention that this is a 360 laptop so the screen flips all the way around. Like I said, that’s cool and I guess it’s nice to have, but I rarely use that feature. I do very much appreciate the touch screen as I generally use it when scrolling through documents/web pages. And it’s extremely responsive. Had this come with a stylus, I might have found myself doodling on it, but without that, I find it’s use as a tablet extremely limited (mostly due to limitations in Windows itself.)
CONCLUSION
All-in-all, this is my new favorite computer and easily replaces my 15 inch Acer Nitro. Not only because of the better GPU, but the size, build quality, and frankly all around package, is much more useful to me. From gaming, to work, this computer can handle it all. Like I said, if you are in the market for a small laptop, that travels well AND can handle most PC games on higher settings, this is one to seriously consider. Thus far I’ve found very little to not like.
All-in-all, this is my new favorite computer and easily replaces my 15 inch Acer Nitro. Not only because of the better GPU, but the size, build quality, and frankly all around package, is much more useful to me. From gaming, to work, this computer can handle it all. Like I said, if you are in the market for a small laptop, that travels well AND can handle most PC games on higher settings, this is one to seriously consider. Thus far I’ve found very little to not like.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
0points
8out of 16found this review helpful.
Share this review:
JLab - JBuddies Studio Pro Over-Ear Headphones - Black
Great for older kids with a large, over-ear design, the JBuddies Pro offer the ultimate focus for home or school. With all day comfort and a volume regulator to keep young ears safe, these headphones are perfect for sensitve and growing kids ears.
Great kid headphones with volume limiter
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
on June 2, 2021
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
These are great little headphones that are made for kids. They sound pretty good to me, although they don’t fit on my head, and my kid doesn’t complain and frankly, thinks they’re awesome. They’re at a great price point too, and make long car rides more bearable than having a tablet/game system blasting noise into the car on a long drive. I wish the audio cable was a bit longer, it’s surprisingly short, but admittedly, it hasn’t stopped by kid from being able to use them.
These are no frills kids headphones. They don’t have noise cancelling, but they do have a mic built in with a convenient mute button. My kid doesn’t use them to chat yet, but they’re nice to have in the event he needs it. But what is important is what’s built inside the ear cup. Don’t tell your kids, but there’s a volume limiter switch that limits how loud the volume is, which is perfect for young ears. Lord knows I listened to music too loud as a kid, and as a parent, it’s nice to see this feature built into the headphones. It’s set at a certain decibel range, but you can switch it to let in a little more volume if you’re in a loud environment.
In terms of build quality, they’re all plastic, so I’m not sure how long they’ll last, but I have to say, for $25 I’m impressed with the quality. They’ve already been dropped a few times and they’re no worse off.
They do fold up, but with ear cups, it doesn’t really save too much space. I wish there was a little travel bag for them but again, a soft bag won’t necessarily prevent any damage when the headphones are being carried in a kids bag with who knows what.
Bottomline, these are solid headphones for kids at a great price, with volume limiter that can give parents peace of mind that their kids’ hearing is protected from loud decibels of competing headphones.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Share this review:
callmeageeth's Questions
callmeageeth has not submitted any questions.
Lucyd - Lyte Titanium Bluetooth Audio Sunglasses - Starman
The Lucyd Starman titanium frames weigh just over an ounce, and with their enhanced flexibility will fit most users out of the box. These patent-pending Bluetooth frames offer a unique mix of durable titanium, designer styling, optional vision correction, and smart features. All Lucyd frames include a 7-day moneyback guarantee and 1-year warranty against any defects in frame or lenses.
What are the glasses capable of?
That's a seemingly broad question, but they connect to any Bluetooth source device and can play music through the speakers embedded in the arms of the glasses. The sound is good based on the open speaker design, so the sound will bleed a little bit. But overall, I like them.
2 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
callmeageeth
eufy Security - Solo Smart Lock Wi-Fi Deadbolt with App/Keypad/Key Access - Black
Feel safe and protected with eufySecurity Solo Smart Lock D20. Securely open your front door with built-in Wi-Fi to only let trusted friends and family enter your home when you allow it. And when you are outside your front door, connect with Bluetooth via the eufy Security app, so you don’t need to fumble for your keys. Solo Smart Lock is tough, too, with stainless steel construction that earned it a BMHA certification. Plus, the IPX3 weatherproof rating ensures it can endure wild temperature swings and heavy rain. Give yourself peace of mind with Solo Smart Lock, and you’ll always feel your home is secure.
Does it come with the lever handle? If not, how can one order the handle shown?
No, it does not come with a lever. You're stuck with what you have, or going to a home improvement store to get one.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
Posted by:
callmeageeth
Beurer - Bluetooth Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor - Silver
Easily track you and your children’s (pediatric use) well-being with the ability to store up to 60 measurements for up to 2 users. A universal cuff is wearable on any wrist large or small. The Beurer BC57 synchronizes with your smartphone via Bluetooth® technology so you can see your readings over time and share with your doctor. It also identifies arrythmia and alerts you of any detections.
How do you change the battery?
Underneath the monitor itself, where it attaches to the wristband, there's a cover you can pop open to replace the AAA batteries.
2 years, 9 months ago
by
Posted by:
callmeageeth
Your SWFT journey starts here. Wherever you’re headed, FLEET will get you there with style, safety, and a fresh design that’ll turn heads as you turn corners. Move ahead of the pack with a SWFT e-bike with a detachable, rechargeable battery. Multiple modes allow you to use pedal-assist or your throttle to propel you forward. With a 19.8 mph max speed, you can travel up to 37.2 miles on a single charge of your battery alone. A built-in monitor display indicates your battery output and speed. Let the journey begin.
Do you have to pedal this bike to make it work?
You have to pedal it to get it going, once you turn the pedal maybe twice, the motor kicks in and it will either assist your pedaling or you can use the throttle
2 years, 9 months ago
by
Posted by:
callmeageeth
Your SWFT journey starts here. Wherever you’re headed, FLEET will get you there with style, safety, and a fresh design that’ll turn heads as you turn corners. Move ahead of the pack with a SWFT e-bike with a detachable, rechargeable battery. Multiple modes allow you to use pedal-assist or your throttle to propel you forward. With a 19.8 mph max speed, you can travel up to 37.2 miles on a single charge of your battery alone. A built-in monitor display indicates your battery output and speed. Let the journey begin.
What if I purchase this bike now and and later is cheaper on Black Friday. Do I get the different?
Depending on your membership status, you can get a refund of the difference so long as you're in the return period.
2 years, 9 months ago
by
Posted by:
callmeageeth
Geo - GeoBook 120 12.5-inch HD Laptop - Intel Celeron Dual Core Processor - 4GB Memory - 64GB eMMC
GeoBook 120 is a 12.5-inch Windows 10 laptop complete with a 1-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal. Powered by an Intel Celeron Dual Core Processor and 4GB RAM, this lightweight laptop makes easy work of essential tasks, browsing and more. 64GB eMMC storage is built in and can be expanded with the addition of a MicroSD card (up to 64GB). GeoBook 120 also features a 2MP webcam, dual microphones and integrated speakers, plus reliable AC Wi-FI.
Can I play Roblox and Minecraft?
My kid has played both on it, and they run just fine.
2 years, 9 months ago
by
Posted by:
callmeageeth
Pixel Buds A-Series bring you rich, high-quality sound for a lot less than you’d expect. Their beamforming mics help make calls crystal clear.*** The flush-to-ear design is stylish, and the stabilizer arc keeps them in place so you can wear them even during the sweatiest workout.**
Does it have Noise Cancellation feature ?
No they do not have active noise cancelling. One of the drawbacks of the Pixel Buds (IMHO) is that they let in a lot of ambient noise, even with a good seal/fit in your ears.
3 years ago
by
Posted by:
callmeageeth
Pixel Buds A-Series bring you rich, high-quality sound for a lot less than you’d expect. Their beamforming mics help make calls crystal clear.*** The flush-to-ear design is stylish, and the stabilizer arc keeps them in place so you can wear them even during the sweatiest workout.**
Does Google pixel buds pair with iPhones?
I haven't specifically tried it, but it's my understanding they do, but I do know you'll lose the ability to use/activate the Google Assistant through the Pixel Buds.
3 years ago
by
Posted by:
callmeageeth
DJI - Air 2S Fly More Combo Drone with Remote Control - Gray
Featuring a 1-inch CMOS sensor, powerful autonomous functions, and a compact body weighing less than 600 g, DJI Air 2S is the ultimate drone for aerial photographers on the move. Take this all-in-one aerial powerhouse along anywhere to experience and record your world in stunning detail.
Can I use my Goggles with the DJI mavic air 2s?
I haven't tested it, because I don't own the goggles, but there's a setting to change the camera to FPV. And according to dronedj.com, it is compatible.
3 years, 1 month ago
by
Posted by:
callmeageeth
DJI - Air 2S Fly More Combo Drone with Remote Control - Gray
Featuring a 1-inch CMOS sensor, powerful autonomous functions, and a compact body weighing less than 600 g, DJI Air 2S is the ultimate drone for aerial photographers on the move. Take this all-in-one aerial powerhouse along anywhere to experience and record your world in stunning detail.
Will Air 2s work with note 20 ultra?
I don't own that phone, but I don't see why not. Biggest concern is size of the phone and whether it fits into the controller. I use a Google Pixel 4 XL and there's still a little more space for the "arms" of the controller to hold the phone. And in terms of the app itself, you'll need to download it straight from the DJI website (which is the same process for all Androids)
3 years, 1 month ago
by
Posted by:
callmeageeth