TheTruQ
Top 1000 Contributor
TheTruQ's Stats
- Review Count142
- Helpfulness Votes304
- First ReviewNovember 8, 2011
- Last ReviewMay 21, 2024
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating4.6
Reviews Comments
- Review Comment Count1
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First Review CommentAugust 27, 2015
- Last Review CommentAugust 27, 2015
- Featured Review Comments0
Questions
- Question Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First QuestionNone
- Last QuestionNone
- Featured Questions0
- Answer Count14
- Helpfulness Votes18
- First AnswerMay 1, 2014
- Last AnswerNovember 5, 2021
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- Best Answers2
Acer - Nitro 5 - 15.6" FHD Gaming Laptop – Intel Core i5 – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti - 16GB DDR4 - 512GB Gen 4 SSD - Black - Obsidian Black
Fire it up then go full throttle faster and more effectively than ever with Acer's next evolution of its Nitro 5 gaming laptop. The new Nitro 5 soars to new levels of performance for gamers and creators, courtesy of its 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics—powered by Ampere™ NVIDIA's RTX architecture! Next, toss in the vivid, crystal-clear 15.6” Full HD display with a 144Hz IPS panel, ample cooling and a 4-zone RGB keyboard and you can see why the Nitro 5 is a knockout hit for gamers of every level!
A gamer's delight... and deal (steal)
Customer Rating
5.0
My experiences with Acer have been pretty good over the years. They make solid laptops targeted towards specific audiences. The Nitro line is targeted at the gaming community.
Unboxing the Nitro 5 was pretty normal – sturdy box with tight-fitting foam. It gives you the feeling the device has been well protected during shipping and handling. Remove it from the box and first impression is.. it looks like an Acer Nitro. Large, sturdy, slightly pushed forward hinge, with hints of red throughout the design. It has a bit of heft to it, but it’s somewhat to be expected in a gaming laptop. I would prefer it to be a bit sleeker, but I’m not terribly disappointed in the overall aesthetic. There are ports aplenty on this laptop. There are 3 USB-A ports and once USB-C with thunderbolt in tow. There is an ethernet port, HDMI, and headphone jack. I really like the location of the HDMI port. It is in the rear of the laptop rather than the side. I feel this is more natural for setups where a monitor is added. It gives me more flexibility with device and monitor position and cable routing. Open the lid to find a full keyboard with 10-key on the right. The full keyboard is a welcome sight. The trackpad is large enough. It could be a tad bigger, but it feels about right in use.
Power the Nitro 5 on and you are treated to the keyboard servicing as somewhat of a progress bar, or at least I think that was the idea. It begins to light sections in succession from left to right. This went on for a few seconds before the screen came on. It puts you in the mind of a progress bar or bar wait graphic. This laptop came with Windows 11 installed. This is actually great, in my opinion. It is my first experience where I wasn’t asked to upgrade to Windows 11 from a factory Windows 10 install, and the experience was significantly improved. Flawless startup, information capture, synchronization of devices via account sign in, and update process. If you don’t like Windows 11, this may be the one area it shines over its predecessor.
The Nitro 5 performs admirably in every way. Games install and load quickly, and in game performance shines for an i5 device – should, with that fire Gen 5 RAM and Gen 4 SSD. I like the high refresh rate on the screen, and prefer it over the higher pixel count. A good 1080p screen with 144Hz refresh is optimal for gaming on a laptop. The smaller screen doesn’t need the higher resolution, and the higher refresh rate gives smooth and solid gameplay. Tomb Raider, Rainbow Six Siege, and Call of Duty perform nicely on the Nitro 5. The Nvidia 3050 lives up to its billing with not only stunning visuals and smooth performance, but fantastic color accuracy and detail. Are there better experiences out there? The answer is yes, but at this price for this hardware it’s gonna be hard to beat. Add to that easy upgrading (lot’s of screws though) and Thunderbolt to enhance your gaming experience – this is great stuff. The keyboard is actually very good as well. I like it much better than my older Nitro, and other gaming rigs I’ve used. The Nitro 5 also performs well when doing video and audio editing. In short, it can handle the heavy lifting needed by gamers and content creators.
If you want a strong laptop for gaming, content creation, and more, at a fantastic price, the new Nitro 5 should be under strong consideration.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Spacetalk - Adventurer 4G Kids Smart Watch Phone and GPS Tracker - Midnight
Spacetalk Adventurer 4G Kids Smart Watch Phone and GPS tracker gives kids more freedom and parents greater peace of mind. The Adventurer kids cell phone watch lets families call and text their child and see their location with GPS location on demand. Adventurer also comes with safety features like SOS alerts, Safe Zones, Safe Contact lists and School Mode for distraction free learning. Plus, no open access to the internet or social media makes Adventurer a safer smart phone watch for kids. Made specifically for kids aged 5 – 12, the Adventurer 4G kids smart watch phone was developed by Spacetalk, the global leader in children’s wearables. Parents can download the free Spacetalk app on their mobile devices to customize everything from safety settings, contacts, communication, location on demand and many other features. Spacetalk Adventurer requires an activated nano SIM card and works with most US Mobile and Canadian wireless operators, except Sprint. We recommend using the bonus JumpySIM card provided for the best cellular service in the US. Alternatively, choose a SIM from your preferred mobile carrier. Spacetalk suggests a cellular plan with unlimited talk and text and at least 2 GB of data. JumpySIM plans include unlimited talk, text and data*, with roaming coverage to Canada and Mexico. JumpySIM plans start from just $18 a month. Note: JumpySIM plans are designed for Spacetalk devices. Using JumpySIM in other devices may result in limited service or cancellation. Please note, upon activation, JumpySIM incurs ongoing charges. Terms and Conditions apply. Visit www.jumpysim.com for further information. Activation and use of the SIM Card constitutes acceptance of JumpySIM terms and conditions. *Subject to Fair Use Policy.
More than enough to do the job
Customer Rating
5.0
As much as I support the approach of “less tech” when it comes to kids, I seem to always find myself looking for the next-gen technology to help us keep up with them or help please them. iPads, iPhones, etc being given to what I consider babies. Well, here is a product that might be worth the tech investment for any parent – the Spacetalk Adventurer.
I’ve always been a person that looks at packaging as a sign of whether the designer/manufacturer cares about their own product as well as the initial impression they make. Spacetalk has boxed the Adventurer very nicely. The box is on the level of premium electronic devices, and the watch is well protected inside. It’s so funny to open the box and find something that is kid-proof in design. Typically, packaging of this caliber reveals a $1k phone that if dropped would crack. The Adventurer is sturdy rubber and plastic at it’s very finest. It has the look and feel of “Try to break me!”. The band has the newer plug-post fastener that does a great job of securing it to the arm. Overall, I really like the design. It could be a tad thinner, but I don’t know the full make-up of the device’s innards. Some of its girth may be contributed to rugged construction. The only thing I would have liked to see differently from a design standpoint is an option for a more secure band. Because it will be worn by a kid, parents need the option to secure it on the level of a house arrest anklet. Sounds like overkill, but kids leave things, take things, lose things incessantly, especially in this age range. They need that little bit of assistance necessary to help prevent such moments.
The Adventurer was easy to set up. I used the provided jumpy sim, starting an inexpensive monthly plan that can be paid in advance with discounts. The watch paired with my mobile phone without a hitch, only requiring an update prior to completing the process. Once updated and paired, I was very surprised at the depth of the UI. Man! This thing could be a grown-up’s smart watch! It has apps for chat, weather, fitness, location, stopwatch, etc. – this thing is better than a lot of adult smart watches. After seeing all that’s available in UI, I thought this would be a little much for a 5-year-old, but my little 5-year-old adopted and adapted very quickly. Before I knew it, I had to explain to him why you don’t need to call us repeatedly. Because he has used an iPad, he has a general understanding of most of the app icons on the Adventurer. It really took little effort and time to get him up to speed on making and receiving calls. In my opinion, that is the most important functionality of this device, along with its GPS capabilities. You can keep up with your kid and communicate with them at an instant. Add to that the heart rate monitor and fitness tracker, and you have quite a bit of data giving you insight to your kid’s activity. From a performance standpoint, the Adventurer surprised me. It performs well in all intended areas. The call quality is clear and loud. The camera is up to the task of quick photos and videos. The touch screen is bright, has good clarity, and is responsive. The app is easy to install and performs each task, including monitoring, very well. Add to this the approach from Spacetalk channeled through a thoughtful UI experience, and you have something special. Things like emergency dialing preset to dial specified contacts quickly and limiting communication on the watch to designated contacts. You have School Mode and real-time weather of your kid’s location. Push messaging and control over your kid's ability to message via free-text (keyboard) or pre-defined responses… just all cool and useful.
There is not much to dislike about the Spacetalk Adventurer. It aims, shoots, and scores from my vantage point. If you want to keep up with your elementary aged kid, giving them communication and media capture abilities, this works like a charm. Throw in there the level of control and data you have over/from the device as a parent, and you really have something special. It’s ruggedly designed and looks as if it will take the beating most kids will dish out… we shall see. Definitely the device you need if you are looking to fill any of the needs mentioned.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Marshall - Mode II True Wireless Headphone - Black
Introducing Mode II, the first true wireless in-ear headphones from Marshall. Engineered to deliver a thunderous audio experience and 25 hours of portable playtime with the charging case, Mode II produces phenomenal sound with no wires attached. Custom-tuned dynamic drivers create a highly detailed and precise sound experience with growling bass, natural-sounding mids and crisp treble. Experience the complete sound with mind-blowing clarity as if you were right there in front of the stage. Built for all-day listening, Mode II in-ear headphones are ergonomically designed to fi t securely and comfortably. Customise your fit with adjustable ear tips so you can listen for hours without your ears getting tired. The touch-responsive earbuds allow you to easily control your music, answer calls and more. With its durable rubberised fi nish, portable charging case and IPX5 water-resistant earbuds, Mode II is the ultimate travel companion.
5 star potential that's worth a look
Customer Rating
4.0
I almost couldn’t believe Marshall made wireless earbuds. Don’t get me wrong; it wasn’t because I felt they were incapable of doing so. It was just something I felt may not be on their radar. The Mode II – True Wireless have become a big blip on that radar.
Packaged in the typical high-quality box, comes a very attractive case worthy of the Marshall brand. The typical leather-like skin coats nearly the entire case. A spring-loaded door reveals a nice-looking set of earbud chamber with an attractive gold sync button. The earbuds look the part as well, with the trademark Marshall “M” stamped on them. No doubt it is a well-made product. Inside you will also find a charging cable along with a quick start guide.
The quick start guide gives you a simple instruction set for getting started – 3 steps, and you’re up and running… or not. I had trouble here, and I’m not sure if it was my phone or the order of the steps. The guide instructs you to place the earbuds in your ear and pair them to your device by selecting them in the Bluetooth add device list. Well, it never appeared in my list. I finally just downloaded the Marshall Bluetooth app to assist – it is listed as the last step. After some playing around, I finally got the buds paired and the device added to the Marshall app. I have an Android device, and maybe it is a smoother process on iPhone. Once paired, the fun begins. My initial impression after firing up a song for my listening pleasure… loud, plenty loud. One thing you will not have to worry about with these buds is whether you will get sufficient volume. You don’t listen to these with max volume. I actually like that about them – the punch they deliver. The app offers a decent EQ, control settings for functionality assignments. As for those assignments and the controls, I give Marshall a pat on the back for flexibility and innovation. They have separated the left and right earbud buttons/surfaces and also allowed assignment of multi-tap input. Well done. The EQ has some preconfigured sounds relative to music genres as well as the ability to set a custom EQ. The EQ does it’s job for the most part, but it left me wanting at least 2 more frequencies to better hone in the perfect sound. Listening to the Mode IIs, I felt as if I was on the cusp of the best sound, but didn’t have the tools to get there. It was as if the equipment felt capable, but I was missing the element that would give me the adjustment I was looking for. Don’t get me wrong, they sound great. The problem for me was they sounded well enough to sound more precise. As for the sound related features, transparency mode and noise cancellation, transparency mode works about as expected. I think the Mode IIs have quite a punch, so you have to adjust the volume to hear voices and sounds as expected. Noise cancellation does not exist here – would have been a nice to have. While important, these features are not the end all, be all for me. I don’t walk around with buds in my ear, and my focus when wearing them or cups is to listen to music or watch videos, period.
Marshall makes quality audio products, and this set of earbuds is no different. They are very comfortable, last for over 4 hours (in my testing), have terrific sound output from both a volume and quality perspective, and have some of the best build quality in their class. Could they be better? Sure, but they are a good product as is. They don’t have active noise cancellation, they have a very average microphone, and there are issues with connectivity (initially). They sound great though and are on the doorstep of sounding very special. A firmware and app tweak could do the trick, but a good buy nevertheless.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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eufy Security - R10 Smart Lock Wi-Fi Retrofit Deadbolt with App/Keypad/Electronic Guest Key Access - Black
Give yourself complete front-door protection and convenience with Wi-Fi Retrofit Smart Lock. When your hands are full of groceries, Auto Unlock senses you and opens the door* so you’ll never have to fumble for your keys again. When you get inside, Smart Lock has your back and automatically locks, just in case you forget. You’ll have flexibility with a responsive keypad that can project onto the door, the wall, or anywhere you want. With built-in Wi-Fi, you can also control entry to your door from anywhere to let yourself or your family inside. Smart Lock is easy to install, needing just a few minutes without a phone call to a contractor, saving you time and money. And after installation, you’ll only need to charge Smart Lock once a year, giving you 365 days of front door security. Auto Unlock is only compatible with iOS*.
A decent smart lock for the average consumer
Customer Rating
4.0
Unboxing he Eufy gave a sense of confidence in the quality of the product – nice packaging, well protected, and sufficient feeling of heft and sturdiness in the build – even being plastic. For a normal situation, everything is included in the box for installation; except, my situation isn’t normal, I guess. After emptying the box, I immediately notice there is no external side, and no locking/unlocking mechanism – essentially, there is no deadbolt. The reason that doesn’t work in my situation is all my locks are completely keyless, with keypads on the external side of the door. When I saw how easily a lock can be picked (one guy with 2 paperclips in less than 12 seconds), I got rid of key entry. I would have to leave the locking mechanism in the door and purchase an external plate cover or complete separate lock to complete my installation. My situation may be unique, but it warrants attention. I feel Anker should at least include an external plate for one-sided use.
Well, one great thing about using an existing locking mechanism is that installation is straightforward. It’s so simple, I feel just about anyone can do it. Using your existing lock means you don’t have to deal with deadbolt slot alignment, which may the most difficult thing about deadbolt installation. The keypad is also easy to install. It’s just a combination of hanger screws and double-sided tape. I do like the flexibility of the separate keypad, but it also means more thought in mounting and the need to power 2 separate devices – more batteries required. I’m a little torn on this. On one hand, I’m that guy that loves different and trendy, but I don’t want to buy that second set of batteries either. There are the long-lasting CR123 batteries (more expensive) used in the lock, which should help for long term dependability – 12 months according to them. We will see. Just something else to consider.
Download the app, connect the lock, update the firmware, calibrate, and there you have it. Up and running and so far, so good. The lock is very responsive communicating both ways – from app to lock and giving activity notifications. There is a self-locking timer to ensure the door locks if left unlocked. The only issue with that is there is no sensor indicating the door is closed, so it is still very user dependent. You can assign codes, lock and unlock the door, and use geofencing for lock and unlock functionality – although this only works for iPhone. The app is pretty consistent and has been so far reliable.
This is a good smart lock that fits most situations. The absence of the deadbolt locking mechanism is a detriment in some cases, but serves as a help with regards to installation ease. It is compatible with some other technologies, like Google Home, but I expected more integration. Still, a good option for most consumers.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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At GE Appliances, we bring good things to life by designing and building the world's best appliances. Our goal is to help people improve their lives at home by providing quality appliances that were made for real life. Whether it's enjoying the tradition of making meals from scratch or tackling a mountain of muddy jeans and soccer jerseys, products from GE Appliances are crafted to support any and every task in the home. Now that quality you've come to love is available right on your countertop, thanks to GE Appliances stand mixers. The GE Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is a timeless kitchen essential, perfect for everyday baking needs. With an Easy Lift tilt-head, 5.3 qt. capacity, and a powerful 350-watt motor, this mixer can tackle your toughest tasks, big and small.
A can't miss upgrade for the baker in you!
Customer Rating
5.0
I thought we needed a new mixer, but of course could say we didn’t need one. The current one still worked, albeit with a deficiency. Well, enter this GE stand mixer.
Out of the box, this thing is impressive. It’s very well built, attractive to the eye, and feels sturdy and premium at the same time. All of this and it’s noticeably lighter than my old mixer. It comes with everything you need and expect: bowl, wire whisk, dough hook, and a flat beater. Here is what I loved most about the accessories though: the lid. Yes, that lid is what we didn’t have for our previous mixer, and it makes a big difference in not only containing its contents, but also adding ingredients with ease and not having to shut off the mixer or be concerned about splatter. Making certain cake batters, I like to add ingredients at certain stages of the mixing process. This GE mixer made it much easier to do so, and it has a deeper, larger bowl than my previous mixer. I also found this mixer to be quiet, but more powerful, and I have much more flexibility with mixing speed – 7 speeds offer a lot more range. There is an arm lock that engages whether the mixer is in either position, up or down.
This has been a welcome upgrade to my kitchen, and a very pleasant transition to what I feel is a better product. My old mixer was very good, but this new GE Stand Mixer easily “1-ups” it. It is bigger and better in nearly every aspect, is much quieter and more powerful, and it has that much appreciated lid.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Simmons - Charli & Dixie 10" MD Memory Foam Mattress - Mulit-Colored
Designed by Charli & Dixie D'Amelio, turn your bedroom into a creator's studio. This medium feel memory foam mattress has everything you need to sketch, plot, create and record - with a supportive base layer and a motion isolation layer to make sure NO ONE disturbs your dreams. Plus, a unique pattern co-designed by Charli & Dixie. So get creative. Why? Just for fun-ZZZ's of course!!
Changed my mind about this type of product
Customer Rating
5.0
I was one of those who had trouble with the term “mattress in a box”. What I knew to be a good mattress couldn’t be placed in a box. Well, Simmons has a little something to say about that, and let me just say, goes to show how much I know.
Upon unboxing this thing, the first thought was that the box isn’t even that big. The mattress comes air-sealed and compressed, rolled up all nice and neat. Simmons includes a zip blade helping you cut the plastic open without damaging anything. Open it up and the magic begins. The mattress begins to expand as it takes in air. It didn’t take long for it to get to size. Just to make sure, I let it sit for about an hour or so before placing it, covering it, and laying on it.
This is a comfortable mattress that more than fits what you expect from a memory foam mattress. It conforms to the body and has a great built-in base providing consistent support with comfort. When more than one person is on the mattress, movement is isolated and quiet to the other individual. I must say, I was quite amazed at how well this mattress performed considering its price point. One thing of note: you must place this mattress on a solid surface. It doesn’t perform well on a traditional box-spring and is recommended for a solid surface as its base.
I highly recommend this mattress to those who are looking for comfort and performance on a budget. Here is the kicker, if you buy it in store, you can probably drive it home yourself.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Lenovo - Smart Clock Essential 4" Smart Display with Alexa - Clay Red
The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is the ultimate smart clock for any room. With its big and bold display, you can check out the time from across the room. Just ask Alexa for help around your home, play music, control smart home devices, and more.
Who said alarm clocks aren't useful anymore?
Customer Rating
4.0
I was always of the opinion the smart phone effectively eliminated the need for many personal devices we all found very useful, the alarm clock being one of them. With this in mind, I thought it strange to see Lenovo bring this product to market, but I have one. What I have learned is that there are things which should be revisited to determine if they could be better served with a fresh approach that includes today’s technology.
Upon unboxing this smart clock, I appreciated the simple design. It’s soft to the touch, doesn’t have touch screen, and has four simple buttons for operation, and a switch on the rear to disable the microphone. Set up was simple. Just open the Alexa app and add the device – that’s it. One improvement to setup would be to detect time zone from my phone or the home network, but the time itself was accurate, albeit EDT. I like that setup and settings are done using Alexa. This means I don’t have an additional app to install and remember. The time displays as a typical digital clock and can easily be seen from distance.
Once up and running, this thing is very useful in its simplest state – displaying current time. It’s crazy how we’ve forgotten that we can look at a clock on display rather than pull out a cell phone or something. Add to that there is a quick weather display icon and a smaller display footprint for either decibel level or weather (Lenovo should add more options here). You can use Alexa voice commands to set alarms for reminders or to be awakened, ask general questions for information, and control any other devices in your home tied to Alexa. Can’t you just get an Echo Dot to do this? Of course, but it doesn’t cover the satisfaction one receives from rolling over in bed and looking at a real clock in the morning. The smart clock package also hides the presence of the Echo.
There are times when a product is a can’t miss. I’m not sure this is one of them, simply because to some a clock is a matter of preference. If you want an Alexa point and an always-on time device, this deserves a strong look. I like it not only for its capabilities via Alexa, but that it fills a self-induced void – always displayed time (and weather) on my nightstand. I was reaching for and flipping my phone, then activating the screen – not anymore thanks to this smart clock.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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ASUS - ROG Gaming Desktop - Intel Core i7-11700F - 16GB Memory - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 - 1TB HDD + 512GB SSD - Black
Upgrade from the last generation with the new ROG Strix G10CE, a Windows 11 gaming desktop that delivers exhilarating gaming experiences powered by an 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-11700F processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3060 graphics.
The best for its targeted audience
Customer Rating
5.0
Whenever you purchase a gaming PC, power and performance are normally priority. PC gaming can become tedious and expensive if you make it a point to maintain the most current hardware. Also, room for expansion is always welcome. The ASUS ROG G10CE is a more than capable of fulfilling the needs of most PC gaming consumers.
The tower is attractive, and ASUS includes an acrylic side panel for more of a stand out look. Set up was easy. I would say I had the PC up and running in 10-15 minutes. During setup, the PC updated the OS to Windows 11. Part of me wishes I would have setup the PC initially without internet connectivity. This would have given more flexibility in that regard. My setup is 3 monitors, with one being a 4K 144Hz gaming monitor. Fortunately, 2 of my monitors have DP ports. The graphics card has 1 HDMI and 3 DP ports. I would have liked to see a 2 and 2 set up, but I get it – the advantages of DP are welcome. One thing to note, when you power this thing up, the fan is a beast. There were a couple of times I thought a car was passing the house or something was going on somewhere in the house.
The G10CE performs superbly during gameplay. Playing games in 4K with G-SYNC were visually stunning with smooth framerates. No studder or tearing and able to fulfill the graphical settings of my monitor. I did have a driver error pop up when running a couple of games, claiming I was running and older version of the display driver. I partly contribute this issue to Windows 11, but something worth mentioning. Also, whenever I change the source of my gaming monitor (let’s say to play a few games on my Xbox), my PC has occasionally crashed, especially when allowed to sit or go into sleep mode. I’m not sure if there are issues with the display drivers when it feels the monitor is connecting and/or disconnecting, or if this is another Windows 11 exclusive issue. Although this is a gaming rig, I also use it for other tasks and some productivity.
Overall, a good gaming rig that fits the needs of most PC gamers, hardcore pundits excluded. The graphics card is more than capable of handling just about anything thrown at it, and there is some room for growth/expansion, albeit limited. A worthy purchase.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
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To have a better care to your babies, VAVA baby monitor with 5" HD display lets you see every details of babies, equiped with 4500mAh rechargeble battery, it allows 24hrs working. Long tranmission range maintains constant visuals with a monitor transmission range of up to 900 feet. Using the two-way talk to comfort your baby anytime. Meanwhile, auto-pilot mode gives you both panoramic and up-close views of your baby's.
This is how you keep an eye on baby
Customer Rating
5.0
Our children are precious to us, and when they are infants, we are compelled to keep a watchful eye over them, while still training them to adapt to their own environment. That’s what makes baby monitors so special – they really answer the overall need. VAVA has fit the bill nicely with its entry into this space.
The first thing I noticed about the VAVA baby monitor was the simplistic naming approach. I love that there is no model number or technical/catchy moniker for the device. It’s just a baby monitor from VAVA. The packaging speaks to this approach in my opinion, as it gives one a sense that it was hand packed or personalized for the buyer. There is no tape or seals. It has a sleeve covering a lift-top box with a tab labeled ‘open’. It feels as if someone handed it off to me personally – nice touch! Nicely packaged inside are the camera, the monitor, charging cables, a quick start guide, and a full user guide. The unit is very well built, feeling solid in hand and having the right amount of heft giving a feeling of value. The camera has a micro-USB charging port, while the monitor has USB-C. The camera can of course be stood up or wall mounted. Set up was very simple, as the camera is already paired with the monitor.
Once set up, charged up, and powered on, it becomes very clear the VAVA baby monitor is top notch. The camera works superbly with full PTZ capabilities, and the large screen on the monitor is more than welcome. The controls on the monitor feel very good in hand and are very responsive. PTZ works smoothly and the camera provides some flexibility on subject distance due to its clarity. Setting the camera up several feet away from the baby still provided a quality picture. There is a temperature sensor, and it seems to be very accurate with respect to my thermostat sensors in the same room. You can also receive alerts for changes in temperature. The 2-way speaker system provides clear audio on both ends, and the monitor has ample volume to hear even the smallest of noise in the baby’s room. This thing has all the bases covered and covers them very well.
I can’t say enough about VAVA’s baby monitor. It is well built, elegant, and gets the job done. It works independently of internet connectivity, guaranteeing privacy, and has superb audio and video quality. It’s a can’t miss in my book!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Belkin - SOUNDFORM Rise True Wireless Earbuds - White
The sound quality you expect from great earbuds with convenient features that go above and beyond. Two microphones in each earbud mean you’ll always be heard on calls. The SOUNDFORM Rise True Wireless Earbuds are designed to get you through even the longest days with an impressive 7 hours of charge in each earbud and another 24 hours in the wireless charging case. The IPX5 water resistance rating protects them rain or shine while easy-to-use controls offer the power to change volume, skip tracks, and take calls, all at your fingertips.
Good wire-free sound at a great price
Customer Rating
4.0
If you’ve ever purchased any Belkin products, you are familiar with the packaging for these earbuds. Inside are the earbuds, a charging cable, and a quick start guide. The earbuds come in a plastic charging case. The case is small, well built, and attractive. The earbuds themselves are ergonomically designed but look a little bulky at first glance. I found them to be lighter than expected and comfortable in the ear. They don’t have ear hooks to help secure them in the ear, but they sit in the ear casually snug. Not sure I would trust them to be worn during an activity like jogging, running, etc., but for the moving around throughout a normal day, they should stay in place.
The pairing process is fairly simple, offering two options – with case and without. Pairing worked as expected, but there is a caveat. Removing one of the buds for just a little look-see obviously pulled them out of sync. It caused only one of the earbuds to successfully pair. I had to reset the buds and start again. The second time, I had no issues. My advice is to open the case and pair them without taking them out to inspect. The face of the earbuds serve as buttons, and mishandling them could cause inadvertent commands. That may have been my issue.
Once connected, the Soundform Rise True Wireless buds sound good. They have good clarity and fullness at low volume, and they hold up to higher volumes without early distortion. The response seems to be accurate, as the volume experienced seems to fit the volume set on the device. Are these audiophile quality buds? They are not, but they do provide clear, and accurate sound at this price point. I have been pleasantly surprised.
These are quality buds, wire-free, well-built, with good sound. For the price, they are an excellent choice as long as you don’t plan to wear them during physical activity with a lot of motion.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Night Owl - 10 Channel Bluetooth Wi-Fi NVR with 4 Wi-Fi IP 4K HD 2-Way Audio Cameras and 1TB Hard Drive - White
Night Owl is excited to offer our U.S. designed and engineered 4K Wi-Fi Bluetooth Network Video Recorder with Wi-Fi IP 4K Spotlight Cameras and Pre-Installed Hard Drive. With secure app-based Bluetooth setup, there is no need to connect a TV or monitor for setup or viewing (optional). You can easily configure your system right from the app on your smartphone or tablet with the Bluetooth connection. While a TV or monitor is not required, with Google Assistant you can use simple voice commands to stream camera footage directly to your TV or monitor, all while remaining hands free. Each camera has 2-Way audio (talk and listen) as well as a built-in siren and preset voice alerts. From within the app, you can easily activate the built-in siren, startling intruders and sending them packing. Have a guest but can’t get to them? Use a preset voice alert to let them know! Smart detection technology including human detection, facial capture, and vehicle alerts reduce the risk of false alarms, keeping you safe and well protected. Facial capture lets you see who is on your property by snapping a photo and sending the image to your Smart Device. Motion-activated dual spotlights flood your yard with bright lights when human motion is detected, instantly warding off trespassers. Proudly designed and engineered in the USA, our security system uses a built-in wireless connection for uninterrupted viewing with no delays. Our app gives you control of your system and easy access to your recordings, regardless of where you are. Night Owl never charges fees for storage or access to your videos. All recordings are securely stored on a pre-installed hard drive for convenience. You can view and download the recordings as you need them. This system provides the latest technology to give you the ultimate security experience. NOTE: Your Wi-Fi recorder is compatible with our BWNIP2 (Wire Free), WNIP2 (Wi-Fi IP) and WNIP8 (Wi-Fi IP) Series devices and is not backward compatible with other Night Owl products.
Can I add more cameras
Yes. This is a 10-channel system. There are 6 additional channels allowing addition cameras to be added.
2 years, 7 months ago
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TheTruQ
HP - 27" IPS LED FHD FreeSync Monitor (2 x HDMI, VGA) - Silver and Black
The New Definition of High Definition: This FHD monitor feels as good as it looks, packing IPS technology for 178 degrees ultra-wide viewing angles, 99% sRGB color gamut for color accuracy, and AMD FreeSync to keep your eyes up to speed with your imagination.
how do you connect the monitor to the laptop
Depends on the laptop. My preference for my device is a USB-C to HDMI adapter. You can also use the same type of adapter with USB-A instead of C. An older laptop may have an HDMI port or VGA port. You can use these as well.
3 years, 1 month ago
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TheTruQ
Microsoft - Surface Laptop 4 - 15” Touch-Screen – AMD Ryzen 7 Surface Edition – 8GB Memory - 512GB Solid State Drive - Matte Black
Stand out on HD video calls backed by Studio Mics. Capture ideas on the vibrant PixelSense touchscreen. Surround yourself with immersive, theater-like Dolby Atmos audio⁶. Do it all with a perfect balance of sleek, ultra-thin design, and more speed, now up to 70% faster – with significantly longer battery life than before¹. Two sizes. Two keyboard finishes. Plus, choice of 11th Gen Intel Core or exclusive AMD Ryzen Microsoft Surface Edition processors².
Is the ram upgradable?
No, you can not. The RAM comes in fixed sizes and is soldered in without additional bays.
3 years, 1 month ago
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Posted by:
TheTruQ
Microsoft - Surface Laptop 4 - 15” Touch-Screen – AMD Ryzen 7 Surface Edition – 8GB Memory - 512GB Solid State Drive - Matte Black
Stand out on HD video calls backed by Studio Mics. Capture ideas on the vibrant PixelSense touchscreen. Surround yourself with immersive, theater-like Dolby Atmos audio⁶. Do it all with a perfect balance of sleek, ultra-thin design, and more speed, now up to 70% faster – with significantly longer battery life than before¹. Two sizes. Two keyboard finishes. Plus, choice of 11th Gen Intel Core or exclusive AMD Ryzen Microsoft Surface Edition processors².
any usb ports?
Get immersed in high-fidelity audio with this Sonance 8-inch in-ceiling speaker. A 1-inch silk dome tweeter delivers crisp high-end frequencies, while the 8-inch glass fiber cone woofer fills the air with deep, resounding bass. This Sonance 8-inch in-ceiling speaker is easy to install and includes a paintable grille that blends into surrounding decor.
Are these paintable?
Adobe - Photoshop Elements 2019 & Premiere Elements 2019
Dive right in and do something amazing with your photos. Auto-generated photo and video slideshows and collages are created just for you and delivered upon launch. Get up and running quickly with the new home screen - see what's new since your last version, discover fun things to try, and get inspiring ideas, help, and tutorials. Effortlessly organize, edit, and create thanks to photo and video automation powered by Adobe Sensei AI technology. Try artistic techniques and effects with 73 step-by-step guided edits. Easily make movies in the redesigned Quick Edit mode. And share your favorite memories in everything from fun memes and animated GIFs to printed artwork and full-length movies.
Can I edit videos with it? Says I can edit video slideshows is that the same thing. Put one on old computer three years ago. With that one I could edit videos. Is that transferable?
Dell - S2319NX 23" IPS LED FHD Monitor (HDMI, VGA) - Black/Silver
Optimize your viewing experience on this 23-inch Dell LCD monitor. Its Full HD IPS screen lets you see content from almost any angle. Easily connect a laptop or a PC to the VGA and HDMI ports on this Dell LCD monitor.
I tried hooking up my macbook pro (which only has a usb-c port) to the monitor via hdmi and a hdmi adapter. However, the monitor keeps telling me there is no hdmi signal from my device. How do I fix this? The adapter works on other monitors (also Dells).
Have you tried installing the latest driver from Dell? This is a tricky one if it works on other monitors.
5 years, 8 months ago
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TheTruQ
Sony - WF-SP700N Sport True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbud Headphones - Black
Listen to your favorite playlists with these Sony wireless noise-cancelling headphones. They're equipped with the Google Assistant for instant help with a range of tasks, and their silicon support fittings keep the headphones in place while you're active. Use these Sony wireless noise-cancelling headphones' Ambient Sound Mode when you need to stay aware of your environment.
How do these compare to the Sony WF1000X--sound wise...and comfort wise?
More comfortable with comparable, if not better sound. The comfort and better seal contribute to a better listening experience, in my opinion.
6 years ago
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TheTruQ
Remove pet hair from carpets and hard floors with this BISSELL floor cleaning machine. Its motorized brush lifts and removes stubborn hair and dirt, and helps to clean hard-to-reach areas. This BISSELL floor cleaning machine dispenses detergent with the pull of a trigger for hassle-free shampooing of carpets and upholstery.
I’m trying to understand if this machine is a good replacement for cleaning carpets also! I love the idea of this product... I have a 21 year old cat that has oopsies!!! Thank you, Karen Akers
It really depends on the length of the carpet. This device is geared toward flooring and area rugs, but it does perform pretty well on low carpet. I wouldn't use in on anything that has any length beyond short.
6 years ago
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Posted by:
TheTruQ
Sony - WF 1000X True Wireless In-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones - Black
Tune out the world and lose yourself in music with these Sony 1000X wireless noise-cancelling headphones. Equipped with SENSE ENGINE technology, these earbuds make it easy to adjust sound modes with a single touch, so you control what you hear. Compact and intuitive, these Sony 1000X wireless noise-cancelling headphones stay comfortable for hours.
I bought these to use on an airplane and with my Kindle. There is no work around to use on an Airplane??
Not sure I understand the issue... You should be able to achieve a Bluetooth connection even on the airplane.
6 years, 2 months ago
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Posted by:
TheTruQ