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ryanmcv's Reviews
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G815 is a new class of mechanical gaming keyboard with tactile low-profile GL switches fully customizable per-key, LIGHTSYNC RGB technology. Set LIGHTSYNC to react to in-game action, audio and even your screen color. With a sleek, impossibly-thin yet durable and sturdy design, G815 brings gamers to a higher dimension of play. Programmable G-keys let you create and execute complex actions simply and intuitively. Volume wheel and media keys give you fast, easy control over video, audio, and streaming.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
The Gaming Keyboard Reimagined
on August 19, 2019
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
I'm usually one to laugh at premium-priced gaming accessories, especially keyboards. But Logitech's new G815 wired keyboard is hard to resist for any PC enthusiast. It's sleek, incredibly thin, solidly built, and has one of the most satisfying key switches I've ever used.
=== DESIGN & COMFORT (4.5 Stars) ===
- The G815 has a brushed-metal, charcoal-grey finish atop a solid plastic body. The keyboard is unbelievably thin -- less than 1 inch thick -- and is a welcome addition to my minimalist desk.
- All of your standard gaming keyboard keys are here: a column of macro keys on the far left; three dedicated profile keys at the top; a backlight brightness key; and a key to enable Game Mode (which disables certain unneeded keys for gaming).
- I'm a huge fan of the dedicated media key section at the top-right corner of the keyboard. The volume roller allows for precise volume control and the Play, Pause, Skip, and Mute keys seem to work with all of my media programs like VLC and Media Player Classic.
- There are feet to increase the height and angle of the keyboard, but they only have one setting, leaving the keyboard fairly flat on my desk. There are times when I like to have my keyboard at more of an angle, so this is a small disappointment.
- To achieve this design, Logitech had to sacrifice a wrist wrest for both the G815 and the wireless G915. I think it's a minor sacrifice in the grand scheme of things, but it's worth noting.
=== GL CLICKY SWITCHES & KEYS (5 Stars) ===
- The GL Clicky switches feature an audible click and satisfying, tactile feedback as it reaches its actuation point of 1.5mm. At half the height of standard mechanical switches, the GL switches have a 25% faster actuation time.
- The low profile of the keyboard and keys themselves makes it easy to type for long hours without tiring your fingers.
- The keys themselves seem a bit more compact than larger keyboards, and the key caps may even be smaller than I'm used to. I find myself sometimes hitting adjacent keys more than I usually would, but I seem to be adjusting pretty quickly.
- I've played Doom (2016) and Shadow of the Tomb Raider for several hours each with the G815. It's certainly the most responsive and comfortble keyboard I've gamed with. The low-profile switches definitely help register important keys quickly and repeatedly with minimal spring-back.
- Typing on the G815 with the GL Clicky switches is an experience that can't be properly conveyed with words. You need to try this out for yourself to really get a feel for just how comfortable and satisfying it is.
=== CUSTOMIZATION & FEATURES (4 Stars) ===
- The keyboard is controlled and customized through Logitech's G Hub software. There are dozens of pre-programmed RGB effects such as color wave, ripples, ocean waves, starry night and more. The RGB lighting is insanely customizable -- you can use the color brush tool to change the exact color of every key.
- Unlike some gaming keyboards, not every key on the G815 can be customized. You're limited to the five macro keys across three macro profiles, so 15 macros in total.
- You can customize which keys will be disabled during Game Mode, such as disabling the Windows key to avoid pausing or exiting the game.
- Unfortunately, my keyboard has lost its connection to the G Hub software a few times since I received it. When this happens, my RGB and macro settings disappear until I either restart my computer or force-kill the G Hub app. I'm not sure what causes this, but I'm hoping it will improve with future software updates.
- The G815 has a USB port at the top, which is great for quickly connecting flash drives or charging devices.
=== OVERALL (5 Stars) ===
Setting aside the price, this has to be the best wired gaming keyboard on the market. Logitech has carefully reimagined and redesigned every aspect of its flagship keyboard lineup resulting in a beautiful design and incredible performance. I honestly can't think of anything else I would want in a keyboard.
If you're trying to choose between the wired G815 and the wireless G915, keep in mind that the keyboards are identical except for the wireless connectivity. I chose the G815 since my keyboard is always in one spot and I already have enough devices that need to be charged.
It's hard to ignore the hefty price. There are wired keyboards available for well under $100 with most of the same customization features. The G815 is absolutely a luxury keyboard -- and if you're serious about your gaming setup and having the best of the best, then this is the keyboard you want.
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Get peace and quiet anywhere with these Sony truly wireless noise-cancelling earbuds. An advanced HD noise-cancelling processor blocks distracting background noise so you can focus in noisy environments, and Bluetooth connectivity ensures easy use with smartphones and other devices. These Sony truly wireless noise-cancelling earbuds include a convenient charging case that offers up to 24 hours of use per charge.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
A Few Small Steps from Perfect
on July 24, 2019
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
Sony has gone all-in on its wireless headphone lineup over the past couple of years. With the new WF-1000XM3, Sony aims to replicate the success of their excellent over-ear noise cancelling headphones. They have largely succeeded -- these are by far the best noise cancelling earbuds on the market -- but there are a few downfalls to be aware of.
=== DESIGN AND COMFORT (4.5 Stars) ===
- The earbuds aren't exactly small, and they resemble miniature versions of modern Bluetooth headsets. Likewise, the charging case is a little bulky -- almost twice the size of an AirPods case.
- Regardless of their perceived size, the earbuds are surprisingly comfortable once in your ears. They sit flush against your ear and don't protrude out like the Bose Soundsport Free earbuds.
- Seven pairs of ear tips are included in various sizes: four pairs of silicone tips and three pairs of foam tips. The default medium tips work well for me, but it's great to have so many options for different ear shapes and sizes. I wish Sony would have included an area in the charging case to store an extra pair of tips.
- Summary: These aren't the smallest earbuds on the market, but given the technology packed into them, it's no surprise they they're a bit larger than others. At the end of the day, they're perfectly comfortable.
=== NOISE CANCELLATION (5 Stars) ===
- Sony has added its "HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1e" to the WF-1000XM3 earbuds, which they claim cancels "significantly more noise across all frequencies" compared to the previous model.
- So far, I've used the headphones in two very situations: at my desk in a busy office and while walking on the sidewalk of a busy street. At my office, I alternate between noise cancelling mode and ambient sound mode. The noise cancelling is so good that when people enter my office and start talking to me, I don't realize it until they tap me on the shoulder. With ambient sound mode turned on, co-workers approach my desk from behind me and I can hear their voice when they get within a few feet of me. It's an excellent feature and works better than I expected. While walking on the sidewalk, the noise cancellation tunes out almost all traces of car traffic and wind.
- The Sony Connect app also has a feature that can detect when you are walking, sitting still, running, or commuting. It then automatically adjusts the noise cancellation level to allow in certain sounds such as car horns or voices if necessary. If you wear your earbuds around the city or while running, this could be an invaluable feature.
- Summary: While not quite as good as the noise cancellation you'd get from over-ear headphones, I'm still absolutely amazed at what Sony has accomplished with such a small form factor.
=== FEATURES (4 Stars) ===
- Like other Sony headphones, these have a feature called Quick Attention, which is one of my favorite features. If someone starts talking to you and you want to hear what they're saying without pausing your music or taking the earbuds off, you can simply place your hand over the left earbud. The volume will lower, noise cancellation is will be paused, and you can hear the voices and sounds around you. I love it and it's great for being able to talk with a flight attendant or seatmate on the plane.
- The right earbud has a touchpad that allows you to pause music, skip between tracks, and activate Siri/Google Assistant. The touchpad is fairly responsive, but I sometimes find that it takes a second or two for my taps to register. Amazingly, there is no way to adjust the volume from the earbuds -- volume can only be adjusted from your phone/tablet/computer.
- Battery life on a single charge is rated at 6 hours, while the charging case supplies an additional three full charges. 6 hours isn't quite long enough to make it through a full work day or an international flight, so the extra power from the charging case is essential. Luckily, 10 minutes of charging in the case gives you 90 minutes of playback.
- These earbuds are not rated for any sort of water or sweat resistance, which makes me very hesitant to wear them while working out.
- Summary: All of the basic features are here, but the lack of volume control is frustrating. Battery life is great for earbuds, but don't expect it to rival the battery life of over-ear headphones. The lack of water resistance is also a notable omission.
=== SOUND QUALITY (5 Stars) ===
- Paired with the excellent noise cancellation system, these are the best sounding earbuds I've ever used. Highs are present but not overbearing. Vocals and mid-range are crisp and clear. There's plenty of bass and it's not overpowering.
- Sony claims that its QN1e chip provides best-in-class audio processing and signal-to-noise ratio. I don't doubt it -- I've noticed zero distortion while streaming audio from Apple Music and testing some lossless audio tracks.
- The earbuds are nicely tuned out of the box, but there is a full-fledged equalizer in the Sony Headphones Connect app.
- I have yet to experience any dropouts or connectivity issues. The earbuds connect to your device independently, which means one earbud doesn't rely on the other to maintain its connection.
- Summary: No complaints here. The 1000XM3s sounds excellent and are likely the best sounding earbuds available.
=== OVERALL (4.5 Stars, Rounding up to 5) ===
For me, the WF-1000XM3s won't be the only pair of earbuds or headphones that I own. For running or workouts, I need a pair of water resistant earbuds designed for the task. For long international flights, I'll likely grab my Sony over-ear noise cancelling headphones with better battery life. Sony says that the 1000XM3 earbuds are designed for professionals and frequent travelers -- and that is indeed where they excel. Sony has brought its outstanding noise cancelling technology to a product that can fit in your pocket, and that alone is enough to make me look past its shortcomings. Highly recommended!
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+214points
293of 372voted this as helpful.
 
Experience enhanced precision and comfort with this Logitech wireless gaming mouse. The optical sensor delivers pinpoint accuracy for an enhanced gaming experience, while the wireless design offers strong freedom of movement. This Logitech wireless gaming mouse features 11 programmable buttons for creating macros and performing a wide range of custom functions.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
The HERO Gamers Deserve
on July 22, 2019
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
There's a seemingly endless list of options when choosing a wireless gaming mouse. I've used several from competing brands like Corsair and Razer, but Logitech's updated G903 is by far the most responsive and versatile mouse I've owned. If you want to lose the wires without any compromises, you're looking at the right option. Here's my take:
=== DESIGN AND COMFORT ===
- With a symmetrical design, the G903 is completely ambidextrous. The left and right buttons can be customized as needed. Without resting areas for your thumb or pinky, the mouse is nicely rounded at the back and sits firmly in my palm.
- At 110 grams, the G903 is nearly a perfect weight. For those who prefer a heavier mouse, Logitech has included a 10 gram weight that is easily installed on the bottom of the mouse.
- There are nine buttons by default, although you can optionally put in the thumb buttons for both sides of the mouse, giving you eleven buttons. The two DPI adjustment buttons under the scroll wheel are kind of awkward to get to, but I suppose I won't be switching DPIs all that often.
- The mouse has a switch to turn the scroll wheel from one that continuously scrolls to one with a "stepped" action, which is extremely useful not just in gaming, but also for productivity tasks or scrolling through long web pages.
- The primary buttons are extremely quick to react with a very satisfying "click" noise. Logitech claims that the primary buttons are on a "button tensioning system for ultra-responsive performance," and wow -- it works wonders. Some may prefer a click that requires more force or effort to activate, but I think Logitech has found the sweet spot here.
=== PERFORMANCE ===
- The largest selling point of the refreshed G903 "HERO" model is undoubtedly the HERO 16K sensor. I've never used a more responsive sensor on a mouse, and it has made a world of difference in gaming. While playing Doom and Anthem, the extra ease and freedom of movement is immediately noticeable. At 16,000 DPI, the precision and responsiveness will be apparent in all games and productivity tasks.
- Like all other Logitech products I've used, wireless performance is second to none. Logitech's Lightspeed wireless technology is virtually indistinguishable from a wired mouse, and I haven't had any dropouts or interference problems.
- Battery life is absolutely astonishing. The original G903 could go up to 32 hours on a single charge. This refreshed HERO model can go a whopping 180 hours on just one charge. Incredible.
=== OTHER FEATURES ===
- The G903 supports Logitech's Powerplay wireless charging system, where the entire mouse pad acts as a charging surface, so you'll never have to plug in the mouse to charge. It looks really neat, but I don't have one to test with.
- Logitech's G-HUB software has tons of powerful options and customizations, but it's not very easy to use at first. You can download user-created profiles for tons of games, but I didn't see many available for the G903 HERO. I'm sure more will be created over time.
=== OVERALL ===
With the G903 HERO, Logitech took one of the best PC gaming products on the market and made it even better. The design is top-notch. The buttons are perfectly responsive. It has one of the best sensors available. Battery life is insane. What more could you want in a wireless gaming mouse? Highly recommended!
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+9points
9of 9voted this as helpful.
 
Clean wood floors thoroughly with this Dyson V7 Fluffy cordless vacuum. The fluffy cleanerhead has extra-soft bristles that prevent scratches, and the Dyson V7 Fluffy gives you up to 30 minutes of runtime (varies based on attachment/power mode). Includes bonus mini motorized tool for extra cleaning power on hard-to-reach areas. Cord-free, hassle-free, powerful suction.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
A Floor's Best Friend
on May 21, 2019
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
My apartment mainly consists of laminate flooring which I had been cleaning with a Swiffer and occasionally vacuuming with a traditional upright vacuum. Even so, I still found myself stepping on food crumbs or picking up clumps of dust near the walls. The Dyson V7 with the fluffy head has solved these problems and even makes vacuuming pretty enjoyable.
PROS:
- The Fluffy head is perfect for any type of hard floor, including wood, tile, and laminate. Traditional upright vacuums and Swiffers have a tendency to simply push debris around rather than capture it. Dyson’s Fluffy head has a very large opening – the brush sits directly on the floor rather than a large plastic lip. This allows the Fluffy to pick up all types of debris with just one pass. After going through my entire apartment just once, I was amazed at how much dust and debris was captured in the bin.
- The compact size of the Fluffy head and vacuum stick makes it easy to clean under tables, desks, and even sofas.
- This particular V7 configuration comes with a generous amount of secondary tools, including: mini motorized tool; crevice tool; combination brush; and a dusting brush. These tools turn the V7 into a powerful handheld vacuum that can be used on sofas or in cars.
- Fully assembled, the V7 with Fluffy head is extremely light-weight and easy to maneuver.
CONS:
- Battery life isn’t bad, but it’s not great either. The vacuum obviously works best on “Max” mode, but the battery only lasts about 7 minutes this way. In normal mode, it lasts just shy of 30 minutes. Acceptable for a smaller apartment like mine, but those with large homes may be disappointed.
- The battery also takes a long time to recharge – almost 3.5 hours to get to 100%.
- Emptying the canister is easy enough, but it seems kind of awkward to me. You have to hover the canister over your trash can or bag and use your opposite hand to force down the latch. Dyson greatly improved this in the V11 model with the “point-and-shoot” method.
OVERALL:
The V7 Fluffy will be a revelation for those with large areas of hard floors. Forget the brooms, Swiffers, and clunky old vacuums – this will be your new favorite cleaning tool. Yes, it’s expensive, but for someone like me who values a clean home, it’s well worth the cost. The versatility and expandability of this machine is also unmatched by any other brand. Highly recommended!
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+30points
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Use your phone while it charges with this Belkin 10W wireless charging stand. The Qi-certified design ensures compatibility with most devices, while an optimized stand holds phones at an angle in portrait or landscape position for maximum visibility. This Belkin 10W wireless charging stand features an LED indicator for monitoring charge status at a glance.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Perfect Desk Charging Stand
on May 9, 2019
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
I own a few of the hockey puck style wireless charging pads, but this is my first wireless charging stand. It does exactly what I need it to do and is a great addition to any desk at work or home.
PROS:
- Easy set-up. Just open the box, connect the power cable, and you're done.
- Fortunately, Belkin has decided to use a standard Micro USB cable and not some proprietary cable/power brick. This makes it much easier to use a longer cable or use a different AC adapter if you lose the original. Also, the included AC adapter is also relatively small and hardly takes up any space on my surge protector.
- The parts of the stand that touch your desk have a rubberized, grippy texture to keep it in place.
- The BOOST↑UP charging stand supports 10W wireless charging, which is among the fastest available on smartphones. iPhone X, XS, and XS Max support up to 7.5W, so this stand will charge your iPhone as fast as is currently possible. My iPhone sits on my work desk for the majority of the day, so this stand is great for keeping my battery at or near 100%. If you're trying to fully recharge your phone from 0% to 100% in a very short time, then wireless charging isn't for you.
- Works perfectly even with a case on your phone. I have an Apple leather case on my iPhone X and haven't had any problems. Thicker, industrial-strength cases might pose a problem, however.
- Face ID on my iPhone works very well when I'm at my desk and my phone is on the stand. This makes it very easy to quickly respond to messages without having to pick my phone up from the stand.
- You can charge your phone in both portrait and landscape orientations.
CONS:
- Unless I'm missing it, I don't see any LEDs on the stand. Not a deal-breaker, but an LED would be nice so you know that your phone is correctly aligned and properly charging.
- I wish the rubberized pads on the bottom of the stand were a bit more grippy. They do the job, but I have noticed that the stand slides a little too easily on my wooden desk.
OVERALL:
Aside from a couple of minor complaints, this is an excellent wireless charging stand. It will charge any Qi-certified smartphone very quickly and is a perfect companion for your desk. I'll definitely be purchasing another one for my home office. Highly recommended!
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9of 9voted this as helpful.
 
Make sure your wireless connection reaches every room in your home with this ASUS ROG Rapture gaming router. Speeds of up to 11000 Mbps deliver interruption-free connectivity throughout intense games and binge-watching sessions. Built-in network security defends against potential breaches, and the 4X capacity makes this ASUS ROG Rapture gaming router ideal for households running multiple devices.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Life on the Cutting Edge
on February 13, 2019
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
Let's get this out of the way: This router is absolute overkill for most people. But if you like to live on the cutting edge of technology, or if you're a gamer looking for the absolute best wireless networking performance, then this router deserves your attention. Here's my take:
=== UNBOXING AND SETUP ===
- The router is packed inside a premium-looking black box that makes it quite clear that this is a high-end gaming router. Inside the box you'll find the router, eight antennas, power adapter, an Ethernet cable, and paperwork.
- Asus borrowed this design from their previous flagship router, but it still looks great. Along the router and antenna edges is a sleek copper accent. The Asus RoG ("Republic of Gamers") logo sits atop the router, complete with customizable RGB lighting. If you have other Asus devices with RGB lighting, you can easily sync up your lighting effects using Aura Sync. Otherwise, you can simply customize the top logo to be virtually any color or turn it off completely.
- The antennas look great, but they don't come pre-installed. Be sure to take your time when screwing them on, as the antennas don't seem overly durable (they are hollow in the center).
- The actual set-up experience is quite easy, but there are a few questions/settings that might confuse average users. After connecting to the router and choosing your network name and password, you're asked whether you want to enable "HE frame support." This isn't well-explained on the set-up screen. It's basically asking whether you want to enable Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is the main selling point of this router. Enable it, but make sure your wireless card drivers are up to date.
- You can customize the action of the "boost key" on the side of the router. By default, it turns the RBG lighting on or off, but there are a handful of other options you can choose for this button during the set-up process.
=== FEATURES AND MANAGEMENT ===
- There is no doubt that the administration interface was designed with gamers and power-users in mind. In fact, it will probably be overwhelming and confusing for average users. But if you're like me and you like to fine-tune and have complete control of your network settings, you will love it.
- Standout features include: Game Radar (check ping times to gaming servers); VPN Fusion (run a VPN and standard Internet connection simultaneously); and Traffic Analyzer (monitor bandwidth usage of individual devices).
- For gamers, the Game Boost and Game Profile features ensure that all necessary ports are open for seamless multiplayer gaming and that you are automatically connecting to the fastest possible servers. In my testing, these features worked well and reduced my ping times to 20ms and under for most games.
- There are too many other features to go through in this review. Simply put, every router setting you could possibly imagine is accounted for, and then some.
- The router has 2 USB 3.0 ports for connecting external storage and accessing it via UPnP or network share. Once set up, it works well, but I had a very hard time getting the router to recognize my external hard drive. After finally connecting/disconnecting the drive four times, the router recognized it and it has worked fine since.
- There are only four Ethernet ports on the back of the router, which is barely sufficient. For a router in this price range, I would have expected at least eight ports. There is also a 2.5G port, but none of my PCs support it.
=== PERFORMANCE ===
- Wireless performance dot not disappoint. I only have a 1,200 sq. ft. apartment, but I pick up full signal strength everywhere. My previous routers have struggled with interference due to the high density of an apartment building, but this one has no issues, at least on the 5 GHz bands.
- When connecting via 5 GHz, I consistently max out my Internet download and upload speeds (180 mbps/15 mbps). Transferring files between two 802.11ac-equipped desktops on the network is astonishingly fast: I clocked one of the local transfers at nearly 650 mbps.
- Performance on the 2.4 GHz band is surprisingly good given my environment. My Internet speed tests and file transfers unsurprisingly take a hit on 2.4 GHz (dropping to only 60 mbps), but the connection is stable and seems to power through any interference from other networks.
- One of the two 5 GHz bands utilizes DFS, which allows access to channels normally reserved for radar. The result is significantly less interference and congestion for your devices. Unfortunately, some of my devices had trouble connecting to the 5 GHz band when it was utilizing a DFS channel. My newest gaming PC works fine, but my older laptop and tablet are unable to connect.
- 802.11ax (or Wi-Fi 6) is a huge selling point of this router, but there are no devices on the market (yet) that support it. As such, I can't give any feedback on new 802.11ax features like faster throughput or congestion management.
=== SMALL QUIRKS ===
- IPv6 support is not enabled by default. If your ISP supports it, be sure to enable IPv6 in the settings page.
- The iOS app needs a lot of work. You can manage some basic settings, but the UI is clunky and I don't see any way to adjust the RGB lighting via the app.
=== FINAL THOUGHTS ===
The GT-AX11000 is a total powerhouse packed with features and tech that should satisfy even the most hardcore users. If you're a gamer or power-user looking to upgrade your router, this should absolutely be at the top of your list. I've never seen a router with so many advanced options and features. As a gamer and tech enthusiast, I love it and I'm going to enjoy this for years to come. But for everyone else, this is absolutely overkill. Yes, it has the latest Wi-Fi standard, but at this point, no one can even take advantage of it. And those advanced options and features are likely confusing or useless to most. So for the average users: hold off for 802.11ax/Wi-Fi 6 to become more established. For gamers and enthusiasts: this could be the holy grail of routers.
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+106points
134of 162voted this as helpful.
 
Prepare delicious espresso drinks with this Brim 19 bar espresso maker. Die-cast construction delivers enduring quality along with a sleek look, and the thermal coil system provides reliable temperatures when preparing beverages. A hot water dispenser lets you prepare tea and hot cocoa for added versatility. Boasting a commercial-style steam wand, this Brim 19 bar espresso maker creates a perfect layer of foam for barista-style espresso creations.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Your New Personal Coffee Shop
on January 25, 2019
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
I'll admit that I've been intimidated by fancy espresso makers. Many are bulky with endless amount of settings and attachments. This Brim espresso maker has been a revelation. It's sleek, easy to assemble and use, and is clearly an industrial-quality machine made to last.
PROS:
- Sturdy yet elegant design. The machine is very substantial, yet the chrome finish and beautifully designed buttons and knobs will look great on any kitchen counter. It takes up less counter space then I thought it would -- it's roughly 12 inches long by 12 inches wide and about 15 inches tall. It easily fits under my cabinets.
- Includes all of the accessories you'll need for espresso drinks: filters, frothing pitcher, tamper, measuring scoop, and cleaning tool.
- Surprisingly simple to use. To brew espresso, just measure your grounds into the filter basket, flatten the grounds into the portafilter with the tamper, and press either the single- or double-shot buttons. To froth milk, fill up the pitcher, turn the dial to "Steam," and place the wand into the pitcher.
- You can reprogram the single- and double-shot buttons to dispense just as much water as you want, which is great if you're very particular about your espresso strength.
- Unlike other machines I have used, the steam produced by this machine is just the right temperature — hot enough to perfectly texture the milk and produce a great froth.
- I love the included hot water dispenser on the left of the machine -- It has just the right amount of pressure and is perfect for making Americanos, tea, hot cocoa, etc.
- The top of the machine acts as a warming plate to pre-heat cappucino shot cups. It's a fancy feature that I haven't used yet, but it's nice to know it's there.
- Cleanup is a breeze. The espresso grounds turn into a solid pick after use and are easy to dispose. Simply wash the filters under warm water and use the cleaning tool to remove any leftover grounds from the filter.
CONS:
- The machine is easy to use once you get the hang of it, but the provided instruction book is not very clear. The instructions seem too wordy and don’t provide many visual illustrations. I wish Brim would have included a link to a YouTube video with a visual walkthrough.
OVERALL:
I have been using the machine multiple times a day for over two weeks with no issues to report. I was worried that I would somehow mess up the drinks I made with this machine, but the truth is I had nothing to worry about. After a couple of brews, I got the hang of it and now really enjoy using it. I’ve made cappuccinos, lattes, Americanos, and tea, and I’m excited to find new things to make. If you want to skip the line at your local coffee shop and have professional-quality drinks in your own home, give this machine a look. Highly recommended!
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+25points
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Experience great gaming with this OMEN Obelisk desktop computer. Its NVIDIA GeForce graphics and Intel Core i7 processor are suitable for virtual reality games, and the 1TB hard drive and 256GB solid-state drive provide extensive storage and fast boot times. This OMEN Obelisk desktop computer's case opens without tools for easy expansion.
 
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4 out of 5
4
Great Power at a (Sometimes) Great Price
on December 7, 2018
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
Based on the specs alone, this HP Omen desktop is a well-rounded gaming and everyday PC. It has an excellent mix of power, storage, and versatility. With a capable graphics card, a fast SSD, and a powerful processor, this is a great mid-level PC that will handle most games and computing tasks with ease. When this machine is on sale for less than its full retail price, it is truly a remarkable value.
PROS:
- Sleek, refined design. The case is sturdy and hefty with a beautiful brushed-metal, charcoal-colored aluminum on the front. The left side of the case is transparent, and the glass feels very substantial. The color of the internal LEDs as well as the OMEN logo on the front are set to red by default, but can be changed to any color using the pre-installed OMEN Command Center.
- Tons of ports - probably more than you'll ever need. I counted 5 USB ports on the back and 2 more on the front. There is also a USB-C port on the back for newer devices. Other ports include ethernet, multiple DisplayPort outputs, a DVI output, and the standard headphone and microphone jacks. You'll be able to connect multiple monitors, external drives, etc., with no problem. The USB ports on the front are especially convenient and easy to access.
- Sufficient performance for casual gamers or beginners. The GeForce GTX 1060 is a great graphics card, but the one included in this OMEN PC only has 3GB of VRAM. As such, there are some sacrifices in frame rate compared to higher-end cards, especially with higher monitor resolutions. Regardless, my favorite games are perfectly playable in 1080p: Shadow of the Tomb Raider (65 fps); Rocket League (90 fps); Far Cry 5 (65 fps). Frame rate and textures degrade quite significantly at resolutions above 1080p. But if you game exclusively on a 1080p monitor, then this machine has ample power to run most games at medium to high settings.
- The i7-8700 processor and 16GB of RAM make this machine a beast for other intensive tasks as well. Dozens of browser tabs open while downloading a 50GB game and exporting a 4K video from Premier Pro? No problem. This computer is a total workhorse and is ready to handle practically any multitasking situation.
- Thanks to the included 256GB M.2 SSD, boot times are insanely fast. The 1TB hard drive is a great addition to store games or other large files.
- Surprisingly quiet. Even while running all of the games mentioned above, fan noise was never an issue. You can easily check the GPU and CPU temperature in the OMEN Command Center.
CONS:
- Limited upgrade options. I only see one spare 3.5" hard drive spot. There are no bays for 2.5" SSDs. The motherboard is also fairly small and limited. There is only one PCI-E slot which is already being used by the GTX 1060, so you cannot install a second graphics card.
- The system ships with a single 16GB stick of RAM. This makes it easier and cheaper to upgrade to 32GB of RAM (you'd only have to purchase one additional 16GB stick). However, it also means that the RAM is in single-channel mode out-of-the-box, which slightly throttles system and gaming performance. You have to add in a second stick of RAM to enable dual-channel.
- No optical drive. I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I enjoy having an optical drive on my desktop PCs so I can backup my Blu-ray collection.
- A mouse and keyboard are included, but they are pretty basic and flimsy.
OVERALL:
When this machine is on sale, it's a remarkable value: Nice graphics performance, powerful processor, ample storage, and awesome design. At its full retail price, however, things are a bit more complicated. For just a bit more money than this machine's full retail price, you can step up to a gaming rig with superior graphics performance and much higher upgradability. But if you don't care about upgradability, and you're just looking for a mid-level gaming computer (or even just a powerful computer that will last you for years to come), then this might be the one for you. Just be sure to closely track the price. Recommended!
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy the rich, full-flavored coffee you love or delicious coffeehouse beverages from the Keurig K-Cafe Special Edition single serve coffee, latte, and cappuccino maker. Featuring metal details and a premium nickel colored finish, the K-Cafe Special Edition brewer is a stunning addition to your kitchen. Whether brewing coffee, or making lattes, and cappuccinos, the K-Cafe Special Edition brewer works with any K-Cup pod so the options are endless. Use the coffee SHOT to brew a concentrated shot of coffee and froth your choice of fresh milk to create a creamy latte or frothy cappuccino. Enjoy your latte or cappuccino hot or use the COLD setting to froth cold milk for a wonderfully refreshing iced latte or cappuccino. Brew 6, 8, 10, or 12oz of your favorite coffee, tea, or cocoa, select Strong Brew when you want a bolder cup of coffee. The dishwasher safe frother makes clean up a breeze – enjoying delicious specialty beverages at home has never been so easy. Just brew, froth, enjoy!
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
The Best Keurig Yet
on November 13, 2018
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
I've wanted a cappuccino/latte maker for a while, but the high costs and bulky, complicated machines have given me pause. With the K-Cafe, Keurig has introduced a simple solution that practically anyone can use with minimal effort and clean-up. Coffee purists will likely still scoff at the idea of using a Keurig, but there is no denying the simplicity that this machine affords. The addition of a 2-ounce concentrated Shot option and an easy-to-use milk frother will bring some new life to your old morning routine.
PROS:
- Sleek, minimalist design. Unlike older Keurigs, the K-Cafe looks strikingly simple and elegant with large buttons, circular curves, and a sturdy metal K-Cup lifting handle. The stainless steel color of this Special Edition K-Cafe will look great in any kitchen.
- The water reservoir is very large (60 ounces) and has a handle, making it easy to remove and bring to the faucet.
- Making a cappuccino or latte is dead-simple: Add any kind of milk to the frother (fill to either the cappuccino or latte line); press one of the froth buttons; and you'll have a beautiful serving of foam ready in about a minute. Insert any K-Cup (preferrably an espresso roast); press the "Latte & Capp" button; and press the Brew button to brew the 2-ounce shot. Pour the foam into your mug, and enjoy!
- Easy cleanup. There are no electronics or wands that get dirty during the frothing process. Simply rinse the frother under a faucet or throw it in the dishwasher. Done!
- Of course, this machine operates as a traditional Keurig as well and can brew 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-ounce sizes.
CONS:
- The K-Cafe does not produce true espresso shots -- it lacks the crema and strength of real espresso. Those with high coffee/espresso standards should look elsewhere. If you're just looking for a simple and great-tasting beverage, this will fit the bill.
- I sometimes find it difficult to get all of the froth out of the jug. I either have to shake it rather hard or use a spoon to scoop it all out from the bottom.
- The machine looks great, but it is rather wide (just over 15 inches wide). Make sure you have enough counter space.
- My unit did not come with any sample espresso K-Cups, so be sure to buy some at the same time you purchase the K-Cafe. The Green Mountain Vista 44 K-Cups are my favorite for cappuccinos and lattes.
OVERALL:
This machine might not impress the coffee-loving hipster in your family, but it is a perfectly fine way to make a quick, delicious cappuccino or latte with no learning curve and minimal cleanup. As a whole, this is Keurig's best model, in my opinion: A full-featured Keurig brewer complete with an excellent frother that practically anyone can use. Highly recommended!
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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+16points
19of 22voted this as helpful.
 
Film underwater scenes in 4K with this 12-megapixel GoPro HERO7 action camera. Its HyperSmooth stabilization feature lets you capture shake-free videos, and it withstands submersion up to 33 feet without a waterproof case. Stream captured videos from this rugged GoPro HERO7 action camera on Facebook Live via the companion app.
 
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5 out of 5
5
The Definitive Action Camera
on October 5, 2018
Posted by: ryanmcv
from Phoenix, AZ
The Definitive Action Camera
As a first-time GoPro owner, I was skeptical about incorporating the camera into my outdoor adventures. My iPhone has always seemed perfectly fine. But the flexibility and video-stabilization features offered by the Hero7 Black are truly eye-opening.
PROS:
- Small, portable design. Adds virtually no weight no a backpack or luggage.
- Perfectly simple controls. A one-touch button on the top is used to start and stop videos or take still photos. The touchscreen is sharp and makes it easy to set up your shot.
- Video truly is "HyperSmooth" as advertised. I mounted the camera to the dashboard of my Jeep during a weekend off-road adventure and was amazed by the results. There were almost no signs of motion or rotation in the video -- it was incredibly stable and judder-free, even when going over massive rocks.
- The TimeWarp feature also works as advertised, resulting in beautiful and stable time-lapse videos. I tried this handheld and with the camera mounted -- it worked great in both situations. You can set the factor by which the video is slowed and the camera will tell you just how much footage will result with those settings.
CONS:
- It is difficult to navigate through the features and settings of the camera using the touchscreen. Maybe my fingers are just too big, but I usually have to resort to using the app to make most adjustments.
- Overall, pictures looks nice, but the camera definitely struggles with still photos in low light situations, introducing a lot of noise and sacrificing a lot of detail.
- The voice command feature is clunky, at best. I often had to repeat myself once or twice to get the camera to start recording or to take a picture.
- The inclusion of social features like live streaming to Facebook seems like a gimmick to me, but perhaps some people will find them useful.
OVERALL:
The Hero7 Black is an excellent action camera and it produces some of the most beautifully stable video I've seen. This might not be the best point-and-shoot camera for still photos, but for video recording of action and outdoor adventures, it doesn't get better than this. Highly recommended!
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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+19points
26of 33voted this as helpful.
 
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