Reddog's stats
- Review count151
- Helpfulness votes209
- First reviewJune 28, 2014
- Last reviewMay 4, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.5
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count39
- Helpfulness votes16
- First answerJune 16, 2015
- Last answerAugust 21, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers5
Control your diabetes with this Dario Android blood glucose monitoring system. It contains a lancing device, test strip cartridge and meter in one compact housing, so it's easy to carry in your pocket. This all-in-one Dario Android blood glucose monitoring system connects to mobile devices via a convenient app to deliver results within six seconds.
Customer Rating
5
Thank goodness for technology
on January 13, 2019
Posted by: Reddog
from Tomball, TX
Dario - Blood Glucose Monitoring System Starter Kit - Android - Black
I come into this review a complete rookie when it comes to monitoring my glucose levels. This is the results of working with my doctor and my pre-diabetic diagnosis.. I have started on a daily medicine to manage my glucose levels. I haven’t been on the meds for very long so my follow up doctor visit is still some weeks away. My family has a history of being diabetic so although I keep my weight in check and don’t eat a lot of sugar it appears this was going to happen to me no matter what I did. So this brings us the the Dario Blood Glucose Monitoring kit. To start with the process of testing is pretty easy. Once you do it a few time it is very easy and I like that the results don’t take much time to get. The portable kit is quite self contained with but I don’t understand why it does not have a way to carry the extra lances you need. It does carry plenty of test stips but only one lance at a time. So that is an extra item to keep track of. The written instructions to use the monitor are easy to understand but if you have any questions the videos linked from the Dario site are very comprehensive and walk you through using the monitor. I had a problem with my first two tests. Checked my wife who was in a perfect range and then later I got consistent readings. Not the numbers I was hoping for but this is a medical issue that requires constant monitoring. So I am very lucky to now have the ability to see if I can work my glucose levels and not be guessing. The software on my Android phone is quite easy to use and I understand there is almost no difference with the IOS software for the Apple platform. There are a lot of tracking options in the software that I am just now starting to explore. Dario has a few monthly subscription plans for getting the replacement supplies and other services they offer. For now I won’t be exploring those services until I have a better understanding of my needs and with consulting my doctor. At least I will have more testing information for his review so he can better advise me on how I manage my glucose going forward. I can’t rate this monitor against other products in the market. What I can say is this meter was very simple to use. And I feel empowered to better manage my medical condition. I still have a lot to learn and to have a daily scheduled for testing. What I can say is that if your in the market for a glucose testing meter I would recommend the Dario system. Keep in mind I am a rookie here but Dario has a lot of resources for me to learn from. With some time and actual numbers I will have the information I need to manage this unfortunate medical condition.
I come into this review a complete rookie when it comes to monitoring my glucose levels. This is the results of working with my doctor and my pre-diabetic diagnosis.. I have started on a daily medicine to manage my glucose levels. I haven’t been on the meds for very long so my follow up doctor visit is still some weeks away. My family has a history of being diabetic so although I keep my weight in check and don’t eat a lot of sugar it appears this was going to happen to me no matter what I did. So this brings us the the Dario Blood Glucose Monitoring kit. To start with the process of testing is pretty easy. Once you do it a few time it is very easy and I like that the results don’t take much time to get. The portable kit is quite self contained with but I don’t understand why it does not have a way to carry the extra lances you need. It does carry plenty of test stips but only one lance at a time. So that is an extra item to keep track of. The written instructions to use the monitor are easy to understand but if you have any questions the videos linked from the Dario site are very comprehensive and walk you through using the monitor. I had a problem with my first two tests. Checked my wife who was in a perfect range and then later I got consistent readings. Not the numbers I was hoping for but this is a medical issue that requires constant monitoring. So I am very lucky to now have the ability to see if I can work my glucose levels and not be guessing. The software on my Android phone is quite easy to use and I understand there is almost no difference with the IOS software for the Apple platform. There are a lot of tracking options in the software that I am just now starting to explore. Dario has a few monthly subscription plans for getting the replacement supplies and other services they offer. For now I won’t be exploring those services until I have a better understanding of my needs and with consulting my doctor. At least I will have more testing information for his review so he can better advise me on how I manage my glucose going forward. I can’t rate this monitor against other products in the market. What I can say is this meter was very simple to use. And I feel empowered to better manage my medical condition. I still have a lot to learn and to have a daily scheduled for testing. What I can say is that if your in the market for a glucose testing meter I would recommend the Dario system. Keep in mind I am a rookie here but Dario has a lot of resources for me to learn from. With some time and actual numbers I will have the information I need to manage this unfortunate medical condition.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Collaborate with teammates using this Razer BlackWidow Elite mechanical gaming keyboard. An ergonomic leatherette wrist rest provides support for marathon play sessions, while the fully customizable keys let you create your own unique system for gaming. With dedicated media keys and a multifunction digital dial, this Razer BlackWidow Elite mechanical gaming keyboard offers responsive operation.
Posted by: Reddog
from Tomball, TX
Razer - BlackWidow Elite Wired Gaming Mechanical Razer Green Switch Keyboard with RGB Back Lighting - Black
I think I might have used one of the very first BlackWidow Razer keyboards you could get. I remember walking by them and the box let you click the keys. You couldn’t help but fall in love however it was costly. It was built like a tank and was one of the first real mechanical gaming keyboards you could get. The only keyboard lighting it has was the Razer green. I used that same keyboard for years at work after getting a new one to replace it after years of gaming on it. They always have a quality product that holds up very well. I had a friend remind me he is still gaming on a Razer keyboard I passed on to him. I still use one of my older Razer BlackWidow gaming keyboards at work everyday. I think they are going to outlast me they hold up so well. But I haven’t used a Razer keyboard for a while as a gaming keyboard because there were cheaper options for mechanical keyboards with full RGB lighting that I have been able to use and talk about. I must say it has been a pleasure to come back to the BlackWidow line after paying with other keyboards for awhile. The padded wrist rest is one of the best I have ever used. The weight and feel of the keyboard is very nice. I haven’t used their green switches before and they have a very nice click and sound. Not to loud and I could easily use it at work, in the future. I like the media controls and I find myself using them more than I have on other keyboards. The direction of the volume wheel seems backwards to me but I am getting used to it. The weight of the keyboard and the large rubber pads help keep it in place. I do like the keyboard and am using it for gaming again. But even with all that I do like I have a few things that keep me from thinking this is almost perfect desk gaming keyboard. On many computers USB ports are getting used up, so please find a way to use just one of my USB ports for all of your features.. Other RGB keyboards seem to work with one USB connection. I would give up the USB passthrough for a more flexible single USB cable to my PC. And if your going to give me a headphone and mic connection on my keyboards please include any splitters I might need. I had to dig up a Y splitter and some people might not have one available when they start connecting their new BlackWidow. The lighting seems like it could be brighter to me. But Razer seems to have done something new with the lighting or else I just never notice it before. When I look at the key lighting it seems like the lighted key caps only allow the RGB lighting to light the primary keycap character. The special characters doesn’t seem to be getting an real lighting at all. And it looks like this is a design decision. But there are times, in the dark, when I need to see these special characters and I can't. These are minor issues and again it is the whole package and I can attest to the quality you get. Not everyone needs all of the features offered in this keyboard but I know Razer has put their care and love of gaming here and it shows.
I think I might have used one of the very first BlackWidow Razer keyboards you could get. I remember walking by them and the box let you click the keys. You couldn’t help but fall in love however it was costly. It was built like a tank and was one of the first real mechanical gaming keyboards you could get. The only keyboard lighting it has was the Razer green. I used that same keyboard for years at work after getting a new one to replace it after years of gaming on it. They always have a quality product that holds up very well. I had a friend remind me he is still gaming on a Razer keyboard I passed on to him. I still use one of my older Razer BlackWidow gaming keyboards at work everyday. I think they are going to outlast me they hold up so well. But I haven’t used a Razer keyboard for a while as a gaming keyboard because there were cheaper options for mechanical keyboards with full RGB lighting that I have been able to use and talk about. I must say it has been a pleasure to come back to the BlackWidow line after paying with other keyboards for awhile. The padded wrist rest is one of the best I have ever used. The weight and feel of the keyboard is very nice. I haven’t used their green switches before and they have a very nice click and sound. Not to loud and I could easily use it at work, in the future. I like the media controls and I find myself using them more than I have on other keyboards. The direction of the volume wheel seems backwards to me but I am getting used to it. The weight of the keyboard and the large rubber pads help keep it in place. I do like the keyboard and am using it for gaming again. But even with all that I do like I have a few things that keep me from thinking this is almost perfect desk gaming keyboard. On many computers USB ports are getting used up, so please find a way to use just one of my USB ports for all of your features.. Other RGB keyboards seem to work with one USB connection. I would give up the USB passthrough for a more flexible single USB cable to my PC. And if your going to give me a headphone and mic connection on my keyboards please include any splitters I might need. I had to dig up a Y splitter and some people might not have one available when they start connecting their new BlackWidow. The lighting seems like it could be brighter to me. But Razer seems to have done something new with the lighting or else I just never notice it before. When I look at the key lighting it seems like the lighted key caps only allow the RGB lighting to light the primary keycap character. The special characters doesn’t seem to be getting an real lighting at all. And it looks like this is a design decision. But there are times, in the dark, when I need to see these special characters and I can't. These are minor issues and again it is the whole package and I can attest to the quality you get. Not everyone needs all of the features offered in this keyboard but I know Razer has put their care and love of gaming here and it shows.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Enjoy a clean, close result with this Philips Norelco Series 6000 shaver. The special ComfortGlide rings have a protective coating that helps the razor move smoothly across your face and neck, reducing irritation and redness. MultiFlex heads on this Philips Norelco Series 6000 shaver ensure you never miss a hair.
Customer Rating
4
Simple easy to use shaver
on January 5, 2019
Posted by: Reddog
from Tomball, TX
Philips Norelco Shaver 6800
The Philips series 6800 Shaver is a nice shaver that is very simple to use and does a good job. For those familiar with Norelco shavers the Series 6800 is a very standard design with the classic three floating heads. If you like this design and want to replace your current version, this will work well. For those coming from the common straight electric razor designs the floating heads that Philips has offered for many years is definitely work a look. Over the years I have used both designs and they both have their merits. For me getting a good shave on my neck under my chin has always been where electric shavers of either design still don’t do well. I find the straighter design to be more natural for me personally. But it is close between either type in how well they do. The Series 680 is very confrontable in my hand I actually think I can shave faster with the floating heads than the straighter designs. And it also seems to me this razor is quieter than any I have had before. I like that but it makes the shaver feel underpowered. Not a thought I usually associate with any shaver I have ever used. The shaver has good battery life and Philips has it rated for a 50-minute run time. That has worked out for me to be about 3 or 4 shaves before needing a recharge. There is a battery indicator on the shaver that appears to be very accurate from my experience. What I would have liked to have seen included is a charging base. That should come with any rechargeable electric razor and it is missing on this model. Philips does have a Series 6900 model that does come with the base. The shaver is waterproof so you can use it wet or dry. I use mine dry and it seems to be easier to keep clean used that way. The Shaver does come with a trimmer but like the missing base it doesn’t come with a travel case. Overall, I do like the shaver and more important the shave I get but, I do mis those extra few parts.
The Philips series 6800 Shaver is a nice shaver that is very simple to use and does a good job. For those familiar with Norelco shavers the Series 6800 is a very standard design with the classic three floating heads. If you like this design and want to replace your current version, this will work well. For those coming from the common straight electric razor designs the floating heads that Philips has offered for many years is definitely work a look. Over the years I have used both designs and they both have their merits. For me getting a good shave on my neck under my chin has always been where electric shavers of either design still don’t do well. I find the straighter design to be more natural for me personally. But it is close between either type in how well they do. The Series 680 is very confrontable in my hand I actually think I can shave faster with the floating heads than the straighter designs. And it also seems to me this razor is quieter than any I have had before. I like that but it makes the shaver feel underpowered. Not a thought I usually associate with any shaver I have ever used. The shaver has good battery life and Philips has it rated for a 50-minute run time. That has worked out for me to be about 3 or 4 shaves before needing a recharge. There is a battery indicator on the shaver that appears to be very accurate from my experience. What I would have liked to have seen included is a charging base. That should come with any rechargeable electric razor and it is missing on this model. Philips does have a Series 6900 model that does come with the base. The shaver is waterproof so you can use it wet or dry. I use mine dry and it seems to be easier to keep clean used that way. The Shaver does come with a trimmer but like the missing base it doesn’t come with a travel case. Overall, I do like the shaver and more important the shave I get but, I do mis those extra few parts.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Experience sound on a whole new level with these over-ear Sony headphones. The wide frequency range and 70mm driver unit provides you with unbelievably smooth high-resolution audio, and the Fibonacci-patterned grill delivers clear ultra-high notes. These Sony headphones have an over-ear design and ergonomic ear pads for optimal comfort during long listening sessions.
Customer Rating
5
Improvements that do matter
on December 9, 2018
Posted by: Reddog
from Tomball, TX
Sony - MDR-Z7M2 Over-the-Ear Headphones - Black
The Sony MDR-Z7M2 is a revision to the older MDR-Z7 that is still available for purchase. Both sit very high on the list of audiophile headphones in the Sony product line. I did not have the pleasure of getting to hear the original MDR-Z7 so I will limit myself to my personnel experience with the MDR-M2 revision.
The Sony MDR-Z7M2 is a revision to the older MDR-Z7 that is still available for purchase. Both sit very high on the list of audiophile headphones in the Sony product line. I did not have the pleasure of getting to hear the original MDR-Z7 so I will limit myself to my personnel experience with the MDR-M2 revision.
For its size the closed back MDR-Z7M2 headphone felt very lite to me when I first picked them up. According to the Sony website the MDR-Z7M2 is a claimed 12.0 oz which is just slightly heavier than the MDR-Z7 at 11.82 oz. They felt very comfortable to me but within my first hour with them I thought Sony could have added a bit wider padding for the top headband. It didn’t take long before I completely forgot about headband and felt it wasn’t an issue after many hours of use. The very soft thick ear padding and room for my ears added up to some of the most confrontable headphones I have worn. The clamping pressure was just right for me with a mostly average head size and I got very good isolation with the design of the ear pads. I wear glasses most of the time and they never affected the seal around my ears. With pads this thick and pliable I think they will be fine for most users. The ear pad adjusters feel like they’re made of aluminum but I am not sure of that. They have numbers positions and a very nice click for each adjustment position. The headphones seem to be made with this same material and it all blends together very well. I would have to try and scratch them to know if they are truly made of aluminum so please forgive me if don’t go that far. The overall build quality is very good as one would expect from a true audiophile headphone made by a world leader in audio. As I write this review I have about six different headphones around me and I rate the Sony as the easiest to wear for hours at a time. This is a critical feature for headphones in this class.
The overall packaging presents itself very well but you do not get any type of travel case. In the package you get an almost 10’ long stereo cable and a shorter 4’ balanced-connection cable. This seems like an odd choice since the longer stereo cable would be mostly used on a portable device where the shorter balanced cables would be the choice for newer or high-end audio devices that can support balance cables. There is some that say balanced connections sound better but I don’t have any way to prove that. However, it wouldn’t have hurt to have included a shorter stereo cable for those that want one.
Sony rates these headphones at 56 ohms. This should allow you to drive them with most cell phones. They sounded very good on my Galaxy S8 but they really came to life on my ifi micro portable headphone amp. Which brings me to the audio quality of these headphones. On my S8 they could be driven but I did need to use most of my available volume. The mids seemed to suffer which was not a problem on my ifi headphone amp. On my ifi headphone amplifier they were very good. I never thought there was any part of the music I was missing or that I couldn’t pick out. I was especially pleased with them at mid to low volume levels. I could listen to them for hours without any fatigue or discomfort. I will say that on the bass they are not overpowering but they seemed very accurate to me. If the song asked for it, I could hear it. They are very well balanced and if you do need more bass it can be had with a touch of equalization. I also want to mention that I listen to mostly FLAC audio files streamed from my NAS. In most of my recent headphone purchases I have been going for open back headphone to try and improve the sound stage of the music I listen to. The MDR-Z7M2 have a very natural sounding sound stage for a closed back design. Not quite as large as some open back designs but very good in their own way. The MDR-Z7M2 have replaced my current go to headphones. Its actually not really a fair fight. I do wish they came with a case and shorter stereo cable. There is always something else you want but they got the most important parts right. I expect to get many hours of pleasure listening to my favorite music again and hearing parts other headphone left out.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Experience powerful graphics and virtual reality with this HP Pavilion gaming desktop. It has an AMD Ryzen processor to handle intense gaming, and the 16GB of DDR4 RAM provides fast processing speeds. This HP Pavilion gaming desktop has a 1TB hard drive and 128GB solid-state drive for a large game collection and quick boot times.
Customer Rating
4
Versatile gaming computer
on November 29, 2018
Posted by: Reddog
from Tomball, TX
HP - Gaming Desktop - AMD Ryzen 7-Series - 16GB Memory - AMD Radeon RX 580 - 1TB Hard Drive + 128GB Solid State Drive - Shadow Black With A Brushed Hairline Pattern
The HP - Gaming Desktop - AMD Ryzen 7-Series is a nice starter gaming PC at the entry level and was intended to play games at the popular 1080p resolution. It is not really intended to play at higher resolutions although you can, just be prepared to turn some of the graphics setting down. This is normal for an RX 580 which is a good graphics card and where it plays the best. Looking inside the small mid sized chassis you will find it cramped with the dreaded OEM non-standard designed parts. You can do some limited upgrades but I don’t really think you should buy it with that in mind. Other reviewers go into great detail on the specifications but in brief, you have a good gaming video card in the RX 580. It is a 4Gb card but at 1080p that will be fine for most games today. The processor is probably the bigger star here. The Ryzen 7 2700 is a fine processor and will play games well and do most any office tasks as well. Paired with the 16Gb of ram and an SSD drive assures snappy performance. I do wish HP had used a larger 250Gb SSD inside but you can work with the provided 128Gb drive, you just need to put most big files on the second 1Tb HDD. I think this is a great home office computer for someone who also wants to do some gaming. You could also make the case this is a fine family computer. It can do anything most people do on the internet, it will play most games very well when needed and is small enough it can fit on any desk. This is not a computer for a experienced PC gamer or for someone who wants to buy it today and upgrade it later. I have enjoyed this computer and respect the amount of power packed inside this small chassis. Buy it, take it home or to work and and enjoy it’s versability. BYW, it is small but looks good. It has a touch of the popular gaming look with some mild lighting on the front but no so much it can’t fit well in most any decor. The mouse and keyboard are average at best. And don’t be afraid to uninstall the included applications you don’t need like the virus protection package.
The HP - Gaming Desktop - AMD Ryzen 7-Series is a nice starter gaming PC at the entry level and was intended to play games at the popular 1080p resolution. It is not really intended to play at higher resolutions although you can, just be prepared to turn some of the graphics setting down. This is normal for an RX 580 which is a good graphics card and where it plays the best. Looking inside the small mid sized chassis you will find it cramped with the dreaded OEM non-standard designed parts. You can do some limited upgrades but I don’t really think you should buy it with that in mind. Other reviewers go into great detail on the specifications but in brief, you have a good gaming video card in the RX 580. It is a 4Gb card but at 1080p that will be fine for most games today. The processor is probably the bigger star here. The Ryzen 7 2700 is a fine processor and will play games well and do most any office tasks as well. Paired with the 16Gb of ram and an SSD drive assures snappy performance. I do wish HP had used a larger 250Gb SSD inside but you can work with the provided 128Gb drive, you just need to put most big files on the second 1Tb HDD. I think this is a great home office computer for someone who also wants to do some gaming. You could also make the case this is a fine family computer. It can do anything most people do on the internet, it will play most games very well when needed and is small enough it can fit on any desk. This is not a computer for a experienced PC gamer or for someone who wants to buy it today and upgrade it later. I have enjoyed this computer and respect the amount of power packed inside this small chassis. Buy it, take it home or to work and and enjoy it’s versability. BYW, it is small but looks good. It has a touch of the popular gaming look with some mild lighting on the front but no so much it can’t fit well in most any decor. The mouse and keyboard are average at best. And don’t be afraid to uninstall the included applications you don’t need like the virus protection package.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+11points
13of 15voted this as helpful.
Dell Inspiron Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Maximize productivity with this 13.3-inch Dell Inspiron notebook computer. The combination of its Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM runs multiple programs simultaneously at peak performance, and it's Bluetooth-enabled to connect wireless devices or transmit data. This Dell Inspiron notebook computer has a 256GB solid-state drive to safely store files.
Posted by: Reddog
from Tomball, TX
The Dell Inspiron 13 7000 has a lot of potential but it misses what it takes to be a great 2-in-1. To start with the hardware here is actually very good. 8GB of ram, 250GB SSD, full HD 1080p IPS touchscreen and an 8th Gen Intel i5 processor with 4 cores and 8 threads. Simply this is a much more powerful notebook than most you could have bought just a year ago. It is thin and lite and really does most tasks very well. So what's missing, well the battery life really isn’t close to class leading. The two things you want to get right in such a portable package, a great screen and great battery life. The screen is just fine and is sharp and clear so I have no complaints and the hinges feel like they will hold up well. But the 4 to 5 hours of battery life is a big disappointment. It could really use a few more hours so it can a least get you through a long flight. The power supply brick is very small so at least keeping it close by won’t be hard. I would have traded a little more weight to have more on-board battery life. Unfortunately that is actually not the biggest problem I have with this Inspiron. When you first see it you might think it is machined out of a single piece of aluminum. Actually it is two pieces held together with screws on the bottom. This wouldn’t be a problem but where the top piece and the bottom fit together is actually quite sharp. So any place you grab the notebook you come into contact with this sharp edge. So far I haven’t cut myself but I can imagine it slipping or it happening if I was reaching for it from a backpack. This is really unacceptable and hurts what would be a good overall notebook. It is certainly fast, has a very good display, the keyboard and track pad are fine for me but how Dell allowed something so obvious to get by makes me shake my head. If possible you should go look at this notebook to decide if this is a problem for you. It is always a shame when you have such a nice package with such a clear issue. If it wasn’t for this fit issue I would recommend this Inspiron but it will be a deal breaker for many.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
-2points
5of 12voted this as helpful.
Velop is a flexible Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi system of modular nodes that work together to provide a flawless signal for any home. Now with new plug-in nodes that fit all wall sockets, you'll be assured coverage in traditionally underused areas, and the sleek design only uses a single outlet. Velop works with any Internet Service Provider (ISP), making customization simple, and with Tri-Band performance and Intelligent Mesh™ technology, you'll always be on the fast path to the Internet.
Customer Rating
5
One of the best gets better
on November 6, 2018
Posted by: Reddog
from Tomball, TX
Linksys - Velop AC Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System (3-pack)
I had the pleasure of using the first version of the Velop Mesh Wi-Fi System. Even on that first version it was extremely easy to setup and use. Mesh networks were mostly new a year ago at least for usable consumer versions. Since then the market has offered many more options. Some are still quite expensive and other are very affordable. The Velop I am using is the AC4800 that is rated for a 3 or 4 bedroom 5,00 Sq. Ft. home. There is also an AC6600 version rated for a 5+ bedroom 6,000 Sq. Ft home. Both use a Master node and two client nodes. This new version has a Tri-Band radio with a possible 1,300 Mbps speed rating. What this really means is you should get your full internet connection speeds and the radio is much more robust in keeping and maintaining a signal. It will always try to keep your speeds up no matter where you might roam in your home. The nice thing here is the two client’s nodes simply plug into a wall outlet where the first versions all sat upright with a power supply that you plugged in. That is gone in this version which is a great thing to make it even simpler to use. The setup is mostly the same where you download an Android or Apple app. The app pretty much walks you through the setup and it is very easy to use. You can use the Velop to completely replace your older Wi-Fi or join your existing network with an optional bridge mode. I have a very good Wi-Fi router in an upstairs Master bedroom closet. Since I wanted to keep that Wi-Fi radio in service, I used the Bridge mode. I could have just turned off my main router radio, but the combination just makes my home network that much better. Since I had their prior version with no problems, I wanted to test their support line. I was very pleased to only be on hold a very short time and worked with their Tech Support and made sure everything was setup to work as well as possible. I was very pleased with the support and knowledge I got from William at Linksys support. For those who are new to adding Wi-Fi in their home I would encourage you to call them if you have any issues or like me wanted to be sure I was getting the maximum performance possible. This is really the best of both worlds. I have used the Linksys Velop product from its first version and now with their new version and I can say I am still very impressed. I stream all of my content to my TV wireless and so expect a lot from it. I can say the Velop delivers both on ease of use and is very well suited for more complicated setups. If you haven’t tired Mesh network products you are missing out on the real promise of Wi-Fi that really does set a new standard.
I had the pleasure of using the first version of the Velop Mesh Wi-Fi System. Even on that first version it was extremely easy to setup and use. Mesh networks were mostly new a year ago at least for usable consumer versions. Since then the market has offered many more options. Some are still quite expensive and other are very affordable. The Velop I am using is the AC4800 that is rated for a 3 or 4 bedroom 5,00 Sq. Ft. home. There is also an AC6600 version rated for a 5+ bedroom 6,000 Sq. Ft home. Both use a Master node and two client nodes. This new version has a Tri-Band radio with a possible 1,300 Mbps speed rating. What this really means is you should get your full internet connection speeds and the radio is much more robust in keeping and maintaining a signal. It will always try to keep your speeds up no matter where you might roam in your home. The nice thing here is the two client’s nodes simply plug into a wall outlet where the first versions all sat upright with a power supply that you plugged in. That is gone in this version which is a great thing to make it even simpler to use. The setup is mostly the same where you download an Android or Apple app. The app pretty much walks you through the setup and it is very easy to use. You can use the Velop to completely replace your older Wi-Fi or join your existing network with an optional bridge mode. I have a very good Wi-Fi router in an upstairs Master bedroom closet. Since I wanted to keep that Wi-Fi radio in service, I used the Bridge mode. I could have just turned off my main router radio, but the combination just makes my home network that much better. Since I had their prior version with no problems, I wanted to test their support line. I was very pleased to only be on hold a very short time and worked with their Tech Support and made sure everything was setup to work as well as possible. I was very pleased with the support and knowledge I got from William at Linksys support. For those who are new to adding Wi-Fi in their home I would encourage you to call them if you have any issues or like me wanted to be sure I was getting the maximum performance possible. This is really the best of both worlds. I have used the Linksys Velop product from its first version and now with their new version and I can say I am still very impressed. I stream all of my content to my TV wireless and so expect a lot from it. I can say the Velop delivers both on ease of use and is very well suited for more complicated setups. If you haven’t tired Mesh network products you are missing out on the real promise of Wi-Fi that really does set a new standard.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
For students and families who want classic Office apps installed on one Windows 10 PC or Mac for use at home or school. Classic 2019 versions of Office apps including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Plus, OneNote for Windows 10.
Posted by: Reddog
from Tomball, TX
Office Home & Student 2019 (1 Device) (Product Key Card) - Mac|Windows
Like many people I have used Office products in school and at work. The last few years I have not been using it on my home computers. I have used a few of the free web-based options and have stumbled along. Once I finally installed Office again on my local computer I couldn’t be happier. One of the first things I did after installing office was to bring in my cloud documents and was amazed at the spelling and grammar mistakes I had in those document that Word found. The web-based applications also had spelling and grammar checking but they clearly don’t stand up to the quality of what Word can do. I also used the web-based spreadsheet programs. They just don’t hold a candle to Excel. There is no real affordable substitute for Microsoft Office. I have the full home and student version and its more than enough. I use Outlook at work and that is missing from the home and student version. That is fine with me as it makes the home version more affordable and I do find web-based email to work just fine for my personal email needs. If you have or use Microsoft Office at work or have done what I did and used web apps you will be very happy to have the real thing on your home desktop. I don’t often use PowerPoint but its nice to have and I do use OneNote and find new things it can do that surprises me all the time. Microsoft Office is just the best you can get and teamed up with One Drive is a perfect combination for most users. Highly recommended and actually a great value. I don’t know why I ever left. If I was to ask for one additional feature it would be to be able to install and run Office on more than one of my computers. But honestly its still a great value that I will be adding to my wife’s computer the next time I am in Best Buy now that I am reminded what we were missing.
Like many people I have used Office products in school and at work. The last few years I have not been using it on my home computers. I have used a few of the free web-based options and have stumbled along. Once I finally installed Office again on my local computer I couldn’t be happier. One of the first things I did after installing office was to bring in my cloud documents and was amazed at the spelling and grammar mistakes I had in those document that Word found. The web-based applications also had spelling and grammar checking but they clearly don’t stand up to the quality of what Word can do. I also used the web-based spreadsheet programs. They just don’t hold a candle to Excel. There is no real affordable substitute for Microsoft Office. I have the full home and student version and its more than enough. I use Outlook at work and that is missing from the home and student version. That is fine with me as it makes the home version more affordable and I do find web-based email to work just fine for my personal email needs. If you have or use Microsoft Office at work or have done what I did and used web apps you will be very happy to have the real thing on your home desktop. I don’t often use PowerPoint but its nice to have and I do use OneNote and find new things it can do that surprises me all the time. Microsoft Office is just the best you can get and teamed up with One Drive is a perfect combination for most users. Highly recommended and actually a great value. I don’t know why I ever left. If I was to ask for one additional feature it would be to be able to install and run Office on more than one of my computers. But honestly its still a great value that I will be adding to my wife’s computer the next time I am in Best Buy now that I am reminded what we were missing.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+4points
6of 8voted this as helpful.
Beat your competitors to the punch with this OMEN by HP Reactor mouse. The 0.2 ms click response time and 16,000 DPI optical sensor ensure you're first to the target, and the 50-million-click lifetime means the game can go on forever. This OMEN by HP Reactor mouse provides a choice of palm rest positions for comfortable play.
Posted by: Reddog
from Tomball, TX
HP - OMEN by HP Reactor Wired Optical-Mechanical Gaming Mouse with RGB Lighting - Black
I have been testing the HP Reactor Wired Optical-Mechanical Gaming Mouse along with its sister keyboard the Sequencer Wired Gaming Optical-Mechanical Blue Switch Keyboard. Together they match the theme of the HP gaming desktops and notebooks products. Unfortunately both products are a miss. There are some good ideas here but they do not hold up to the many options available to gamers. The side mouse buttons are the highlight. There is a thumb rest and the button placement there gives you enough room where you don’t accidently hit them. Another nice feature is the steel braided USB cable. I have not seen this on any product and it a great for the traveler. You can roll it up and it doesn’t kink. But it adds weight to the front of the mouse which may or maynot be a issue. And depending on your desk layout it can make a sound as you move it around while in use. Also the Reactor doesn’t slide well on my mouse pad. Every other mouse I have tested slides easily but the Reactor mouse has a friction feel that slows it down. Another grip I have is the gap between the wheel and the DPI button. You can actually put your finger in the gap between them. That is not a button you want to hit in the middle of a shooter game. They have made it so the back of the mouse has a height adjustment but because of the shape it just doesn’t work for me. To feel right in my hand I have to use the higher adjustment but because the rear is narrow it doesn’t take long before I am changing it. It might work for some hands and mine are a fairly normal size but it doesn’t work for me. The lighting is done well but its nothing we all haven’t seen before. If you have an Omen gaming computer it will look ok but it can’t fix the other issues I have. I just can’t recommend this mouse over the many options that are available. I am glad HP is in the fight to provide gamers options but I think they missed the mark here.
I have been testing the HP Reactor Wired Optical-Mechanical Gaming Mouse along with its sister keyboard the Sequencer Wired Gaming Optical-Mechanical Blue Switch Keyboard. Together they match the theme of the HP gaming desktops and notebooks products. Unfortunately both products are a miss. There are some good ideas here but they do not hold up to the many options available to gamers. The side mouse buttons are the highlight. There is a thumb rest and the button placement there gives you enough room where you don’t accidently hit them. Another nice feature is the steel braided USB cable. I have not seen this on any product and it a great for the traveler. You can roll it up and it doesn’t kink. But it adds weight to the front of the mouse which may or maynot be a issue. And depending on your desk layout it can make a sound as you move it around while in use. Also the Reactor doesn’t slide well on my mouse pad. Every other mouse I have tested slides easily but the Reactor mouse has a friction feel that slows it down. Another grip I have is the gap between the wheel and the DPI button. You can actually put your finger in the gap between them. That is not a button you want to hit in the middle of a shooter game. They have made it so the back of the mouse has a height adjustment but because of the shape it just doesn’t work for me. To feel right in my hand I have to use the higher adjustment but because the rear is narrow it doesn’t take long before I am changing it. It might work for some hands and mine are a fairly normal size but it doesn’t work for me. The lighting is done well but its nothing we all haven’t seen before. If you have an Omen gaming computer it will look ok but it can’t fix the other issues I have. I just can’t recommend this mouse over the many options that are available. I am glad HP is in the fight to provide gamers options but I think they missed the mark here.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Game at the speed of light with this HP OMEN sequencer keyboard. Its optical-mechanical switches provide a 0.2ms response time that's perfect for high-speed gaming. Five macro keys offer options for custom commands, and dedicated media keys offer streamlined content control. This HP OMEN sequencer keyboard offers extensive customization through its OMEN Command Center software.
Customer Rating
2
Back to the drawing board
on October 23, 2018
Posted by: Reddog
from Tomball, TX
HP - OMEN by HP Sequencer Wired Gaming Optical-Mechanical Blue Switch Keyboard with RGB Back Lighting - Black
I wanted to like this HP Reactor Optical-Mechanical RGB Keyboard which I have been testing with the HP Reactor Wired Optical-Mechanical Gaming Mouse and neither of these lived up to my hopes. It didn’t help that two keys caps fell out of the box as soon as I took it out of the box. Of course this was a very minor issue since I just popped them back on. And they did stay in place in all of my testing. But overall the keys just feel loose and sloppy. They can wobble back and forth much more than any other keyboard I have used before. The feel while typing is fine and the feedback from the optical-mechanical keys is good but the wobble should not be there on a high end keyboard. The lighting effects are fairly generic and they do not get very bright. The puzzling thing is this keyboard needs to use two USB ports. It has a big braided cable but I have seen and used better RGB keyboards that make due with one USB connection. And there is no other connection that you can use on the keyboard to justify needing to have such a large cable using two or your USB ports. The keyboard supports macros and the Omen software is pretty easy to use. You install the software from the Windows store which was a nice surprise and took almost no time to install. The problem is the Omen software is launched from what would be your home key. And I could not find anyway to remap that key so I could use the home key for moving around documents and spreadsheets when I wasn’t gaming. Generally the build quality was fine with an aluminum top and plastic bottom. The feet at the bottom don’t raise the keyboard up much so it sits mostly flat with them extended. That is a preference issue but I do like to have a little higher lift then you get here. One thing I did like was the media and volume wheel/bar. It looks good and it very easy to use. The media key are also very easy to find and use. I think if you have invested in the HP Omen line of gaming desktops or notebooks both the mouse and keyboard are worth a look but nothing about them really is unique. Yes the optical switches are new but neither the mouse or keyboard are the only products that offer that feature. And unless I just missed it using the home button to launch the Omen software is annoying while doing office work. I just can’t recommend this keyboard over the many options gamer have today
I wanted to like this HP Reactor Optical-Mechanical RGB Keyboard which I have been testing with the HP Reactor Wired Optical-Mechanical Gaming Mouse and neither of these lived up to my hopes. It didn’t help that two keys caps fell out of the box as soon as I took it out of the box. Of course this was a very minor issue since I just popped them back on. And they did stay in place in all of my testing. But overall the keys just feel loose and sloppy. They can wobble back and forth much more than any other keyboard I have used before. The feel while typing is fine and the feedback from the optical-mechanical keys is good but the wobble should not be there on a high end keyboard. The lighting effects are fairly generic and they do not get very bright. The puzzling thing is this keyboard needs to use two USB ports. It has a big braided cable but I have seen and used better RGB keyboards that make due with one USB connection. And there is no other connection that you can use on the keyboard to justify needing to have such a large cable using two or your USB ports. The keyboard supports macros and the Omen software is pretty easy to use. You install the software from the Windows store which was a nice surprise and took almost no time to install. The problem is the Omen software is launched from what would be your home key. And I could not find anyway to remap that key so I could use the home key for moving around documents and spreadsheets when I wasn’t gaming. Generally the build quality was fine with an aluminum top and plastic bottom. The feet at the bottom don’t raise the keyboard up much so it sits mostly flat with them extended. That is a preference issue but I do like to have a little higher lift then you get here. One thing I did like was the media and volume wheel/bar. It looks good and it very easy to use. The media key are also very easy to find and use. I think if you have invested in the HP Omen line of gaming desktops or notebooks both the mouse and keyboard are worth a look but nothing about them really is unique. Yes the optical switches are new but neither the mouse or keyboard are the only products that offer that feature. And unless I just missed it using the home button to launch the Omen software is annoying while doing office work. I just can’t recommend this keyboard over the many options gamer have today
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
-1point
1of 3voted this as helpful.
Reddog's Review Comments
Reddog has not submitted comments on any reviews.
Reddog's Questions
Reddog has not submitted any questions.
The new Alienware x15 is a super thin, extremely light laptop. Now’s your chance to game with gear that knows no boundaries. The Alienware x15 gaming laptops with advanced Alienware Cryo-Tech™ cooling defy boundaries. Introducing Element 31 thermal interface material and a Quad-Fan Design. We are incorporating more fan blades, more copper materials, and vapor chambers to deliver ample power while dissipating the heat more efficiently and allowing the fans to run less resulting in reduced noise. The x15 features five tailored power states, and grants access to thousands of games with Windows. Alienware laptops will bring your favorite games into hyper-reality with Windows DirectX 12 Ultimate. Constructed with magnesium alloy and aluminum parts gamers can experience the evolved Legend Industrial Design that reimagines the way you game. The Alienware x15 is equipped with 11th Gen Intel processors, has more storage options with dual drives featuring SSD and includes powerful NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 30-series discrete graphics.
Does this have cherry mx keyboard
Can you add a SSD or NVME to the 528? Specs show an internal SSD PCIE! No pictures of the insides or specs anywhere online. Also looks like a 4 or 5 TORX for the back cover. Two screws near the hinge look like they are separate form the back cover????
The user guide makes no mention of being able to add additional storage.
3 years, 4 months ago
by
Reddog
What happens when you bring together the ultimate Google phone and the speed of 5G?* You get Pixel 5. The super fast Google phone at a helpful price.
What operating system does Google Pixel 5G uses e.g. Windows or Android?
The Pixel 5G is an Android phone and not a Windows phone. There is no new phones using Windows and hasn't been for years. The most current phone from Microsoft uses the Android operating system.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
Reddog
OpenComm is the first AfterShokz Bluetooth headset designed specifically for communication. Engineered with patented 7th generation bone conduction technology & featuring AfterShokz’s signature open-ear design, OpenComm enables clear communication through the DSP noise-canceling boom microphone & helps you stay connected to your surroundings while you’re at your desk, on the road, or on a jobsite.
Are they waterproof and sweat proof?
Yes, they are IP55 rated which is fine particle and basic water protection. So they should have no problem being sweat proof.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
Reddog
Groom unwanted facial hair using the Philips Norelco Nose Trimmer 5000, a premium precision trimming kit. The Protective Guard System privides the ultimate comfort while the rotary and detail trimmers cuts close. Use the eyebrow attachments to evenly trim your eyebrows. The long-lasting lithium battery provide multiple usage and the pouch makes the trimmer easy travel. The nose trimmer is fully washable, making it easy to clean by simply running under a warm faucet.
Your Description and Specifications say it comes with a rechargeable lithium battery, and that it recharges in 1 hour. Your manual says to use NON-rechargeable batteries. I see no provision for a charger in the packaging. Which is it?
The trimmer comes with a single non rechargeable lithium battery. There is also no battery charger in this kit.
3 years, 8 months ago
by
Reddog
Enjoy crisp powerful sound while gaming with this Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero wireless PC gaming headset. The rechargeable battery offers up to 30 hours of use, and the remappable on-ear controls let you adjust settings as needed. This Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero wireless PC gaming headset has a sleek metal headband and interchangeable cooling gel-infused memory foam ear cushions that provide a comfortable, secure fit.
Whats up with the lack of reviews on this, is this a new product? Are the ear cups leather? Is the mic attached or apart of the headset?
The lack of review might be due to it being a very new product. It can be found on the Turtle Beach website. The ear cups are a very soft pleather. You are not likely to see full leather ear cups at this price range or even higher. The mic is removable and the mute button is on the left headphone. The mic works very well.
4 years, 7 months ago
by
Reddog
Enjoy crisp powerful sound while gaming with this Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero wireless PC gaming headset. The rechargeable battery offers up to 30 hours of use, and the remappable on-ear controls let you adjust settings as needed. This Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero wireless PC gaming headset has a sleek metal headband and interchangeable cooling gel-infused memory foam ear cushions that provide a comfortable, secure fit.
Is it 5.1 or 7.1
It is neither. It is a full 3D sound environment and not separate channels. You can find this feature in some higher end headphones. It seems to work well but its not your average 5.1 or 7.1 surround channel that we think of. Go look for Waives NX 3D audio to find out more about this technology.
4 years, 7 months ago
by
Reddog
Hear and sound like a pro with the PRO X Gaming Headset. Pro-designed with detachable mic and Blue VO!CE software for professional-sounding voice comms. Featuring next-gen 7.1 surround sound and PRO-G 50 mm drivers for amazingly clear sound imaging. Soft memory foam-padded leatherette or velour earcups. Durable steel + aluminum construction. Premium USB external sound card gives you crystal-clear game sound and voice chat. Designed for tournaments with downloadable audio EQ profiles tuned by your favorite esports pros. Play to win.
Does it work for PlayStation 4??
Using the USB connection it should work. But I won't say for sure since I haven't tried it.
4 years, 9 months ago
by
Reddog
Hear and sound like a pro with the PRO X Gaming Headset. Pro-designed with detachable mic and Blue VO!CE software for professional-sounding voice comms. Featuring next-gen 7.1 surround sound and PRO-G 50 mm drivers for amazingly clear sound imaging. Soft memory foam-padded leatherette or velour earcups. Durable steel + aluminum construction. Premium USB external sound card gives you crystal-clear game sound and voice chat. Designed for tournaments with downloadable audio EQ profiles tuned by your favorite esports pros. Play to win.
What's the release date?
The Best Buy where I am at in Texas has them in stock.
4 years, 9 months ago
by
Reddog
Hear and sound like a pro with the PRO X Gaming Headset. Pro-designed with detachable mic and Blue VO!CE software for professional-sounding voice comms. Featuring next-gen 7.1 surround sound and PRO-G 50 mm drivers for amazingly clear sound imaging. Soft memory foam-padded leatherette or velour earcups. Durable steel + aluminum construction. Premium USB external sound card gives you crystal-clear game sound and voice chat. Designed for tournaments with downloadable audio EQ profiles tuned by your favorite esports pros. Play to win.
How is The Microphone On Discord?
It works very good on Discord. The mic is very good on this headset.
4 years, 9 months ago
by
Reddog