Grouticus's stats
- Review count191
- Helpfulness votes437
- First reviewApril 22, 2016
- Last reviewOctober 1, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.7
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- Answer count12
- Helpfulness votes31
- First answerJanuary 25, 2017
- Last answerNovember 14, 2021
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The new GIGABYTE AORUS 16X sets a new standard for gaming excellence. Powered by Intel Core processor and AI-accelerated NVIDIA~ GeForce RTX laptop GPU, it guarantees unparalleled performance. The integrated AI Nexus enhances power management, gaming, and generative-AI experiences for both gamers and creators. Empowered by WINDFORCE Infinity cooling technology, this laptop achieves a remarkable slim profile while asserting dominance in the gaming world with unparalleled performance.
Customer Rating
5
High-end gaming hardware in a notebook size laptop
on June 7, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
Every year it never ceases to amaze me how much technology manufacturers somehow squeeze into a smaller product and still be able to perform at impressive levels. That sense of amazement still reigns true with GIGABYTE’s latest model, the 2024 AORUS 16” gaming laptop which comes packed with some of the latest high-end gaming hardware which they somehow shoved into a smaller, lighter rig compared to the gaming laptop I used for the past year.
One of the things I like about the GIGABYTE brand is it’s not as flashy and loaded with bloatware compared to other manufacturers. The main consumer benefit for this lack of flashy-ness and added, unnecessary software also cuts down on cost allowing you to get more bang for your buck. You can see this cost cutting right away starting with the simple, uncolored cardboard box the high-end laptop ships in. Once out of the box, you may also notice the AORUS looks and feels like any run-of-the-mill, non-gaming, laptop; it looks more like a work notebook in my opinion with its smooth matte black shell until you turn it on and the RGB lighting kicks in to subtly whisper otherwise. However, don’t let that fool you once you delve into the specs of this silent, yet powerful, beast.
As I previously mentioned, the RGB lighting that kicks on when you fire it up is when you can finally tell it’s not your grandma’s laptop. All the keys light up highlighted by the gamers’ favorite “QWERASD” keys that are clear and fully light up for quick visual reference. RGB lighting also shines across the rear along with the “AORUS” logo that projects on any surface you set it on which is pretty cool. There are fan exhaust ports on the rear and both sides to help pump the heat out when in performance gaming mode. While on the topic of the fans, even when they are at full speed, they are pretty quiet considering the heat the laptop’s internal hardware can produce. There are only ports on both sides, none on the rear, which consist of the power port, an ethernet input, HDMI out, USB-A and USB-C on the left side and another USB-A, USB-C, micro-SD slot and audio output on the right side. Unfortunately, there is no display port but you can always plug in an external dock if you need one or if you want to add additional monitors. The 16” IPS WQXGA 2560x1600 165Hz screen with Dolby Vision Atmos is stunning and the colors and contrast displayed during gaming look amazing.
Looking under the hood, you’re able to see the intricate technical design allowing room for the hardware crammed into this beast. The fans, exhaust vents and 99.20Wh Li-Ion battery take up most of the space you can see on the bottom which isn’t a bad thing as they prevent overheating and giving you more unplugged time. Somehow, the designers still allowed room to add another SSD on top of the 1TB Gen4 M.2 SSD included, which is a must for me, and comes with fast 32GB (16x2) of DDR5 5600 RAM which can also upgrade if you wish to. The latest 14th generation Intel Core i7-14650HX processor can run up to 5.2 GHz which can give any multitasker piece of mind for ultra-productivity.
Needless to say, I was excited to finally put this thing through a few rigorous tests to see how all this tech came together and compared to the competition. Unfortunately, at the time of this review, the benchmark software I use for the testing had no other exact matches to compare to but at least I was able to see where it landed with rigs closest to this one. One of the things I was most excited to try out was the compatibility with the latest Wi-Fi 7 router I have been using at my home for almost a year and haven’t had any tech that used Wi-Fi 7 as it is relatively new. That being said, I’ll just say my internet connection and speeds were fast but nothing I could really notice as Wi-Fi 6 is fast as well; the internet speed tests I ran were virtually the same so it was a bit of a letdown but nothing against the laptop. After downloading and installing the plethora of Windows 11 updates and driver updates, I was finally ready to give the benchmark tests a whirl. Long story, short, I was impressed the results came back higher than most other gaming laptops, 69% better than most with similar hardware, considering the size and weight of this one. That is clearly due to the latest Intel Core i7 processor that can run at a whopping 5.2 GHz and the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8GB GDDR6 graphics card built for laptops. The sound is pretty decent for a laptop and has Dolby Atmos Audio Technology with a built-in microphone but I usually just like to plug in headphones for the best sound while gaming. There’s enough storage to get most gamers started and, as I previously mentioned, there’s still room to upgrade or expand in the future.
I have gamed on this laptop for hours and didn’t experience many slow downs, glitches or other issues while gaming. It’s definitely doesn’t perform as well as a full sized PC however it is a great gaming laptop for on the go and the battery lasts surprisingly long. Overall, I’m pretty impressed with this laptops performance considering the size and weight and believe it is priced just right with high-end gaming hardware.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Push performance to the next level with the blazing speed and massive bandwidth of Crucial DDR5 Pro Memory: Overclocking Edition. With support for next-gen multi-core CPUs and the ~sweet spot~ speed of 6,000MT/s, our overclocking memory harnesses the power of low latency so you can beat the clock and focus on outplaying your opponent instead of worrying about performance bottlenecks. With Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO support on every module, you can also eliminate compatibility issues and have the flexibility to build your rig your way. Available in a 16GB density with a unique, origami-inspired aluminum heat spreader for a winning aesthetic. Unlock a new world of gaming performance with Crucial DDR5 Pro Memory: Overclocking Edition.
Customer Rating
5
Quick & easy gaming PC upgrade worth investing in
on June 6, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
If you’re looking for a quick and easy upgrade to your new(er) gaming rig that makes a considerable difference, look no further than the Crucial Pro 32 GB (16GB x 2) DDR5-6000 UDIMM Overclock Edition RAM. I recently got a new gaming PC with the new 14th generation Intel i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce 4070 Super video card and the only thing that I really wasn’t impressed with was the memory that came with the rig. You could tell that was one of the areas the manufacturer skimped on to keep the price down and, as most gamers know, not only does the amount of RAM matter but, in my opinion, even more important is the speed of said RAM. To me, that 6000MT/s speed is what stood apart from other RAM I was shopping on the market as an upgrade to my gaming PC with its next-gen multi-core CPU. Not only does the upgrade in RAM speed help boost frame rates when gaming, it also has lower latency, about 25% lower than the plug-and-play non-overclocking edition, helping multitaskers improve productivity when not gaming. One of the best parts of RAM upgrades is they are one of the simplest upgrades to perform if you are not too tech savvy and is literally a simple swap out with the new RAM and no need to install any software. Upgrading the RAM and SSD are typically the first upgrades I do on a new rig because of the simplicity and how much of a boost you’ll get in gaming and would recommend it to anyone in the market with a compatible PC.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Shift into a new level of realism with the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel & Pedal system engineered for high-fidelity racing simulation performance on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Windows 10 & 11 PCs. High-fidelity direct-drive force feedback is delivered by our custom K: Drive motor. Providing powerful response while maintaining smooth steering and detailed reactions to in-race events at low latency. Fully customize your experience to suit your preferred driving environment. Plus, a hand-stitched leather wheel enhances realism and improves your grip. Bang through the gears in a classic muscle car or glide in a modern supercar with the Mag-Shift paddle shifters, offering reliable, consistent shifts every time. And for even more customization and ease of access, two additional analog paddles with magnetic hall effect sensors provide precise clutch and handbrake control.
Customer Rating
5
Take couch racing to a whole new, realistic level
on May 28, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
For decades I have been playing racing games from the comfort of my couch using only a standard game console controller. However, I have always wanted my racing experiences to feel more realistic and relied heavily on the game makers alone to do this by mainly providing better graphics, sounds, campaigns and online play. Periodically I would step out of my comfort zone and go to the local arcade with my kids and sit side by side in a racing simulator which made the racing feel even more realistic. I knew decent console racing peripherals have been in the mix for the better part of my gaming life however there was always something holding me back from pulling the trigger on investing in one such as the features, or lack thereof, price and/or compatibility. With today’s technology, I felt more comfortable making that investment to bring more realistic racing into our living room with the new Turtle Beach VelocityOne Race Wheel and Pedal System which, in my opinion, has some of the best features, at the right price point and the most compatible with my PC set up. This version is compatible with the Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and Window 10 and 11 PCs and connects using a simple USB-A cable.
To start off, when the box arrived, I was a little taken back at the size and weight. However, in many industries including tech, that typically means the products are well-made and have better parts. That being said, hauling it upstairs and unboxing the set was quite the undertaking, but the anticipation of the end game numbed my senses of becoming overwhelmed. Thankfully, the large instruction sheet right at the top of the system made things much easier for assembly and set up walking me step-by-step through the process. Once I figured out where I was going to set the wheel and pedals where they would be comfortable with my computer desk and chair along with figuring out what wires went where, I sat eagerly awaiting my first racing game to load up. I pressed the power button on the right side of the wheel and watched as the interactive built-in screen appeared on the wheel itself and began the initial setup process and looking to see what other fun features I could tinker with before the green flag waived. The setup was fairly self-explanatory with on screen prompts to guide me through the process and my PC and game I was about to play automatically recognized the peripherals were attached.
Now, let’s cut to the chase for the most important and exciting parts of the review, the user interaction, playability, customization and features. As I previously mentioned, you can really feel the quality of the hand-stitched leather steering wheel and aluminum throttle, brake and clutch pedals because of the materials they used; they don’t feel cheap and actually feel like a high-end racing steering wheel, paddle shifters, heavy metallic pedals and impressive behind-the-wheel Race Management Display (RMD). I want to start off by delving into the RMD as I feel it is what draws the most attention at first glance. This digital display is so advanced that it can provide real-time race stats including the degree the wheel is turned, amount of pressure you are putting on the gas/brake/clutch pedals, buttons you are pushing, etc. You are also able to customize just about every aspect of your setup and experience through the display without having to download additional software or go through the game menus. This, in itself, was insane to me considering that’s what you become accustomed to with most other gaming peripherals such as mice and controllers. The main AAA racing games I have played already support the racing system so there was really no need to do any extreme tweaking to my system for set up and was truly plug-and-play. Once you get comfortable with your customizations, you can save those presets to up to ten different profiles which is convenient when you have guests/children over that want to mess with your settings.
Once I got my first green flag using the system, I could not believe the amount of force feedback I was receiving from an at-home racing wheel. Obviously, there was a little bit of a learning curve transitioning from decades of controller usage to a legitimate steering wheel so I got to feel firsthand what happens to your steering wheel when you drive off the track, onto the dirt and into a wall or competitor’s car (oops). The steering wheel would gently shake when taking turns too fast as if my wheels were skidding or brakes were locking up. Once I was off the track and in the dirt, the wheel would shake even more as I was trying to fight to get back onto the track as my wheels felt as if they were kicking up gravel and rock. At that point, it became too late as my car had already lost control and I let go of the steering wheel watching the wall quickly approaching. The steering wheel turned violently by itself like watching someone in Nascar wreck and lose control on their POV helmet camera as they tucked their hands to their chest in hopes to not break fingers or a wrist all while letting the steering wheel take life of its own jerking one way and then the next depending on which way the wheels were turned. Unlike a real racecar driver who just wrecked a million-dollar machine and any chance of standing on the podium, I simply laughed and pressed the “R” button to rewind back to where I should have started braking and tried the turn all over again. After my first few races, I was like a spoiled kid after Christmas and couldn’t wait to tell my older kids and friends what my newest toy was and let them experience it for themselves.
I’ll step off my soapbox now and continue my review of the rest of the system. All that previous hype about my first experience with the wheel was made possible by Turtle Beach’s Ultra-Realistic, K: Drive Force Feedback Motor which they highlighted on the wheel base with a window and lighting dedicated to view the beast inside the system. The power this motor can produce to mimic real racing is absolutely incredible and there is virtually no delay in response from the wheel and pedals to what is actually happening on the game in real-time. The Mag-Shift shifting paddles located behind the wheel are ergonomically sound and feel smooth when shifting gears. Let’s not forget about the pedals which are also very responsive and well made using the Dynamic Brake Tek load-cell braking system which can feel how much pressure you apply to the pedals for a more realistic feel and you can adjust via the RMD or Turtle Beach’s Tuner Companion smart phone application. As if they didn’t include enough features, they even went the extra mile to incorporate an audio jack into the steering wheel base which you can use the Turtle Beach Audio Tuning to select your audio preferences including several presets. Included with this system is the hardware to secure the wheel and pedals to most sim racing stands which I may eventually invest in but for now I'm just using the included anti-slip stickers on my computer desk and hardwood floor.
Overall, the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Wheel and Pedal system is more than I could have ever wished for when I finally decided to step up my at-home racing simulation and would recommend it to anyone in the market.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The GOAT of wireless esports mice returns to reshape the competitive scene. Featuring a 54 g ultra-lightweight design and best-in-class technologies, the Razer Viper V3 Pro is the undisputed choice for peak performance and handling~the perfect weapon designed with and trusted by pros.
Customer Rating
5
Buttery smooth movement and lightning fast
on May 7, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
Over the years, Razer has been my go-to for most of my gaming and computer peripherals including their high-performance mice. With the release of Razer’s new Viper V3 Pro mouse, they continue to impress and one up themselves by somehow making it even lighter and faster. I’ll start by mentioning I have owned every generation of Razer’s Viper mouse line as well as other manufacturers and I always end up back with the Viper line mice for several reasons.
Unboxing the V3 Pro was about as simple and self-explanatory as you can get, especially if you’ve owned Razer Products in the past and don’t have to install any new software; basically, a simple plug-and-play peripheral. If you haven’t, I would suggest downloading the recommended Razer software that can be used to customize the Viper along with any other Razer peripherals. In the box includes the mouse, USB-C charger and dongle for the wireless connection, instructions and grip stickers for the mouse that you can either install or leave off depending on your preference. Once the mouse is fully charged, you are good to go on most computers that automatically sense new devices and install the appropriate drivers if necessary.
Although I’m sure I have become “groomed” and accustomed to the Vipers’ design and ergonomics over the years, in my opinion it just feels more comfortable in comparison to the competition. After previously using other mice, I have noticed my hand will sometimes cramp up over time. With the new Viper V3 Pro, the design and aesthetics are identical to their last V2 model until you look “under the hood”. Being that both models are extremely light, the V3 weighs only 54 grams, you probably won’t notice a difference in the weight. However, once you flip it over to check out the underbelly and begin to use it, you’ll notice how much more “buttery” smooth it feels because of the larger slip pads on the bottom which cover more surface area and make it easier to maneuver. Utilizing the included Razer HyperPolling wireless dongle, which has a true 8000 Hz wireless polling rate, coupled with their Gen-3 optical mouse switches and the Gen-2 Razer Focus Pro optical sensor, which has smart tracking, motion sync and asymmetric cut-off, the gaming competition won’t know what hit them with such precise movement and lightning-fast responses. The other benefit that I almost always forget about, only because I rarely have to do it, is the rechargeable battery lasts nearly 100 hours on a single charge meaning less down time.
As I mentioned previously, the Razer Viper family has always been my favorite mouse and the new V3 Pro did not disappoint. I would highly recommend the new Viper V3 Pro, as well as many other Razer products, to anyone in the market for the latest and greatest peripherals and want a leg up on the competition or even as an everyday mouse.
Unboxing the V3 Pro was about as simple and self-explanatory as you can get, especially if you’ve owned Razer Products in the past and don’t have to install any new software; basically, a simple plug-and-play peripheral. If you haven’t, I would suggest downloading the recommended Razer software that can be used to customize the Viper along with any other Razer peripherals. In the box includes the mouse, USB-C charger and dongle for the wireless connection, instructions and grip stickers for the mouse that you can either install or leave off depending on your preference. Once the mouse is fully charged, you are good to go on most computers that automatically sense new devices and install the appropriate drivers if necessary.
Although I’m sure I have become “groomed” and accustomed to the Vipers’ design and ergonomics over the years, in my opinion it just feels more comfortable in comparison to the competition. After previously using other mice, I have noticed my hand will sometimes cramp up over time. With the new Viper V3 Pro, the design and aesthetics are identical to their last V2 model until you look “under the hood”. Being that both models are extremely light, the V3 weighs only 54 grams, you probably won’t notice a difference in the weight. However, once you flip it over to check out the underbelly and begin to use it, you’ll notice how much more “buttery” smooth it feels because of the larger slip pads on the bottom which cover more surface area and make it easier to maneuver. Utilizing the included Razer HyperPolling wireless dongle, which has a true 8000 Hz wireless polling rate, coupled with their Gen-3 optical mouse switches and the Gen-2 Razer Focus Pro optical sensor, which has smart tracking, motion sync and asymmetric cut-off, the gaming competition won’t know what hit them with such precise movement and lightning-fast responses. The other benefit that I almost always forget about, only because I rarely have to do it, is the rechargeable battery lasts nearly 100 hours on a single charge meaning less down time.
As I mentioned previously, the Razer Viper family has always been my favorite mouse and the new V3 Pro did not disappoint. I would highly recommend the new Viper V3 Pro, as well as many other Razer products, to anyone in the market for the latest and greatest peripherals and want a leg up on the competition or even as an everyday mouse.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Nomo ensures peace of mind for seniors, families, and caregivers. Nomo offers a camera-free in-home monitoring solution that sends instant alerts and notifications when a fall is detected* or help is needed. Additionally, it enables 24/7 two-way communication with loved ones, and can connect caregivers to 911 emergency services if needed. Nomo also connects with various Bluetooth-enabled health monitors to track things like blood pressure, oxygen, glucose, and temperature.
Customer Rating
5
Easy set up and convenient monitoring
on May 1, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
For those who are one, being a caregiver can be a LOT of work, time, effort and responsibility. Within the last few years my wife and I had to step into that role and begin to take care of my elderly mother who initially did not reside with us. This included having to go out of our way to check up on her several times a week, take her trash out, check her mail, clean up her house to name a few tasks. The most important job was her well-being and safety especially considering having been injured from falls and unable to get up or get to a phone for help. Over the past few months we have explored several options for remote monitoring including life alert systems which, in some cases, require a pretty hefty additional monthly cost. That’s when we came across the new Nomo Smart Care essential care kit which includes a hub for the care giver along with two plug in sensors and four wireless stick-on sensors with panic buttons you can place throughout the house.
First, let me start off with the installation. Unboxing and setting up the essential care kit was very easy and after downloading the smart phone application and setting up my account, Nomo provided simply video instructions for every step of the process. After plugging the hub in, a voice tell you what steps to do next through the smart phone app which included a recent update. I will say that the update did initially freeze during the process but I was able to unplug it and plug it back in and it worked just fine. While placing the plug-in and stick-on sensors and panic buttons in areas that are not blocked to sense motion and easily accessible if someone were to fall on the ground, I also experienced some connectivity issues however, with some patience, was eventually able to get them to sync to the hub and my smart phone app. I even placed one of the stick-on sensor/buttons on the provided lanyard which can be placed anywhere or hung around someone’s neck for easy access. The whole process took approximately 30 minutes and would have been less if it weren’t for the technical issues I had which I can’t pin on the device(s), my smartphone or the app.
Monitoring my mom’s house using the app was very convenient and provided me real time motion detection notifications to ensure she was up and about. I gave the panic buttons a few test pushes which notified me via the smartphone app and also via the voice on the hub. Once the panic button is activated, you are able to escalate the alert to one of Nomo’s live agents who can alert for help if need be. There are plenty of features within the app itself as well including temperature and humidity monitoring, outage and service logs, setting mobility, sleep, diet and bathroom goals and viewing an entire days’ activities to ensure someone doesn’t need assistance. I specifically placed one of the sensors in the restroom where some people could fall and one on the refrigerator door to tell whether someone is getting food. One thing I like is that it doesn’t require any cameras for monitoring to ensure someone isn’t violating someone’s privacy, only their movement and whether they need assistance.
The other thing I like about the Nomo Smart Care kit is it only costs $10 a month for the monitoring so it doesn’t break the bank in monthly fees and is, in my opinion, well worth the cost. Overall, I believe this is a great investment for anyone who is a caregiver and may not be able to be with or check on someone throughout the busy days.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Annihilate your competition with this ASUS ROG gaming desktop. The Intel Core i7 processor and 32GB of RAM deliver rapid performance during fast-paced action, while the 2TB SSD provide plenty of storage for large files and downloads. This Bluetooth-enabled ASUS ROG gaming computer features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER graphics card for tear-free rendering of 4K games.
Customer Rating
5
Incredible gaming experience right out of the box
on April 10, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
Every year I am always looking forward to what latest offers and options the gaming PC and laptop industry is going to offer with their plethora of new features, specs and peripherals in an attempt to one up the competition. ASUS has always been one of my favorite manufacturers because of their quality builds, abundance of options for anyone and the overall performance of their rigs. The new 2024 ROG G16 gaming PC definitely does not disappoint coming in hot with the latest NVIDIA RTX4070 Super 12GB graphics card bolstering up to 2.48 GHz boost clock speeds using GDDR6X VRAM, 3rd Gen 82 TFLOPS Ray Tracing Cores, three display ports and one HDMI port for multiple monitors, amongst many other high end specs you can find on their website which also conveniently allows you to compare side-by-side to other graphics cards. The G16 also comes well equipped with 32 GB (16GB x 2) DDR5 RAM, two 1TB SSDs and more ports than you can shake a stick out including additional HDMI ports running off the internal graphics card (which I typically shy away from), six USB-A inputs on the rear of the machine as well as two more USB-A inputs and two USB-C inputs on the top of the rig for easier access. All these components combined complement each other well in the new ROG G16 gaming desktop which makes it capable of running games and/or video up to 4K at 240Hz or 8K at 60Hz.
The only thing one might consider in the future is upgrading the OS’s SSD to the new faster model as the benchmarks weren’t as high in comparison to my previous PC. Upgrading the RAM eventually is another upgrade option however the G16 handled everything I threw at it, I believe could use a bump up to the faster DDR5 RAM. Neither one of these is necessary but they do leave room for improvement if you prefer. ASUS made performing upgrades to any of the components easy using the clear side panel as you’ll see on many gaming PCs. I would also like to say that even after gaming for several hours, the fans were surprisingly quiet and I was never in any danger of overheating the rig. The fans do get a little louder if you adjust the performance using ASUS’s Armory Crate, or similar, software to overclock the processors, however I never found it necessary to do so. Another expected compliment to the aesthetics of the PC is the RGB lighting you will find on the front and in the main chassis of the rig which you can customize using their software.
After performing all the updates and downloading my favorite programs and games, I finally got around to running GPU, CPU and SSD benchmarks which were higher than I expected and well above many industry standards for gaming (see pictures). Some of the benchmarks, specifically the GPU ones, nearly doubled what I was running before on a gaming PC that was only a year old. After running several of my favorite AAA titles at max video setting, I could tell immediately how much more fluid the games ran with no effort at all. The games looked and performed incredibly on my ultrawide OLED screen even using the HDMI port instead of the Display Port only because I couldn’t find the cable I had.
For a pre-built, out-of-box, plug-and-play, high-end gaming PC, ASUS again does a great job piecing together a beautifully designed and performance stacked rig for consumer gamers at a reasonable price using some of the latest technologically advanced parts, especially for those, like me, that want to skip the times and effort it takes to build a rig from the ground up. You also have piece of mind for the first year with their included warranty once you register the PC online. Considering the components ASUS has included in this model, I can see this gaming PC lasting a couple more years than my last rig that I decided to go a cheaper route on and have regretted it ever since.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Maintain precise control over your iPad with the Insignia Active Stylus for iPad, iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad mini. This stylus functions just like your Apple Pencil, using its precise tip to target individual pixels. Tilt to adjust your line thickness when drawing, just like an actual pencil. It also features magnetic support with compatible models, letting you easily locate your stylus each time. Double tap the tail end of the stylus to turn it on or off, helping you to conserve battery life. An included USB-C cable charges your stylus in as little as 30 minutes.
Customer Rating
5
Impressive alternative to the original
on March 25, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
After going through two original pencils which eventually died out and became paper weights, I was tired of spending the ridiculous price for something I felt was going to stop working relatively fast. That's when I discovered the new Insignia Active Stylus made specifically for most iPads compatible with their pencils, typically the ones post-2018. It was very simple to set up out of the box by doing the initial fast charge via the included USB-C cable which takes only about 30 minutes if completely dead and can last up to 15 hours on a full charge. Once charged, you double click the power button located on the end of the stylus and you will see a small LED light turn on showing it's on. Once that is done, you are ready to start using it; there is no need to set anything else up via the iPad settings or an app which makes it very user friendly with minimal reliance on the instructions. The stylus has pixel precision which accurately locates each touch point on the screen and by tilting the stylus while drawing/writing it will adjust the line thickness. While drawing/writing, if you are like me and rest your palm on the screen, it does not affect any touchpoints on the display. You can even use the stylus to select items on the iPad screen and if you double tap the screen, you are able to make quick notes in the Note app. Another useful feature is you can store the stylus just as you would the magnetic pencil on the top portion of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen or later) and/or the iPad Pro 11-inch. The stylus also comes with a 1 year limited warranty. Overall, I believe the Insignia Active Stylus works just as well as the original pencil at a fraction of the price and would recommend it to anyone looking for an alternative.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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A50 X is made to play. The ultimate gaming headset is upgraded with breakthrough innovations in audio and connectivity. PLAYSYNC Multi-system switching between 3 platforms at once. PRO-G GRAPHENE audio drivers achieve unprecedented clarity and response critical for in-game performance. Pro-grade LIGHTSPEED wireless delivers the highest levels of wireless performance including broadcast-quality wireless boom mic and wireless dual-device mixing. HDMI 2.1 Passthru delivers Ultra HD resolution for the highest levels of console audio (24 bit) and visual fidelity (4K 120 Hz). Battery lasts for up to 24 hours of playtime with the ease of wireless charging. A50 X is a breakthrough in design and engineering for the ultimate gaming audio experience.
Customer Rating
5
Great design, comfort, features and sound
on March 2, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
I’m honestly not sure what else you would need in a set of gaming headphones as the new Logitech Astro A50 X LIGHTSPEED wireless gaming headset comes with most bells and whistles. The Astro A50 X package contains the headphones, the HDMI base station, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a combo cable for your PC and the power adapter with a variety of plug heads depending on what region you are using these. Obviously one of the main features to look for in any good set of headphones has to be the sound which aren’t a let down in the Astros thanks to the the 40 mm Pro-G Graphene audio drivers. The sound is crystal clear with no delay in response thanks to the pro-grade LIGHTSPEED wireless technology they have. Possibly one of the greatest features the Astro A50’s offer is the ability to link all of your gaming consoles through their multi-system base station which allows you to run all your console’s HDMI cables and PC’s USB connections through it and which doubles as the docking station for your wireless headphones. The HDMI passthroughs offer Ultra HD resolution with 24-bit audio and 4K 120Hz video. On top of the input/passthrough options, it also has a Bluetooth connection in the event you want to pair it with your phone or other device. The next feature I always look for in a gaming headset that you might be spending hours on end wearing is the comfort. For me that means no high-end leather or vinyl material on the ear cushions as they cause me to sweat which is no bueno. The Astro A50s, thankfully, use a soft and cool mesh cloth type material that feels nice around the ears for hours on end. The 48kHz full-bandwidth broadcast quality LIGHTSPEED mic pairs perfectly with the high-end headphones and easily tucks away on the side when not in use. After using the headphones for several hours, it’s almost like they were not in use as the battery level barely budged meaning you can enjoy hours of use without worrying about the pesky low battery warnings and ending a game session. You can tinker with and fine tune your audio experience using the advanced Logitech G Hub on your PC and mobile application which has a 10-band equalizer, microphone settings, noise reduction and more. All that being said, the new Astro A50 X’s were obviously designed and manufactured for the hardcore gamers and could even double as your new over-the-ear music headphones when not gaming. The only thing I can think of that these might be lacking is haptic feedback which I had in my previous gaming headphones however that more of a bonus rather than a necessity and Logitech did another amazing job catering to gamers.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get hands-on cleaning control and hands-off debris removal with the All-in-One Tower~and more. Not only does it automatically keep your LG stick vacuum clean, charged and ready to go, but the vac now includes our most powerful suction~, more than 3 hours of run time~ and enhanced multi-surface cleaning. Dust and debris don~t stand a chance. Done for the day? Return the vac to the tower to recharge, store tools neatly out of sight and let Auto Empty clean out the dust bin for you. Your hands, floor and air stay clean and your CordZero vac is ready to go when you need it next.
Customer Rating
5
Extreme power and convenience in a stick vacuum
on February 29, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
For the better part of a decade of running an in-home daycare, we have gone through our fair share of vacuums and mops as they are used very frequently several times on any given day. Needless to say we are constantly sucking up messes and mopping up spills. Having the portability of a cordless stick vacuum is a must have to avoid the trouble of messing with a cord and changing plugs during a whole house cleaning so we switched over to stick vacuums years ago. The only downfall to previous stick vacuums was always the limited power they could provide when cleaning heavy workloads like a daycare with an overabundance of mess makers. The other inconvenience we have also always struggled with is having to store and maintain mopping products to complement the vacuum cleanings which not only takes up additional limited space but it’s just another device I have to keep up on. That’s where the new LG CordZero All-in-One Wet/Dry cordless stick vacuum comes in handy. Not only does the new CordZero address these concerns, it exceeds all the expectations I had for a stick vacuum.
I would like to precursor this review by stating we have had an older version of the LG CordZero in the past that just could not meet the needs of the workload we had in store for it therefore we switched to another brand for the past few years which honestly performed much better in just about every aspect. So, when we decided it was again time to step up our cleaning game and replace our current vacuum, we revisited most other high-end stick vacuums for comparison and to get the best bang for our buck. Long story, short, we ultimately decided on the LG CordZero for the sheer power of the vacuum and the features it has. I was quite surprised as to how powerful the new CordZero is using LG’s Smart-Inverter Motor; you not only can feel the power, but you can hear it as well which could potentially steer some in another direction. It is much louder than all our previous stick vacuums and ranks up there with our older corded vacuums which, although came with their own downfalls, were also much more powerful than any stick vacuum we have owned. In fact, the vacuum is so powerful that, even with the normal setting, it easily pushes through any job and have yet to have the brush get stuck on any of our large area rugs which was a common occurrence with our previous vacuums. For those tougher jobs or perhaps thick carpet, there is also a power and turbo suction power setting which I haven’t found necessary yet since our house is mostly hard floors except for the carpeted stairs.
The weight of the vacuum unit is similar to competitors, perhaps a little heavier, but feels comfortable to hold with easily accessible buttons. According to my mother who lives with us, it may be a little too heavy for elderly people, like herself, or those lacking strength in their arms or upper body. With the telescoping wand and attachments installed it has a good balance as is easy to maneuver.
Having used all-in-one clean stations with our past vacuums was something we were already familiar with using other brands and are a must-have as well as you no longer have to empty the dust and debris yourself and, in the process, getting it all over defeating the purpose of cleaning. It also helps that the vacuum and clean station have a five-step filtration system which helps clean and avoid any unnecessary messes. In my opinion, LG did a much better job both performance wise and aesthetically with the design of their cleaning station which doubles as your storage for the combination tool, crevice tool and charger for the extra battery which are included with this package. It’s also more aesthetically pleasing and not as much as an eye sore as some of the competition as it’s sturdy rectangular design with cabinets hides most of the extras and internals including the additional nozzles and accessories that are included with the package. The LG clean station also feels and sounds more powerful than the competition we have had in the past but at the same, or similar, price point. Initially it is somewhat awkward to get the vacuum to seat in the station facing away from you however I think it’s something we’ll get used to. The top of the clean station displays the battery level and tells you whether it’s time to replace the bag. Although they both have lighted indicators, I was a little surprised that both the clean station nor the vacuum itself had an LED display to tell you the status or report any issues such as a tangled brush or low battery.
Regarding the mopping features, it is very easy to use by simply placing the mop pads center on to the mopping attachment and filling the mopping attachment reservoir with fluid. I used a combination of gentle hard floor cleaner I used in my other electric mop along with water. The CordZero automatically senses the mop attachment and the + button on the handheld portion is used to squirt the cleaner onto the floor while the mop attachments are spinning and cleaning.
Both large and small vacuum attachments and mop attachment included with this CordZero package appear very durable and have worked great with no issues thus far. They are easily swappable and can attach on the telescoping wand attachment or directly to the handheld vacuum unit itself which is useful for some jobs like stairs or vehicles. Although it is a nice bonus, I haven’t found use for the additional battery yet as one battery has lasted cleaning our entire 3900 sq foot house. Another great, must have, feature is the bright LED lights along the front of the larger vacuum attachment and the mop attachment which really highlight areas with dust and debris.
Overall, the new LG CordZero cordless wet/dry stick vacuum and mop is, by far, the most powerful stick vacuum we tested and what we ultimately decided on after comparing the competition. We have absolutely no regrets and would recommend it to anyone in the market. For peace of mind, it also comes with a one-year parts and labor warranty along with a 10 year Smart Inverter Motor warranty.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience absolute power and precision that blows you away with the Razer Nommo V2 Pro~a fully-loaded, full-range speaker system and wireless subwoofer combo. Amplified by THX Spatial Audio and Razer Chroma RGB, set the stage for a cinematic audio-visual experience primed for your battlestation.
Customer Rating
5
Game changing, ear blasting PC sound
on January 9, 2024
Posted by: Grouticus
One of the final components to my latest PC build has been to refresh and upgrade my speakers to something more up-to-date compared to the ones I have had for a few years which, by the way, are also considered on the high-end of the market. This happened to be just in time for the new drop of the pro series Razer Nommo V2 Full-Range 2.1 PC gaming speakers with a wireless subwoofer which appeared to be right up my alley. As an audiophile, anything that gets the THX certification has my full and immediate attention. This high-end certification coupled with the latest advanced audio features including virtual 7.1 surround sound that feels like the sound is on the side and behind you, 3” full-range drivers with aluminum phase plugs to minimize sound reflections and a 5.5” down-firing wireless subwoofer combine to provide a truly immersive sound experience for PC and console gamers alike that prefer or have an option to go without headphones. You can sync other devices to them and switch to the Bluetooth input through the Razer software. Regarding the appearance, you can immediately tell they are high-end PC speakers not only because of back-lit Razer Chroma RGB lighting which changes colors but also due to the exposed drivers with piercing cones. The wireless control pod/knob is a convenient short cut when having to quickly adjust the volume up/down without having to navigate to the volume controls on your screen or with some speakers having to reach to find the volume knob. However, it is an extra peripheral you’ll have to find a spot for on your desk. These are definitely the best sounding computer speakers, and many other speakers I have used for music in our house, and would recommend them for anyone that wants to step up their sound game.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Capture stunning imagery with the legendary Hasselblad camera and enjoy a smooth flight with omnidirectional obstacle sensing. Every improvement on Mavic 3 sets a higher standard for aerial photography. Fly with Mavic 3 and discover imaging above everything.
WHAT CARD READER DOES THIS TAKE?
You can install a high speed micro SD in the drone right above the battery to increase the onboard storage capacity.
3 years, 11 months ago
by
Grouticus
The expandable Swann 8 channel 1080p Enforcer~ series is armed with the latest in Home Security, such as Police-Style flashing lights, Night2Day~ color night vision, TrueDetect~ Heat & Motion Detection, Google & Alexa compatibility, Cloud back up, and much more.
Does this system record audio or just video?
It records audio and video and you can use the smart phone app to talk through the cameras. We use them in our kids' rooms and for our outdoor security system
4 years, 11 months ago
by
Grouticus
The expandable Swann 8 channel 1080p Enforcer~ series is armed with the latest in Home Security, such as Police-Style flashing lights, Night2Day~ color night vision, TrueDetect~ Heat & Motion Detection, Google & Alexa compatibility, Cloud back up, and much more.
Does this system record audio or just video?
It records audio and video and you can use the smart phone app to talk through the cameras.
4 years, 11 months ago
by
Grouticus
The Samsung Jet~ 75 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum features a lightweight and maneuverable design and a removable battery that can be easily swapped* for extended cleaning time up to 60 minutes. Compatible with Samsung Clean Station~ for mess-free, automatic emptying of the hygienic dust bin. *Second battery sold separately.
Is the unit able to stand upright on its own?
Take panoramic footage with this GoPro MAX digital camera. The 16.6MP sensor captures detailed footage and 360-degree views, and the six built-in microphones record immersive audio. This GoPro MAX digital camera has a touch display that lets you switch between standard and 360-degree video modes and choose from multiple digital lenses to customize your footage.
Can the camera be controlled remotely?
Yes, by your smart phone through the GoPro app or with one of GoPro's optional devices
6 years ago
by
Grouticus
Keep an eye on your home or business day and night with Arlo Pro 3. With no wires, you can install Pro 3 in minutes and view video directly from your phone. Spot unique details with color night vision, and see more in dark areas with the integrated spotlight. The advanced lens provides superior image quality, a wider field of view, and allows you to auto track and zoom on moving objects with clarity. Receive notifications when your camera spots people, vehicles, animals, or packages, and view live video or recorded clips directly from your phone, with 3 months of included Arlo Smart.* Hear and speak to visitors clearly with two-way audio.
Does this come with free 7days of recording? Or is it like the 4k model where you have to pay for cloud after one year?
This two camera Arlo Pro 3 kit comes with three free months of the new Arlo Smart Plan which does 30 days of 2K cloud recording. However, you can also simply plug a USB drive in the hub to record locally. I would check the Arlo website for more details on the new plans they offer.
6 years ago
by
Grouticus
When spills happen, the Braava jet m6 robot is always on call~ready to head to the spot and take them on. Just say to Google Assistant or Alexa, ~Have Braava mop in front of the kitchen counter~, and it heads out and gets to work. Always learning your home and your cleaning habits, it can offer customized schedules that work around your life~even suggesting extra cleanings during pollen season. Using Precision Jet Spray, it loosens dirt and sticky messes without spraying furniture, rugs, or walls~all without any effort from you, making your mopping tasks a thing of the past. *(Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com or its affiliates. Google is a trademark of Google LLC)
How do you keep it from going on your carpets from a tile floor?
It should sense that it's no longer on a hard floor and go in reverse. I would suggest picking up any rugs before you set it to clean so it cleans under the rugs.
6 years, 4 months ago
by
Grouticus
Step into virtual reality with this Oculus Rift S PC-powered headset. The advanced optics produce a sharp display with bright, vivid colors, and Oculus Insight tracking removes the need for external sensors to convert movements into virtual reality. This Oculus Rift S PC-powered headset has a fit wheel that secures the headset with a quick twist.
I am setting up the oculus, but I can’t move the software into the other drive, and the thing it shows me to switch it does not work. Please help me.
This worked for me:
https://support.oculus.com/1142129705828091/
When you install the Oculus app on your PC computer, it'll install on the C: drive. If you want to install the app on a different system drive, make sure the new system drive has at least 4GB of free disk space and is formatted to use the NTFS file system.
To install the Oculus app on a different system drive:
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command
Enter the following path: [drive]:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive=[new system drive]
- Replace [drive] with the letter of the drive where Oculus was downloaded to
- Replace [new system drive] with the letter of the new drive you'd like to install Oculus to
Ex: C:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive=D or C:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive:D
Click OK
The Oculus app will then open and attempt to install the app on the new drive you've chosen.
https://support.oculus.com/1142129705828091/
When you install the Oculus app on your PC computer, it'll install on the C: drive. If you want to install the app on a different system drive, make sure the new system drive has at least 4GB of free disk space and is formatted to use the NTFS file system.
To install the Oculus app on a different system drive:
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command
Enter the following path: [drive]:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive=[new system drive]
- Replace [drive] with the letter of the drive where Oculus was downloaded to
- Replace [new system drive] with the letter of the new drive you'd like to install Oculus to
Ex: C:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive=D or C:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive:D
Click OK
The Oculus app will then open and attempt to install the app on the new drive you've chosen.
6 years, 4 months ago
by
Grouticus
Call across the room to hear your favorite song with Echo Spot. This voice-activated device is compatible with Alexa and lets you check the weather, watch video clips and even answer your connected phone. The small footprint of Echo Spot slides in easily without taking up space and works with all connected devices and speakers.
Can this work wirelessly??
No, it needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
6 years, 11 months ago
by
Grouticus
Keep your head in the game with this Logitech G Pro headset. Its leatherette ear pads isolate surrounding noises to keep you focused, and its featherlight construction minimizes pressure for longer wear. This Logitech G Pro headset's microphone has a wide frequency response and low signal-to-noise ratio for improved communication with teammates and opponents.
Do I have to get a splitter for this or no?
No, they come with an auxiliary splitter if you have a separate mic auxiliary out on your rig.
7 years, 2 months ago
by
Grouticus