RedScorpion
Top 100 Contributor
RedScorpion's Stats
- Review Count177
- Helpfulness Votes1,524
- First ReviewJune 21, 2012
- Last ReviewJune 29, 2024
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating4.5
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- Answer Count14
- Helpfulness Votes42
- First AnswerMay 13, 2016
- Last AnswerSeptember 30, 2020
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- Best Answers5
Microsoft - Surface Book 3 15" Touch-Screen PixelSense - 2-in-1 Laptop - Intel Core i7 - 32GB Memory - 512GB SSD
Performance meets versatility. From intensive video and graphics files to high-octane gaming, the most powerful Surface laptop yet combines speed, graphics, and long battery life with the versatility of a laptop, tablet, and portable studio. Tackle your biggest demands with quadcore powered 10th Gen Intel Core processors, blazing NVIDIA graphics, and high-resolution PixelSense Display designed for Surface Pen* and touch.
A Satisfying All-In-One Experience
Customer Rating
5.0
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Not strictly a tablet. Not only a laptop. The Surface Book 3 continues the Surface Book tradition of blending the two devices to provide an all-in-one solution for users seeking to create, play, and work in an ever-remote workspace. While the device is not without some quirks and questionable design decisions, it handled nearly every task I threw at it. It is currently my favorite portable Windows 10 device and I have absolutely no problem recommending it.
I should disclose that I am a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Program. Reviewers in this invitation-only program are provided products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased reviews. Please keep reading for a more detailed breakdown of my experience so far. While this review is longer than I would like, I hope it helps others with their purchase decisions.
Pros:
First thing to point out, the Surface Book 3 looks largely the same as the Surface Book 2. The clam shell design from previous iterations is still present. The screen operates in a 3:2 aspect ratio which looks great when typing or working in Photoshop. It can be a bit problematic with gaming (more on that in a bit), but the screen is generally beautiful with great colors, contrasts, and black levels. It is a consistently beautiful display.
The keyboard and touch pad are great. This is the best keyboard I have ever had on a laptop in terms of its responsiveness. The spring in each key just feels great. However, I really wish a number pad could have been worked into the design. If you work on a lot of spreadsheets, this may not be the most efficient keyboard or machine for you.
Gaming was much better than I expected. The Surface Book 3 runs on a newer Intel 10nm Ice Lake processor. The processor was not the fastest in my testing, but it gets the job done. When combined with the included NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti discreet graphics, I was amazed that the Surface played nearly every game I put in front of it. Doom Eternal ran at 60FPS for a good chunk of my testing when I played the game in 1080p at a 16X9 aspect ratio. Sea of Thieves looked and played great. On top of that, the Surface Book 3 15inch model comes with a built-in Xbox wireless controller adapter so you can easily sync your Xbox one wireless controller without the need to purchase a separate adapter. The strategy game, Warhammer: Total War 2 performed admirably enough, but this was the first game that showed me the limits of the Ice Lake CPU as performance could stutter a bit if enough units were on the battlefield. I ran some benchmarks and the device performed okay during various 3D Mark benchmarks. There are obviously faster gaming computers, but gaming performance on the Surface Book 3 exceeded my expectations. For the benchmark results, please see my photos.
While I enjoyed the gaming, working with creative software like Adobe Photoshop is where the Surface Book 3 truly excels. The 32GB of Ram meant I never had to worry about running out of memory while I worked with high res layers in my projects. That is great for a laptop. I have run out of memory many times on my other computers. Afterwards, I have to go in and resize assets or compress layers before I can proceed. In addition, the 3:2 aspect ratio was great for working on books and word documents.
The wireless adapter on the surface book 3 is 802.11ax compatible. With an up to date router, you can get some of the best Wi-Fi speeds currently available. If streaming or working remotely is important to you, I do not believe you can find a better device in terms of wireless connectivity.
Cons:
The battery life for the tablet is, quite frankly, not great. I got an hour and a half of web browsing and streaming before I needed to plug the tablet in. A digital artist wishing to work on the tablet from their couch, may need to be prepared to have their power cable nearby. Microsoft claims the computer should get 17.5 hours when connected to the base, my experience never bore that out. I did get more life than the tablet by itself and it has lasted much longer than I expected, but it was not anywhere close to 17.5 hours. On the subject of art, it’s not possible to bend the display back and have it lay perfectly flat against the base.
I wish there were more connectivity options for USB. There are only two USB-A ports and they are all on the left side of the keyboard. If you are right-handed and use a wired mouse, you will have the cable wrapping around the device. There is no HDMI port. If you want to view your work on a TV, you will need to either use a USB-C to HDMI cable, cast your display wirelessly, or invest in a docking station. In addition, there is no wired networking or display port. If you need more device connectivity, you may have no other choice but to invest in a docking station. Docking stations are not cheap. On the subject of accessories, the official stylus is also not included by default. I’ve seen much cheaper computers and tablets come with their stylus by default.
The power adapter is proprietary. It comes with a USB-A port built into the power brick which you can use to charge your phone, but because the adapter is proprietary, it could be an expensive replacement should it fail. And while you can charge the Surface Book via USB-C, the screen can only be charged by connecting it to the keyboard base or charging it with the included power adapter.
Headphone jack placement is awkward. It is located on the top right corner of the screen. That means you may find your headphone cable constantly interrupting your view. If you wrap the cable around the back of the Surface, you have even less headphone cable.
There is an 8.0MP camera on the back of the display. I don’t really see the purpose. Taking pictures like a tablet or a phone seems ridiculous to me.
Headphone jack placement is awkward. It is located on the top right corner of the screen. That means you may find your headphone cable constantly interrupting your view. If you wrap the cable around the back of the Surface, you have even less headphone cable.
There is an 8.0MP camera on the back of the display. I don’t really see the purpose. Taking pictures like a tablet or a phone seems ridiculous to me.
Windows 10 ver. 2004 has been out since late May, but to-date, I have not yet been able to install the update on the Surface Book 3. The Surface is still waiting for the update. If you were hoping to have a device with the latest version of Windows installed by default, this is not it. Speaking of updates, get ready for a lot of online updates out of the box.
As mentioned above, the Surface Book 3 15” comes with a discreet NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti graphics when connected to the keyboard base. However, the driver updates must come from Microsoft. When I launch Doom Eternal, the game tells me my graphics drivers are out of date and that I should download the latest drivers. From my reading, you should not download NVIDIA drivers from the NVIDIA site as this device is proprietary and not using drivers from Microsoft could cause software problems. The draw back here is constantly worrying if I have the latest and most compatible drivers for games. Out of date drivers can lead to graphical and performance problems in games. While I didn’t encounter any problems in my play sessions, the drivers are definitely a concern.
Conclusion:
The Surface Book 3 is an impressive computer. It functions well as a tablet with full software as opposed to apps. When connected to the keyboard base, the Surface Book 3 produced admirable speeds for gaming. The display and 32GB of memory made the device great for working on digital art and photo editing projects. I found a few of the design decisions to be a bit baffling, but they did not interfere with my overall enjoyment of the product. I believe Microsoft achieved the goal of creating a truly all-in-one device that can meet the needs of most users. It isn’t always a perfect experience, but I am enjoying it.
4.5/5
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+2points
3out of 4found this review helpful.
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The elegant design and sleek white finish of Belkin Quick Charge Wireless Charging Pad makes it an ideal iPhone, Samsung, and Google phone charger for any home or office space. The durable pad can fit almost anywhere, and the subtle and elegant design looks right at home on a nightstand or desk, while the non-slip grip ensures your devices stay securely in place. The Quick Charge Wireless Charging Pad is perfect for charging your smartphone wire-free, and the built-in LED indicator light notifies you about optimal charging. The Belkin Quick Charge Wireless Charging Pad allows you to quickly and easily charge your smartphone at incredibly fast speeds, featuring Qi technology that delivers safe power transfer up to 10 watts for a rapid wireless charging experience. The phone charger works with iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone X, iPhone 8 & iPhone SE including all standard, Plus, Pro, Pro Max and Mini models, as well as Qi-enabled phones from Samsung, Google, and more. Keep all your devices powered up and keep the party going with the Belkin Quick Charge Wireless Charging Pad. This pad comes with a Belkin QuickCharge 3.0 Power Supply, and is available in both black and white.
Fast Wireless Charging for Apple and Samsung
Customer Rating
5.0
The Boost Charge Wireless charging station works great at providing a reliable, wireless charge. I should point out that I received this charger for purposes of an unbiased review.
In the box, you get the charging pad, a 4 foot USB-A to micro-USB cable, and a wall adapter.
Fast wireless charging is still not as fast as fast wired charging, but with speeds faster than standard wireless charging and the convenience of wireless charging, fast wireless chargers are becoming easier to recommend. On top of the convenience, you can also spare some wear and tear from your phone's wired charging port.
On my Samsung s10e, the phone charged much faster than on a standard qi charger. The Samsung phones will recognize the fast wireless charger and indicate fast wireless charging even while using a case for the phone.
There are rubber grips on top of the charging pad to keep your phone from sliding. In my experience, I had no problem getting the phone placed and charging.
Note, I did not appear to get fast wireless charging with the Google Pixel 4. If you own a Pixel 4 and want fast wireless charging, you may need to look at other options.
But for Samsung and Apple phones that support fast wireless charging, the Belkin Boost charging pad is a stylish and reliable fast charging option that I can easily recommend.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: True
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Alienware - AW2521HFL 25" IPS LED FHD FreeSync and G-SYNC Compatible Gaming Monitor (DisplayPort, HDMI, USB) - Lunar Light
Enjoy a smooth gaming experience with this Dell Alienware gaming monitor. The 24.5-inch Full HD display delivers high-resolution images, while the 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time (GtG) ensures real-time display for eliminating image shatters and tearing. This Dell Alienware gaming monitor features DisplayPort, HDMI and USB ports for flexible connectivity, and the ergonomic design allows for tilting, swiveling and pivoting for more vibrant gaming. For an immersive gaming experience, the AW2521HFL is equipped with AlienFX lighting that is fully customizable using Alienware Command Center (separate download required*).
Your Next Gaming Monitor
Customer Rating
5.0
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The Dell Alienware AW2521HFL monitor is amazing. That's it. End of review. Pick it up now!
Okay, it isn't quite that simple, but thanks to its tremendous refresh rate, low response time, excellent build quality, and great on screen color reproduction, the Dell Alienware AW2521HFL monitor is the monitor to make all your gaming friends jealous. This is my favorite monitor. This monitor provides the speeds of a TN monitor with the color reproduction and viewing angles of an IPS display. It is the best of both. The higher refresh rates and Freesync technologies lead to smoother frame rates in FPS and strategy games while the improved color reproduction of the IPS display keeps everything looking great in the process.
Assembly: The monitor comes with two HDMI cables, a Display Port cable, and a USB cable to connect the built in USB hub. Important to make sure you plug the USB cable into a high speed USB port on the computer. Connecting the two base pieces to the monitor is simple. If you decide later that you want to wall mount the monitor to a VESA compatible wall mount, the base stand is easily detached via the alien head button on the back of the stand. Front cable management and an optional rear panel, help keep cables tidy. The stand does take up a decent footprint on the desk (in my experience about ten inches for depth), but the stability is great and everything just feels solid.
Setup: Windows will detect this as a pnp compatible monitor on start up. Drivers can be downloaded by googling DELL Alienware AW2521HFL. The included QR code in enclosed pamphlet did not work for me, but googling the product ID will take you to a DELL page where you can download Alienware Command Center and the display driver. You can use the Alienware Command Center to change the lighting profile for the back lighting on the monitor, or you can use the preset lighting options included with the monitor itself.
Make sure you go into your display adapter properties and set the monitor refresh rate to 240hz. By default, I found that the monitor was set on 59hz out of the box.
I tested the monitor on three different computers. Two with AMD freesync and another with an NVIDIA set up. The monitor looked and performed great with all the computers. In my experience, AMD Radeon Software detected and enabled Freesync and G-Sync by default.
Unfortunately, some light bleed was noticeable around the top of the screen in the model I tested and black reproduction wasn't quite as rich as monitors that featured HDR, but on the whole, the color reproduction still won me over. To notice any light bleed, the screen would have to be totally black and even then you have to really look for it. It's possible that this was just a variance among monitors and that it could be nearly eliminated with just some more tweaking. (For what it's worth, I prefer the initial preset and the gaming preset profiles on the monitor.)
This is a very good gaming monitor. Purists might quibble a bit with the slight light bleed / leak, but I'm in love with this monitor. It's truly the best gaming monitor I have ever had. I highly recommend it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+2points
7out of 12found this review helpful.
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August - Smart Lock Wi-Fi Replacement Deadbolt with App Access - Silver
Secure your home with this silver August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. Compatibility with popular virtual assistants lets you lock and unlock your door using voice commands, and the supported iOS and Android app offers easy remote operation. This August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has an auto-unlock function that automatically undoes the deadbolt when you come home.
Great Smart Lock!
Customer Rating
5.0
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So, picture this: coming home from the grocery store, your arms full, and the front door just unlocks automatically as you approach. This is the best kind of tech innovation: a device I never knew I needed, but now I can't imagine living without. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is great and I'm recommending it to everyone.
Installation: Installation was a breeze. I had it installed in less than 30 minutes. The kit includes: the lock, a mounting plate, a cover plate, adapters to attach the lock to your existing set up, and adhesive tape. The August Home app guides you through the installation process. You secure the outside of your existing lock with the tape, and then, using the screws for your lock, replace the back twist with the August Smart Lock. August also includes an entry door sensor. The sensor can be installed on the outside of the door frame, or it can be installed inside the door provided you are okay with drilling a 5/8 hole into your door. Because I'm renting, I just used the external mounting option.
And that't it. Installation was a breeze. The included adapters work with a large variety of locks. Just make sure your lock operates as a deadbolt.
Features: As mentioned above, the lock can auto unlock as you approach. The lock senses when your phone is back on your home Wi-Fi and unlocks when you approach. You can set up the app to provide notifications for when the door has been left open or if someone unlocks the door manually.
It's easy to send guest keys to friends and family. I can see people who run AirBnB's using this lock and sending keys to guests.
Google integration is great. I have a Google Assistant in the car and it's nice being able to ask my Google Assistant what the status is of the front door lock or tell the Google Assistant to lock the door.
Security Measures: There's two step authentication built in to the app. Users have to pass phone and email checks. In addition, if you use Google or Alexa, you have to provide security codes to unlock the device. If you lose your phone, August has an online tool to report the device loss and disable virtual keys.
Conclusion: The lock works as I expected and I have really enjoyed it. I can't recommend it enough.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+3points
7out of 11found this review helpful.
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ECOVACS Robotics - DEEBOT T8 AIVI Vacuum & Mop Robot with Advanced Laser Mapping and AI Object Recognition & Avoidance - Black
Clean floors with this ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO vacuuming and mopping robot. The 240ml water tank supports simultaneous mopping and vacuuming, while the carpet detection feature prevents wetting carpets. This ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO vacuuming and mopping robot works with a mobile app that lets you customize cleaning schedules from your smartphone conveniently.
Good Vacuum, Broken Mop
Customer Rating
3.0
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The DEEBOT OZMO T8 AIVI robot vacuum is a mixed bag. I've been using the vacuum for a week, and on the one hand, it's my favorite robot vacuum. The sensors work great. I think the mapping software did a good job tracing my two bedroom apartment and setting up zones. The Google Assistant and Alexa voice controls worked great and were easy to set up. But the mopping feature on my model is currently broken. I tried tech support, but didn't get much help. The online tech told me the problem I had should not be occurring, and I couldn't understand the phone tech, but she didn't seem to have much to offer. Until the firmware is updated or software is fixed, I can't recommend this robot as a mopping solution, but as a vacuum, I really like it. The vacuum does a good job protecting furniture and picking up household debris, but in its current state, I can't say the product works as advertised and I find that very disappointing.
The good: The robot looks polished. It adjusts vacuuming modes based on surface. It did a great job picking stuff up off of my living room and kitchen floor. The tray was full upon the vacuum's return to dock. The included tools helped me get any stray hairs wrapped around the rollers. Cleaning and maintenance of the vacuum is pretty easy.
The bad: Set up was more confusing than it needed to be. I am using an Android Samsung Galaxy phone with the EcoVacs Home app version 1.4.3. The software got WiFi information from my phone in order to connect the robot to the router. (Maybe I misinterpreted the steps, but that seemed to be what it was doing.) The robot will only communicate over the 2.4 ghz WiFi frequency. So, to set up the WiFi on my robot, I had to first connect my phone to the 2.4ghz frequency. Then I had to connect to the WiFi on the robot. The entire process involved going in and out of my phone's settings and the app. The process created confusion. Instead of having login information and drop down boxes in the app, I was left tabbing in and out and then hitting back tabs to go back to previous screens. First time I tried connecting to WiFi, it didn't work . Second time it stuck, but I just kept thinking my parents or friends who are tech adverse wouldn't have made it that far.
Once that's done and the vacuum is charged, you are ready to run an initial session so the vacuum can map its space. So, I did that. The map came back and was very impressive. However, when I went in to draw virtual barriers, I learned that I should have run an advanced scan and not a basic one. I don't understand what the difference in advanced and basic was except that the basic scan didn't let me use the features of the app while the advanced mode did. The vacuum sessions for both mode was near identical on time. So, if you get this vacuum and plan on using the advanced barriers and locations, make sure you run a scan in advanced mode instead of basic.
I'm not sure if this is a good / bad / or tbd, but the vacuum has a camera and software that allows you to remotely control the vacuum and, using the included software, spy on your friends and family. Ecovacs includes a camera cover and you do have to first give the app permission, but because the device can be shared and it is constantly connected to my WiFi, I had some black mirror / big brother concerns. Do I have to suffer functionality from the vacuum to protect my privacy?
Finally, the mopping. To engage your Deebot in mopping mode, you must add water (I chose distilled to keep hard water sediments out of the device) and attach the mopping plate. Ecovacs provides one washable mopping pad and several disposable mopping pads. Adding water and the mopping plate is easy, but this is when I started having all sorts of problems with my device. Once the Deebot detects that the plate is installed, it will not cross carpet. When I put the plate on, placed the Deebot back on the charging station, and told Deebot to conduct an automatic cleaning, the robot just went in reverse until it crashed into the wall and it kept trying to reverse even though it could go no further. If I picked the robot up and placed it on a hard surface, it would mop as expected, but when it finished that room and wanted to return to the charging station, it would detect the carpet again and refuse to cross. That error goes against the materials provided and the functionality promised for the vacuum. If I have to pick up the robot and physically take it to each room I want mopped, I would be better off with a swifter. If that's a bug that will be patched out, I would like to know. If there is a toggle in app that would fix this problem, I couldn't find it. I tried different types of carpets and rugs. I tried everything I could think of, but once that mopping plate is installed, the robot will malfunction unless it's placed on a hard surface. The phone tech seemed to suggest that the shag carpeting was causing the problem. So, I put the robot with a plate on a large rug, I had the same problem regardless.
Conclusion: I really liked this vacuum. Once I got the software set up and ran an advanced scan (as opposed to the basic one), I really liked it. But the mopping feature is currently broken and doesn't perform as promised. I really hope that Ecovacs fixes this problem soon. I intend to keep using this robot as a vacuum and if a software update fixes the mopping problem, I will gladly add a comment to this review and let others know.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Mobile Submission: False
+11points
11out of 11found this review helpful.
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Memorex - Portable CD Player with Bluetooth - Black With Bright Green Trim
Listen to your favorite albums and audiobooks on the go with this Memorex portable CD player. The 40-second anti-skip protection function for CDs ensures smooth, uninterrupted listening, while the dynamic bass boost system delivers rich sound. This Bluetooth Memorex portable CD player features an LCD screen and digital control buttons for conveniently choosing tracks and adjusting volume.
Let's Party Like It's 1990
Customer Rating
4.0
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Gas prices are under $2.00 and I'm reviewing a CD player. What year is it!?!? But, to be fair, this isn't quite like the CD players of the 90's. This CD Player has Bluetooth and far better electronic skip protection than my old CD players did back in the day. It isn't a flawless experience, but if you're looking to add a CD player to your car or want to connect without wires to your Bluetooth speakers and headphones, then dust off your CD wallet and prepare for a blast from the past.
Bluetooth: So, the big selling feature of this CD player is the included Bluetooth connectivity. With Bluetooth, you can connect this player to your portable speakers and wireless headphones. Connection isn't without problems, though. To get Bluetooth to work, you have to turn on the feature each time you start the CD player. It isn't enabled by default. Second quirk is I found myself constantly having to re-pair devices after I had either shut down the CD player or the Bluetooth device. It wasn't a consistent problem; some headphones stayed connected while some speakers did not. But it was a bit more difficult than turning on the devices and having a solid connection each time.
Features: Everything works well. Volume control is digital. The electronic skip protection worked well for my walks and car rides. The buttons on the top of the player are easy enough to use.
The player comes with 2 AA batteries, but no power cable. You can hook up a 4.5v AC adapter, but you will need to buy that separately. With the added feature of Bluetooth connectivity, it would have also been nice to have had a micro or mini USB power port, too. But, I guess that would have been asking too much.
As I said above, anti-skip works well. If you want, you could easily hook this player up to a car's auxiliary audio port. Many vehicles today are foregoing CD players in lieu of huge tablet like displays. If you are looking for an automotive solution, this worked well for me. I didn't experience skips, and the controls on the top of the drive were easy enough to access without taking my eyes off the road.
So, in conclusion, while Bluetooth works, it is a bit more quirky than I would like. As a portable CD player, the drive works well and Bluetooth does work if you are okay with constantly re-enabling and syncing devices.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+60points
65out of 70found this review helpful.
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HYPERBOOM rocks a supermassive sound and extreme bass that takes your party into the stratosphere. Its phenomenal dynamic range brings your tracks to life, rendering every sound level in gorgeous detail. The brainy adaptive EQ reads the room—or patio, or rooftop—and automatically customizes the speaker’s sound until it’s utterly perfect for the space. Two Bluetooth, one auxiliary and one optical inputs let you and your friends connect four devices and easily switch between them, so the music never has to stop! With a rechargeable up to 24 hour battery, HYPERBOOM goes all night—and anywhere—from your living room dance-off to the ragin’ roof party.
Begun the Boom Wars Have
Customer Rating
5.0
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If a speaker is judged by the number of noise complaints you get, then the UE Hyperboom is a good one.
I really like this speaker. The bass can shake the walls, but I felt the highs and the mid-range sounds still came through well.
The speaker is meant for the party. It has a USB port built-in to charge your wireless devices. It charged my phone with the speaker not even on.
I charged the speaker the first night I had it, and since then, I haven't had to charge it even with pretty consistent daily usage. UE claim this speaker gets 24 hour battery life, and I believe it.
Connecting to two smart phones via Bluetooth is as easy as a button press. The aux and optical connections are simple and work well. If I had a complaint with the included connections, I wish I could do more with the USB port. As it is, that port is only to power devices and doesn't allow you to say transfer mp3s via USB or hook up to a PC or laptop for audio playback. Minor quibble, but could be useful info for some folks.
From the ultimate ears app, you can set your EQ settings. With adaptive EQ, the sliders will adjust a bit to match the space. You can also manually adjust sliders or place in heavy bass, normal, or cinema modes.
The app experience worked well, but isn't perfect. I couldn't get Amazon music to work correctly with the quick play feature, but Spotify worked well.
I really like this speaker. In general, I have enjoyed my products from UE. They sound great and feel built to last. Easily recommend to folks looking for a speaker that sounds as good at a pool as it does in your bedroom.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: True
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Alienware - AW510H Wired 7.1 Gaming Headset
Enjoy outstanding sound clarity with this Dell Alienware gaming headset. The 7.1 stereo surround sound technology delivers a fully immersive listening experience, while the uni-directional noise-canceling retractable microphone blocks background noise for crisp, clear audio. This Dell Alienware gaming headset has earcups made of memory foam, sports fabric and leatherette combined with a cushioned headband for comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Good Stereo Headphones Held Back by Poor Software
Customer Rating
4.0
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First, it should be noted that these are stereo headphones. They are not truly 7.1 headphones. The headphones aren't recreating 7.1 channels of sound. There is no mini-sub in the headphones. They are stereo headphones that produce 7.1 effects through software. I also don't think they are truly noise cancelling. They provide enough suction around the ear to keep outside noises to a minimum, but there's no active noise cancellation as far as I can tell.
As stereo headphones, they sound pretty good. The drivers provide good detail. To me the bass could have been stronger, but the midrange notes were good. The uni-directional microphone sounds great in game chat. The headphones come with an adapter to hook up to either a PC via USB or an analog 3.5 mm cable. Both options include volume controls on the cable. I feel like you could use these headphones on a gaming PC or a PS4 / XBOX One without much compromise.
One note, my head got hot.
However, the software is awful on PC. I ran into problems with four computers. It seems the ideal way to install the software on non Dell or Alienware PC's is to plug the device into an open USB port and then have windows software update auto detect the device and download the appropriate Alienware Command Center through the Microsoft Store. However, that method doesn't always work. On one PC, I followed those steps and everything installed only to have the Command Center software tell me it could not detect my device.
On another PC, I tried installing the software straight from Dell.com. That didn't work either as then the Command Center software would glitch out trying to download a required update from the Microsoft Store.
And, a quick Google search, informed me that I wasn't the only one having these problems. The only solution I found that worked was to do the following: install the headphone driver and the command center software from Dell.com. When that method eventually fails and produces error in the windows store, uninstall the command center software from add/remove programs in the Windows Control Panel. THEN... Go into the Microsoft store App. Look for purchased software, find previously purchased AlienWare Command Central and install from Microsoft Store.
That overally complicated procedure was the only thing that worked for me on at least two of my four computers. On the other machines, I am still trying to get command center to work. I am so disappointed in this software.
These software problems are a huge issue because it is the only way to achieve the advertised 7.1 surround. ... Well... There are other options. You could use spatial sound built into Windows with either the Dolby Atmos for Headphones, DTS Unbound, or Windows Spatial sound. But without any of that, these are just good sounding stereo headphones. And, Dolby Atmos and DTS Unbound are not free.
I'm just incredibly disappointed in this software. The headphones deserve better software support. There is no documentation for installation that I could find in the box. The entire process was overly complicated for a part that I should be able to just plug in and use.
So, I'm recommending the headphones for console gamers and PC gamers if they are willing to use Dolby Atmos for Headphones or some other spatial software for surround sound support. Stay away from Alienware Command Center. The hassle just isn't worth it and mars what would otherwise be a great experience.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Logitech - G513 Carbon Full-size Wired Mechanical GX Brown Tactile Switch Gaming Keyboard with RGB Backlighting - Carbon
G513 is a high performance RGB mechanical gaming keyboard that features advanced technologies in a modern and sleek design. G513 includes full spectrum ~16.8M color RGB per key lighting with LIGHTSYNC technology, choice of mechanical switches, and a memory foam palmrest to deliver utmost comfort. G513 is the perfect blend of performance, advanced technologies and features, and unparalleled build quality and comfort.
Good Keyboard, Horrible Software
Customer Rating
4.0
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I like the keyboard. It has a good response. The brown switches have been great at giving a quiet, yet discernible resistance when I type. I wish the G513 had a volume slider that wasn't reliant on using a function key, but I like the response rate and the resistance of the keyboard. Switching keys out with the included tool is easy, and the extra USB port on the keyboard is convenient (assuming you still have a free USB port on the back of your computer...)
I'm just going to say it: I hate G-Hub. G-Hub is the software that Logitech wants you to use to customize your keyboard's lights and macro keys. It's awful. Drop down menus would show multiple lighting options, but most would not work. I would click, but the lighting selection would not switch over. Using a Logitech G-603 mouse, G-Hub reconfigured all settings from Logitech Gaming Software and I had problems with my mouse's DPI randomly switching when it should have been locked. My Caps-Lock and G-Shift lights never worked while G-Hub was operating. The entire program is awful. Maybe I'm having more problems because this computer had been using Logitech Gamer Software and not G-Hub, but they both have the Logitech name. Logitech, please patch your software. I had this problem on a desktop computer and a laptop.
The Logitech software recognizes when I start a game, but I didn't see any change in the lighting profiles custom to the game I was playing. I'm not sure if that's another feature that is just not working yet or what.
While I hate G-Hub, I did find a work around. if I re-download and install the older Logitech Gaming Software (circa 2018). the software that G-Hub replaced, the keyboard works fine. The interface isn't as polished and everything feels a bit dated, but it's all there and works.
But again, I like the keyboard. Typing works great. G-Hub was awful, but I did love turning on the audio visualizer (it exists in Logitech Gaming Software as a separate APP) and listening to Spotify.
I'm recommending the keyboard, but the software is awful.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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APC - Back-UPS Pro BX1000M-LM60 1KVA Tower UPS - Black
High Performance Computer and Electronics UPS for Premium Power ProtectionThe Back-UPS Pro family offers guaranteed power protection for high performance computer systems, routers/modems, external storage devices, game consoles and other electronics in your home or business. These UPSs supply electronics with abundant battery backup during outages and stabilize unsafe voltage levels. They also provide power protection from damaging surges and spikes, and allow the use of management software so you get the most out of your UPS. Premium features of this family may include Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), an LCD display, Smart Outlets, energy saving functions that reduce electricity use, network manageability, Watchdog, or configurable outlets. Together with the rest of the Back-UPS Pro's standard features, they are the perfect choice to protect your data and keep your system available.
Power Stability
Customer Rating
4.0
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Short Review: On a gaming PC with a 800 watt PSU, a high refresh monitor, speakers, and networking equipment, I got close to 24 minutes of extra power on a full charge. That's nowhere near 90 minutes, but I didn't realistically expect that and most people won't have a PSU that large. Granted, during part of that time my machine switched to power saver mode realizing it was on a battery, but 24 minutes is a good amount of time to finish up some work and shut down a machine and it's way more time than I had before with a APC-UPS 600. The APC Back-Ups Pro serves its purpose well.
Without extra software, the screen does a good job of showing the charge and estimating the remaining battery life. The ability to turn off the alarm with a button press was nice, too.
But a lot of what sets this unit apart from my older Back-Ups are the integrated circuit breaker and the automatic voltage regulation.
You can adjust the sensitivity of the unit to decide when it will switch over to battery power. At my current location, I find the power to be relatively stable, but if you have frequent voltage fluctuations, the back up gives you the option to change sensitivity and switch over to the battery more often.
The Back-UPS estimated it could run my machine for 30 minutes on battery power, but I was only on a half of a load. This is definitely a device where your experience will vary based on the load. Unlike prior Back-UPS Pros, this Back-Ups does not have a separate USB port to charge a phone or device, but I can't say I needed that. There is still a data port you can connect to a PC's USB port.
I like and recommend the Back-UPS pro. I wish I got closer to 90 minutes of life, but I will take the 25.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: True
+2points
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Razer - Kishi - Gaming Controller for Android - Black
Bring your A-game anytime, anywhere. Introducing a universal mobile gaming controller that fits most smartphone devices, designed to bring console-level control to your on-the-go gaming. With this controller by your side, wherever you go, victory will follow.
Will it fit my phone? I have the samsung s10e and I know it will work with the connection but I don't know if it will fit the s10e.
Yes, I am using it to play Halo on my S10e.
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3 years, 9 months ago
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RedScorpion
JLab - Play Gaming Wireless Headset - Black/Blue
Hear all your games in high-quality sound with this JLab Play wireless gaming headset. With an increased mid to high frequency response and super-low 60 ms latency, this headset is able to deliver clear vocals and enhance spatial awareness without lag. JLab’s Play wireless gaming headset delivers over 22 hours of playtime and compatibility with PCs, consoles and mobile devices to handle every session.
where is the micro phone? can it be used for a call center?
The headset features a retractable boom mic on the right ear piece. In my opinion, the headset would work well in a call center or home based call center. There is a mute button built in to the headset and the mic works in either Bluetooth or the wired 3.5mm mode.
3 years, 11 months ago
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RedScorpion
JLab - Play Gaming Wireless Headset - Black/Blue
Hear all your games in high-quality sound with this JLab Play wireless gaming headset. With an increased mid to high frequency response and super-low 60 ms latency, this headset is able to deliver clear vocals and enhance spatial awareness without lag. JLab’s Play wireless gaming headset delivers over 22 hours of playtime and compatibility with PCs, consoles and mobile devices to handle every session.
Is it compatible with ps4 & xbox?
Yes.
But it is not wireless on PS4 and XBOX. To use with your XBOX or PS4, you will neeed to use the included 3.5MM AUX console cord.
But it is not wireless on PS4 and XBOX. To use with your XBOX or PS4, you will neeed to use the included 3.5MM AUX console cord.
3 years, 11 months ago
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RedScorpion
JLab - Play Gaming Wireless Headset - Black/Blue
Hear all your games in high-quality sound with this JLab Play wireless gaming headset. With an increased mid to high frequency response and super-low 60 ms latency, this headset is able to deliver clear vocals and enhance spatial awareness without lag. JLab’s Play wireless gaming headset delivers over 22 hours of playtime and compatibility with PCs, consoles and mobile devices to handle every session.
Will these headphones work with I buy power computers
Yes, if the computer has Bluetooth built-in. If the computer does not have Bluetooth built-in, you will need to purchase a separate USB Bluetooth Adapter *(they tend to run between $10 and $20).
3 years, 11 months ago
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RedScorpion
Memorex - Portable CD Player with Bluetooth - Black With Bright Green Trim
Listen to your favorite albums and audiobooks on the go with this Memorex portable CD player. The 40-second anti-skip protection function for CDs ensures smooth, uninterrupted listening, while the dynamic bass boost system delivers rich sound. This Bluetooth Memorex portable CD player features an LCD screen and digital control buttons for conveniently choosing tracks and adjusting volume.
Can you play audio books on this CD player? And What accessories will I need to buy?
If your audio book comes on CD or MP3 CD, you can play it on this player. It doesn't come with a power cord. It includes 2 AA batteries.
4 years, 2 months ago
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RedScorpion
Memorex - Portable CD Player with Bluetooth - Black With Bright Green Trim
Listen to your favorite albums and audiobooks on the go with this Memorex portable CD player. The 40-second anti-skip protection function for CDs ensures smooth, uninterrupted listening, while the dynamic bass boost system delivers rich sound. This Bluetooth Memorex portable CD player features an LCD screen and digital control buttons for conveniently choosing tracks and adjusting volume.
iS THIS AN MP3 CD?
Yes
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4 years, 2 months ago
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RedScorpion
Memorex - Portable CD Player with Bluetooth - Black With Bright Green Trim
Listen to your favorite albums and audiobooks on the go with this Memorex portable CD player. The 40-second anti-skip protection function for CDs ensures smooth, uninterrupted listening, while the dynamic bass boost system delivers rich sound. This Bluetooth Memorex portable CD player features an LCD screen and digital control buttons for conveniently choosing tracks and adjusting volume.
Can it be used with or without the earbuds?
Yes?
Without the included earbuds, you can use your own or connect via Bluetooth. There is no built in speaker on the player if that's what you are asking.
Without the included earbuds, you can use your own or connect via Bluetooth. There is no built in speaker on the player if that's what you are asking.
4 years, 2 months ago
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RedScorpion
Memorex - Portable CD Player with Bluetooth - Black With Bright Green Trim
Listen to your favorite albums and audiobooks on the go with this Memorex portable CD player. The 40-second anti-skip protection function for CDs ensures smooth, uninterrupted listening, while the dynamic bass boost system delivers rich sound. This Bluetooth Memorex portable CD player features an LCD screen and digital control buttons for conveniently choosing tracks and adjusting volume.
have a 2019 mazda cx3 w/bluetooth capability. Will this work? Is a usb power cord available?
It should pair with your car, but there is no USB power cord. It still relies on an older ac or dc adapter.
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4 years, 2 months ago
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RedScorpion
Memorex - Portable CD Player with Bluetooth - Black With Bright Green Trim
Listen to your favorite albums and audiobooks on the go with this Memorex portable CD player. The 40-second anti-skip protection function for CDs ensures smooth, uninterrupted listening, while the dynamic bass boost system delivers rich sound. This Bluetooth Memorex portable CD player features an LCD screen and digital control buttons for conveniently choosing tracks and adjusting volume.
Will this work with Apple Bluetooth earbuds?
I don't see why it wouldn't. I paired it with Bluetooth headphones from Samsung, Sony, and JVC without problems. The only quirk is you have to make sure to turn on the Bluetooth feature each time you start the CD player. Also, sometimes the devices have to be re-synced every time you power on. My headphones kept the connection, but some of my Bluetooth speakers did not.
4 years, 2 months ago
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RedScorpion
Logitech - G604 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Optical Gaming Mouse with 25000 DPI HERO sensor - Black
With 15 programmable controls, LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, hyper-fast scroll wheel, and the revolutionary HERO 25K sensor, G604 offers both versatility and high-performance with endless possibilities to play with mastery. Dual connectivity lets you toggle between Bluetooth and ultra-fast 1 ms LIGHTSPEED advanced wireless technology—even on separate machines. Extremely accurate tracking and class-leading power efficiency enables up to 240 hours of high-performance gaming with one AA battery.
I read online that this mouse doesnt work with windows 10?
I am using Windows 10 ver. 1903. It works fine. It works on Windows 10 over Bluetooth and with the included USB light speed receiver.
4 years, 8 months ago
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RedScorpion