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    November 3, 2015
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    November 3, 2015
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TechMatcher's Reviews
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
My new #1 Headphones!
on November 2, 2025
Posted by: TechMatcher
I have the pleasure of owning multiple Bowers & Wilkins headsets – first the PX7 S3, and now the PX8 S2. Initial impressions are that the PX8 offers superior sound and luxury materials, while my older PX7 S3 delivers excellent performance at a more accessible price. I look at it like the PX8 S2 for audiophile-grade refinement, or PX7 S3 for premium value.
SOUND QUALITY
The PX8 S2 builds on Bowers & Wilkins’ legacy of studio-grade sound reproduction. Its 40mm full-range carbon cone drivers are angled for optimal stereo imaging, delivering a soundstage that’s both expansive and intimate.
• PX8 S2: Features redesigned 40mm carbon cone drivers with angled positioning for improved stereo imaging and clarity. It’s touted as B&W’s best-sounding headphone to date.
• DSP & DAC: Equipped with a dedicated 24-bit/96kHz DSP and DAC, the PX8 S2 ensures minimal distortion and high-resolution playback across all frequencies.
• Codec Support: Includes aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC, ensuring high-quality wireless transmission over Bluetooth 5.3.
• EQ Customization: A 5-band EQ via the B&W Music app allows users to tailor the sound to their preferences, rivaling customization options from Sony and Sennheiser.
NOISE CANCELLING - SOLID BUY NOT LEADING CLASS
Noise cancelling is a very important feature to me – as I often have background noise/tasks/events happening while I take conference calls. The PX8 S2 features adaptive ANC powered by eight microphones—four per earcup—designed to block ambient noise while preserving audio integrity.
• Performance: While ANC is effective for general travel and office use, it’s not as aggressive as a few competitors out there today. However, it excels at reducing low-frequency hum but lets in more mid-to-high frequency chatter.
• Transparency Mode: Offers a natural-sounding ambient pass-through, useful for conversations or situational awareness.
• Call Quality: The mic array also supports clear voice pickup for calls, though wind resistance and background suppression are average compared to competitors. Tested with a couple of my pickiest callers – they said the quality on there end was very good.
AUDIO FEATURES
• Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless, Adaptive, HD, and Classic
• 24-bit/96kHz DSP
• 5-band customizable EQ via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app
• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with 8 microphones
• 30-hour battery life with 15-minute quick charge for 7 hours
COMFORT
• PX8 S2: Premium Nappa leather earcups and aluminum arms offer a more luxurious feel. Slightly heavier at 310g than my older Px7’s but not noticeable.
• All my Bowers & Wilkins products really do have a solid premium feel. They just feel built well and have held up well even with a bit of abuse!
DESIGN
• PX8 S2: Available in Onyx Black and Warm Stone with a sleek, minimalist look.
• I love the cases provided with these products. Again - a solid, well-built case with a built-in compartment for holding the charging cable. could it be better? Sure - maybe a charging case so you could keep them charged just by placing in the case!
SUMMARY
As the Px7 S3 headphones quickly became my go-to headphones, these Px8 S2’s have now moved into my number one spot! Why only 4 stars? Well, I find it hard to remember all the button presses on the multi-function button - like Pause/Play, Next tract, Previous Track, Answer Call, Decline Call, End Call, etc all from a single button. Seems like there should be a better way, just nobody's thought of it yet!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Protect your home and family with a wireless outdoor security camera in crystal-clear 2K resolution, get alerts when motion is detected, watch live video on your phone, and stay connected to the strongest band with Dual-Band WiFi. A 1-Month Arlo Secure plan trial is included. Your trial provides 60-day video history, Smart Detections for People & Vehicle Recognition, Package & Animal Detection, plus Interactive Notifications on your phone's lockscreen with Emergency Response and Call a Friend. See shirt color, car color, and facial features at night with Color Night Vision for day and night surveillance. Hear and speak clearly with visitors with noise-canceling 2-Way Audio, quickly deter threats with the Integrated Siren, and save battery life with Low Power Mode. Easily setup and mount your camera without the hassle of wiring, and conveniently remove it whenever it~s time to recharge. Works with your favorite smart home assistant including Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, and Google Home.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Clear images and wide angle!
on October 31, 2025
Posted by: TechMatcher
The Arlo Essential 3rd Gen Outdoor Security Camera delivers crisp 2K video, a wide 130° field of view, and true wire-free convenience—making it a strong contender for smart home security setups. I have added it to me existing 8 Arlo cameras of various models – this being the NEWEST camera in my fleet!
Core Specs & Performance
• Resolution: The camera captures video in 2K (2560x1440) resolution, offering a noticeable upgrade over standard 1080p. This clarity is especially useful for identifying faces, license plates, and package details at a distance.
• Field of View: With a 130° diagonal viewing angle, it covers a broad area—ideal for driveways, porches, or backyard monitoring without excessive distortion.
• Battery Power: Fully wire-free, it runs on a rechargeable internal battery. Real-world use suggests 3–6 months per charge, depending on motion activity and usage patterns. I charged it up fully before mounting and we’ll see how long it lasts.
Connectivity & Setup
• Wi-Fi: Supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), which improves connection stability and reduces interference compared to single-band models.
• No Hub Required: Unlike some Arlo models, this camera connects directly to Wi-Fi—no SmartHub needed. However, pairing with a SmartHub can extend battery life and enable local storage. For now – I’ve setup this device WITHOUT the SmartHub – which I sometimes feel the SmartHub limits the locations I can place cameras since my Wi-Fi covers a larger area than the SmartHub.
• Installation: Gone is the magnetic mount – the newer Arlo cameras mount by using a keyed mounting plate with works good for putting the camera back at the exact same angle after charging.
Smart Features
• Color Night Vision: Equipped with an integrated spotlight, it delivers full-color night footage—though the range of the small spotlight is 20’ at best.
• Motion Detection & Alerts: Offers smart detection for people, vehicles, animals, and packages. Alerts are fast and accurate, minimizing false positives.
• Two-Way Audio & Siren: Built-in mic and speaker allow real-time communication, and the remote-activated siren adds a layer of deterrence but not something I enable.
App & Subscription
• Arlo Secure Plan: A 1-month trial is included. After that, plans start at $7/month and go up for more features. I had an existing Plus Unlimited plan that I was able to add the camera to.
• App Experience: The Arlo app is intuitive, with quick access to live feeds, event history, and device settings. Animated previews are a standout feature—letting you see motion events without unlocking your phone.
Durability & Use Cases
• Weather Resistance: Rated for outdoor use in rain, snow, and sun. It’s a solid choice for Minnesota winters or humid summers alike.
• Use Cases: Ideal for home entrances, garages, patios, or monitoring deliveries. Also suitable for indoor use if needed. I may use this camera as a “floater” that I move around where needed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
1. Crisp 2K resolution
2. Wide 130° FOV
3. Dual-band Wi-Fi
4. Smart alerts & color night vision
5. No Hub required
Cons
1. Battery is non-removable
2. Subscription needed for full features
3. No local storage without SmartHub
4. Sometimes confusing to add to your existing app if you don't recall the exact model
OVERALL: If you're looking for a reliable, high-resolution, wire-free camera with smart detection and a sleek app experience, the Arlo Essential 3rd Gen 2K is a compelling option—especially for users who value flexibility and ease of installation.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Sleek and Easy!
on October 30, 2025
Posted by: TechMatcher
The Arlo Essential 2K security camera delivers crisp resolution, smart features, and flexible connectivity—but its reliance on cloud subscriptions may be a drawback for some users. Nearly everything is done via cloud subscriptions now, so if you stick to one brand and buy their Unlimited Package (like the Arlo Plus Unlimited) subscription, adding more/new cameras shouldn't be an issue.
FEATURES and USABILITY
- 2K Video Resolution (2560x1440)**: The camera captures sharp, detailed footage with accurate color and contrast across lighting conditions. This is a noticeable upgrade from standard 1080p models, especially for identifying faces or license plates.
- 130° Field of View: Offers a wide-angle perspective ideal for monitoring large areas like driveways, porches, or living rooms without distortion.
- Dual-Band WiFi (2.4GHz & 5GHz): Improves connectivity and reduces lag or interference, especially in homes with multiple smart devices.
- 2-Way Audio: Enables real-time communication with visitors or intruders. Audio clarity is solid, though ambient noise can affect performance.
- Smart Detection (with Arlo Secure): Includes motion zones, person detection, and vehicle alerts.
- Advanced features like facial recognition and package detection are available—but only with a paid subscription.
- Cloud-First Storage: Arlo emphasizes cloud recording, which means local storage options are limited unless you invest in additional hardware. Subscription plans start at $17.99/month for multiple cameras.
- Voice Assistant Integration**: Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control and automation.
INSTALLATION
- The camera is compact and lightweight, making it easy to mount indoors or outdoors. However, some users report that the included mounting hardware feels flimsy.
- App Experience: The Arlo app is intuitive, offering live view, playback, and customization of alerts. Geofencing and scheduling features add convenience for daily use.
- Battery Life: This is a plug-in model - so no more worries about battery charging!
PROS
- High-resolution 2K video
- Wide 130° field of view
- Dual-band WiFi for stable connection
- Smart detection and voice control
CONS
- Subscription required for full features
- Limited local storage
- Higher price point than competitors
- Confusing product lineup (which makes you really know what product you have purchased when you add it to your app - you have to select the model, etc). This is the reason for 4 stars vs 5.
If you're looking for a sleek, high-performance camera with smart features and strong video quality, the Arlo Essential 2K is a solid choice—especially if you're already invested in Arlo's ecosystem. Just be prepared to pay for the subscription to unlock its full potential. Want help comparing it to other models or building a visual setup map for your home? I’d be glad to assist.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Keep your car protected at all times with the world~s first truly Smart Dash Cam. The Nextbase iQ 4K gives you eyes on your vehicle even when you're not there, using Live View and real-time alerts to help prevent theft, damage, or suspicious activity before it happens. Built-in 4G connectivity and advanced AI turn your dash cam into a connected security system for your car.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Power camera with cool features!
on October 7, 2025
Posted by: TechMatcher
The Nextbase iQ 4K Smart Dash Cam delivers cutting-edge vehicle surveillance with impressive clarity, smart features, and a streamlined installation process. Unboxing reveals a premium package, and setup is intuitive for both front and rear cameras.
UNBOXING:
The Nextbase iQ 4K arrives in a sleek, well-organized box. One box for the front cam and one for the back – each with a bunch of cables and connectors for various configuration options.
The front unit features a bit bulky as it’s a puck-shaped base with twin antennas and a downward-hanging camera module. A ring LED and a tiny display indicate status modes. I have a large rearview mirror console – so this puck has to mount below that – somewhat becoming an obstruction (lost a star due to this). The rear camera is compact and can mount flush to my truck’s rear window.
INSTALLATION
All admit I was a bit hesitant to try to hide the long cables in my car – but it was surprisingly easy. There’s usually room around the trim and molding to fit a cable in there, and I was able to route the front cable down to my ODB port and it’s hidden pretty well. The rear cable also hid well along the headliner and above the column pillar trims pretty easily. Overall – took about 15 min to sufficiently hide the cables – and I’m a big of an OCD guy about my car – so I’m pleased with the result. Both cameras attach with sticky tape – so we’ll see how that lasts.
FEATURES
• Video Quality: 4K front camera with 180° FOV; 2K rear camera with 140° FOV. Crisp footage even in low light. I installed at night and even those images turned out pretty good!
• Smart Features:
o Smart Sense Parking: Detects motion while parked
o Emergency SOS: Sends alerts in case of crash
o Roadwatch AI: Tracks nearby vehicles
o Guardian Mode: Monitors driver behavior
o Witness Mode: Voice-activated recording – for like police stops or if you feel unsure. Cool thing is that it broadcasts that feed to up to 2 contacts so you can have a “witness”!
• Connectivity: LTE-enabled for cloud uploads and remote access
• Power Backup: Triple supercapacitors allow 5 seconds of recording after power loss
SUMMARY
The Nextbase iQ 4K is a top-tier smart dash cam that blends high-resolution recording with advanced safety features using Spatial Awareness and AI to monitor movement and detecting threats. Installation is user-friendly, and the modular power options are a standout. While the adhesive mount limits portability, the overall package is ideal for users seeking robust, always-on vehicle monitoring.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Built for advanced performance and seamless productivity, with an ultra-thin profile and HP AI Companion to act as your on-device personal assistant. Streamline your workflow with the AI-driven Snapdragon processor and an incredible battery life that holds up to heavy multitasking and intensive workloads. Stunning audio-visual experiences with the 1080p infrared camera and OLED display keep you looking and sounding your best.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Sleek, Smart, and Surprisingly Stamina-Packed
on September 27, 2025
Posted by: TechMatcher
Today I’ve reviewed the HP Omnibook 5 CoPilot PC – and my overall summary is that it’s a lightweight AI-powered ultrabook with stunning visuals and marathon battery life—ideal for mobile professionals and students. It will become my daily mobile device just due to the convenience, performance and awesome looks!
You can read about the specs of this device, but it’s worth noting a few points:
• Battery Life: This is where the OmniBook 5 truly shines. Real-world usage clocks in over 25 hours, and HP claims up to 34 hours. Fast charging gets you to 50% in just 30 minutes.
• Display Quality: The 2K OLED screen is vivid, color-rich, and responsive (0.2ms). Ideal for media consumption, creative work, and multitasking. I really like the quality of the display and it makes using the device even more fun and easy.
• AI Features: Copilot+ and HP AI Companion offer productivity boosts, from smart suggestions to workflow automation. While some features may feel experimental, they’re forward-looking. You need to create a free account for the HP AI Companion app.
• Performance: The Snapdragon X Plus chip prioritizes battery life over raw speed. It’s fine for everyday tasks, but not ideal for heavy-duty video editing or gaming.
• Build Quality: While the materials feel premium, some users noted minor chassis flexing when handled from one corner.
• Touchpad: Functional but average. It’s responsive and gesture-friendly, but lacks the premium feel of higher-end competitors.
I’m excited to continue to use this laptop and replace the heavy gaming rig that I’ve been carrying in my backpack! Nice job HP on a creating a solid device that looks both looks and performs great!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience breathability, environmental awareness, and powerful yet private sound with the AeroFit 2 from Soundcore by Anker, open-ear earbuds with flexible and adjustable silicone earhooks to fit any ear. With 29 x 11.5mm racetrack drivers, BassTurbo tech, and LDAC support, you can enjoy breathtaking Hi-Res audio on the move.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Interesting twist on headphones - quality sound!
on September 24, 2025
Posted by: TechMatcher
Today we’ll be discussing the Soundercore by Anker Aerofit 2 Open-Ear Headphones! This is my first set of Open-ear headphones, and as I wear them (I’m wearing them right now) I can barely tell they are there! So, they pass the comfort test right away and I even put on my cheater glasses to see how that would work - success! Even as I shake my head around they are stable and secure. I have noticed though that the Bluetooth range isn’t that great as they started to disconnect even just a few rooms away in my house. Other headphones can stay connected through my whole house.
The next important thing is sound quality. Tested with voice calls as well as playing music – both provided excellent sound quality for me (the listener) and very good quality for the person on the other end of the phone call. They mentioned some slight echoing but nothing too terrible. There’s a custom equalizer to set your own preferences as well.
Battery life seems very good – boasting 11-hour playback and 42-hour with the charging case battery. Good enough for a weekend camping without charging!
Of course, they are IPX7 waterproof and sweatproof – something we all expect now-a-days from any quality device.
I was curious and interested in one of the standout features of the AeroFit earbuds: their integration with the Soundcore app’s real-time translation tool. While the earbuds themselves don’t perform the translation, they act as a seamless audio interface for the app’s voice translation capabilities. Here's how it works:
• Two-Way Voice Translation: You speak into your phone, and the app translates and plays the response through your AeroFit earbuds. It’s especially handy for travelers navigating foreign languages in real time.
• Multiple Language Support: The app supports dozens of languages, making it a versatile companion whether you're ordering food in Tokyo or asking for directions in Paris.
• Hands-Free Convenience: Because the AeroFit earbuds are open-ear and secure, you can keep them on while interacting with locals—no need to fumble with your phone or remove your earbuds.
This feature pairs beautifully with the AeroFit’s open-ear design. You can hear both the translated audio and the ambient environment, which is ideal for street-level interactions, guided tours, or multilingual work settings. It’s not a replacement for full-on interpreter tools, but it’s a clever enhancement for casual, on-the-go translation.
Overall – I like these headphones and plan to use them with the Spanish speaking workers I hire on occasion. I don’t think it’s a feature you can use during live voice calls though – maybe that’s a future upgrade!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Samsung~s 32~ Odyssey G5 G51F Gaming Monitor boasts incredibly detailed, pin-sharp images with QHD resolution (2560x1440). HDR10 provides brighter highlights, improved contrast and color accuracy, making every scene feel more vivid and realistic. 180Hz Refresh Rate and near-instant 1ms Response Time (MPRT) captures all your moves with reduced lag for ultra-smooth gameplay. AMD FreeSync Premium Pro reduces choppiness, screen lag, and image tears. Black Equalizer allows you to adjust dark areas in games, so you can locate opponents hiding in the deepest shadows. Virtual Aim Point allows you to hit your marks with next-level accuracy, giving you the optimal aim with crosshairs on the screen. Auto Source Switch+ instantly switches to a new source signal when connected devices are turned on, without having to use multiple inputs. Ergonomic stand makes it simple to tilt and adjust the monitor for total gaming comfort.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Nice 32" monitor to enhance your experience
on August 17, 2025
Posted by: TechMatcher
Today I added the Samsung - 32" Odyssey G51F QHD 180Hz 1ms AMD FreeSync Gaming Monitor with HDR10 (DisplayPort, HDMI) in black to my home gaming/office setup.
First off, Samsung designed the G51F to look like a gaming monitor, with sleek angles, adjustable tilt, height and also flips to portrait mode for super easy document creation and web page viewing – see photo.
Out of the box it connected to my Windows 11 machine with the default 60Hz refresh rate, so the first thing I did was adjust that to the highest setting I could – settling at 120Hz using and HDMI connection. I’m thinking you can go higher with Displayport, but I don’t have that available on my computer.
In a variety of test settings, I found this budget gaming monitor to provide fast response and clear images at 2560x1440 resolution. I don’t have a big need for the Virtual Aim Point feature but see how that could be helpful to some during game play. Another feature called Black Equalizer help to highlight the dark areas of the screen during game play – making your opponents easier to spot in the shadows!
Overall – this is a nice monitor to enhance your gaming or general computing experience and can also make your working from home more productive! If you’re in the market for a new monitor, the Samsung G51F is worth checking out!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Developed with nearly six decades of acoustic engineering expertise, the Px7 S3 is a testament to Bowers & Wilkins's relentless pursuit of audio perfection. At its heart are 40mm bio-cellulose drive units crafted for exceptional clarity and lifelike soundstage. These drivers are paired with a powerful 24-bit digital signal processor, optimally tuned to preserve audio integrity and elevate music detail. Whether you're streaming from a high-resolution source or switching between tracks on your phone, aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive technologies adjust dynamically to optimise performance and connection reliability. Whether you are listening to music, watching movies, or playing games, you~ll always experience the same exceptional sound quality. For those seeking immersive listening without distractions, Px7 S3 integrates a sophisticated eight-microphone array, four per earcup, backed by adaptive noise-cancellation algorithms. This system continuously analyses your environment and adjusts in real-time to isolate your music while retaining vital vocal clarity when needed. Crystal-clear call quality is guaranteed through the use of ADI Pure Voice technology, which suppresses wind and background noise so your voice remains natural in challenging environments. All this technology is housed in a refined, ergonomically engineered slim frame, designed for extended comfort with memory foam earpads, a lightweight headband, and premium fabric finishes. This makes Px7 S3 ideal for long-haul travel, intensive listening sessions, or daily work-life transitions. The Bowers & Wilkins Music app adds an extra layer of control, allowing users to customise their listening with a five-band EQ, select their preferred ANC mode, and access their streaming services in one unified interface. With 30 hours of battery life and fast-charging capabilities, the Px7 S3 is ready when you are, delivering uncompromised sound and comfort every step of the way.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
My New #1 Headphone!
on August 17, 2025
Posted by: TechMatcher
I just received my Bowers & Wilkins - Px7S3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones in Indigo Blue and I gotta say – I love ‘em! Right from the start – the box and packaging left no mistake that these headphones were going to be special.
After getting them out the box, you’re greeted with a nice, solid feeling case with a velvety lined interior that exudes excellence. The fit perfectly into the travel case and have a magnetic covered compartment for hold your charging cable and UBS-C to 1/8” stereo jack connector (for wired
listening at home or on the airplane). Likely the nicest headphone case I own.
Pairing to my iPhone was easy – just like anything else – I immediately played some music to get an initial feel for them. Sound was awesome right out of the box and the fit of the headphones is extremely comfortable on my head and ears. They’ve incorporated nice soft ear cushions and a luxurious padding on the head band as well. Very Nice!
While listening to some music – I had a call come in my my iPhone. Knowing that I’ve never had great luck with my voice quality on headphones that don’t have a dedicated boom mic, I wasn’t expecting much. To my surprise, the caller could hear me very will and said the sound was so good it was equal to or better than my normal boom-mic enabled conferencing headphones! That’s a big deal. That’s because there is an eight-microphone array, four per earcup, backed by adaptive noise-cancellation algorithms.
If you want access to upgrade the software or customize an equalizer, you'll need to download the Bowers & Wilkins app. I did and upgraded the software without incident, but the app isn't all that much from my perspective. I also don't like providing my information just to get into an app to upgrade software or access the equalizer.
There lots more technical stuff I could cover - but I believe the usability results speak louder as you can read about the specs from anywhere. Overall - I'm extremely pleased with these headphones and can't wait to take them on the airplane to test them out there! If you're in the market for new quality headphones that sounds great and look even better - check these out!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Looks good, easy install and no false alerts yet!
on August 7, 2025
Posted by: TechMatcher
I have existing First Alert OneLink CO/Smoke detectors throughout my home today, and am now adding the SC5 Smart alarm to the mix to improve the digital intelligence of my overall solution.
Historically, the SC5 unit has had mixed reviews - with many complaining of False alerts - some people even rushing home when they received a notification on their mobile device! For me - I haven't had that experience yet, so I'm hoping that those false notifications have been rectified. I've had it installed for about a week now - and now false positives have been received.
I'm happy to report that installation was a breeze - using the same hard-wired plugs as the OneLink devices really just meant switching out the hanger ring and popping this one up. The reason for 4 stars vs 5 is that during the configuration to the mobile app, it goes through a registration process that errored out on me. Once that happened, I couldn't get it installed as it said the device was already registered and wouldn't let me continue without contacting support. Interestingly enough, in timeframe it took me to get ahold of support, it showed up in the app and seemed to be working. That's the only problem I've seen thus far.
With battery back-up built in, this device should work in case of a power outage and the batteries are also accessible which to me means replacement is a possibility if needed.
Overall - it installed easily (with that one minor issue), looks good on the ceiling (and has a rubber seal on each side of the mounting bracket to prevent air leakage to the attic - see picture) and the app seems to work well (see picture).
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Alienware 16 Aurora Gaming Laptop. Pure performance. No distractions. Optimized performance in a sleek design, featuring a WQXGA 120Hz 300 nits display, stylish anodized aluminum lid and Intel Core processors (Series 2).
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Power Meets Precision with Alienware
on July 22, 2025
Posted by: TechMatcher
The Alienware 16 Aurora with Intel Core 7 240H, 32GB DDR5 RAM, RTX 5060 GPU, and a 1TB SSD is a sleek, high-performance machine that balances gaming prowess with professional-grade capabilities.
I’ve made this machine my daily worker as well as my new portable gaming rig for the last week and have had great success on all fronts. My favorite games are fast-paced adventure and simulators – like Microsoft Flight Simulator – which play incredibly smooth with unbelievable graphics on the NVIDIA RTX 5060 GPU! It’s hard to believe it can get much better than this!
Gaming Experience & Usability
• Display: The 16" WQXGA (2560x1600) screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB coverage delivers crisp visuals and smooth motion—ideal for fast-paced titles of any kind!
• Performance: The RTX 5060 (8GB GDDR7) paired with the 10-core Intel Core 7 240H offers solid frame rates and ray tracing support. I found all my PC games functioned well with no lagging or shadowing.
• Usability: The keyboard is responsive with white backlighting, and the port layout (USB-C, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet) is practical for both gaming and desk setups.
Capabilities & Upgradability
• RAM & Storage: With 32GB DDR5 RAM and dual M.2 slots, memory and storage upgrades are straightforward. The system supports up to 64GB RAM and 4TB SSD configurations.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure future-proof wireless performance. HDMI 2.1 and USB-C with DisplayPort support external monitors and peripherals.
• Build Quality: The anodized aluminum lid and matte finish give it a premium feel without being overly flashy.
• Battery Capacity: Configurations vary between 60Wh and 96Wh batteries. Expect 5–7 hours for light productivity, but gaming will drain it in 2–3 hours tops.
• Charging: Fast charging via USB-C is supported, and the 180W adapter replenishes quickly.
Another reason for selecting this laptop was for some business use. Other reviews talk about how this laptop doesn’t look as “cool” as other dedicated gaming laptops, but myself, I like the more professional look. At my business, I regularly use GPU laptops to perform handheld scans of feet, ankles and arms. The RTX 5060 is certainly able to handle the 3D models we produce and work well with our CAD software in manipulating the images into the formats we need for manufacturing. Just thought I’d mention that as well – as you should not limit your thinking that this is ONLY a gaming laptop.
There so much to discuss on this laptop – it’s hard to cover it all. Here’s a few more tidbits that sell me on it!
• For AI, there’s a defined Windows CoPilot key right on the keyboard – making access to AI tech even easier that before!
• The 16” WQXGA 120Hz display @ 300 brightness nits is awesome day or night. Displaying 4k resolution makes everything so sharp and crisp you’ll think it’s alive!
• A new “Cryo-Chamber” cooling structure has been implemented to channel airflow to the core components – something new in a laptop that I haven’t seen before.
Overall, there’s a lot to love about the Alienware 16 Aurora laptop – and it will be my go-to machine until for quite a while!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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No more WiFi dead spots. The powerful Nighthawk DST AC1900 WiFi Router along with the DST WiFi adapter eliminates WiFi dead zones. Create additional WiFi coverage right where you want it. The DST Router comes with a year of worry-free set up and support from Geek Squad.
 

Can this be used with DSL?

Yes - This device can broadcast a WiFi network from any type or service - DSL, Cable, Satellite from any carrier. Just plug an active internet connecting into the WAN port on the back and you're set!
9 years, 11 months ago
by
TechMatcher
 
No more WiFi dead spots. The powerful Nighthawk DST AC1900 WiFi Router along with the DST WiFi adapter eliminates WiFi dead zones. Create additional WiFi coverage right where you want it. The DST Router comes with a year of worry-free set up and support from Geek Squad.
 

Does this item work well in conjunction with Comcast WiFi?

I have a Comcast XB-3 Arris 3939B Wireless Gateway for Phone, internet, WiFi and Home Security which is overall a good device but leaves me wanting just a little more in terms of network area coverage and performance.

This product with the extension might serve me with optimal coverage. I'm looking for good signal strength to cover about 2,500 sq ft. indoors & outdoors.

The Comcast device offers 3 networks I find myself juggling between the three of them for upwards of 25 connected devices with unreliable or inconsistent coverage in certain areas.
Yes - this device can provide WiFi with whatever service you have. Give it an internet signal and it will create a new WiFi network in your home to your liking.
9 years, 11 months ago
by
TechMatcher
 
No more WiFi dead spots. The powerful Nighthawk DST AC1900 WiFi Router along with the DST WiFi adapter eliminates WiFi dead zones. Create additional WiFi coverage right where you want it. The DST Router comes with a year of worry-free set up and support from Geek Squad.
 

Does this work with Dial-up services?

Well - it depends - but generally no. I saw this because usually modems are not line-sharing devices but rather dedicated to an individual system. However, how are you connecting to dial-up? Do you have a modem built into your laptop or desktop? Is it an external modem? More information needed....
9 years, 11 months ago
by
TechMatcher
 
No more WiFi dead spots. The powerful Nighthawk DST AC1900 WiFi Router along with the DST WiFi adapter eliminates WiFi dead zones. Create additional WiFi coverage right where you want it. The DST Router comes with a year of worry-free set up and support from Geek Squad.
 

Will this router work with the HughesNet HT1000 component?

Yes - on the back of the HT1000 is a LAN port. Simply plug an ethernet cable into the LAN port on your HT1000 and the other end into the WAN port on the Nighthawk.
9 years, 11 months ago
by
TechMatcher
 
No more WiFi dead spots. The powerful Nighthawk DST AC1900 WiFi Router along with the DST WiFi adapter eliminates WiFi dead zones. Create additional WiFi coverage right where you want it. The DST Router comes with a year of worry-free set up and support from Geek Squad.
 

Verizon Fios

Will this unit work with Verizon Fios?
Yes - ,my understanding is that Verizon Fios is basically Fiber Optics to your home. Verizon provides you a Optical Network Terminator (ONT) that eusually a Coaxial cable output which connects to your cable router. The Cable router then has an Ethernet cable as an output (your internet signal) which would then be plugged into the WAN port onthe back of the Nighthawk router.
9 years, 11 months ago
by
TechMatcher
 
No more WiFi dead spots. The powerful Nighthawk DST AC1900 WiFi Router along with the DST WiFi adapter eliminates WiFi dead zones. Create additional WiFi coverage right where you want it. The DST Router comes with a year of worry-free set up and support from Geek Squad.
 

Works with "Whole-House DVR" service?

Time Warner Cable's whole-house DVR service allows a DVR in one room to access shows recorded on a DVR located in another room. I've read that the DVRs communicate with each other via MoCA, which sends signals via the AC power wiring in the home. Can the DST coexist on the same MoCA network as the whole-house DVRs?
Yes - it can co-exist. I use MoCA on my Mediacom Whole-Home DVR setup - and have used this router and DST adapter without issue.
9 years, 11 months ago
by
TechMatcher
 
No more WiFi dead spots. The powerful Nighthawk DST AC1900 WiFi Router along with the DST WiFi adapter eliminates WiFi dead zones. Create additional WiFi coverage right where you want it. The DST Router comes with a year of worry-free set up and support from Geek Squad.
 

Can you connect multiple DST Adapters to the Nighthawk AC1900 Router

I purchased the NETGEAR - Nighthawk DST AC1900 Wireless-AC Gigabit Router with DST Adapter and it works GREAT!! I just wanted to know if I could connect an additional DST Adapter to the Nighthawk AC1900/DST Adapter I already have?
Yes - you can use/connect more than 1 DST adapter to the router to eliminate ever more dead spots!
9 years, 11 months ago
by
TechMatcher