MnstrMike
Top 250 Contributor
 
 
MnstrMike's Stats
 
  • Review Count
    132
  • Helpfulness Votes
    851
  • First Review
    August 5, 2011
  • Last Review
    September 21, 2024
  • Featured Reviews
    0
  • Average Rating
    4.1
 
Reviews Comments
  • Review Comment Count
    5
  • Helpfulness Votes
    5
  • First Review Comment
    November 5, 2012
  • Last Review Comment
    June 18, 2017
  • Featured Review Comments
    0
 
Questions
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    0
  • Helpfulness Votes
    0
  • First Question
    None
  • Last Question
    None
  • Featured Questions
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  • Answer Count
    42
  • Helpfulness Votes
    50
  • First Answer
    November 22, 2010
  • Last Answer
    December 8, 2021
  • Featured Answers
    0
  • Best Answers
    6
 
 
MnstrMike's Reviews
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The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance.¹ The cutting-edge Actua display is bigger, brighter, and ultra responsive.² Beat your best times with advanced running features from Fitbit, then use all-new readiness and cardio load tracking to balance rest. And stay on top of your day with help from Google.
 
Great Design
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
on September 21, 2024
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Overall impressions of the Pixel Watch 3 are really good!
The craftsmanship feels solid and the user experience is good. Having used Galaxy Watches in the past with Wear OS, I was surprised to see the skin/launcher on Pixel was different. I know that is the case with phones, but I had just assumed it wouldn’t be that way with the watches. It’s not totally different just a different flow than what I was used too.
The design matches that of the new Pixel 9 series devices so if you are looking to match your wrist to your hand when holding your phone, Pixel has you covered.
The watch band mechanism for attaching to the body of the watch is a little different as I am used to the tried and true push pin system. The Pixel’s locking mechanism is quite a bit more secure though so there is no chance of the band popping loose. It took a second to get it to slide in, but that was because the instructions included were backwards, or possibly meant for right hand wearing?
My only gripe is with the charger setup. While it is magnetic, it is not wireless charging. There are 4 pins that must align to properly. The magnets will help in proper alignment, but to save you some time the charging cable must come out from under the Crown.
When charging the watch does not sit flat on a table due to the watch attachment design. There are many options for phone and watch charging docks and stands. I already have the Pixel Stand 2, so I’m just getting a standalone dock, this will actually take up less space than just lying flat on a table and tidy things up a bit with the charger.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
Introducing the Flex Open Clip Wireless Earbuds, the epitome of convenience and innovation in earbud technology. With its unique, clip-style design, these earbuds offer a distinct open-ear experience unlike any other. Simply clip them around your ear and immerse yourself in your surroundings while still enjoying your favorite tunes. Featuring touch controls directly on the earbud, managing your music and calls has never been easier or more intuitive. With USB-C charging, you can quickly and conveniently power up your earbuds for extended listening sessions. Compatible with the JLab App, you can further personalize your listening experience to suit your preferences. Enjoy a remarkable 21+ hours of playtime, ensuring you never miss a beat throughout your day. Thanks to multipoint technology, you can seamlessly connect to any two devices simultaneously, making it effortless to switch between your smartphone, tablet, or laptop without missing a moment of your audio experience. Experience the freedom and versatility of the Flex Open Clip Wireless Earbuds - where innovative design meets exceptional functionality for the ultimate listening experience.
 
Good Buds, Different Design
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
on September 21, 2024
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Definitely a unique take on the earbud design. These are definitely great for an active lifestyle and one where you don’t need and/or want to block out ambient noise.
The accessory looks a little unusual for sure, but it delivers on audio quality and battery life.
The only downside is making sure not to get the buds mixed up on which side they go in the case. The magnets will quickly tell you as you drop it in and it shoots it back out! Reminds me of Mexican Jumping Beans.
I did find that I felt a little more ear fatigue than normal compared to a standard style earbud. If just using for workouts or short periods of time, it's not an issue. If you are looking for extended periods of time, may need to take that into consideration. There is a bit of pressure exerted for the buds to “clip” around your ear.
The companion app is quiet good with lots of useful features. The soundscape mode is pretty neat with calming nature sounds and cityscape if that is your zen. Most of the modes are water related, but you can build your own scene by selecting multiple sound options at once and setting the volume independently on each. This feature is not limited to the Flex earbuds, but available across their line of products.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
Meet Pixel 9 Pro with Gemini, now in two sizes. It has a sleek, stunning design, and it’s the most powerful Pixel yet. Take pro-level photos and videos with the triple camera system, and make expert edits. And it’s engineered by Google, so it gets the best of Google’s AI first.
 
Finally a Premium Nexus (Pixel)!!
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
on September 11, 2024
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There has been a lot of hype around the release of the Pixel 9/Pro/XL series and I am for once glad the phone, in this instance the 9 Pro, is living up to it.
Not since the Nexus years do I remember a Google phone that delivered on being the best of both software, hardware, and design; thinking of the Huawei Nexus 6P. Honestly, looking at the Pixel 6 you can see the design language carried over from the Nexus 6P.
The 9 series feels like an evolution from that design and one that I gladly welcome. The ergonomics of the 9 Pro and its symmetry makes the device feel every bit of premium and at least this can help you deal with the price point.
If you’re a gamer, no it’s not going to beat other chipsets, but the total hardware package in the 9 Pro is working really well. And to my knowledge this is Pixel’s first launch without some issue at launch…if you don’t count the on-stage snafu with AI.
I know many want a “mini” Pro/Ultra device and for Android, this is as close as you're going to get; all the features of the XL in a pint size 6.3”.
Day-to-day use is mostly my concern and over the years I have come to care less about the hardware specs being the latest just because they are. Rarely does it translate into the real world. With Google designing its own Tensor Chips, I will say the G4 series is definitely a refinement and the modem being used is a huge upgrade. My wife has had the 8 Pro since it came out and it has had horrible audio quality on phone calls. I sent it in for repair as an update never came, thinking it could have been software related, but Google said it was working fine. Our home has a Pixel 5, 7, and 8a in use and the 8 Pro was the worst of them all.
Like a car having a 1000 horsepower and all the bells and whistles, if it doesn't drive straight, what’s the point?
The 9 Pro drives straight! Call quality is what it should be and overall daily use is fantastic.
AI has now taken over phones, which I don’t think I am complaining about…yet, but there is definitely a lot of new AI features that loaded up and while they are nice, I don’t think it really changes how I use my device. Pixel OS has a great list of communicating features, but honestly I don’t use any of them. Where my concern in a device lies, is whether or not it works at the basic tasks with buttery smoothness that a $1k device should and give me minimum real ALL DAY battery life…AND IT DOES! By morning when it is time to charge I am still at 30%. Obviously your mileage will vary based on usage, but for me, it’s great.
There are plenty of tech reviewers out there that have all the stats, teardowns, and in-depth breakdowns, so I’m not trying to be that. I can’t answer if it is worth to upgrade, cause your needs may be different, but coming from the 8 Pro, it is definitely worth the upgrade. The smaller screen size isn’t even all that noticeable, what is noticeable is the ease of fitting it in a pocket or purse.
If you can budget for the 256GB model, I would, 128GB is barebones these days for the amount of stores, restaurants, parking apps that are deemed necessary these days. Add to it the awesome camera photos and storage will fill up quickly.
Can’t go wrong with a Black phone, especially if you're just going to throw a case on it. The 9 Pro is the first phone I can remember not wanting to put a case on because it feels so good in hand, so if you must cover up, find one worthy of the cause. That wintergreen of the base 9 series is pretty sharp looking and I wish the 9 Pro had color that wasn’t so bland…again, can’t go wrong with Black.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
 
Finding your Galaxy Ring size is a breeze with our Galaxy Ring Sizing Kit. Simply select your best fit from a variety of sizing options and receive a $10 Best Buy Gift Card towards your future Galaxy Ring purchase.
 
Read on for a great idea!
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
on August 17, 2024
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So you need a reason to know your significant other’s ring size!! For a mere $10 you can get the Galaxy Ring Kit and save your relationship from those disastrous consequences of sneaking around, meeting up with her best friend, and risk someone else seeing you together.
Samsung has the perfect cover for you!
And while your at it go ahead and get the Galaxy Ring to keep your story intact.
The kit has sizes 5 to 13 so you’ll be sure to find the right size.
Can you guess which one in the photo is not like the others? The Ring Kit is super accurate to the real device and side by side its really hard to tell, accept for the size printed on each ring. Weight is obviously different but these are so light you won’t notice and material is different too.
I went with a size 10 and chose to where it as my wedding band, as it just feels too weird to where another ring on a different finger…again. Also, if I wore it on my index finger as it is recommended, I would need a size 13 but then I couldn’t bend my finger.
Hope this helps you with your special day!
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
Get a deeper understanding of your body with the all-new Galaxy Ring. Merging the convenience of a wellness tracker with the timeless elegance of a sleek band, Galaxy Ring helps go-getters track their busy days in style. Packing the latest tracking innovations into a compact design that fits comfortably on your finger, Galaxy Ring tracks the valuable wellness insights you need to keep a pulse on your life, from the conference room to the yoga studio to dinner with family and friends. Enhanced by Galaxy AI,¹ Galaxy Ring gives you new ways to feel amazing, like Energy Score — just open your phone to learn how ready you are to take on the day. You’ll also get a great night’s rest while Galaxy Ring does its thing — this sleep tracker is so comfortable, you’ll hardly know it’s there. The feather light silhouette slips seamlessly into your life with a durable design² that allows you to wear it confidently from your morning shower to the gym, while a long-lasting battery³ lets you track insights for up to six days³ in between charges. Slip on a new, easier way to keep your health on track — Galaxy Ring
 
Say "I DO" To A Better Life!
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
on August 13, 2024
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First things first…FITMENT. The Galaxy Ring is concave in design and the edges to me feel flat. There might be a slight bevel to it, but that may just be because of it being a polymer material. My wedding band is a Comfort Fit, so that and a Domed Fit are more my style. So I would have preferred one of those designs over the Concave Flat. I’m sure trying to fit the tech inside a very small space is quite tricky so the decrease in the side volume of a dome would make the ring thicker overall?
Actually wearing it doesn’t cause discomfort, sizing will be key here. In the documentation I received with the sizing kit, no where did it say it must be worn on the pointer finger, but the illustrations in the guide showed it being worn on the pointer finger.
Ultimately I chose to wear it on my left hand in place of my wedding band, as that hasn’t fit in the last 10 years anyway (something no one tells you when you marry at a young age!). Also, the ring size kit only goes up to 13. My pointer fingers on either hand could fit the 13, but a 13.5 would be nicer, however, even in that scenario it feels foreign to have a ring on that finger; at least now that I am no longer a teenager!
Both ring fingers for me sized at a 10. The left hand the 10 requires only a minimal shift/rock to slide it off the finger, on the right hand however a 10.5 would have been better as it sticks more. The 11 was just a bit too big for the left hand and the right hand it did fit a bit better than the 10, but then my fingers felt like they were being crushed together (this is where the comfort/dome fit would be better).
It only took a couple days to adjust to the band design. It’s summer now, so it will be interesting to see how it fairs in the cooler months when it isn’t so humid.
Samsung could have a lot of fun in the advertising and marketing department for this device being used in place of a traditional wedding ring!
Does it actually do what it is designed to do? YES!
I have worn a Galaxy Smartwatch for quite a few years. I went back to wearing a watch just for the time, but I really wanted the ability to interact with messages and not being accessing my phone all the time. I really like that about a Smartwatch. The step counter and activity logger has been as accurate as my Galaxy Watch 4. There is always a margin of error in these devices. I have been impressed with the sleep tracking. I never wear my watch to bed as it is too bulky and causes my wrist to swell. The ring doesn’t have that effect on my finger and tracks my sleeping hours quite well. If I have laid in bed watching tv, it doesn’t start to count that on the sleep timer, so there is a bit of untruth. And the same if I read in bed in the morning before actually getting up and moving around.
Battery Life
After 5 full days of use it used 65% battery, so 35% remaining. I didn’t have auto-detect for workouts (running/walking) turned on and I didn’t have Blood Oxygen levels while sleeping turned on. Samsung states the 11 and under sizes get 6 days battery life and the 12/13 get 7 days. With all features turned on I would say that should be pretty accurate. Having the ones I had turned off shows you can squeeze out a few more days of use, so an increase of around 50% of estimated battery life. Charging is supposed to take 80 minutes from 0-100, so I can only assume those to be true as I have not needed to charge it this first week of use, besides unboxing and starting at 100%.
I think this device is definitely going to be niche as a watch can do more and because of ring size limitations, but if you are not a watch person and really want to be able to track your activity better there it can definitely provide that.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
Introducing JBuds Lux ANC Over-Ear Headphones - the epitome of exceptional sound quality and unparalleled luxury. With cutting-edge 40mm drivers, these headphones deliver a depth and clarity to your music that is truly unforgettable. Experience a new legacy in audio excellence with JBuds Lux ANC Headphones from JLab. Seamlessly blending innovation and lab-quality sound, these sleek headphones guarantee an elevated listening experience unlike any other. No matter where you are - whether in the midst of a bustling commute or unwinding at home - immerse yourself in uninterrupted music bliss with Smart Active Noise Canceling technology. Customize your sound experience further through the JLab App, ensuring that every note and beat is tailored to your preferences. But luxury isn't just about sound - it's about comfort and style too. With Cloud Foam earcups and headband, JBuds Lux ANC Headphones provide ultimate comfort, allowing you to embrace your favorite tunes or podcasts for hours on end without fatigue. Indulge in the ultimate listening experience with JBuds Lux ANC Over-Ear Headphones - where exceptional sound quality meets unparalleled luxury.
 
Great Sound & Excellent Comfort
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
on July 22, 2024
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Excellent OE Headphones! Battery life is phenomenal, still can’t get it below 100% after a week of off/on/standby usage. App is nice and easy to use and has functional features. My set didn’t have an update out of the box, but glad there is at least the feature to receive them should there be a need.
Sound Quality
Really good, could have some better bass, but definitely good for listening to music or watching movies. The app allows you to adjust equalizer settings for 3 built-in options and a fourth that allows you to customize. I found the JLab Signature default setting to be quite good for most content.
There is also an option for optimization of content: Music or Movie. Movie adds a bit more clear tone to hear spoken word and a touch more bass.
I didn’t actually use for calls so cannot comment on call quality. For my use I wasn’t too worried about it as I won’t them for listening when I don’t want to be disturbed.
Button Controls
These are super intuitive and I love me a physical button over soft touch; no fumbling for finding the right spot. 4 easy to press buttons that provide firm feedback. The app allows for customization of the button press commands for the on/off/gesture button. Noise Cancellation button is dedicated and has the traditional ON/OFF/Be Aware (Hear Through) options.
Fitment
These are true over-the-ear design and not on the ear. My daughter tested them for a few hours and loved that they didn’t mess her with the studs in her ears. However, for her the headband cushion is of a mesh type and that pressing on her scalp became uncomfortable for her after an hour or so. She has long hair so it naturally parts, whereas mine is short and does not so could just be that. I’d also guess that if the band was extended to where it was not touching the scalp or putting any pressure then this would not be an issue either.
The foam earpads are nice and soft and have a neoprene feel to them. They create a really good seal around the ear, so expect to have some humidity build up after a short time of use.
The headphones fold up and would fit in an external pocket of a backpack.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
Low Expectations = Great Scooter
Customer Rating
2.0 out of 5
2.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
on July 15, 2024
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SPECS on Box vs BB Site
Charge time 5 hours…6.5 hours= Winner 5 Hours
Range 5 Miles…7 Miles = Loser 2-3 miles max
Tires 6.5in Air-Filled…8.5in Pneumatic, pre-slimmed = Loser 6.5in rubber tire
2 Stars feels like a cheap shot, but 3 Stars feels like to middle of the road for misleading info. So 2.5 is more realistic but I rounded down. Rebrand/remarket as a child's scooter/toy and it would definitely be 4-5 stars.
Weight/Speed/Range/Battery
Definitely want to consider the use case. I am just under the 220lb limit at 210lb and it struggled to climb any hill under my weight. Reaching max 12mph speed is possible, but takes long straight road. Even smallish dips will decrease the ability of the scooter.
Contrast with two of my daughters at 150lb and 110lb was a totally different experience. Easily and quickly reached max 12mph speed and was able to climb small hill for both. The 150lb rider did so at 5mph but the lightest 110lb rider did so at 10mph.
Range is going to be 2-3 miles max with rider assist, even with lighter riders. Now super flat areas with a 100lb rider, might eek out to 5 miles range as a theoretical max, but real world use just prepare for 2-3 miles.
Battery Life
Under my weight when the battery indicator hit 1 bar (like immediately) the scooter could not power me. Did not have this problem with the lighter riders.
There is no electric key for a lock, etc so it needs to go everywhere the rider goes to detract from theft.
I was looking at this for personal use in certain situations where I am needing to walk a lot. I am battling a pinched nerve in the leg and while standing isn’t an issue walking certain distances currently irritates and inflames the nerve, so I thought this could be a fun solution for that. And rightfully it is!
However the biggest drawback is it states there are air filled or even pneumatic(air) tires. I’m guessing by Pneumatic is that there is supposed an “air gap” inside the tire to soften the ride, but it is anything but a soft ride. Just like a skateboard or folding scooter with ABEC wheels, you will feel each bump.
Incorrect info a side, if you are buying as a toy for a kid, its a fine electric scooter. But a “Commuting” Scooter which brings to mind an intended city or campus use by a teenager/adult, I would look for a better spec’ed scooter albeit more expensive.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
The S5C Elite is a drone that uses a brushless motor and 1080p FPV camera and trajectory mapping. Enjoy endless fun with 2 included batteries providing an impressive flight time of 30 mins.
 
Mario Kart In The Sky!
Customer Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
on June 22, 2024
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If you have no knowledge of drones and are looking to get a present and be the cool gift…look no further!
The Snaptain SC5 Elite has a lot of features, can be flown with only the included remote, remote + smartphone, or smartphone only. This versatility means no restrictions for getting up and flying quickly.
If you are looking to get into drone flying and don’t want an expensive overhead…this drone is good enough for you to determine that.
Two reasons for the 3 Stars instead of 5 has to do with the drone drift and max distance. Some of this just has to do with the extreme light weight (145g according to specs) so it is going to get pushed a little easier and some drift should be expected. However, in my flying sessions the wind was not a factor and I found the drone to drift quite a lot.
It seems to have a hard time when input has ceased after flying in a drifting pattern and trying to change direction. It will change direction, but it takes a very long time to do so, It is typically easier to just stop. However, this also poses an issue (same when just flying in a straight line), when canceling forward input, the drone will air break, but also continue moving in the same direction, then slowly begin to reverse. Again this is after no input has been given.
It takes some time to get used to it and anticipate these extra maneuvers, but this also means you need an extremely large open area free of trees and houses. The box states Ages 14+, I think you could go younger; especially if the kid likes to play Super Smash Bros. since the drone drift I find is similar to that game.
Distance is said straight line 328ft and height is limited to 164ft, doing some math, it means at max height, max distance then is 284ft.. However, I find the drone begins to lose input at about 150 to 200ft. The remote will notify by beeps when signal has degraded, it also does so in the app. If you are at max height and flying away from yourself, you will reach the control limit range quicker. The drone limits its self from its height automatically and this barrier cannot be broken, however, distance from operator I found is theoretical and does not auto-stop the drone, as it just keeps flying on its own at that point.
Any info in the segments below deemed negative are only meant to show the drone’s limitations. Remember, this is a toy and the features it offers are quite good. Please don’t expect qualities of a higher quality and subsequently a higher priced drone.
Flight Time
This is true to product info at 15 min and charge time is true to 160 minutes (~2.5hrs) @5v 2amp charger (I used a Samsung phone charger); manual states max is 5v 3amp with included cable.
Video/Photo Quality
This is a toy, that fact that it can do it is a plus, but don’t expect to get awesome shots. I used a SanDisk Ultra 32GB UHS-1 with write speeds of 100MB/s and a Samsung 32GB UHS-1 with write speeds up to 48MB/s. Both recorded the same quality of footage and both cards are well equipped to record at 1080p video with ease, but many of the videos had missing segments and were grainy. This is to be expected since the drone camera is not on a gimbal but a fixed arm that allows vertical rotation still but no stabilization.
Discrepancies
BB Webpage vs Guide
Charge Time: 100 min vs 160 min
SD Card: 128GB vs 64GB
Accessories: Protective Propeller Guards vs no included propeller guards
Battery: Printed Guide states when charging battery light on, finished off vs reality = charging Red, finished Green
In App Guide and Tutorial Video is for Snaptain E20, not really an issue as basics are all the same. When the App is connected to the Drone the Snaptain E5C Elite model is shown in both image and name, but when not connectted the E20 is shown; there are navigation buttons that let you see other drones, but it does not change the video or guide.
Controller: not so much a discrepancy but an omission that the drone can be flown with or without the included controller if a Smart Device is connected to the drone. Google Play Store states requires Android 4.4 or higher, but Guide states Android 8.0 or higher, my device used to test is running Android 11.
The Snaptain SC5 Elite is a great starter drone or the "cool relative" gift and great for casual flying.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
The versatile and powerful ASUS Vivobook Pro OLED is designed for those who want to do more, ignite creativity, or game. The Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, paired with NVIDIA RTX3050 graphics, deliver outstanding multitasking and creative power. Backed with advanced thermal technology, the laptop is primed to deliver maximum, sustainable performance. ASUS DialPad, an intuitive physical controller, gives you instant and precise fingertip control over creative, productivity, and entertainment apps. The NanoEdge OLED display with Dolby Vision comes with a cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 gamut, and is PANTONE Validated for its accurate color. The Harman Kardon-certified quad-speaker Dolby Atmos audio system adds to the cinematic experience with ultra-realistic multi-dimensional sound.
 
Excellent Value to Performance!
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
on June 18, 2024
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It’s been a very long time since I have had a 15.6” laptop. I’ve been using 13.3”-14” for close to 10 years now. It hasn’t been too crazy of an adjustment as they are built about as small they can be without sacrificing features like a camera or awkward palm rests, etc.
I’ve also been a long time ASUS fan and have been using a Zenbook 14 OLED for 2 years. While OLED isn’t the best when it comes to glare, it is awesome when working with photos or video. I only work inside so at least I can mitigate light pollution pretty good.
ASUS Dial is a new concept for me from a traditional dial pad, but I think it will provide some good use scenarios. I do make content, I dabble in Adobe products, but they are mostly overkill for my needs. I work in Timelines so a fine tune option will be nice, but not sure how much more useful than arrow keys. It has plenty of apps that it is compatible with but seeing what features are available with each app takes some time. When using with Chrome browser tabs it kept wanting to jump to the next dial option.
Keyboard
Is proper sized and doesn’t feel cramped. The keys at first felt a little clicky like they were mechanical, but they have “worn in” a bit and quieted down; which I am not a fan of mechanical keyboards. The added 10-Key pad is nice. It is small so don't expect a natural experience, but it is quicker than using the top row for most tasks.
Battery Life
I am about 50/50 desktop replacement/laptop. I utilize the MYASUS Battery Care Mode setting to 80% charge and override to 100% when I know I will be in road warrior mode. Claimed 10 hours battery I think is a stretch, probably with battery saver mode on it could but only when doing on device simple tasks. Content creating is going to pull some juice and this is not device is not that optimized. I ran some Geekbench 6.0 tests to see the difference between plugged-in and battery performance. Single-Core 2449 vs 1350 and Multi-Core 13082 vs 8300. So definitely optimized or slowed rather.
Something to note, ASUS laptops with a dedicated GPU use a traditional bullet charging adapter, where as the non-dedicated GPU laptops charge over USB-C. I’ll miss my one USB-C charger to rule them all packing I’ve been accustomed too, but the flip side is the 200w charging brick super chargers the laptop quite quick! And the Thunderbolt 4 port will charge my phone quickly too. I will need to rethink my desktop setup as I use a dock to attach a screen, speakers, and extra ports. It is powered over USB-C but it doesn’t play nicely with Vivobook Pro so I have just been using HDMI output directly instead.
Screen
The OLED looks fantastic and makes all content look great. I wish it was either a 2K or higher though, mostly so I can fit more content on the screen. My Zenbook 14 OLED is a 2.8K at a 2880x1800 resolution and I had it set to 150% scale (recommended 200%). I have the Zenbook Pro’s 1080P screen set to 100% (125% recommended) and does slim down the icons and app windows, but another quarter scale down and I could do some serious multi-window work. The glass cover is definitely nicer and more premium than the Zenbook one that did not have but a film cover.
Camera & Audio
No complaints here! I don’t typically use the camera on a laptop anymore as they are normally really bad, but this one is quiet nice and I love the physical privacy slide too.
Audio playback is solid and full. Low bass sounds pretty flat, so listening to some Deep Chill or even spoken word YouTube videos, has a blown sub kind of sound on deep hits. They are definitely good enough, but there is definitely a repeating “pop” sound in any content you play in the browser I found. Watching my movies in the Movies + TV app the popping sound didn’t present itself.
I wouldn’t say I am impressed with this laptop as it is replacement is still quite good, but I can say it is an upgrade as it should be, so depending on how old of a laptop you are coming from then it should be pretty impressive. Having the dedicated GPU is quite nice and in that area gaming and apps that can utilize it is impressive as my old one just used the EVO platform.
It definitely renders videos faster and does everything I typically do faster, so that is great, but to be expected with triple the RAM that is also faster.
Upgrade Capability
Max 40GB RAM = 8GB on board + 32GB single stick (as reviewed 24GB Total). So glad at least there is one slot that can be upgraded. Not a big fan of the new trend of soldered only.
2TB NVME! Very cool it has that included and on initial setup only 56GB was being used. After it ran all the updates that crept to 67GB, so not too bad.
Build Quality
The laptop is super clean and very sturdy with definite premium heritage and the black aluminum design is very sharp. No creaking from the chassis when typing or carrying it around.
The Vivobook Pro definitely lives up to the Pro name with the spec sheet, build quality, and usage and will definitely make a great laptop for anyone into content creation and gaming without breaking the budget.
I would recommend this to a friend!
-1point
0out of 1found this review helpful.
 
Jabra Talk 65 premium bluetooth mono headset is engineered for calls on the go. When making calls in a variety of different environments, you don’t want to worry about background noise. Jabra Talk 65 has two built-in microphones delivering up to 80% noise cancellation from your end of the call. With up to 14 hours of talk time on a single charge with a wireless range of up to 300 feet/100 meters so you can keep communicating on even the longest shifts. Your headset can take a bit of a beating when you’re constantly on the go. Why settle for a product that isn’t tough enough to handle it? The Talk 65 features IP54-rated protection against dust and water, so it’s durable enough to go wherever you do. Stream GPS directions, or instantly access Siri or Google Assistant, while on the go and stay hands-free and keep your eyes on the road.
 
Nothing Beats A Dedicated Headset
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
on June 12, 2024
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A fantastic accessory for phone calls and office life. Better than using my Samsung Galaxy Bud Pro 2's for phone calls.
I’ve paired the Talk 65 with my S24 Ultra. Pairing was super easy and its great to use a bluetooth audio device again that doesn’t require having an app to download. I also don't have to use both earbuds to be able to activate better sound quality/ background noise cancellation.
It’s been awhile since I have used an exclusive BT headset and honestly I prefer it over my wireless earbuds for talking on the phone. I don’t have to worry about background noise and having only one speaker for the ear means I can still be aware of my surroundings…and not yell into the mic!
Out of the box my unit had 90% charge, so I did not bother to fully charge as it is better for lithium batteries. I have been using on off and on for the past 5 days about 4 to 5 hours a day with at least 2 hours of that time dedicated to phone call use and the other listening to podcasts and standby time. As of writing I am still at 70% charge!
The Talk 65 is really good with the spoken word and I no issues with the volume. I only used the default installed ear piece and it fit just fine. If you need/wanted the ear piece to fit deeper into the ear then the smaller one should accomplish this. I did use the device at max volume the whole time since the ear piece does sit in the ear like an ear bud, again this is the fitment I wanted.
I love the simplicity of this device as it tactile buttons instead of haptic like most earbuds these days. The commands are pretty simple to master with exclusive Vol +/- buttons, Power On/Off/Assistant, and Call Answer/End/Mute. 4 buttons total.
Audio quality is great and it has even replaced my vehicle headunit that has been very temperamental when on calls. I am happy I have had no issues and even with windows down at 45mph there were not reports of excessive wind or static. Callers could here wind, but as if it was in the background.
I am going to fully embrace my Xennial generation and start using a bluetooth headset in public now…I may even wear a fanny pack! As a fashion accessory it is a little large compared to small wireless earbuds, but it’s a welcomed trade off for better call quality.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
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 JBL - Quantum 800 RGB Wireless DTS Headphone:X v2.0 Gaming Headset for PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Mobile Devices - Black
JBL - Quantum 800 RGB Wireless DTS Headphone:X v2.0 Gaming Headset for PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Mobile Devices - Black
Stay in the game with this JBL Quantum 800 over-ear wireless gaming headset. The memory foam padding ensures comfort during long duels, while the unidirectional microphone delivers clear communication to your teammates. This JBL Quantum 800 over-ear wireless gaming headset features accurate spatial audio positioning to give you an edge over your enemies.
 

Is this jbl headset have the surround sound can use for pubg game thanks Much appreciated

It has DTS which is Dolby True Sound technology. However, Surround Sound in a headphone is sort of a gimmic, which these don't claim to have, as there are only 2 speakers, so there are only Left and Right channels. Now if you are talking if there are footsteps coming from the left does the sound send only to the left speaker? That will depend on which platform you are using for PUBG. On PC it should give you that simulated sound effect. On my XBOX One S I can only use 3.5mm and I don't seem to get that feature, but I think that is just the limits of the XBOX not having that capability via the controller headphone port.
4 years, 3 months ago
by
Posted by: 
MnstrMike
 
 JBL - Quantum 800 RGB Wireless DTS Headphone:X v2.0 Gaming Headset for PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Mobile Devices - Black
JBL - Quantum 800 RGB Wireless DTS Headphone:X v2.0 Gaming Headset for PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Mobile Devices - Black
Stay in the game with this JBL Quantum 800 over-ear wireless gaming headset. The memory foam padding ensures comfort during long duels, while the unidirectional microphone delivers clear communication to your teammates. This JBL Quantum 800 over-ear wireless gaming headset features accurate spatial audio positioning to give you an edge over your enemies.
 

Will these work with my Windows PC for telecommuting? I need both a microphone and headphones while attending remote meetings. The application we use is Microsoft Teams. I would also like to listen to streaming music when not in meetings.

Yes, if your PC has Bluetooth you can set them up via the bluetooth option or you can use the included wireless adapter for 2.4Ghz radio builtin to the headphones. Or you can even use the 3.5mm headphone cable if your PC has a combo headphone/mic port.

They are quite large, so not sure if portability is a concern.
4 years, 3 months ago
by
Posted by: 
MnstrMike
 
 JBL - Quantum 800 RGB Wireless DTS Headphone:X v2.0 Gaming Headset for PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Mobile Devices - Black
JBL - Quantum 800 RGB Wireless DTS Headphone:X v2.0 Gaming Headset for PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Mobile Devices - Black
Stay in the game with this JBL Quantum 800 over-ear wireless gaming headset. The memory foam padding ensures comfort during long duels, while the unidirectional microphone delivers clear communication to your teammates. This JBL Quantum 800 over-ear wireless gaming headset features accurate spatial audio positioning to give you an edge over your enemies.
 

is it possible to connect a wired and a wireless device simultaneously? for example: make a bluetooth call by cell phone while playing on my xbox via cable?

No, it is one device at a time only
4 years, 3 months ago
by
Posted by: 
MnstrMike
 
 Skullcandy - Sesh True Wireless In-Ear Headphones - Black
Skullcandy - Sesh True Wireless In-Ear Headphones - Black
Say goodbye to cords and cables with these Skullcandy Sesh true wireless headphones. Bluetooth technology seamlessly connects to your smartphone, tablet or PC, letting you stream music or take phone calls with the built-in microphone. These water-resistant Skullcandy Sesh true wireless headphones come with a charging case, providing up to an extra 7 hours of listening time.
 

Are these comfortable for people that need smaller in ear buds?

It is hard to answer it could be yes, could be no. For me they fit pretty tight, actually feel like ear plugs not buds. I have tried other ear buds like the Jay Bird series and they bud is just two big to sit inside the canal. I was never worried about the Sesh falling out.

If you are used to a typical wired earbud set, these may not work for you. The included extra tips are of the same size, so option to down size them for a different fitment.

Sorry its not a straight answer, but I guess it just depends if you are comparing them to a wired earbud set or wireless one. If these are not your thing, the Indy series are good too and have a bit different fitment. There is always the Plantronics 3100 series clip on style which is my preferred style and the button is touch, not button press. They are more expensive though.
4 years, 10 months ago
by
Posted by: 
MnstrMike
 
 NETGEAR - RangeMax N600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router - Black
NETGEAR - RangeMax N600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router - Black
Choose this NETGEAR router and receive high level wireless security, the ability to share photos, music and more, and a way to keep track of your kids’ activity online. Plus, with easy installation for tablets, smartphones and computers, you’ll be able to start enjoying Wi-Fi throughout your home right away.
 

Could this replace an xfinity Cisco DPC3941T with download speed of 15 mbps?

There is a lot to unpack in your question.

1. Your Xfinity Cisco is combo unit that both the modem (required to get the signal from Xfinity) and the wifi router, that broadcasts the signal wirelessly from Xfinity.

So, on one-hand, No it won't replace, as this Linksys unit is only one piece of what is needed to broadcast wifi in a place, but you could add this to your system. There would then be two wireless signals being broadcast. I am not sure if your current equipment can have the wifi radio's turned off via the settings menu. Also, your are being charged a monthly fee for having Xfinity equipment, you could purchase a DOCIS 3.1 Modem and replace your equipment. They do make combo units like yours as well to purchase, but these units (sometimes also called a gateway) typically don't have the range as having a two-device setup: modem and router.

2. The speed you state of 15Mbps for internet is first determined by your Internet Plan with Xfinity. Changing equipment won't get you a faster initial download/upload speed outside of what your plans limitations are. Changing your equipment will give you better wifi coverage and determining on the equipment change, may allow your other devices to "talk" to one another faster which is not based on Internet bandwidth, but determined by the network equipment ( namely the router).

So to recap just purchasing a new wifi router won't give you faster download speeds if your plan with Xfinity limits it to 15Mbps. If your plan is rated higher than that and you are not getting close to the rate speeds, then yes changing equipment may be necessary. In which case, you can either A) request new equipment from Xfinity and may require tech to come out (can be free if there equipment you are paying for is faulty) or B) purchase your own equipment (Cable Modem and Wifi Router) and return your equipment stating you are not canceling service, just using your own equipment.
5 years, 7 months ago
by
Posted by: 
MnstrMike
 
 VIZIO - 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer and Dolby Atmos - Black
VIZIO - 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer and Dolby Atmos - Black
Take movie nights to the next level with this 5.1.2 VIZIO home theater sound system. It has Dolby Atmos technology built-in, so sound seems to come from all around you, and a six-inch powerful subwoofer creates thumping bass you can feel. This VIZIO home theater sound system has a main sound bar that produces rich, clear audio.
 

Is this sound system compatible with a Samsung Model 650 series TV?

Depends on what you mean by compatible? Can you get sound from the Samsung 650 to this soundbar yes. The soundbar has HDMI ARC, Optical, and 3.5mm input jacks. Can you get Dolby Atmos? Unless your TV is 4K with Dolby Vision,no it would require a device (blu-ray or Xbox One) setup using the HDMI IN port on the soundbar and then running the HDMI OUT from the soundbar to the HDMI ARC Input on your TV (if it has it).

Dolby Atmos is only carried over HDMI ARC. Optical link does not have the signal strength to carry it.

As a 5.1 sound system (not Dolby Atmos) it is still really good.
5 years, 10 months ago
by
Posted by: 
MnstrMike
 
 VIZIO - 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer and Dolby Atmos - Black
VIZIO - 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer and Dolby Atmos - Black
Take movie nights to the next level with this 5.1.2 VIZIO home theater sound system. It has Dolby Atmos technology built-in, so sound seems to come from all around you, and a six-inch powerful subwoofer creates thumping bass you can feel. This VIZIO home theater sound system has a main sound bar that produces rich, clear audio.
 

Will the Vizio sb36512 f6 w/dolby atmos, work with my LG 49sk8000pua w/dolby atmos? will they both work off one remote?

Yes and Yes. HDMI ARC sends the audio signal from all inputs to the soundbar the plus is that it will take the sound level input from the TV source so you can pretty much put away the soundbar remote. I also found this worked over the optical cable input, but if you are after Dolby Atmos, then you have to use the HDMI ARC input. This soundbar also has an HDMI IN so you don't loose the use of the HDMI port on the TV just for sound. It has full pass through support.
5 years, 10 months ago
by
Posted by: 
MnstrMike
 
 Insignia™ - 43” Class LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV Edition TV
Insignia™ - 43” Class LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV Edition TV
Insignia 4K UHD Fire TV Edition is a new generation of smart TVs featuring the Fire TV experience built-in and including a Voice Remote with Alexa. With true-to-life 4K Ultra HD picture quality and access to all the movies and TV shows you love, Insignia Fire TV Edition delivers a superior TV experience that gets smarter every day. The Voice Remote with Alexa lets you do everything you'd expect from a remote—plus, easily launch apps, search for TV shows, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices and more, using just your voice.
 

Is every HDMI port 4kHDR enabled or is it only one of the HDMIs is 4kHDR and the rest are just 4k?

Each one, you can select the it to either be 1.4 or 2.0 as sometimes it won't auto-select. Side note. don't purchase this tv unless you are extremely familiar with Fire TV.
5 years, 11 months ago
by
Posted by: 
MnstrMike
 
 HP - ENVY Desktop - Intel Core i5 - 12GB Memory - 2TB Hard Drive - Gray
HP - ENVY Desktop - Intel Core i5 - 12GB Memory - 2TB Hard Drive - Gray
HP ENVY 700-214 Desktop: Powerful enough for your demanding gaming and video-editing needs, this desktop boasts abundant memory for quick multitasking of your work projects and daily tasks. Plus you'll have plenty of room store it all on the massive hard drive.Learn more about the New Windows ›
 

also what is the matching dvd writer order number so i can put it in the 2nd drive. i thought it had two to begin with. or equilevent is fine

You simply need an Internal Desktop DVD Writer, no special numbers or such. Any software is already included with HP and the Drivers will either be included in or disc, most are automatically downloaded when installed and the computer is turned back on. Or I would even Recommend a Blu-Ray/DVD Writer.

It is not a hard install, it does require moving the side panel and the front panel, and the drive slides in, can't remember if i had to remove the bracket screws on the drive for installation or not.

The front panel simply pops off, the tabs are visible once the side panel is removed.

you could always get an an external drive that hooks up via USB too.
 
Products from my answer
 
 
Pioneer - BDR-209DBK 16x Internal SATA Blu-ray DVD CD Burner No Software
4.4 out of 5(8)
 
 
 
 
 
9 years, 9 months ago
by
Posted by: 
MnstrMike
 from
Knoxville, TN
 
 Hisense - VIDAA 55&quot; Class (54-5/8&quot; Diag.) - LED - 1080p - Smart - HDTV
Hisense - VIDAA 55" Class (54-5/8" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - Smart - HDTV
Enjoy movies, video games and more with this Hisense VIDAA 55H7G LED HDTV that features Wi-Fi for access to Netflix, YouTube and more. The 16:9 aspect ratio delivers cinema-style entertainment.
 

LCD vs. LED

What's the difference between LCD and LED? Which has the best picture?
The main difference is the light source used for each TV. LCD uses CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent) while LED uses...LED. They are both LCD screens versus the almost non-existent Plasma which was a different technology all together.

To answer the second question "which has the best picture?" Traditionally LED because it can achieve brighter whites and darker blacks (like that of Plasma). However, my parents still have their first LCD TV by Samsung which has a Gloss screen that makes the colors pop and it still rivals a lot of pictures I have seen today.

You will be hard pressed to find a CCFL LCD today as the market has transitioned to LED LCD as the costs have come way down.

LED LCD also has lower power consumption, and is lighter and thinner than CCFL LCD.

Given the maturity of the market you almost can't go wrong with any LED LCD today. First, budget, size. Name brand you will pay for a lot of bells whistles, you may not need/want.

You have picked a perfect time buy because with 4K LED LCD screens now in the market it has pushed standard LED LCD prices way down. If this is your main living room/family room tv, go for as big as you can afford. Today, 55" is the norm and can be had for around $500. 65" is the max I would go for standard size room as content can become fuzzy because of how close you would be sitting, motion blur could cause eye fatigue too.

At the 65" range you would want to step up to the 4K LED Tv as it offers a better resolution for large screen size TV's. You can get these starting around $800 right now.
9 years, 9 months ago
by
Posted by: 
MnstrMike
 from
Knoxville, TN