TheTechNugget's stats
- Review count115
- Helpfulness votes778
- First reviewMay 21, 2016
- Last reviewApril 29, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.8
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- Answer count4
- Helpfulness votes8
- First answerOctober 15, 2016
- Last answerSeptember 26, 2018
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- Best answers1
Introducing MX Mechanical Mini- a minimalist keyboard with extraordinary feel, precision, and performance. Low-profile mechanical typing delivers satisfying feedback in your choice of key switches – Tactile Quiet, Clicky, or Linear. MX Mechanical Mini is crafted for ergonomic comfort, with smart illumination and Easy-Switch – allowing you to connect up to 3 devices and stay in your flow for hours.
Customer Rating
4
Minimalist mechanical keyboard, maybe a bit pricey
on June 26, 2022
Posted by: TheTechNugget
A number of years ago I bet if I had invested in Logitech I would have made a decent amount of money by now. Oh well, hindsight I suppose. In any case, instead of stock in Logitech, I have a healthy stock of Logitech’s peripherals, and am a big fan of the MX series keyboards and mice.
I’m traditionally not a mechanical keyboard kind of guy. I like small, slim-line and minimalist keyboards that take up very little space on my desk. For instance—the MX Keys Mini for Mac, a beautifully small device without a number pad that’s looks great in a small desk space (note—I don’t have a small desk space, but I can still appreciate the little things…pun intended).
The MX Mechanical Mini Compact Keyboard with Tactile Quiet switches (what a name) strikes a nice balance between the feel and sound of a traditional mechanical keyboard, along with the minimalist design of some of their slimmest keyboards. The keys aren’t noisy, but they’re far from quiet. There’s a nice two-tone color scheme that doesn’t do anything except break up the “sameness” of a single color. As with other MX keyboards, Logitech brings its Smart Illumination to the backlighting, which lights the keys only when your hands “approach.”
They keyboard frame is largely plastic but has an aluminum deck. It can be paired with up to 3 Bluetooth devices. Although it’s a mini, you get a full row of multifunction / media keys along the top, which admittedly looks a little strange as they line up perfectly with the number row. And as with any other mechanical keyboard, the keys are very close together—essentially on top of each other. “Sure,” you’d say, “but that’s normal. What are you going on about??” As mentioned before, I’m a slim keyboard enthusiast and I prefer chiclet style keys, which typically have a bit more space between them. As such, it took me a few days of typing to really get used to how close together these keys are. Not a deal breaker by any means, but if you’re looking to make a switch like I did, be prepared for a short adjustment period.
Post-adjustment period, I feel like my typing speed has increased slightly, and my typing fatigue decreased slightly; these are both changes for the better. Because it’s a “Mini,” it doesn’t have a number pad which will impact some more than others; if you don’t use a number pad much, and you like a smaller keyboard but want some of the benefits of more traditional mechanical keyboards, you ought to consider this. After using the Mini, I’m more inclined to recommend the full-size keyboard, which will only cost you another $20. At $150, though, the Mini seems to me a bit overpriced; I think it’s more suitably priced $100-$120, so maybe wait until this hits a sale to pick yours up.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Samsung T7 Shield 2TB, Portable SSD, up to 1050 MB/S, USB 3.2 Gen2, Rugged, IP65 Water & Dust resistance for Photographers, Content Creators, and Gaming, External Solid State Drive, Black.
Customer Rating
5
Does everything you need it to
on June 1, 2022
Posted by: TheTechNugget
I’ve been a fan of the Samsung T-series external hard drives for some time now…they’re commonly regarded as among the fastest portable SSDs you can buy, and while the price is not trivial, they’ve been in the space for some time and have demonstrated decent reliability.
The T7 Shield is another portable SSD from Samsung with a sort of “encrypt” function which optionally locks down the hard drive (provided you install the Samsung software) with a password. It is cross platform capable, supported on Windows, Mac (although not iOS, sort of) and Android.
Without the software, it is just an external hard drive. It has a rugged, rubberized design and comes with two USB-C cables (one A to C and one C to C). As such, without the software, it can be used on virtually any platform supporting external storage (including iOS).
With the software, and assuming the drive is locked down, only the read-only partition shows up on iOS devices. The only way to unlock the drive is with the software and the password, and without the password any stored data is inaccessible (it would be a pain if you forget the password, so make sure you store it in a vault or can remember it). When connecting the drive while it is “locked,” without unlocking it your computer will show a read-only partition with the installation media…so you won’t have to worry about being in front of a computer without the software installed.
The software is super basic - allowing you to name the drive (although that doesn’t show up in the naming of the partition), and to turn on and off the drive lock. It’s a relatively simple installation unless you use a modern Mac. On a Mac, you need to boot to system security settings (something that I would bet most casual Mac users have never done) and adjust what kind of software is permitted for installation on your computer. It’s fine that it has to happen that way, but I really think the instructions for this should be included with the device.
Other than the somewhat irregular installation requirements for Mac users, there isn’t a lot to complain about here. The price at $239 is in line with what I’d expect to pay for Samsung’s drives (considering their speed capabilities) currently, and having added functionality allowing locking down access to the drive is a nice bonus.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The adidas FWD-02 SPORT gives you total freedom through road runs and track workouts. No wires. Stay focused. Don’t hold back. The sleek, ergonomic buds stay in place through warmups and hill sprints. The intuitive controls are easy to use and always responsive.
Customer Rating
3
Decent, couple issues, too pricey?
on May 22, 2022
Posted by: TheTechNugget
I've lost count of how many headphones and earbuds I've reviewed over the years, but in my last review I remember making the claim that it's hard to get a bad pair of headphones right now, especially if you're spending $90 or more. The Adidas FWD-02 Sport headphones are a testimony to that claim.
The thing that drew me to these in the first place is the ear fins--for me, the best fitting, most comfortable and most likely to stay in my ears headphones have always had ear fins. And here, the FWD-02 don't disappoint. They come with multiple size fins and tips and make a great seal in my ear canal for really good sound isolation. They don't have noise canceling, but they do sport a 'pass through' mode which allows outside noise in. As far as I'm concerned, this is a must-have feature on any set of headphones at this price range, and the Adidas buds deliver a reasonably good experience in that regard.
In many ways, though, these are not "fancy" earbuds--they're really intended to be used while working out, and during my testing they performed admirably in those scenarios. They are sweat and water resistant, and have onboard touch controls that are very basic and easy to use. I don't often find myself needing to interact with my headphones during a workout, and in this case that's good--because those touch controls weren't the most reliable. On several occasions a tap or long press wouldn't even register. I did enjoy being able to put them in and take them out without accidental presses.
Pairing is super simple and handled via the case, not the buds--while still in the case, press and hold the button and then pair to your desired device. They don't pair to multiple devices, but that's ok for their intended use--I'm fine re-pairing them when I want to change devices.
The battery life is good--the case tops off the buds after a workout, and I haven't had to charge them since the first full charge when they arrived earlier in the week.
The sound quality is admirable. They are by no means the best-sounding earbuds you can get at this price range, but they get plenty loud for powering through a workout and do so without much distortion. Given that these are targeted toward the fitness market (and not the audiophile types), Adidas delivers an excellent listening experience if you use these for more than just 'noise production' during a workout.
The case is...weird (even beyond my first impression; if you're like me you know EXACTLY what I mean). I'm a fan of Adidas' shoes, so I understand the incorporation of mesh in their design. But that mesh doesn't offer much by way of protection if, for instance, you throw these in a backpack or gym bag with other items. The lid of the case is held in place by magnets and can be removed entirely with a light pull. I don't understand the purpose of this functionality.
Nevertheless, I think these buds do a lot of things right and for that reason are worth consideration. My only concern is the price--at $169, they seem a bit overpriced. If you can find them on sale, they might be worth a purchase, but at full retail price, a fitness-focused set of earbuds shouldn't cost this much.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The versatile and powerful ASUS Zenbook Pro 15 Flip OLED Q529 is an Intel® Evo™-certified convertible laptop that’s designed for those who want to do more. It's 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processor and Intel® Iris® Xe graphics deliver outstanding multitasking and creative power, with ASUS IceCool thermal technology for maximum performance possibility. The world-leading 2.8K 120Hz OLED NanoEdge Dolby Vision touchscreen has a cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 gamut and is PANTONE® Validated with DisplayHDR™ True Black 500 certification. It’s also TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light emission. The Harman Kardon-certified quad-speaker Dolby Atmos audio system adds to the cinematic experience with ultra-realistic sound. For fast face login there’s an HD IR camera, and a color sensor allows automatic control of screen brightness and color temperature. You’ll love the modern new design with its classy stepped diamond-cut edges, and you’ll enjoy the productivity-boosting 360° ErgoLift hinge and the latest ASUS Pen 2.0.
Customer Rating
5
Great device, amazing display, not much to dislike
on May 22, 2022
Posted by: TheTechNugget
I'm a big time Mac guy, have been for a number of years now. I work in IT, and many of the guys I work with really enjoy giving me a hard time about not using a Windows computer for may day-to-day. I'm fortunate enough to work at a company that allows us to choose the devices that work best for us, and that also gives me the flexibility to try out something new when I have the chance.
Recently I was over at my parents' house helping them set up a new modem and router from their ISP, and I asked to use their laptop for testing and configuration. This laptop was running Windows 11, and it took a little bit of time for me to switch my brain back into "Windows mode." I pride myself on my ability to work with whatever devices I have, and I realized that the best way to test out this new Asus was to take a break from all my Apple devices and use just the Zenbook.
In terms of overall size, weight, feel...the Zenbook has a very "finished" design. Full metal, clean edges, a great keyboard and trackpad...it is a very attractive device and well-built. I really like the color, but the material tends to retain grease from your hands and requires fairly regular cleaning. The key travel is at "Goldilocks" level, short enough to please those who like very slim keyboards, and long enough to satisfy those who like a more substantial laptop keyboard. The trackpad is tremendous: responsive and smooth; my only complaint is the "click" location in lower half of the pad versus being centered or evenly distributed across the surface.
The Zenbook can be flipped in all sorts of different directions--tent, display, traditional laptop, tablet...but I found in changing the footprint I often times bumped the power button which puts the machine to sleep.
The display is perhaps the Zenbook's crowning achievement and feature: 120Hz, OLED, 2.8K, amazing colors and very dark blacks...it is a delight to use and downright delicious when it comes to media consumption. I'll admit the resolution and aspect ratio are a bit weird, but as a Mac user I'm pretty used to that--and a few of the movies and shows I've watched have fit the screen almost perfectly, which was a wonderful experience.
Speaking of media consumption--there are areas for improvement here. As a bit of a tech nut, I have a decent amount of headphones and earbuds...and with every bluetooth headset I paired with the Zenbook, I found the audio dropping and reconnecting at times. This was a bit of a distraction, and if not for testing multiple headsets I would assume the problem to be on the headset side. The onboard speakers are fine, but definitely short of "good" or "great." They get the job done, but definitely leave something to be desired. Thankfully, there's a headphone jack.
Which leads us to I/O, another area where Asus knocked it out of the park with this device. Dual thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-A, full-sized HDMI, and Micro SD ports give you a little bit of everything. The power adapter uses a barrel-style plug, but the device can also be charged via the Thunderbolt ports if you have a USB-C monitor or another USB-C power adapter. Or--you can leave both of those ports for I/O and still charge the laptop using the power adapter...there's a lot of versatility there. If I had to nitpick the ports, I'd like to see the power port and one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports on the left side of the unit, possibly the headphone jack as well, so as not to interfere with an external mouse while in use (if used on the right side of the laptop).
The overall specs and performance of the machine are great for a device at this price. 16GB RAM, a fast PCIe 3.0 SSD, a 12th-gen Intel i7 processor, and a decent cooling solution all combined in a way that left my work uninterrupted due to performance. The fans can get a little loud, but I'd rather have a loud, working laptop than a throttled, quiet one.
And speaking of price, and where this review comes to a close--this is a $1200 laptop that as far as I can tell is worth every bit of that $1200. Great I/O, an awesome display, and high-end specs make this a device I can easily say is worth your consideration. There are a few shortcomings, but nothing that I would consider a deal breaker...the speakers are fine, the port layout could be adjusted for better ergonomics, and the bluetooth chip might need some tuning. Still, the Zenbook is a fully functional, fully capable laptop that most people would be happy with.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Long beard, medium, or short, Panasonic GB96-K Mens Beard Trimmer makes it easy for everyone from beginners to the more experienced to achieve barber-quality hair, beard and mustache trimmer styling at home. An acute-edge, ultra-sharp stainless-steel blade uses wider-tipped and spaced blades to catch more hair in one stroke for more efficient trimming. And, the electric beard trimmer is powered by a High-Torque motor, calibrated for clean, comfortable trimming of even dense beards, with no snagging or pulling. Four included comb attachments work the quick-adjust dial to provide up to 58 trim length settings from 0.5MM (with no attachment) to 30MM, to create the style and length you want while the 5mm-wide detail attachment provides precise trimming and control. The Panasonic GB96-k beard clipper has an IPX7 rating and waterproof design so you can trim in the shower or dry anytime. A single 1-hour charge provides up to 50 minutes of cordless use, or plug in and use corded for longer use. Unplug unit from electrical outlet when washing or using for wet trimming. To maintain peak performance, rinse blades under water after each use and replace blade every 3 years or when dull with replacement blade WER9620Y.
Posted by: TheTechNugget
from Cleveland, OH
Age:35-44
Gender:Male
I've been on the hunt for a long time for a good beard trimmer. I did what a lot of beard-wearing folks did at the beginning of the pandemic...I stopped grooming! It was the perfect time to let it grow without worrying about regular maintenance and scraggly rogue hairs. There comes a time, however, where you have to clean up the ends and edges to maintain a healthy beard.
The trimmers I've used up to that point were largely intended for folks with shorter facial hair, maybe under a half inch long in most places. This makes it difficult for guys with slightly longer beards, as the combs that typically come with such trimmers are inadequate for maintaining more than a "close" beard.
Panasonic's washable trimmer provides 3 combs for lengths up to almost 1.25 inches, and the onboard dial provides the ability to dial in that trim to 20 lengths per comb. There is also a precision trimmer attachment for close up work.
As my beard gets longer, I don't like "free-hand" trimming--I like the ability to rely on a comb, and the large comb works well for me. The precision dial on the body of the trimmer gives me security that pushing too hard on the comb won't result in "slipping" to a shorter setting.
I like the overall design of the trimmer. It's a bit chunky, but not overly heavy and feels good in the hand. The way that the blades connect to the body minimize points of ingress for hairs, which makes brushing out the trimmer a lot easier. It can also be run under water to help with washing.
The travel bag is a bit small and cheap. There's enough space for one comb (attached to the trimmer) and the detail head, but that's about it.
I've paid at most $50 for trimmers in the past, and for the most part I've been happy with them. This trimmer retails at $84.99, but with the additional capabilities of precision control and easy cleaning, I wouldn't hesitate to spend the extra money here.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
4
Value
4
Ease of Use
4
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Introducing the industry's first Quad-band mesh Wi-Fi 6E system. Orbi Quad-band, with dedicated Wi-Fi connections, new Wi-Fi 6E, and a 10 gig wired Internet port, delivers ultra-fast speeds and massive device capacity. With combined Wi-Fi speeds of up to 10.8Gbps across up to 9,000 square feet for up to 200 connected devices, you'll enjoy the amazing Wi-Fi experience.
Posted by: TheTechNugget
from Cleveland, OH
Maybe one of the most frustrating things about trying to stay “current” on technology is that it gets so old, so quick. I was recently at my in-laws’ house fixing a network issue, something that their cable internet company accredited to an old modem. This was either laziness or a rouse to get them to rent additional equipment; the actual issue was an ancient (by today’s standards) wireless router.
I tend to collect these systems as time goes on, so I had one to lend, and in about 30 minutes everything was addressed. This appears to be “super-hero” caliber stuff to some, but it’s become somewhat routine to swap out a router for me. Still, there’s a bit of confidence that I entered into the engagement of installing Netgear’s new Orbi WiFi 6E Mesh system. And as expected, I ran into some issues.
I thought to myself, “Self, you can do this in 30 minutes. Yeah, so you just finished a meeting and you have another one in a half-hour—no problem, you got this.”
I didn’t “got this.”
The system is comprised of 3 similar looking wireless interfaces, something nice enough to put on a table but arguably way too large…unless you’re looking for a new centerpiece for your dining room furniture. It amazes me every time a new system comes out and somehow gets larger; first it was space-ship style routers with a bunch of antennae, and now the spaceships have less physical appendages but somehow take up more space.
One of the 3 units is a base router, the other two satellites to be placed around the home. As part of the setup, there’s no guide that demonstrates if the unit is too close, or too far away. There may be a lighting pattern in there somewhere, but it’s really something that should exist in the setup. The other issue I ran into was actually a hiccup with the app, which is where my biggest complaint on this (and likely most other “modern” home mesh systems) lies: there is no default IP login to set it up. Netgear does provide an IP for management—but only after initial configuration is done in the app. And, if there’s an issue with the app during setup, you’re just out of luck.
Still, after factory resetting the equipment and removing/reinstalling the app, (and rescheduling the meeting 30 minutes later due to “home internet issues”), I was able to get everything up and running without much effort.
App management of the system is what you’d expect from home network management apps: profile creation (parental controls), internet speed tests, wifi settings, etc. There’s also an addon available called Netgear Armor which provides some additional security, but comes as an annual subscription that you would pay extra for.
In terms of performance, this system is ridiculously fast. But it’s also WiFi 6E, something that is not yet “mainstream” on devices the majority of people have in their homes. And super fast WiFi is cool, especially at max speeds of what 6E offers…but practically speaking isn’t a big game changer (yet). It’s not the “magic” of this system, either (at least at this point in 2022). The magic is in the quad band design…a 2.4GHz channel, a 5GHz channel, a 6GHz channel (that’s the 6E part) with a dedicated 5GHz backhaul between the units. Soon, the days of needing wired connections to access points to ensure the maxiumum network throughput will be a thing of the past…and that is very exciting.
As you might imagine, there isn’t a device in my house, or yours, or your friend’s or your neighbor’s or your cousin’s that will have issues connecting to this system, even if it doesn’t have the latest WiFi standards. And because of the crazy-fast backhaul between the units, a fast connection to a wireless satellite isn’t negatively impacted by on-net traffic slow downs. For me, this is an upgrade from a tri band system with a dedicated 2.4GHz backhaul…my speeds were fast before, but now they’re blazing.
So this is a great system if you depend on your wireless, do a lot of streaming, and in theory should be competitive from a PC gaming perspective (your mileage may vary, of course).
But as you might imagine, it comes at a price. $1500 is a LOT to pay for a home WiFi system. Yes, you have a lot of tools at your disposal with this system. Yes, it’s easy to setup, even with device resets in between. You get unreasonably fast wireless and extremely good coverage. But at $1500, it’s a bit of a hard sell. I love it—don’t get me wrong, but because the tech is still so new, it’s not practical.
In a year, as the 6E wireless market grows, and there’s some additional competition, and the prices come down, it might make sense. Right now, unless you have to have the best, latest and greatest, this is something to pass on…despite how awesome it really is.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Level up with the new Highlander Pro! This extraordinary eScooter is built to hit speeds up to 15 mph and cruise along for 18 miles in a single charge. Not to mention, the Highlander looks as great as it rides. Featuring a disc and foot brake and a bright LED display & headlight, you can ride hard and bright at any time of day. Highlander comes equipped with two 10” pneumatic tires and a 350W brushless electric motor for a neat and comfortable ride with maximum stability.
Customer Rating
4
Instructions could use some work, otherwise good.
on January 28, 2022
Posted by: TheTechNugget
from Cleveland, OH
Age:35-44
Gender:Male
I have kids—one who just became a teenager, and one who is still a couple of years from that delightful time, and teaching them anything can be a real challenge. Given that my oldest is a couple years away from driving, the idea of putting him in control of anything motorized scares me. But, I also think that modern technologies afford us opportunities for training that we otherwise didn’t have when I was that age.
I didn’t get this scooter with the intention of letting my kid use it…it is, after all, a neat gadget and one that is new to my collection. When it arrived, I was excited to get it unboxed and assembled, which was extremely straight forward. The scooter comes almost entirely assembled and ships in its ‘folded’ position, and with the included four screws and allen wrench, I was quickly in business and ready to start using the scooter.
The manual comes with heaps of warnings, as you’d maybe expect from any motorized device. It was honestly really nice to not have to download a companion app when getting a new gadget. To turn it on, push and hold the power button (this instruction is absent from the included manuals). The scooter has 3 speed modes which really just limit your top speed, although the throttle also controls speed (obviously). Switching between those modes is done by double-pressing the power button while the scooter is on (this instruction is absent from the manuals).
Riding the scooter is simple, provided you’re not testing it indoors like I did (don’t do that, by the way…). When I was able to get it outside, it operated as expected. There is also a sort of “cruise control” that locks your speed once it is obtained in the given speed mode; this is accomplished by maintaining the throttle and passing a certain speed threshold. Once in “cruise control,” no more contact needs made with the throttle; to disable you tap the throttle. (This instruction is also absent from the manuals.)
I’m a bigger guy, so the larger weight limit (265 lbs) is something you don’t often see on rideable gadgets (hoverboards, etc). Heavier riders will of course not get the max advertised range (18 miles), but I was able to get close to the max operating speed (15 mph) on flat ground.
Speaking of flat ground, this scooter doesn’t have shock absorption. That probably goes without saying, if you’ve ever seen a scooter, and it’s not at all a negative when it comes to the review. That said, running this on anything other than smooth sidewalks and streets would be rough and would likely reduce the life of the device. Even small, loose gravel presents some issues; larger bumps (like you may have at the end of your driveway) are quite disrupting to the ride.
I don’t have enough hills in my neighborhood to have fully tested this, but the scooter did struggle a bit going up the incline of my driveway, and that incline is very small. This was after I had been using it for a while, so the battery may have been run down. I’m also (as I said before) a bigger guy which could also impact uphill performance. It does, however, make me wonder what kind of limitations the motor has on a grade.
So, what does all this have to do with my kids? I think this scooter will be an excellent intermediary between bike operation and car operation for them—getting them used to the idea of throttle control that takes very little effort. Of course that doesn’t mean I won’t be using it to shorten the transit time to my back shed or down the street to my friend’s house, but a responsible teen could certainly use this as a tool to start to familiarize themselves with the idiosyncrasies of driving.
The only real negative experience I had with the Highlander Pro was the lack of operating instructions included in the manuals. It’s not like there are a lot of buttons, so it’s easy enough to figure it out, but switching between speed modes and the “cruise control” features are seemingly undocumented.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Design
4
Durability
4
Quality
4
Value
4
Ease of Use
4
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Create the ultimate laptop-like experience with the Brydge 12.9 MAX+. Featuring the largest native multi-touch trackpad ever included in a tablet keyboard, the 12.9 MAX+ delivers the most immersive and natural experience iPadOS has ever seen. Together with a new SnapFit™ Case designed to flawlessly match and protect your iPad, the 12.9 MAX+ creates the perfect productivity device for any environment. Brydge is critically acclaimed for their keyboard’s unmatched typing experience, and the Brydge 12.9 MAX+ is no exception. Featuring adjustable backlit keys, Instant-On™ Connectivity, shortcut keys, up to 3-month battery life and 135˚ screen rotation, you’ll have confidence cranking out that paper, clearing your inbox, or tackling whatever task comes your way.
Posted by: TheTechNugget
from Cleveland, OH
I’m a long time fan of Brydge products and have had several over the years for iPad and Surface. They’re generally well built, heavy-duty and exceedingly good at their job—and in almost every case, there’s just a few things that keep me from loving them enough to adopt for daily use.
Not that long ago I spent the $350 to outfit my iPad Pro 12.9 with Apple’s Magic Keyboard, and that device has provided a very good user experience. It’s a bit heavy, but so is the 12.9” iPad. The hinge is solid, the keyboard is excellent, and the additional power port on the hinge is a great addition. But it’s not without it’s flaws.
There are many features on Brydge’s 12.9 MAX+ that directly (and I assume, intentionally) exploit those flaws. The MAX+ has a huge trackpad. It has a row of function keys above the numbers. It handles weight distribution slightly better. All the keys are easily accessible. It is made of more durable materials that show less oil and dirt. Oh, and it’s $100 cheaper at full retail price.
No product is perfect, and the MAX+ also has some shortcomings. I love the trackpad size, but the palm rejection and accidental cursor jumps while typing can be frustrating. The clicking mechanism in the trackpad is entirely too deep and feels almost low-budget, and it’s very loud. Sensitivity is really good, but if you’re used to Apple’s trackpads, you’ll immediately be able to feel this is not one of them: very fine scrubbing/scrolling isn’t as smooth as Apple’s own product.
The keyboard on the MAX+ is a slight upgrade to the last Brydge product I used, a keyboard case for an earlier generation of iPad Pro. I’ve always felt that Brydge’s keys took just a bit more effort to press, and that sensation is no longer present on the MAX+. These keys have a decent (but not too long) travel distance, are sufficiently quiet, and are soft enough that I won’t get tired after typing for a long time. And, the rubber “feet” that protect the screen from slamming against the keyboard platform are near enough to the keyboard that at no point do my wrists rub against them—this is also something from previous products I didn’t much care for.
How the iPad actually rests in the MAX+ is nice—there are rounded edges along the bottom of the hinge that cradle the iPad, so you know exactly where it goes. Magnets secure the iPad to the MAX+, but I think these magnets could be a bit stronger. There’s also a notch on either side of the back piece that allows you to easily detach the iPad. And, because this doesn’t use the Apple smart connector, you can flip your iPad in portrait mode and use the MAX+ as a stand in that fashion (although you have to rely on gravity for this, as the magnets don’t hold anything in place when in portrait mode).
The hinge mechanism and the bottom of the device are interesting. The approach here is that the hinge creates a slight elevation of the back of the device from its resting surface, but this creates an edge that, if being used on your lap, can dig into your legs a bit. This elevation also completely lifts the back rubber feet from a flat surface, reducing the overall “gripiness” of the base.
The materials are solid. An aluminum deck and hard plastic back are strong and don’t flex much. I did find that lifting the device from either front corner of the deck actually causes the trackpad mechanism to click, although this doesn’t create any false clicks in the system as long as you’re not also simultaneously touching the trackpad.
When closed, the unit is pretty chunky, but I’m ok with that. It is about a half of a pound heavier than Apple’s Magic Keyboard, but that extra heft helps with weight distribution. Also when closed, the hinge doesn’t provide a “snap shut” feeling—it’s a bit floppy and only seems to stay fully closed as a result of the weight of the iPad pulling the back piece downward.
Like I said, every product is going to have a few flaws, but at the price point and for the ways the MAX+ outperforms Apple’s Magic Keyboard, I’d say it’s worth a look. Yes, it’s a Bluetooth connection, and requires separate charging from your iPad—but the experience is overall very good with only a few minor grievances that are easy to overlook.
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Where the simplicity of a standard wall switch meets the brilliance of advanced smart tech. This LIFX Smart Switch is installed in-wall and features 2 buttons, 1 physical relay, haptic touch, and backlit design. With convenience at its core, you can use this Smart Switch to control both your smart lights and average lightbulbs at the source. That means you can upgrade to a smarter home at your own pace, in your own way.
Customer Rating
3
Good product, not a great app
on November 12, 2021
Posted by: TheTechNugget
from Cleveland, OH
I have no shortage of smart lights at home, from a few different manufacturers. The biggest issue with growing your smart home devices is the cost of initial investment, which is high regardless of the solution you chase. Replacing all of your home’s light bulbs in one fell swoop is costly, but doing it over time you risk some value-based brands no longer being available.
LIFX has bulbs also, but this review is actually about an in-wall switch—one that replaces a standard wired switch that you may already have installed at home. If you’re installing this under an existing multi-gang plate, know that it will only fit under a gang cut out for a rocker switch (not a standard toggle light switch).
Another thing to mention here is that these switches require connection to a neutral wire, which for most newer homes shouldn’t be an issue. An older home without neutral wiring available will need a more involved installation and, likely, a licensed electrician.
Once installed, the switch operates *for the most part* like any other switch, with some exceptions. No special configuration is required, as this switch (even without connection to the LIFX app) is just a touch-sensitive version of what you are used to. The switch has two buttons—the bottom button toggles the light on and off, and the top button can be programmed to control other LIFX (or LIFX compatible) devices. I did have a LIFX bulb in a lamp in the same room as the rest of the lights being controlled by the switch, so I was able to assign that lamp to the top button.
The app is fine, although not tremendous in any particular area. Structurally it’s the same as many other smart light apps, with basic controls, scenes, effects, routines, etc. The app isn’t particularly intuitive, but it gets the job done.
The switch retails for around $50, which is right around the same amount as you would find from competing manufacturers. The big downside I see with LIFX is the non-agnosticism when it comes to working with other manufacturers products, since the non-circuit button can only target items within the LIFX app. Still, if you have other LIFX bulbs (which seem to be a bit cheaper than some other leading brand smart bulbs), the LIFX smart switch may make a lot of sense in your home.
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2-in-1s for Way More Hustle. Go everywhere, do anything, and elevate your whole game with LG’s largest convertible laptop. Switch from 16” laptop to 16” tablet with a flip of the 360° hinge. Its 2-in-1 versatility means more ways to carry your hustle. From designing to video editing, give your vision exactly what it needs with a powerful processor and up to 21 hours* of battery life in an ultra-slim body. (*Actual battery life will vary from specifications depending on model, setup configuration, applications used, features utilized and power management settings.)
Posted by: TheTechNugget
from Cleveland, OH
Through and through I'm a Mac guy in my personal life. Relatively recently I became a Mac guy in my work life as well--and I'm not turning back any time soon. Yes, the hardware is expensive. Yes, you are in some ways paying for the name. But there is no denying the hardware is high quality, the build solid, and the user experience second to none.
That said, Windows computers have been in my life for as long as computers have been in my life, and I can appreciate a good Windows machine just as much as the next guy. I've been a Dell XPS fan for several years now, and right in that same market has been the LG Gram line of laptops. The Gram has been on my radar for a while now, and the 16" LG Gram is a very curious piece of hardware.
16" laptops tend to be...considerable. Big screens, typically big bodies...but the Gram is not like that at all. It's thin, it's light, and it has a big, beautiful screen. It is made from an aluminum-magnesium alloy, making it incredibly easy to carry given its footprint.
The keyboard is interesting. The keys feel great, but there's something about the key travel--whether it be deeper than expected, or the restistance the membrane below the keys provides--which makes the effort of typing just a little bit more than what I'm used to. The keys sound great and have a ton of room to spread out thanks to the large body, but the number pad to the right of the keyboard is a bit crunched for my liking. There is a fingerprint reader on the power key in the upper right corner. The trackpad is large--"Apple-sized" you might say--and extremely responsive. Windows gestures feel natural and smooth. The trackpad also clicks, but that "clickiness" becomes more difficult the further up on the trackpad you are. Sometimes clicking can be a little bit awkward.
And speaking of awkward--this is a full 2-in-1 device with a 360-degree hinge, allowing for use in tablet mode, tent mode, or display mode with the keyboard facing down acting as a counterwight (this is my favorite mode for watching movies). Surprisingly, in tablet mode the 16" Gram is usable thanks to its ultra-light body. LG also includes a stylus with the Gram, and the writing experience with that stylus is really, really great (even if writing on a "tablet" of that size feels a little bit strange). For drawing on a large canvas, it's awesome.
The Gram's onboard speakers are also tremendous considering the extreme low profile of the device. They get sufficiently loud and offer a decent amount of bass, although the speakers are downward-facing so could be easily muffled depending on the surface.
It's rare that I find a device that, as a Mac user primarily, I feel like I'm missing out on...but the 16" Gram is one that makes me wonder how large the market really is for large-screen, ultra-portable devices. The 11th Gen Intel i7, along with 16GB RAM and the 1TB M.2 NVME hard drive make for a really well-equipped and well-thought out platform for Windows.
I could do without the onboard LG bloatware that comes pre-installed from the factory, but I'm used to that from Windows machines. It stays relatively cool tool the touch during light use, but under load the bottom of the machine becomes pretty warm. And, because the bottom panel is so thin, that heat comes through more noticeably. Then again, the thinness of the panel might help with heat dissipation as well.
There are definitely components of the LG Gram experience that I find a bit awkward, but an ultra-light 16" laptop is going to have some weirdness to it. And it's a weirdness that I'm kind of in to.
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Take your playlist with you by using these noise-cancelling Sony headphones. Their 40mm drivers with liquid crystal polymer diaphragms fill your ears with booming audio to immerse you in songs, and they're ergonomically designed to provide comfort during extended listening sessions. These Sony headphones have a proprietary noise-cancelling processor, so you can immerse yourself in the music.Industry Leading Noise Cancellation. *As of August 30, 2018. According to research by Sony Corporation measured using JEITA-compliant guidelines. In headband-style of wireless noise-canceling headphones market.
How are they for working out for example on a treadmill? Do they stay on your head well? What about sweat? Does that impact the quality or fit
These probably aren't ideal for use on a treadmill...I would imagine you'd get pretty warm and the cups may not hold up to sweat well. Check out the Jabra Elite 65t truly wireless buds; great fit and great noise cancellation and really good for more active users.
5 years, 7 months ago
by
TheTechNugget
Enjoy superior sound and voice quality with these Jabra Elite wireless headphones. Integrated controls let you answer calls, adjust the volume or pause music with the touch of a button, while the included carrying case doubles as a charging station. External ambient noise keeps you aware of your surroundings, while a background noise filter delivers crisp, clear voice calls. With Bluetooth connectivity, these Jabra Elite wireless headphones are easy to pair to a mobile device.
Does they play loud. Most earbuds doesent play very loud. l had Jaybird x3. Good sound bit not so loud
I thought these were probably louder than most earbuds I've tried, and with very little distortion in the sound at higher volumes. Also, there is very little sound leaking at 70-80% volume, so others around you shouldn't be too annoyed at higher volumes.
6 years, 2 months ago
by
TheTechNugget
Enjoy superior sound and voice quality with these Jabra Elite wireless headphones. Integrated controls let you answer calls, adjust the volume or pause music with the touch of a button, while the included carrying case doubles as a charging station. External ambient noise keeps you aware of your surroundings, while a background noise filter delivers crisp, clear voice calls. With Bluetooth connectivity, these Jabra Elite wireless headphones are easy to pair to a mobile device.
How well do these stay in your ears during an extreme workout? Doesn't look like there is anything to hold them in!
I was pleasantly surprised by the fit--they don't seem to go anywhere for me, and I was trying to shake them out of my ears. I had the same reservations--no ear fins, no way for them to stay secure. If they fit your ears like they do mine, they're not going anywhere.
6 years, 2 months ago
by
TheTechNugget
Browse the internet or play your favorite apps on this Acer tablet. It runs on an Android operating system and is powered by a quad-core 64-bit processor for full functionality. Google Mobile Services and Microsoft Office Suite are preloaded on this Acer tablet for out-of-the-box work or play capabilities, and DTS-HD Premium Sound lets you enjoy videos.
THIS Acer - Iconia One 10 - 10.1 - Tablet - 32gb - White IN SALE in best buy, IS NEW OR USED?
This is definitely a new item, but make sure you read up on your reviews on this one, I certainly wouldn't recommend it.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
TheTechNugget