TheTruQ
Top 1000 Contributor
 
 
TheTruQ's Stats
 
  • Review Count
    142
  • Helpfulness Votes
    304
  • First Review
    November 8, 2011
  • Last Review
    May 21, 2024
  • Featured Reviews
    0
  • Average Rating
    4.6
 
Reviews Comments
  • Review Comment Count
    1
  • Helpfulness Votes
    0
  • First Review Comment
    August 27, 2015
  • Last Review Comment
    August 27, 2015
  • Featured Review Comments
    0
 
Questions
  • Question Count
    0
  • Helpfulness Votes
    0
  • First Question
    None
  • Last Question
    None
  • Featured Questions
    0
 
  • Answer Count
    14
  • Helpfulness Votes
    18
  • First Answer
    May 1, 2014
  • Last Answer
    November 5, 2021
  • Featured Answers
    0
  • Best Answers
    2
 
 
TheTruQ's Reviews
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 Belkin - Boost Charge 2200 mAh Portable Charger for Apple Watch - Black
Belkin - Boost Charge 2200 mAh Portable Charger for Apple Watch - Black
Add up to 63 hours of battery life to your Apple watch with this black Belkin AW Power Pack 2200. Portable and compact design makes it ideal for travel and on-the-go charging, so you can track fitness, use Apple Pay, and receive updates. The included micro USB cable in this Belkin AW Power Pack 2200 allows for easy connection to a wall charger.
 
A must have for the fitness conscious
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
from Birmingham, AL
on May 28, 2019
I don’t know anyone who has a wearable that hasn’t experienced battery fatigue at an inopportune moment. Latter part of the day, and about to do a workout. Worn overnight for sleep monitoring, but you have a long activity first thing in the morning. It can be hard to keep your smart watch charged. If you have an Apple Watch, especially the earlier generation, managing battery life can be challenging. The Belkin Boost Charge is a welcome addition to anyone sporting an Apple Watch.
The Boost Charge comes in the standard, unassuming accessory box – just like all of Belkin’s small accessories. You basically have the battery and a cable for charging. It’s all pretty simple. It’s a battery bank with a built-in wireless charging pad for your Apple Watch. Of course, it works, providing additional usage time by replenishing your battery while on the go, but the beauty of this is just the fact they thought of it. The convenience is unquestionable. It’s very compact, and packs enough mAh to serve you for at least a week – more for those that are less active or more charge conscious.
This is one of those products you can’t go wrong with. It’s convenient, useful, and compact – designed for your Apple Watch. It’s can’t miss.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
 Belkin - BOOST UP 10W Qi Certified Wireless Charging Pad for iPhone®/Android - Black
Belkin - BOOST UP 10W Qi Certified Wireless Charging Pad for iPhone®/Android - Black
Top up your phone's battery with this Belkin wireless charging pad. Qi certification ensures compatibility with a large variety of devices, while the 10W transmission charges select phone models nearly twice as quickly. This Belkin wireless charging pad features a silicone grip to quickly stabilize mounted devices and an LED light that indicates improper charging conditions.
 
A can't miss addition for those with Qi
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
from Birmingham, AL
on May 12, 2019
It’s hard to beat the convenience of wireless charging. I’ve had a phone with Qi charging for the past 5 years, and I have yet to have any complaints. The only thing I find myself desiring with a wireless charging device… more Qi charge pads.
The Belkin Boost Up wireless charging pad is a welcome addition to any user with a Qi capable phone. It comes in the standard Belkin accessory packaging – nothing special here. The first thing that stands out on the Boost Up is the length of the USB cable. In comparison to what seems to be the standard short charging cable employed by other power cables, the Boost Up cable is long. The pad itself is small and simple. No fancy lighting or designs; just a pad. Place your phone on the pad, and one small light illuminates. It’s very subtle and discreet, and I actually like it. It also supports Fast Charge for both Apple and Samsung, and it works as expected.
What else is there to say about the Boost Up? Go buy one! Yep, it’s pretty much a can’t miss for anyone with Qi capable phone. Small, discreet, Fast Charge, with an ample length cord. It gets it done!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
 HP - 24f 23.8&quot; IPS LED FHD FreeSync Monitor (HDMI, VGA) - Natural Silver
HP - 24f 23.8" IPS LED FHD FreeSync Monitor (HDMI, VGA) - Natural Silver
View work and entertainment comfortably with this 23.8-inch HP monitor. The anti-glare panel lets you see content clearly in various lighting conditions, and the virtually frameless design lends a minimalist aesthetic to your home office. Prevent eyestrain by switching to this HP monitor's Low Blue Light mode for a warmer appearance.
 
Excellent performance at this price point
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
from Birmingham, AL
on April 26, 2019
There is really no substitute for a good monitor. As much time as I spend in front of computer and gaming screens, a good monitor not only makes the experience more enjoyable, but in some cases, more comfortable.
This HP FreeSync monitor would replace an older 23” monitor in my 3-monitor setup. Both of the other monitors in this configuration are much newer, and the difference is more than noticeable. Upon opening the box, everything is pretty standard: monitor, stand (unassembled – 2 parts), HDMI cable, power cable. Assembly is a snap, and the stand assembly has a loop on top of the screw allowing good hand tightening without tools. The monitor has several predefined picture modes along with allowing picture customization – standard fare for monitors.
How does it perform? It’s right up there with the best monitor on my desk. The image is very sharp but has a subtlety that is easy on the eyes. The brightness is not overbearing but is bright enough with outstanding clarity. On my business desk, I have a couple of HP EliteDisplay monitors with anti-glare screens. They have outstanding clarity that is normally unmatched with glass screens. This FreeSync monitor is nearly as clear, and it does a decent job handling glare. FreeSync technology is primarily about motion and removing latency in game play. This monitor seems to perform well in those regards. Whether using my Switch or Xbox, I am thoroughly satisfied with performance, and I have no complaints.
There is no hesitation or thought required on this one. If you are in the market, office, gaming, etc, there is no need to look further. HP has done a superb job at a very reasonable price.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
 
 Canon - PIXMA G4210 Wireless MegaTank All-In-One Inkjet Printer - Black
Canon - PIXMA G4210 Wireless MegaTank All-In-One Inkjet Printer - Black
Print documents and photos with this Canon PIXMA printer. The integrated tanks provide a clear view of ink levels for hassle-free monitoring, and the capacity is 30 times standard cartridges, so you can go longer between refills. This Canon PIXMA printer lets you print from your smartphone or tablet via the Canon PRINT app.Fast print speeds up to 8.8 ISO ppm* in black, up to 5 ISO ppm* in color; creates a 4" x 6" photo-quality print in as little as 60 seconds*
 
Just about can't miss
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
from Birmingham, AL
on April 26, 2019
Every time I think that we may no longer need printers, a scenario presents itself requiring production of physical representation of documentation or media. Printers still have a place in this nearly fully digital age. Canon has given me some great printer experiences in the past, and I expected nothing less from the PIXMA G4210.
Of course, this thing was well packaged, and fits the standard bill of compact form as with most all-in-ones. During setup, you immediately notice the ink reservoirs. To be honest, the Mega Tank reference is real and evident. Why no one else has seen the light and just increased the tank size is beyond comprehension. Everything else is standard fare: ethernet and wireless connection, small LCD screen, phone jack, etc. Setup is fairly straightforward. Using the LCD screen, you can guide your way through connection to your wireless router (or connect an ethernet cable). If you navigate to the printer name or IP address using your browser, there is a nice web UI allowing printer management. Canon has utility apps in iOS and Android as well. This is all standard stuff at this point, and really, it comes down to performance.
With the ability to print from mobile devices (iOS and Android), cloud printing, and standard network printing, it’s difficult to find a more versatile printer on the market. Canon executes these all very well. Print quality is not the best I’ve experienced, not even from Canon, but it’s still good – and will meet the needs of most photographers. Where this thing really shines, in my opinion, is in ink longevity. Man, this thing can really churn out some docs and pics. Those ink tanks are second to none in endurance. This alone affords the PIXMA G4210 a look. Throw in there edge to edge printing and printing from all of your mobile devices, and you have a hard one to beat.
In the market for a printer? Even as an all-in-one, this should be on your list. All-in-one shoppers need not hesitate. If you have anything resembling an office setting where you print quite a bit, the Mega Tank G4210 is made for you.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
0points
1out of 2found this review helpful.
 
 Canon - IVY Cliq Instant Film Camera - Mint Green
Canon - IVY Cliq Instant Film Camera - Mint Green
Capture and print digital memories instantly with this Canon IVY Cliq instant camera printer. The microSD card slot adds up to 256GB of storage space, while ZINK photo paper creates inkless, water-resistant pictures in under a minute. This Canon IVY Cliq instant camera printer features a small selfie mirror for taking perfectly centered group shots.
 
Expected more from Canon
Customer Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
from Birmingham, AL
on April 26, 2019
Instant cameras… Takes me back to the good old days. I can remember cameras spitting out that glossy, “developing” photo that we all waited on in order to see the picture we had just taken. Well, the Canon IVY Cliq camera seems to be aimed at capturing a bit of nostalgia. It is an instant photo digital camera that seems aimed at taking fun individual shots, small group photos, and selfies.
Opening the Cliq served as a bit of a letdown. I was expecting the product to be a bit more substantial in weight and material. It is basically a plastic camera with very few buttons. It feels like a device that has very little value, and that’s surprising from Canon. At first glance and handle, I think this would be better served marketed towards kids. After following the very simple directions, loading the camera with the included sheets, I was ready to take pictures in a snap.
That brings me to another issue with this camera – 5 megapixels. Not only that, but it has no optical zoom. You have to be very close to get a decent picture of your subject. Click the button, the flash pops, and photo taken. The Cliq actually prints the photos at a decent speed. The photo printing is really the technological strength of the camera. There is no waiting for the photo to develop. It exits the camera, fully printed/developed. Photo quality is only decent, and really suffers at any distance. There really isn’t much else to add about this device. Of course, you have SD card save capabilities, but having a device like this is about the instant photos, period.
As it stands, I can only see this device serving as bit of a nostalgic break from the present. Maybe a purchase for a younger person; maybe certain small business applications – daycare, classrooms, etc. The ZINK technology, on the other hand, that may be worth exploring more. I think Canon should think about developing just the miniature printer with Bluetooth capabilities to cell phones. That piece is slick, and would be a handy utility and niche product that I think people would enjoy using.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Mobile Submission: False
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
 
 ASUS - Lyra Voice AC2200 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi Router - Black
ASUS - Lyra Voice AC2200 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi Router - Black
Enjoy whole-home Wi-Fi, premium audio and voice-activated operation with this Lyra Voice all-in-one router. Tri-band, AC2200-class Wi-Fi ensures a reliable network connection, while the built-in network security protects your privacy and data. The Bluetooth speaker lets you stream audio from your mobile device, bringing rich sound throughout the room. This Lyra Voice all-in-one router features Amazon Alexa, so you can control all the features with just the sound of your voice.
 
Why has no one else done this?
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
from Birmingham, AL
on April 26, 2019
I have been wanting a voice assistant for quite some time now. My biggest pause was not only selecting the right assistant, but a device that served my needs. I think I’ve found just that device in the ASUS Lyra Voice.
First thing you notice when picking up one of these is the stellar packaging. It’s top notch, giving you that feel of assurance in selecting a quality product. I think some companies could stand to learn a thing or two about premium packaging. Not only does it make a great impression on the buyer, but also gives the purchaser a sense of security about the well being of the product. ASUS did well in this area. Upon removing the router from the box, the first thought that comes to mind is exceptional build quality. Handling it for the first time, the weight and worth of the device can be felt. It’s slick looking, premium feeling, and uniquely designed. It’s the first router I’ve seen that looks like a Bluetooth speaker (and serves as one when needed), and I view that as a good thing.
The instructions reveal the true flexibility of the device from a connectivity standpoint. You can hard wire it to your modem, allowing it to serve as your primary router as well as a base for a Lyra/AiMesh network. You can also wire it to your existing network, bridging the device in AP mode allowing it to serve as a wireless extension. Lastly, you can connect it to an existing AP in wireless bridge mode. Kudos to ASUS for giving this level of flexibility in connectivity. My connectivity choice was wireless bridge, as I already have a non-ASUS wireless mesh installed in my home. Installation of the Lyra Voice requires the ASUS router app on your iOS or Android device. I found installation to be fairly simple and straightforward. There were minimal steps involved, and the setup guide was very informative and user friendly. Once connected, and following the obligatory firmware update, it was time to get to use.
One thing I like about ASUS is their router management OS. It is one of the most flexible, informative, and robust interfaces on the market. Even as a wireless bridge, you have information on connected devices, security controls, real time data statistics, etc. The wireless seems to have sufficient range for a small to medium-sized home, depending on placement – of course, you will place this in some centralized location due to it’s voice assistant capabilities. About that voice assistant: it’s Alexa, and she is good. The fact that this is built into what could be your primary router makes the responses that much snappier. Alexa is quite the little assistant, answering day to day questions, providing movie and music selections, and even manipulating devices (when applicable). If you don’t have a voice assistant, you will definitely love the convenience and overall experience one brings. The Lyra Voice has a pretty decent set of speakers built right in. The sound is very good, although not the best I’ve heard when compared to other Bluetooth speakers I have listened to. Most will be just fine with the sound quality.
There is actually not much negative I can say about this device. When you look at it on paper, it comes across as somewhat of a mash-up of technologies, but this was a very smart move by ASUS. I think the flexibility of this device makes it one of the best I have used this year. It can actually take the place of 3-4 devices, and it is very well made and executes it all flawlessly.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
 PowerVision - PowerRay Wizard Underwater ROV Kit - White
PowerVision - PowerRay Wizard Underwater ROV Kit - White
Open a world of ocean exploration with this PowerRay Wizard underwater camera. The detachable PowerSeeker fishfinder can be used by itself to map landscapes, and the 4K Ultra HD camera with wide-angle lens captures photos or videos in lakes or seas. Real-time streaming at 1080p from this PowerRay Wizard underwater camera lets you share your adventures via social networks.
 
THIS for true underwater exploration
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
from Birmingham, AL
on April 3, 2019
Having an underwater drone can’t be considered as normal or common. Sure, drone ownership has boomed in the last couple of years or so, but underwater exploration is a whole different story. If you live near mid to large size bodies of water, enjoy water activities, or just like to fish, the PowerVision PowerRay could be a novelty to consider, possibly adding to your experience.
Of course, the first thing you notice about the PowerRay, as with any other item purchased, is the packaging. I opened the box expecting to find a carefully configured Styrofoam separated assortment of pieces I would have to ultimately put together… Ah, no. There was a fantastic case that resembles one of my best Victorinox travel bags; complete with pull handle and nice, sturdy wheels. The case is worth mentioning – it’s on THAT level. Upon opening, you find the unit and all it’s peripherals neatly tucked in their appropriate places. The cool factor of this awesome drone begins asserting itself before you even lay a hand on it. PowerVision does an excellent job of treating their product like the premium, elite machine it is, and in doing so, the customer is kindly rewarded. While the glamour of the PowerRay immediately catches your attention, the thought of bringing it all together can be a bit overwhelming. Just looking at everything, and wondering how it all fits may make the average user uncomfortable. There’s the drone, the remote, the base, the goggles, the cable, small ball (PowerSeeker), etc., etc… Tech gurus will use standard logic to predetermine the use of everything, but you will find that instructions are your friend.
Speaking of instructions, there is a quick start guide to get you up and running quickly. In terms of its effectiveness, I will say so, so. The PowerRay has to maintain a cable connection to it’s transmitter in order to receive commands. This source is actually the base station. The controller and/or your phone connect to the base station. The base station has it’s own WiFi signal allowing device connection. So, just to make sure we are all clear, you need to have the base station powered on, connected to the drone, with your controller/phone powered on and connected to the base station. This is the minimum required to begin using the PowerRay. Also, don’t forget that the base station and drone have separate batteries. You will need to ensure both are charged when using. It’s a lot to take in for the average user. My thoughts are this device is not for the average user. Hey, PowerVision has an 18+ recommended age limit – that should tell you something about not only the safety level, but difficulty/simplicity.
Once you get it all together, operation is a bit of a mixed bag. This thing is slick. I haven’t used an underwater drone before this, but I would imagine it doesn’t get any better. A powerful underwater drone with a stellar camera; throw in goggles, some sonar… Impressive! Only thing is, rookies and twitchy users beware. Control is tight and responsive, with little to help the driver. Of course you can set the speed to slow, but it’s still one of those things where beginners need to be cautious. When flying copter drones, there is so much they can do to make flying it easy – install a couple of gyros, throw in some limits and GPS controls, and you can actually struggle to crash it. The water is not so kind, and that serves as the primary difference in driving the PowerRay. In very clear water, it’s much easier to control because of one simple fact: you can visibly see the craft’s physical orientation. When used in a pond, lake, or any water that’s not quite as clear, things get a bit tricky. The goggles are awesome, but getting a true feel for where you actually are in murky or cloudy water can be quite the challenge. I recommend spending quite a bit of time using the PowerRay at the slowest speed. It really takes a bit of time to get comfortable, then decent at controlling the drone in different situations. I have to say using the controller is the way to go. It’s practically video game-like, and offers a much more precise experience than the phone app (Android in my case). The PowerRay has a cable that’s well over 200 feet long, and this thing is pretty sturdy. You can practically drag the drone out of the water by the cable if necessary – it’s actually impressive. That being said, because of the nature of the device (underwater exploration at depths up to 200 feet), there is a bit of concern about the cable disconnecting. The concern is just as an owner of an expensive piece of equipment deeply submerged and held by a single cable (for control and safety)… It just screams, “get a back up line”.
Well, should you buy this thing. The short, quick answer is yes, if you live around enough water. If you fish in ponds or lakes, this will help you find those little honey holes where the fish are possibly biting. If you are just looking for a toy, this may be a bit much. It’s a very fun and versatile device, but know that the PowerRay is a very serious piece of equipment.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+5points
6out of 7found this review helpful.
 
 Rexing - V1P Plus Front and Rear Camera Dash Cam - Black
Rexing - V1P Plus Front and Rear Camera Dash Cam - Black
Only at Best BuyKeep track of events that happen on the road with this V1P Plus dash cam. The simple design affixes to your windshield in minutes using the included mounting hardware, and the screen lets you review footage. With a mini USB port, this V1P Plus dash cam connects to your car's charger for a continuous power supply.
 
Dash cam - Yes, Rear cam - No
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
from Birmingham, AL
on February 1, 2019
You gotta love technology. With the craziness on the road these days, anything that helps solidify the truth is welcome. Enter the age of the consumer dash cam. Rexing has a few good offerings, and this one is a decent entry level option.
Whenever I open an electronic product, I immediately measure the quality and build of a device. The V1P Plus is well built and feels substantial. The first thing you need to be aware of when purchasing a dash cam is that it will have to be installed. I say that because you will have to run wiring neatly or you will have a cord/cable mess on your hands. It’s not really designed to move from car to car, but to be more of a “permanent” fixture for the vehicle intended. With that in mind, installation for V1P Plus is fairly simple. Running the rear camera wire can be a bit tedious, but that’s to be expected. The best part of installation is that Rexing supplies everything you need to get up and running.
Camera quality is a mixed bag. The front cam is great, especially at this price point. Video is clear and it handles motion well, and that’s exactly what you would expect from a camera designed to capture and record constant motion. Of course, 60 fps would be better, but at the V1P Plus’ price point, it more that does the job. The screen is a neat addition that allows you to verify camera reception and take a quick view of the rear. About the rear camera… Not so much. VGA resolution is a slick way of saying, “probably 480”. I’m very disappointed in the resolution decision for the rear camera. In a time where we are moving even wireless security cameras to 4k resolution, Rexing chooses to go backwards to analog TV resolution. The rear camera should have been 720 at the least. Video quality issues at times render the rear cam useless, and that’s sad. The built in G-sensor is a nice touch that I hope to never need – who wants to wreck? All data can be recorded to an SD card, and Rexing even provides a 32GB one for starters. I thought this was a nice touch, keeping the customer from the dreaded “need one more thing” or “I didn’t know I needed this” feeling.
If you are looking for a just above entry level dash cam, look no further. I will stress emphasis on “dash”, seeing that the rear cam is not quite up to par.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+4points
5out of 6found this review helpful.
 
Create digital copies of paper documents with this Epson WorkForce wireless scanner. It provides fast operation to effortlessly handle a large volume of forms or receipts, and the LCD screen displays the connection and battery level status. Nuance OCR converts outputs from this Epson WorkForce wireless scanner into searchable, editable versions for efficient file management.
 
The way portable equipment should be designed
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
from Birmingham, AL
on January 22, 2019
I have had compact and full-size scanners in use for years now, and they are very handy in this new digital age. I did add one with mobile connectivity capabilities this past year, but although small, it still required a power adapter, not to mention being a tad bit bulky.
The Epson ES-60W changes all of that. Just opening the box brings joy to anyone looking for a truly portable scanner. The product is very well built and packaged, and it has a footprint about the size of 2 skinny dry-board erasers. No power adapter. No feeder or catch trays. Just the device and a micro-USB cable. Set up was very simple using the included guide. I was scanning documents to my PC within 5 minutes or so, and scanning from my phone in about the same amount of time. With the PC, you can connect to the scanner wirelessly or with a wired connection using a micro-USB cable. Of course wireless is preferred – it’s quick and clean. My only issue with this device is the lack of a protective bag or carrying case/bag. This would be an inexpensive addition that serves as a great value for the customer. Need a bag to protect a device that has a feeder and exit – at least I think so.
How does it perform? Admirably. For a scanner this size, scans were quick with clear quality. Software performance was good as well. It only took about a half second or so for documents to appear in the software of choice. Scans can be initiated from the device using the scan button and from the software. I ran into a bit of an issue using the scan button during the test phase of the setup process, but I was able to scan from the software just fine. Not sure what the issue was, but it ultimately didn’t prevent me from scanning. Epson offers OCR software and a free trial of a receipt management integration software. This software integrates with Quicken, QuickBooks, and TurboTax to help users manage their expenses. This is a welcome addition to some users, but I haven’t used software like that to manage my expenses – maybe I should consider it.
Overall, I like the ES-60W. It’s small and compact, flexible in connectivity and software options, and performs very well. It is one of the more functional mobile accessories I have seen in recent years. Can’t go wrong with this one.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
 HP - Gaming Desktop - AMD Ryzen 7 2700 - 16GB Memory - AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB - 1TB HDD + 128GB SSD - Black
HP - Gaming Desktop - AMD Ryzen 7 2700 - 16GB Memory - AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB - 1TB HDD + 128GB SSD - Black
Experience powerful graphics and virtual reality with this HP Pavilion gaming desktop. It has an AMD Ryzen processor to handle intense gaming, and the 16GB of DDR4 RAM provides fast processing speeds. This HP Pavilion gaming desktop has a 1TB hard drive and 128GB solid-state drive for a large game collection and quick boot times.
 
Great for the just under hardcore crowd
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
from Birmingham, AL
on January 8, 2019
As desktops seem to be fading into the realm of afterthought, those of us who use them for gaming and heavy workload processing (video) have become somewhat of an enigma to the rest of the world. Well, sorry, but I still need a powerful workstation at times; and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Enter the HP Pavilion Ryzen 7-Series Gaming Desktop.
The machine came well packaged, as one might expect. I think every PC I have opened has had just about the same packaging, and this one was no different. The first thing I noticed when unboxing was the looks of the box. It’s very slick and appealing. It doesn’t look futuristic or wild, like some gaming rigs, and in this case, I think that’s a good thing. The included keyboard and mouse are pretty standard fare, but better than what’s usually included with an average CPU. Put it this way, if you are a gamer, this will not do, period. Also, there are quite a few convenient connectivity ports located on the box. There are 2 USB 3.1 ports and a couple of USB 2 – for device connectivity. The USB 3 ports allow high speed data transfer, which bodes well for gaming from external media, as well as transferring large files.
Set up was pretty simple and straight forward. This is a Windows 10 machine, and most should be pretty familiar with the environment. Performance for day to day tasks is very snappy, but that should be expected from a PC that’s designed for gaming. How’s the gaming performance? It’s admirable. This machine seems suited to the average PC gamer, and that’s not a bad thing. Casual games run like a dream, and less complex 3D games are as smooth as butter. When playing more complex games (detailed first-person shooters, for example) the framerate can suffer when played on the highest setting. This is not to say this PC can’t handle the game, or that it renders it unplayable. It’s just that hardcore gamers looking for the best performance (1080p @ 60+ FPS on CoD) need to look elsewhere. For me, as someone who is a console gamer first, PC gamer second, it’s excellent. It more than handles the games I throw at it, and is an excellent box for photo, video, and audio editing.
This PC is a powerful machine capable of more than satisfying the entertainment needs of the average PC gamer. It has a very slick look, and great usability with it’s built in, cutting edge, wireless connectivity and port availability. It’s nearly a can’t miss.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+1point
4out of 7found this review helpful.
 
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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 - 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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Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
 HP - 27&quot; IPS LED FHD FreeSync Monitor (2 x HDMI, VGA) - Silver and Black
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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Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
 Microsoft - Surface Laptop 4 - 15” Touch-Screen – AMD Ryzen 7 Surface Edition – 8GB Memory - 512GB Solid State Drive - Matte Black
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, 2 months 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
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?

One USB-A
One USB-C
3 years, 2 months ago
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Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
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?

Yes, they are paintable.
4 years, 7 months ago
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Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
 Adobe - Photoshop Elements 2019 &amp; Premiere Elements 2019
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?

Absolutely! Easily, I might add.
5 years, 6 months ago
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Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
 Dell - S2319NX 23&quot; IPS LED FHD Monitor (HDMI, VGA) - Black/Silver
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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Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
 Sony - WF-SP700N Sport True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbud Headphones - Black
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, 1 month ago
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Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
 Sony - WF 1000X True Wireless In-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones - Black
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