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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The Ninja CREAMi transforms frozen solid bases into ice cream, sorbets, milkshakes, and more at the touch of a button. From healthy to indulgent, the Ninja CREAMi can create frozen treats as unique as you are!
Fun Frozen Treats. One Pint at a Time
Customer Rating
4.0
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I should say up front that I received the Ninja CREAMi for the purposes of providing a fair and unbiased review. And, I must say, I love reviewing items by Ninja. I always eat well when a Ninja product comes into the kitchen. For the past week and a half, I have had ice cream, sorbets, and a few milk shakes. The Ninja CREAMi is a fun way to make ice cream and frozen deserts at home. However, instructions can be a bit contradictory, and the device doesn’t always behave as you would expect. Limitations with the design meant frozen bits of fruit or undissolved bits of cocoa got stuck to the sides or the bottoms of the pints. My milkshakes were an outright disaster.
However, despite any setbacks, I still had a lot of fun with the CREAMi. Most of the deserts tasted great. For those reasons, I am recommending the Ninja CREAMi.
However, despite any setbacks, I still had a lot of fun with the CREAMi. Most of the deserts tasted great. For those reasons, I am recommending the Ninja CREAMi.
SETUP: The Ninja CREAMi comes with three pints and lids, the base unit, a creamerizer paddle, and an outer bowl and lid. Detailed instructions are hard to come by at the moment, but the quick start and recipe guide do a good job explaining set up. All the components except for the base are top shelf dishwasher safe.
EXECUTION: I started with a pint of the vanilla ice cream from the recipe guide and a mango sorbet. Both recipes were easy enough to execute. The sorbet was just placing canned fruit into the pint and topping with juice until you reached the predesignated fill line. Most recipes require the pint and their contents be frozen for 24 hours. You then remove the lid from the pint, lock the pint into the outer bowl and lid, place bowl onto the base, twist to raise the bowl up, and then select which frozen desert you want to make on the device.
I made up a few pints of vanilla and let them sit in the freezer. They still tasted great a few days after processing. It seemed most recipes could keep for up to two weeks in a freezer.
This device is loud. It sounds like you are running a blender or a garbage disposal. If you have any sensitive neighbors or pets, probably best to not run the CREAMi too late at night. When making ice cream, your ice cream may come out looking crumbly. If that is the case, you simply place the bowl back on the stand and select re-spin from the front panel.
This device is loud. It sounds like you are running a blender or a garbage disposal. If you have any sensitive neighbors or pets, probably best to not run the CREAMi too late at night. When making ice cream, your ice cream may come out looking crumbly. If that is the case, you simply place the bowl back on the stand and select re-spin from the front panel.
Over the course of the last week, I have made chocolate ice cream, plain vanilla ice cream, chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream, strawberry ice cream, mango sorbet, mandarin orange sorbet, and two milk shakes. Most of those recipes came out well. I have another pint of vanilla freezing in the fridge right now. I followed the instructions that came with the device for each recipe because everything felt like it had to be extremely specific for risk of damaging the machine. Ninja warns against using pints that froze at an angle. They warn against using certain ingredients unless they are properly frozen in advance.
With rules against using unlevel pints, I found myself a bit surprised by the milk shake recipe which just uses store bought ice cream and milk. When I tried making milkshakes, the paddle would catch the ice cream at an angle and spin the CREAMi around on the cabinet. It made a mess. I am sure Ninja would just say my freezer is too cold, the ice cream was too hard, and that’s why the milkshake feature didn’t work very well. And that might be. But even if the milkshake feature had worked better, it still did not make very much.
In fact, that is probably one of my biggest complaints with this setup. It is great to be able to make your own pint of ice cream, but it’s just a pint. It was perfect for two or three people, but if you have a family of four or five, you best be ready to make several pints.
The other design flaw is that the paddle does not fully reach the sides of the pints. That makes sense as the paddle would then be scraping up the pint. But the result was, I had hard, icy mango pieces that froze to the side of the container. The outer sides of the sorbet were not near as creamy as the center.
Ninja has a promotion in the quick start guide offering a free pint container as a condition for registering the CREAMi online. A lot of the QR codes and offers were not quite live at the time of my testing, but I look forward to picking up more pints and trying my hand at more treats in the future. Individual pint containers sell on Ninja’s website for $14.95 a piece or $19.99 for two. You can also buy replacements for all the components from Ninja’s website.
SUGGESTIONS: If you want to make Strawberry, be sure to slice up and freeze some strawberry pieces to incorporate as mix-ins later. Also, if you make chocolate, I suggest straining out the mixture as you pour it into the pint. You know how you can have undissolved cocoa when you try to make hot cocoa? Well, that can happen with the chocolate ice cream recipe as well.
CONCLUSION: it is not a perfect execution, but I still really like the CREAMi. I probably would not use the CREAMi to make another milkshake when I have a perfectly good blender, but the pints of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate all tasted good. I wish the device had done a better job fully incorporating the edges of the pints, but as it is, I thought everything I made tasted good. The vanilla with chocolate chips and cookie dough tastes amazing. It is nice to be able to make ice cream and frozen deserts knowing full well what is going into it. Making sorbet is a simple and healthy way to make up a frozen desert. I am looking forward to trying out the gelato.
I recommend the CREAMi. I have had a lot of fun with it. Just make sure you are aware of the limitations of the device going into it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Circadian Optics - Lumos Light Therapy Lamp - White
Circadian Optics is a maker of bright light therapy lamps that mimic daylight. Our designer lamps allow you to get the light you need, right at your desk. Lumos is our slimmest lamp, measuring just 2 1/4" wide. Eminently adjustable, 3 hinges and a rotating light panel give this lamp excellent flexibility, allowing you to angle the light panel in a multitude of ways.
Hey, This Actually Works!
Customer Rating
5.0
I should say upfront that I received the "Circadian Optics - Lumos Light Therapy Lamp" for purposes of providing an honest and unbiased review. As part of the review I agreed to use the lamp for a week and share my experience after using the lamp for that period. And you know what, this actually works. I say that somewhat surprised as I have reviewed a few devices that proved to simply be gimmicks, but this works. I'm planning on picking up a few more because mine is now on my wife's desk. She loves it, too. She's admitted that it's helped her feel more alert and energetic in the mornings.
Whether you are working from home or are still working in an office settings, the Lumos is a small light therapy box that can easily fit on most any desk. The ability to swivel and position the lamp make it incredibly versatile.
If I had a nitpick, it would be the brick AC adapter takes up a fair amount of space on a surge or outlet. But, that's really my only complaint. The lamp cable is long. The three lighting options work well.
I think this is an excellent lamp and highly recommend it.
5/5 Easy Recommend.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
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Enjoy cleaner air in your personal space with the PureZone Halo True HEPA Air Purifier from Pure Enrichment. The sleek, modern design fits on any desk, nightstand, or tabletop while beautifully complementing your décor. Featuring a coverage area up to 100 square feet, it’s ideal to use in a dorm room, office, or small bedroom. The filters effectively eliminate 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns–making the air odor and dust-free for people with allergies or breathing issues. Product Features Activated Carbon Pre-Filter and True Hepa Filter The two filters work together to purify the air and capture 99.97% of dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, mold spores, and household odors. Covers Up To 100 Square Feet 3 fan speeds adjust to low, medium, or high depending on the room’s air quality. Automatic Timer The timer shuts off the unit after 2, 4, or 8 hours of continuous operation to conserve energy and extend the life of the air filter. Soft Glow Mood Light Offers two soothing levels of brightness Sleep Mode Turns off the soft glow night light and all control panel lights (except the Sleep Mode light). Intuitive Control Panel Includes responsive push buttons that let you determine fan speed, air treatment time, and more.
Compact, Sleek Air Filter
Customer Rating
5.0
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I should state upfront that I received the "Pure Enrichment - PureZone Halo 100 Sq. Ft 2-in-1 Air Purifier" for the purpose of providing a honest and unbiased review. I have tested a few small room air purifiers and, in my opinion, the Halo is one of the better ones. If you are looking for an air filter for a small bedroom or office, I highly recommend it.
Small air purifiers have come a long way from the bulky dust magnets of just a few years ago. The Halo comes with mood lighting, a carbon activated pre-filter, and a true HEPA filter. It all works very well while fitting easy on an end table, desk, or the top of a small bookshelf as I am using it.
This isn't the first air filter I have seen with blue mood lighting, but on the Halo, the blue lighting works well. I find the brightest setting a bit too bright for me, but the default lighting is nice. Just be prepared that there's no true off switch for the light. You can put the light into a sleep mode, but if you then bump a button or adjust a fan speed, it will kick back on. I think I would have preferred a simple off, light, or bright toggle.
Also, if you should lose power and later have power restored, the air purifier will stay off until you turn it back on. I would prefer if the purifier came back on automatically. As is, trying to use the unit with a smart outlet is probably pointless. It's storm season in Oklahoma, which means our power goes off a bit and the Halo is just another device I have to turn back on later.
As stated above, installing the 2-stage filter is pretty simple. Unlike other units with twist locks that require picking up the filter and turning it over, the front of the Halo simply snaps off allowing for the installation of the filter. Tabs on the filter make it easy to pull the filter out. PureZone says this filter should last 6 months. After that time, the replacement filter can be found on PureZone's website for $19.99.
Timers on the filter are a nice touch, but I prefer to keep my purifier running constantly. The first two fan settings are relatively quiet, but the third setting definitely produces a lot of white noise. Depending on your tolerance, you may prefer the lower fan settings at night.
Also, I should point out that the Halo comes with a 5 Year Warranty that begins on the date of purchase. I haven't had many air purifiers last that long (probably because I run them constantly, but still...). As someone who goes through air purifiers every few years, I found the 5 year warranty really impressive.
In conclusion, I like the Halo. A lot of air purifiers require a new filter every 3 months, a six month filter is definitely a step up. I wish the unit was a bit quieter on the highest fan settings and that there was a complete off toggle for the lighting, but those nitpicks aside, this is a nice air purifier.
5/5 Recommend
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Jam out to your tunes with these black JLab GO Air true wireless earbuds. Three sets of gel buds offer a comfortable and secure fit for all-day use, while the rechargeable 43 mAh lithium-polymer battery on each earbud offers up to 5 hours of use when fully charged. These JLab GO Air true wireless earbuds have a 30-foot Bluetooth connectivity range, letting you wander away from connected devices freely.
Solid Earbuds!
Customer Rating
5.0
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I should say upfront that I received the JLab - GO Air True Wireless In-ear Headphones for the purposes of providing an honest and unbiased review. And, at $30, I think they're good. I have way more expensive earbuds with fancy noise cancelling features, but, at the end of the day, I'll probably end up using these buds more. If they fall out or get lost, I'll just go to Best Buy and get another set. I had no connectivity issues; no static pops. I wish the buds put out a bit more volume, but at their current price, I think they're good earbuds.
The buds are small. I included some pictures for scale. The earbuds come with three different pads. I found the default worked the best and stayed neatly in my ear. There's a white light on each bud. If they are in your ears and you aren't playing music, other people can see the white lights.
There's a charging case. The earbuds are magnetically held into the case. However, I found that the case wasn't perfect. I accidentally knocked the case off the counter and the earbuds came out. The magnets do a pretty good job, but they aren't perfect. A lid for the case would have been a nice addition.
Also, I struggle with getting the touch buttons to work as advertised. I could get the volume to go up and down and answer calls or pause / play music, but it wasn't perfect.
But that's about all of my nitpicks. I wish the earbuds had fuller / louder sound, but at this price point, they sound pretty good. The touch controls are a bit frustrating and I wish the case had a lid, But outside of that, the earbuds worked well.
I struggled with what star review to give these. But, I think these buds do what they set out to do. They provide good, clear audio in a small package and are relatively inexpensive. They stay in my ears better than buds that are nearly seven times more expensive. I hope some of these nitpicks are addressed in future versions of the earbuds, but for what they are, I like them.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
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The GO Work Wireless On-Ear Headset from JLab will be your new best friend at the office. Featuring 45+ hours of playtime to get you through a full work week and Bluetooth multipoint, you can connect to 2 devices at once so you can transition from mobile to laptop without tocuhing any settings. The GO Work Headset also features 2 microphones for clear calling, a retractable boom mic with LED quick mute indicator, multi-functional buttons for controls, and 2 EQ settings for Work or Music mode.
Comfortable Headset with a Great Mic
Customer Rating
5.0
The JLab - GO Work wireless office headset is yet another well made headset from JLab. A lot of people are working from home right now, and this Bluetooth wireless headset makes it easy to clearly communicate with others. The microphone does a good job at picking up the voice of the speaker while keeping outside noise to a minimum. The mute indicator makes it easy to see if your mic is on or not. The padded cushions are comfortable. All-in-all, this headset has worked great over the last few days of testing it.
I should say up front that I received the JLab Go Work for the purpose of providing my honest thoughts and feedback.
Like many people, my wife and I found ourselves working from home most of this past year. My wife works as part of a support call center. They had her on a USB wired headset. We have been taking turns with the JLab Go Work and I think we are both quite impressed. We both like the wireless freedom. I have enjoyed the battery life and how easy it is to set up and use.
I had my wife call me with the headset and she sounded super clear. Not only that, but I only heard her and not the TV or the dog barking. The dual microphones do a good job at isolating the speaker's voice. The mute button was simple and the light indicator at the tip of the microphone was a nice touch. While the mic mute was activated, no audio came through the microphone. (I have tested headsets where that was unfortunately not the case.)
Also, the multipoint Bluetooth works as advertised. It was relatively easy to have the headset working on the phone and the computer. If I could make a suggestion, I would set it up with the phone first, then turn off Bluetooth on the phone, connect the headset to the computer, and then turn Bluetooth on the phone back on.
Some things to note:
The headphones come with a USB-C charging cable and a USB-C to 3.5mm aux. Important to note that according to the included documentation, the headset needs at least some charge to work with the wired 3.5mm cable.
Also, even when off, pressing the mute button will cause the microphone tip to turn red. Meaning, even when you think the headset is not active, it could still drain battery if the microphone light is pressed.
Finally, while the volume up buttons worked fine for the phone, they did not control speaker or microphone volume within Windows.
In conclusion, I think this is a good, comfortable work headset. The Bluetooth connectivity worked well. I had no static and neither my wife or I had any problems being understood. As a wireless work headset, I highly recommend it.
4.5/5
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Ready to go mechanical? Look no farther than the The ROCCAT® Pyro Mechanical (Linear) PC Gaming Keyboard with Per-Key AIMO RGB Lighting, Brushed Aluminum Top Plate and Detachable Palm Rest. Its linear switches boast an optimized 2.0mm actuation point for a keystroke that is both responsive and reliable. Switches are tested to 50 million keystrokes, with a reinforcing brushed aluminum top plate providing added durability. Advanced anti-ghosting technology ensures gamers can press virtually all of the most-used keys simultaneously, with each of them registering and reacting in the heat of battle without fail. The Pyro is equipped with a detachable palm rest to suit both relaxed typing and aggressive gaming styles. Also featured is ROCCAT Easy-Shift[+] technology allowing deep control customization, doubling the function of every button just by holding down the designated modifier key (Caps Lock by default). The Pyro features the AIMO lighting engine, ROCCAT’s proprietary technology, with per-key illumination in 16.8 million RGB colors. AIMO reacts organically to your usage with vivid lighting displays right out of the box – without the need for extensive configuration. It also syncs with compatible products with state-of-the-art illumination scenarios flowing from device to device.
Another Solid Keyboard from Roccat
Customer Rating
5.0
I should say upfront that I received the Roccat Pyro gaming keyboard for purposes of providing an honest and unbiased review. This is my second Roccat keyboard and the Pyro is another good keyboard from Roccat. It’s a solid, well built keyboard held back by a lack of a few connectivity features and a clunky software interface. But, despite the software, it’s an easy to recommend keyboard.
Inside the box, you find the keyboard and a detachable stand. The keyboard doesn’t sit as high as I would like. Even with the legs extended, it doesn’t provide quite the arch I’m used to, but still, it feels comfortable. The grip on the wrist pad is especially nice. Gaming sessions have been fun and comfortable.
In terms of features, the keyboard comes with linear switches. The keys are not completely quiet, but they aren’t as loud as some mechanical keyboards. They keys are responsive and springy. The keyboard has a game mode function that disables the Windows key. The volume control dial makes it easy to turn up or down audio volume.
The keyboard comes with Easy Shift +. Using Roccat Swarm software, you can set up macros and alternate keys. It works. I didn’t find it to be the most intuitive tool to use during games, but with enough practice, I’m sure it could be useful for RTS and RPG gamers.
Speaking of Swarm, I still find the free software tool, Swarm, to be one of the weaker aspects of the keyboard package. The software is clunky. Lighting options work, but the customization options feel basic. Also, on high DPI displays, the font for the app looks incredibly tiny. It doesn’t scale well on 4K displays or on my Microsoft Surface.
If I had a nitpick, I wish there were USB ports built on the keyboard itself. As is, there is no USB port and no 3.5mm audio passthrough.
But Swarm works and the lack of a USB port is not a deal breaker. This is a very solid keyboard. The brushed metal, the springy keys, and the excellent wrist pad have me sold. RGB lighting and a volume control on the keyboard are just icing.
But Swarm works and the lack of a USB port is not a deal breaker. This is a very solid keyboard. The brushed metal, the springy keys, and the excellent wrist pad have me sold. RGB lighting and a volume control on the keyboard are just icing.
Easy to Recommend 5/5
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The CORSAIR VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT delivers a high-fidelity audio experience for the most discerning players, combining uncompromising sound quality with all-day, all-night comfort from its premium memory foam earpads and headband. Connect wirelessly to virtually any device with simultaneous SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS and Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth, or wired via 3.5mm or USB. Make yourself heard with superb vocal clarity thanks to a broadcast-grade, omnidirectional detachable microphone with wide dynamic range. Lightweight aluminum construction ensures long-term durability, while up to 15 hours of wireless battery life and 60ft of range give you absolute listening freedom. Micro-perforated aluminum on each ear cup allows RGB lighting to shine through for visual flair. With immersive Dolby Atmos and CORSAIR iCUE software to enable custom audio equalizer settings, RGB lighting control, and more, you can be the maestro of your gaming experience.
My Last Headset?
Customer Rating
5.0
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The Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT Headset might be the first wireless headset I have had that gave me a wireless experience equal to a USB powered alternative. No pops. No distortions. The wireless audio performs just as you'd hope. In a home with numerous Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, the Virtuoso Wireless XT provides amazing sound over wireless. The Slipstream Wireless Tech along with the 50mm neodymium audio drivers creates great sound. A battery that lasts fifteen hours, a travel case, simultaneous Bluetooth aptX HD phone connection, a USB cable, and a 3.5MM cable with inline volume controls for Nintendo Switch or X-Box controller makes this truly the only headset you need. This is a great headset. Minor quibbles aside, this headset is very easy to recommend.
I should say upfront that I received the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT headset for purposes of providing a fair and unbiased review.
Setup: Wired connections are pretty straight forward. Make sure your headset toggle is switched from wireless to wired and then connect via USB or the included 3.5mm cable.
Pairing with a phone is pretty straight forward. On the second set of volume controls there is a pairing button. Once paired, you can take calls on your phone and adjust your phone's volume. The pairing button lights up and changes colors to indicate connection with the phone. You can pause / play music or answer phone calls from that button.
Pairing with a phone is pretty straight forward. On the second set of volume controls there is a pairing button. Once paired, you can take calls on your phone and adjust your phone's volume. The pairing button lights up and changes colors to indicate connection with the phone. You can pause / play music or answer phone calls from that button.
Set up on PC is easy. The first time you plug in the USB cable or the wireless USB dongle, Windows will install the Dolby Atmos spatial audio app / plugin. You can further configure Dolby Atmos settings from the Dolby Access app. Note, if Atmos Spatial audio is activated, you will be unable to change audio equalizer settings within iCue.
The headset will work without any additional software, but if you wish to change lighting, adjust equalizer, update firmware, or change a dozen other settings, you will need the latest iCue Software. I was provided iCue version 4.11.274 for purposes of testing this headset. I can speak from experience that early versions of iCue will not work or detect the headset. So far, lighting choices selected in iCue have synced between computers.
Dolby Atmos is a spatial audio toggle setup in windows. Easiest way to turn it on is to right click your volume icon in Windows taskbar, then left click spatial audio, then select Dolby Atmos.
Experience: Audio has been impressive with every device I have tested. As stated above, I never noticed any difference between audio quality of wireless or USB wired. Battery life has been very good. I keep switching back and forth between USB and wireless for purposes of testing the set, but so far, the battery has lasted quite a while. Corsair states that the headset should work for 15 hours and that would be consistent with my experience to date.
The spatial audio worked well. In FPS games like Titan Fall 2, I could easily pinpoint the location of enemies.
The omni directional microphone has done a good job during my calls and online chat sessions. People on the phone have said I sound very clear. Although, I did need to adjust the positioning of the mic more towards my face to keep from sounding a bit muffled to others. The microphone will glow green when on and red when off if you have iCue installed. You can turn the microphone light off in iCue if you find that light a distraction.
Speaking of lights, you will need iCue to set up the RGB lights to your liking. You can use color codes to match the RGB lighting to other devices. There are a few built-in lighting options and you can customize a few options within the app. I don't think the lights will wow anyone, but they work. I wish there had been an audio visualizer toggle, but so far I don't see one. I didn't have any problems or conflicts with other lighting software on my PCs.
Comfort: These headphones can start to feel a bit warm. The ear covers don't breath as much as a mesh material might. I never found it too distracting, but I wish it breathed a bit better. In USB mode, the USB cable connector keeps hitting my shoulder. It isn't awful, but I wish there was an angled USB-C connector instead of a straight connection. Also, while on the subject of the USB-C to USB-A cable, I wish the cable was a bit longer. Plugged into a USB hub on my desk or on my laptop, it wasn't a big deal, but if you tower is on the floor, you may find the USB cable a bit short.
But, these are nitpicks. The headphones adjust well to fit various head sizes. The cushions are pretty thick. they cover my ears well and create a good seal.
Other quirks / Bugs: I had problems with iCue on a laptop with a scaled font display. The app would over stretch the display space and was unusable. I tried running the app in compatibility mode, but I couldn't get it to work. This could just be a bug in the version of iCue I was using. I only encountered the problem on one laptop. But, it was a pretty annoying problem. Hopefully a fix is in the works.
Conclusion: Nitpicks aside, these have been really nice headphones. I can't get over how well the wireless audio works. No pops. No distortions. No interference. Hours of use and no pops. The added Blue-tooth phone connection is a feature I have only seen on a handful of headsets and I think the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT is the first headset I have used that actually got it all working flawlessly.
Really impressed with the audio quality, the build quality, the battery life, and the compatibility with a wide range of devices. I have been enjoying this headset for a week now. Really want to thank Corsair and Best Buy for giving me the opportunity to review the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT.
Easily Recommend: 5/5
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
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Dell - Inspiron 7000 2-in-1 14" Touch-Screen Laptop - AMD Ryzen 5 - 8GB Memory - 256GB Solid State Drive
The Inspiron range of laptops and 2-in1s are thoughtfully designed so you can stay connected wherever you are with long-lasting battery life. Equipped with the latest processors, graphics, and thermal solutions; your PC runs quickly and smoothly as you connect with confidence. Optimized with technology that simplifies your life, Inspiron laptops and 2-in-1s offer a range of easy-to-use features all packaged in a minimalist and modern design. A newly designed and ergonomically positioned lift hinge increases comfort for a better typing experience when on chat, writing lengthy emails or connecting to your world. Rest assured that your privacy is secure with the mechanical privacy camera shutter. Also, the single sign on (SSO) fingerprint reader on the power button provides a more personal, more secure instant access login experience. And that’s not all, your Inspiron, is now environmentally conscious – The Inspiron compliments not just your style but also your values.
Snappy 2-in-1 Workhorse PC
Customer Rating
5.0
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The Dell Inspiron 14 7415 2-in-1 is a snappy device. For folks in the market for a solid computer for work or school, I highly recommend it. I should say upfront that I received this 2-in-1 for purposes of providing an honest and unbiased review. I agreed to review this laptop not knowing the detailed specs of the machine in advance. With no preconceived notions, I thought the laptop was impressive.
This machine is a workhorse for those working from home or those who want a solid day-to-day computer. I spent many years in academia, I would have loved a laptop like this for taking notes in class or working on papers during breaks. This is a good device for now with some potential to be upgraded and improved upon later.
Overview: The aluminum finish has a blue tint. It is subtle, but it still stands out in a good way. The device feels good to my hands. Fingerprints were at a minimum. Unlike some other laptop surfaces, no one will ever confuse this device with a fingerprint magnet. The laptop has a 720P webcam with a privacy toggle built-in. The display acts as a stand and provides a lift to the device so that airflow can help cool the machine. It also provides a bit of an ergonomic arch to the keyboard. Keyboard is responsive and snappy. The trackpad is large. The screen showed some light bleed on purely dark screens, but nothing too noticeable. All-in-all, I thought the IPS display looked sharp. Colors looked good. I never had any problems with viewing angles. Ryzen 5 5500U processor combined with the internal NVME SSD hard drive makes for a fast machine. The PC boots in a matter of seconds
The screen flips back to transform the laptop into a touch screen tablet. It all works great. In fact, I think this works better in tablet mode than some 2-in-1 PCs that are way more expensive.
While I am heaping the machine’s praises, I should point out that the battery performed great. On a full charge, battery estimator estimates you can get around nine hours. In my own experience, I averaged around 6. I played games like “Magic the Gathering: Arena”, streamed video, and spent hours online. I am used to laptops that do not last half as long. I was impressed.
There are two USB-A 5 Gbps ports, a HDMI port, a micro-SD port, a 3.5MM combo jack for headsets, and a USB-C port that doubles as a Display Port and power port. The device supports USB-C charging. It has no other way to charge. The USB-C charging seemed fast. The 65W power brick does a good job, but unless you have the device plugged into a docking station of some sort, you lose out on the USB-C connection. I wish there were another USB-C port. I would prefer a proprietary charger and an open USB-C port, but that is me. If you work from home and are required to be on a wired LAN, you will need a USB to LAN adapter. Because there are only two USB-A ports, a solid USB hub is a necessity with this computer if you plan to have more than two USB devices plugged in at a time.
The laptop comes with Bluetooth 5.0 and an 802.11ax wireless network adapter. Wi-Fi performance was good. No dropped connections or struggles during my testing. Range was solid for me. Still, with all the wireless devices in my place, I had a good connection.
Comfort: This is not the lightest laptop / 2-in-1 out there. It is not the smallest, either, but I found it hit the sweet spot in terms of size and portability. Now, I like that the monitor doubles as a riser to help provide airflow when the laptop is on a desk, but on my lap, it gets a bit uncomfortable having the monitor dig into my legs.
The computer comes with a minimal amount of bloatware or pre-installed software, but I found what does come installed to be a bit of a mixed bag. Dell has an app installed to connect your phone to the computer. I could not get the app to work with a Samsung Galaxy S10 or a Google Pixel 4. The laptop comes with a 25-day trial to McAfee. Personally, the McAfee software got in the way. Constant onscreen pop-ups and ads were annoying. I will just use Windows Defender, but that is me. Dell software that used the system’s webcam to track my head movements for purposes of positioning audio seemed pointless and just led to a system resources crash. Running software and driver updates from Windows Update worked great, but the Dell updating software that came with the machine screwed up the display driver’s software. I was forced to reinstall the software from AMD. I would recommend just using Windows Update and avoiding Dell’s auto-updates if my experience is indicative of what the experience will be like for others. Probably the only piece of software I liked was Dell Cinema which had a guide to add various streaming subscriptions in one place for easy viewing.
Upgradeability: The model I tested came with a 256GB NVME hard drive, 8 GB of DDR4 3200 RAM in dual channel, and the 5500U AMD processor. Out of the box, this is a solid device, but I could see that 256GB hard drive filling up fast. Thankfully, Dell has a service guide online to guide any future repairs or upgrades. The components appear to be easily accessible. Upgrading the hard drive and the RAM down the line would be a good way to keep the machine running fast in the future. For the time being, I would recommend storing photos and videos either on a cloud-based service or on a Micro SD card if you are worried about space.
Conclusion: I have been building computers for over 25 years. I always have people ask what type of computer I would recommend. That has always been a loaded and complicated question. For someone looking for a solid work or school laptop, I feel confident in recommending the Dell Inspiron 14 7415 2-in-1. It is not a gaming computer designed to play the latest and greatest AAA games. It might play some games if they are not too new or too graphically intensive. This machine was meant for the user who wants to be online, stream videos, telecommute, write papers, take notes in class, perform typical day-to-day operations. In my usage, the operating system was stable. I never had a system crash or blue screen.
Conclusion: I have been building computers for over 25 years. I always have people ask what type of computer I would recommend. That has always been a loaded and complicated question. For someone looking for a solid work or school laptop, I feel confident in recommending the Dell Inspiron 14 7415 2-in-1. It is not a gaming computer designed to play the latest and greatest AAA games. It might play some games if they are not too new or too graphically intensive. This machine was meant for the user who wants to be online, stream videos, telecommute, write papers, take notes in class, perform typical day-to-day operations. In my usage, the operating system was stable. I never had a system crash or blue screen.
Hard drive space and RAM will be at a premium with this model. There is no wired LAN connection and there are not many USB ports. As an office computer, a USB hub or a docking station will probably be a necessity. I also found the Dell software to be a bit underwhelming.
But those nitpicks aside, I really like this machine. It is a solid workhorse. The performance of the Ryzen 5500U processor and the battery life really impressed me. I love how it looks. I love the display. I love the keyboard and the touch pad. It is a very solid laptop 2-in-1 computer.
I have included some hardware spec screenshots taken from CPU-Z. I hope this information is helpful. I want to thank Best Buy and Dell for letting me test the Inspiron 14 7415 2-in-1.
Recommended. 4.5/5
Recommended. 4.5/5
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Samsung - 980 1TB Internal Gaming SSD PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe
Harness your PC's potential with the 980. Whether you need a boost for gaming or a seamless workflow for heavy graphics, the 980 is a smart choice for outstanding SSD performance — and it's all backed by an NVMe* interface and PCIe 3.0 technology.
Fast and Reliable NVME 3.0 Drive
Customer Rating
5.0
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I should say up front that I received the Samsung 980 NVME 3.0 1TB SSD for purposes of provided an honest and unbiased review. The 980 is a fast performer. Installation was easy. And as more games and programs are written to take advantage of SSD speeds, drives like the Samsung 980 are quickly becoming a necessity. In my few weeks with the drive, it has worked extremely well. I haven't noticed performance degradation and temps have remained stable. I highly recommend the 980 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVME drive to gamers looking for a fast NVME drive that is easier on the budget.
Installation: I have been building computers for over twenty-five years. I was a kid in 7th grade when I built my first computer. The process of upgrading and building computers has gotten simpler since then. Installing the Samsung 980 can be a simple task if you research your computer in advance. 1st Make sure your computer has an NVME slot. I have an Acer Nitro V laptop that did not advertise its NVME slot in advance. It took some searching online to determine that it had the slot. Also, make sure your slot is keyed for NVME and not just a SATA drive. I've attached a screenshot which shows the difference. 2nd Make sure your motherboard supports the storage size of the 980. My Lenovo computer has a NVME slot, but it does not support drives above 500GB. 3rd Make sure you have the necessary mounting hardware. There are no mounting spacers or screws included with the Samsung 980. Unfortunately, mounting requirements differ from computer to computer. My gaming motherboard included the spacer and already had the screw in place. The Nitro V had a spacer, but no screw. The Lenovo required a separate plastic mounting bracket with plastic clips. It may take some sleuthing to find what mounting hardware works best for your setup. Once your drive is in the machine and running, you can format it and give it a drive letter in Windows Disk Management.
I've been using Samsung Magician to benchmark my drives. You can download the software for free from Samsung's website. The software provides tools to update the firmware on your drive. It also keeps you up to speed on temps and drive health. Unlike the software from Western Digital, I don’t see a drive toggle for a game mode currently. Perhaps that feature will be added at a later date.
Performance: With the 980 NVME installed, I now have four hard drives installed in my computer. A 2 TB platter drive, an 860 EVO SATA SSD Drive, and another 500GB NVME 3.0 SSD drive. The Samsung 980 is the fastest drive in my computer based on the Samsung Magician benchmarks. I have attached photos that show the gains you get from moving from the old platter type drives to a SATA SSD to a NVME 3.0 X4. My WD Black NVME ran cooler, but the 980 bested it in sequential and IOPS benchmarks. Both the WD and the 980 were similar in terms of read speeds, but the 980 was a clear winner in writing speeds.
I should note that there are faster drives. For instance, the 980 Pro is faster. Many other drives have DRAM on board. But, in my experience, most day-to-day users probably will not care about that. For me, the 980 was the fastest drive on my machine. It performed great with everything I threw at it. If you are rendering a lot of videos, are working on databases, are constantly moving files around your PC, a 980 Pro might be a better fit for you. But, I still maintain for most users, this drive is going to be way faster than anything they have had before especially if this is your first NVME drive.
As said above, there is no DRAM on the 980. From my research, Samsung has gotten around the lack of DRAM on board by using a host memory buffer. Instead of utilizing onboard ram, the SSD is able to utilize the processor’s DRAM to overcome performance obstacles. And, as I said above, the performance has been great for me so far. Games installed on the drive have performed great.
The 980 got a bit hot during my benchmarking. I saw it get above 60C. During gaming sessions, it tended to stay in the upper 40s. On idle, it hovers between 38C and 42C. But, temps may be different for you. If you have your drive in an area that gets good airflow with a fan close, it may stay cooler.
Sony and Microsoft are developing games that utilize SSDs for the PS5 and Xbox Series X accordingly. We are now seeing games that are being optimized for NVME storage. Even now, some games are releasing with recommendations for SSD drives. The faster storage helps with game loading times and it can also help with in game performance. Many games today are constantly loading resources. A high-speed SSD can help minimize stutter in game. The 980 gave me a noticeable performance improvement in games like Jedi: Fallen Order. Cyberpunk 2077 is another game that benefits from an SSD drive.
The Samsung 980 is fast. It has performed well with everything I have put it up to. It did get a bit hot during benchmarking, but it typically holds an idle temp around 40c. In games, it got warm, but still stayed below 50c for the most part. If you have been debating on installing a NVME drive in your system for games, I think the Samsung 980 is a no brainer. Very few retail drives come close to this performance for this price.
I want to thank Samsung and Best Buy for letting me review the Samsung 980 NVME 3.0 1TB SSD. I hope this review and the accompanying screenshots were helpful.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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RAYCOP - GO UV+ Ultra-Portable Handheld Allergen Vacuum - White
For on-the-GO peace of mind. Use UV light with or without a vacuum function so you can safely clean your phone, car and plane seat, hotel room, luggage and more.
Portable On-The-Go UV-C Sanitation and Vacuum
Customer Rating
4.0
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I should say up front that I received the Raycop Go UV+ Ultra-Light Cordless Vacuum for purposes of providing an honest and unbiased review. As far as I can tell, everything works as Raycop intended. The UV+ head emits light when in contact with a surface, the vacuum does pick up debris, and it is relatively easy to assembly and travel. If you have the space in your luggage and want some portable peace of mind, the Raycop-Go works. It's just not as small as you would probably like to be portable and the light doesn't always turn on or stay on as long as you would expect.
I should say early on that this is a difficult item to review because I have no way of knowing if the UV+ light is strong enough or is on the surface long enough to kill viruses and bacteria. I can't check surfaces with a microscope after using the device. I know it has a 4W UV-C lamp. The vacuum, by itself, puts out a decent level of suction. The vacuum and the UV-C light work. I just can't validate the claims made by Raycop. There was a study in the American Journal of Infection Control about UV light and the SARS COV-2 virus. UV-C light can kill viral particles. But, it takes the right wavelength and the proper amount of exposure time to kill the virus. I'm not sure if simply moving this UV-C lamp and vacuum over a surface is enough to do much of anything.
To their credit, Raycop has a report from the Guang Zhou Institute of Microbiology about testing done with the Go UV+ and a sample of the Influenza-A virus. I'm just not sure that their test translated to real world use.
But, for the purposes of my review, I'm going to talk about this as a vacuum with a UV-C lamp. And, as a portable vacuum, it works pretty well assuming you aren't trying to pick up anything too big. The dust bin isn't particularly large. The vacuum does work best over chairs, couches, and bedding. You can take the UV Head Unit off and the vacuum does a good job getting the crumbs and debris out of car seats.
I found on a full charge I could get approximately 30 minutes of usage on standard vacuum settings. I ran it until it died and it would recharge in about three and a half hours. Both times are within the specifications that Raycop advertises.
I'm not sure how portable this truly is. It will take up a sizeable portion of your carry-on luggage. It adds about 3lbs of weight if you include the case. By itself, it weighs around 1.9lbs. The promotional materials talk about pulling the vacuum out to clean up an airline seat, but I'm not sure how practical that is if you are on a crowded airplane as people are boarding. It definitely doesn't seem practical in flight.
But the vacuum works. I put it through the cookie crumb test. It picked up hair. It picked up crumbs. It just can't pick up a lot of crumbs because the dustbin is so small.
It's important to move the vacuum slowly if you intend to use the UV Lamp. If you move the vacuum too fast, the device won't always detect a surface and the light won't work. I found on some curved surfaces the UV lamp didn't want to stay on and could be a bit finicky.
I had some issues with a clip on the side of the dustbin that wanted to come off. It snaps back into place with a firm press, but best be careful when traveling that you don't lose the part.
The vacuum turns on and changes settings with a single button. I think I would have preferred a separate toggle for UV and suction level with the on-off switch. As it is, I cycle through both suction levels to turn the vacuum off.
So, if this review is all over the map, I apologize. I try to provide useful information in these reviews. As a vacuum, the Raycop Go works. The UV-C lamp does turn on. If you are looking for a portable vacuum and a UV-C lamp, the device does work. I'm just not sure how practical or ultimately useful it will be. Wouldn't a Lysol wipe or a wipe with alcohol be more convenient and effective for travel? Ride share and limo drivers, could get some mileage out of the Go UV+. I can see uses for this vacuum in a hotel or with cloth seats. But then again, if your hotel is that dirty, perhaps you should just stay somewhere else.
I'm recommending the vacuum. Everything does work. I'm just not sure how practical or effective it all really is.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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RedScorpion's Questions
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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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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