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  • Review count
    228
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  • First review
    July 30, 2012
  • Last review
    June 28, 2025
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    October 14, 2011
  • Last review comment
    June 28, 2012
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  • Answer count
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    April 25, 2013
  • Last answer
    February 17, 2021
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psyclopps's Reviews
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The Arlo Video Doorbell is your front line of defense. Protect your front door in crystal-clear 2K video resolution and zoom in without losing clarity. Designed with an optimized viewing angle, you can see a person from head to toe or a package on the ground. When motion is detected, you will receive notifications and be able to stream live video from your smart device. With 2-Way Audio, you can speak to visitors right from your phone or use pre-recorded quick reply messages. To ward off intruders, you can trigger the Integrated Siren automatically or manually from the Arlo Secure App. Night Vision lets you see who’s at the door during the day or even in low light. A free 30-day trial of an Arlo Secure Plan is included for premium features like 60-Day Video History, Person & Vehicle Recognition, Package & Animal Detection, Custom Detection, Fire Detection, 24/7 Emergency Response, and more.¹
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Good for most, lacks video/audio quality
on November 16, 2023
Posted by: psyclopps
This is a good option for most as it provides options for both wired and wireless setup. It looks good and has many advanced features for security while integrating well in the Arlo ecosystem. The device has its faults but slightly redeems itself with the app which is loaded with features.
Pros:
Looks
-Ease of setup
-App features
-Integration with other Arlo devices
-Battery or hard wired
Cons:
-Video quality
-Audio quality
-Not many options for mounting
Setup:
The only people that might have an issue with setup are those who live in an apartment since you will most likely need to drill holes to mount this properly. I would have preferred a backplate with multiple screw spacing options but the spacing you will need measures out to 4” apart whereas your normal smaller doorbell is spaced about 2 ¼” apart. There is plenty of room in the backplate where they could have put a few more holes for various spacings which would have been just as secure to adhere to the wall. Your other option (not in the instructions) is to find a strong double-sided tape, there are many options available that will be very hard to rip off.
Pairing with the app requires charging the device, then using a SIM ejection tool to set up Wi-Fi. It only supports 2.4GHz which is both good and bad. Good due to the greater range it brings, but bad since your speed for video will be lower.
I installed the wired option using a mechanical chime. Verify on the website if your chime is compatible first. After securing power to the doorbell, I removed the old doorbell and installed the new one with the regular straight mounting plate and two existing wires. After plugging it in it was ready to go with a few tests.
Performance:
I tested it with a press of the bell, and it rang on my phone providing an answer/decline option. I was a little disappointed with the video quality since it is 2K resolution, but it looked more like 480P or lower to me with lots of artifacts. My Wi-Fi router is only about 10 feet away so the signal should have been strong. There are some neat quick reply text options in a call such as “leave the package at the door” or “sorry I can’t come to the door right now” and it speaks it in a feminine robotic voice to the person outside. In the app it leaves a call history, and you can view the videos after the fact stored in the cloud. Upon viewing the recorded message, items in the foreground are well defined but HDR is very bad with the sky being extremely blown out.
There are options in the menu for video quality. By default, it set itself to 1944x1944 at “optimized’ quality to imbalance quality vs battery life. If you are going to be wired, I highly recommend you set it to “best video”, but I did not find it increased the video quality by much and it still appeared relatively low resolution to me. Video has about a 2 second delay during an answered call.
Audio:
The audio sounded low resolution and low quality to me when standing outside. It gets the job done but it could be better. The same can be said about the recording with audio sounding like it was recorded on a phone.
Security features:
Where the product shines is what it allows you to do while integrating with the Arlo ecosystem. I have already discussed recordings of calls for record keeping, but in addition, you will also get activity zones, night vision and a 1-month trial to Arlo Secure providing you with the following; 30 days recording, intelligent alerts as to what triggered your camera, 24/7 emergency response, professional monitoring. These features will depend on what level of the subscription you end up subscribing for but can be very useful.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a versatile laptop for creativity and entertainment, combining cutting-edge design with incredible performance to power the most demanding apps.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Best Windows laptop out there
on November 7, 2023
Posted by: psyclopps
This laptop blew my mind! Some items I always wish I could find on a Windows laptop are battery life, amazing screens, processing power, and graphics, build quality, and amazing speakers. This laptop does it all! I want those features as I do not always enjoy sitting at a desktop to do my work while I type, do photography, or take notes, this laptop is a jack of all trades and master of many!
Pros:
-Stylish
-Amazing screen
-Amazing speakers
-Wonderful keyboard
-Accurate pen input
-Multiple screen modes
-Fast processor and good GPU
-Sturdy build
-Great battery life
Cons:
-Heavy
-The screen underside can feel flimsy when folding
-Very hard to upgrade the SSD
-No pen included
Setup:
The unboxing experience is premium. The box is extremely sturdy, and everything is very neatly wrapped. It feels like Christmas unwrapping this device as so much thought is put into the packaging. Inside you will find the laptop, a 127W power brick (with an additional USB-A port on it), and documentation. The Slim Pen 2 is sold separately.
First impressions:
This device is heavy! That is a good and bad thing. Good since it feels sturdy and well-built, but it is not going to be used as a tablet even in canvas mode. The power adaptor attaches similarly to Mag-Safe via the Surface Connector and will attract into the slot from about an inch away. It is easy to pull out though in the event someone trips on it. There are two USB-C 4.0 / Thunderbolt4 connections on the left side and both support Power Delivery if you use a different adaptor. The USB-A port is 3.1 The right side has a Surface Connector, headphone jack, and a Micro SD slot. The lid is a bit tough to lift from the device and I do wish there was a bit more of an indentation to lift the screen with. I have found the best way to lift the screen is two-handed from the corners to avoid getting fingerprints on the camera. Wi-Fi 6E is included here as well as well as Bluetooth 5.3.
The form factor is the most intriguing aspect of this device. The normal laptop mode is a bit bulky, but it is easily a high-quality laptop. When you extend the screen forward, you will set it to a media mode where the keyboard is covered but you can still access the mouse. This mode is ideal for presentations, controller gaming, and watching movies. The last mode is a canvas mode which is perfect for note taking. This mode does not put the screen perfectly flat but allows for easy handwriting and drawing with a slight angle. It is not ideal for use as a tablet due to its heft, but it works amazing on a table.
Speakers:
The audio is outstanding. I was a bit concerned initially since the speakers are under the keyboard with no speaker grill, but they perform well even when the screen is lowered to the media or canvas positions. There is a wide sound stage and playing games such as Diablo 4 projects the sound in a very fulfilling stereo space. I thoroughly enjoy listening to music on this device while working.
Screen/touch:
The screen is amazing at 2400x1600. The screen is essentially always at 120hz even in battery mode unless you turn it down in settings. The 3:2 aspect ratio is great for reading books and web pages. The screen is very much optimized for touch input and works very well whether you are using your fingers or a Slim Pen 2. I found handwriting to be extremely accurate with no jagged lines in OneNote and palm rejection was perfect in my use case. I would love to have had this laptop in college for notetaking. Creative types will love it for art. The screen does buckle a lot with palm pressure when in the collapsed canvas mode, but it did not cause any concern. There is a magnet at the bottom lip to hold a Slim Pen 2. The screen colors are accurate and great for photo editing. The Slim Pen 2 is a must-have with this laptop as it allows you to fully utilize the touch features, it is a shame it is not included.
While playing with settings, I was surprised that HDR, when enabled, does not produce the usual dull colors for non-HDR content such as desktops and regular photos. Most PC’s only do well when HDR mode when viewing HDR content, this laptop allows you to leave the setting on all the time and get the best of both worlds, it is not enabled by default though. Ensure you use the HDR Calibration tool that Microsoft provides though as by default it is too bright of a profile in HDR content which I found strange.
The hinge mechanism is interesting. When you flip it upside down, it is simply a layer of fabric with wires running underneath it. Any stability is due to magnets in the various positions. I am unsure how the underside will last with time, but it feels like an effective mechanism at first glance.
Keyboard/mouse:
The keyboard is my new favorite for typing. Keys have satisfying depth and a nice clicky sound. This results in very few errors. The touchpad is amazing. It is haptic similar to how Apple does on MacBook allowing you to click anywhere on the touchpad with accuracy. Great job on this Microsoft!
Performance:
Windows 11 runs smooth as butter on this device. With no bloatware installed the OS is extremely fast and stable. I had zero glitches when using it and only noticed a slowdown when I loaded 15 YouTube pages on my web browser as it filled up the RAM. There are nice tweaks on this device such as when you place the screen in a touch-friendly mode, the taskbar gets slightly larger for finger-friendly use. Some laptops I have used pen inputs with have a lag when you open a pen menu, I saw no such lag on this laptop.
The hard drive I received is a 512GB model. Performance was about 3244 MB/s read and 2749 MB/s write. Upgrading the SSD is possible but is it not intended to be done by the user per the Microsoft website. There are tutorials on how to do it online. RAM is LPDDR5x which under default settings was able to read at 59,849 MB/s and write at 75,422 MB/s according to AIDA64 Extreme. The RAM is not upgradable. The fan is never loud in my opinion even when stressed.
The processor is a beast with 14 cores pushing 20 threads. For everyday use and photo editing, this is a dream processor for me. It does a great job in games as well. I was able to keep up with my RAW editing workflow with ease.
Geekbench:
Single-core plugged in: 2123
Multi-core plugged in 10395
Single-core battery: 975 (default settings)
Multi-core battery: 6097 (default settings)
Monero mining: 4350 hs/s 15-minute average.
There is also a NPU in this device which does not have many uses at the moment but accelerates camera features such as tracking and background blur. You can see the NPU idle most of the time in Task Manager until you activate those features when it comes to life pushing about 50-70% of its abilities.
The Nvidia GeForce 4050 is great for games achieved the following scores:
Wildlife Extreme: 14286
Solar Bay: 32572
Raytracing feature test: 20.5 FPS
Overwatch 2 2400x1600: 90FPS max settings
Diablo 4 2400x1600: 60FPS with DLAA, 100FPS with DLSS Quality mode
Battery:
The battery will easily last all day at work. I do recommend you disable 120hz if you are on the road a lot as it will greatly extend your battery on this bright screen. The device runs very cool on battery. The battery is only 58WH, but this device feels very optimized allowing for all-day use so long as you are not using the RTX 4050 when on battery.
Camera/security:
The camera is 1080p and provides great quality. When paired with the NPU, it adds some neat effects. I was surprised by how good the auto-tracking feature is. It can easily identify when there is a single person or two people in the frame and adjusts accordingly. The eye positioning feature was a little bit weird but subtle enough that it works well. The camera includes Windows Hello which works faster than other devices I have used in the past.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Whether your mess is wet or dry, the Roomba Combo i5+ robot vacuum and mop can double up on cleaning tasks with one machine. From spilled crackers to every day shoe prints—this robot can handle it. Set it to vacuum only or vacuum & mop your hard floors by swapping in the Roomba Combo Bin.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great for most houses. Has advanced features.
on November 7, 2023
Posted by: psyclopps
This is a great vacuum for regular cleaning and mopping. It works efficiently, runs relatively quietly, and has an included dust storage bin for self-emptying when done. I don’t have much negative to say about this vacuum as it checks most blocks for what the average home might require.
Pros:
-Stylish
-Smart
-Mopping ability
-Self emptying
-Rubber rollers (prevents hair build-up)
-Easy to clean
-Great app
Cons:
-Mopping requires the removal of rugs first
-No LIDAR or camera
Setup:
Assembly is overall simple. Attach the base unit to the wall, dock the robot, remove any plastic, and pair it with the app. Of note, my unit only paired via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi even though it detected 5 GHz, so it took a few tries to figure that out. Once I used 2.4 GHz it worked just fine. There is a spare bag in the dust bun included as well.
Use:
For the first use, I sent the robot out mapping. In doing this, it got stuck behind a door and I had to let it out, it took a few hours to notice this, and it was still bumping into walls trying to get out, so I was surprised it had plenty of battery left. The issue was the robot closed the door on itself, so I don’t fault the mapping software. After mapping, I let it charge and tried a cleaning run. It ran through the rooms effectively and was not too loud overall. What is loud is when the robot empties itself in the dust bin, this is very loud so I would not use that at night.
The vacuum cleans very well on most floors, and I experienced no issues here. It does not include a camera or LIDAR so it will map things out by bumping into them but it gets more efficient with time. One aspect I wish was better is the mopping feature. It works well to clean but when used, it will mop everything! So be sure to remove rugs from the floor and tell it only to clean rooms that need mopping, do not push “vacuum everywhere” if you have mixed floors in your house when mopping. There are higher-end models that can identify the floor type and stop mopping but this model cannot differentiate.
Software:
The app works very well, and I experienced no bugs. You can easily control the robot's functions and tell it which room to clean, what schedule to utilize, and view history and errors. I found the product health page useful as you can see how many hours are left on the filter, brushes, and rollers before needing cleaning or replacement. You can also enable child/pet locks on the app to keep kids from playing with the device. My device took a few cleanings before it let me label the rooms that were mapped out.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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If you’re like many busy people, you have a dozen things going on at once, and working on the computer is no different. There’s a good chance you’re already using all your computer’s ports and wish you had extras to connect new devices. Thankfully, this hub helps optimize your workspace by adding two extra USB ports, an ethernet port, an HDMI port, a USB-C Power Delivery port, and SD and Micro SD slots. Simply plug it into your computer’s USB-C port and start connecting your mouse, keyboard and other accessories. Transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps move files quickly and efficiently and its compact size makes it perfect for slipping into a purse or backpack. Don’t limit your connected devices – enjoy more options with the Insignia 7-Port USB-C Hub.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great all-around hub for almost any situation
on October 31, 2023
Posted by: psyclopps
This is a great device overall that will likely meet the needs of most users looking for a hub that does it all. The only downsides are limited bandwidth and USB-C ports. Otherwise, it is great for travel or just expanding abilities of a laptop.
Pros:
-Lots of ports
-Good overall speeds
-Small size
-Durable build
Cons:
-Faster options out there (5Gbps)
-HDMI is limited to 4k 60hz
-USB-C port does not provide power to other devices (hard drives)
The device only requires one USB-C port which is convenient, though it comes with the drawback of limited speeds as others which might have two connections provide much higher bandwidth to devices.
Using it with my 4K monitor, it does just fine but keep in mind it is limited to 60hz only. Additionally, I tried the USB-C port to plug in a SSD hard drive which it would not recognize. The port is labeled USB-C input and provides up to 85W to the laptop when used with a 100W adaptor. Of note, the box states “USB-C port needs DP-ALT mode to connect to a display.”
There is both Micro SD and SD card slots which is great for photographers. Using CrystalDiskMark I was able to get the following speeds.
512GB MicroSD Samsung Pro Plus
159 MB/s read.
119 MB/s write.
I thought it was a little strange that the SD card slot will require you to insert the card upside down, it is a minor detail but just a little strange when first trying to put my card in.
This is the hub I will keep in my laptop bag as it is good for pretty much any situation, especially as most laptops do not come with HDMI or Ethernet (1Gbps speed) these days.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Glass XTR3, made with Hexiom impact technology, is our most technologically advanced screen protector. It has an enhanced Eyesafe blue light filter and anti-reflective technology that enhances color depth and vibrancy on your screen. Glass XTR3 also has an ultra-touch sensitive surface and a smooth nano-coating that reduces friction as you move your finger across the screen of your Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. Glass XTR3 has an anti-dust adhesive that installs smoothly over most dust, so it disappears on your screen. Our EZ Apply installation system includes an installation try that makes the process easy and accurate.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Easy to install and perfect clarity
on October 19, 2023
Posted by: psyclopps
This screen protector is one of the better ones there. Installation is simple, the packaging includes all you need, there is a great warranty and it looks and feels great once installed.
Installation:
The packaging includes a few envelopes whic have all the needed tools. There is a alcohol wipe, a microfiber cloth, dust stickers, an alignment cradle and the single screen protector. Installation is fairly easy, especially if your device is new and dust free. Clean the screen with the wipe, dry it with the microfiber, remove any remaining dust with the stickers, place the frame on the device then remove the adhesive sticker from the screen protector. The alignment cradle has holes to align the screen protector with which will ensure installation is perfect. Once it is resting on the holes, tap on the middle of the screen protector and it slowly adheres to the phone. Last, remove the top sticker from the screen protector and push out any bubbles. Installation should be bubble free if instructions are followed and dust was properly removed.
Use:
I overall like this screen protector. The glass feels just like the phone screen, it is not too intrusive and it is crystal clear. I am using it with a Zagg case as well which it fits in just fine. The screen protector does cover up the front camera and dynamic island but it does not appear to provide any noticble degradation to photo quality.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Your Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is a work of art, so your case should be too. The Milan Snap does more than just protect; it enhances the beauty of your device. This MagSafe compatible case is strengthened with graphene, one of the strongest materials in the world. Milan Snap provides up to 13 feet of drop protection.* Its iridescent sheen complements the sleek lines of your phone, so your phone is always runway-ready.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Stylish with great protection!
on October 19, 2023
Posted by: psyclopps
The case is very high quality and provides great protection. The color is similar to a rainbow and it got oohs and ahhhs from my wife and daughter. It is definitely an attention getter with its design. The colors reflect more at angles and are somewhat dull when viewed straight on.
Fit & feel:
The case fits like a glove but not so snug that it is hard to remove. The borders are somewhat thick so it instills confident it will protect against drops but you might not like it if you are interested in thin cases. The sides are gripped for easier hold but the rear is slippery so be aware of that as it will slide around depending on the surface you place it on. Buttons are easy to press and have no wiggle feeling very solid.
Protection:
The front has a raised lip to protect the screen. The rear is also raised near the camera extending just about even with the lenses. The case is somewhat flexible so it will provide some flex when removing which could obsolete some shot when dropped as well. The design instill confidence.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Ninja Detect Power Blender Pro with BlendSense Technology allows you to toss in any ingredients, press the dial, and watch them transform into a perfectly smooth output. The Ninja Total Crushing & Chopping blades give you perfectly crushed ice for your frozen drinks and will chopped veggies for a chunky salsa . The blender that automatically adjusts speed & time for perfectly smooth results.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
The perfect blender
on October 15, 2023
Posted by: psyclopps
This is an amazing blender for everyday cooking. The results are perfect every time and it is loaded with power. The wow factor is high with the great display and great looks. It was hard to think of any negatives with this unit as it works great and is very well thought out.
Pros:
-Design
-Blend quality
-Color display
-Smart blending
-Ease of use
-Easy cleaning
Cons:
-Very tall
Setup:
The unit is very easy to assemble. After cleaning, simply attach the base to the container, insert the blades, put the top on and plug it in, then you are ready to blend!
Use:
My first recipe (pictured) was almond milk, orange juice, strawberries, banana, ice, yogurt and blueberries. There are not many settings on this unit as it is primarily designed to detect what you are blending. After starting the “Blend Sense” mode, it spins for a few seconds then settles on “blend”. It ran for about 60 seconds and made perfect smoothing with minimal froth and no lumps. I tried a few other recipes that include greens and peanut butter and each time the smoothie came out perfect.
My only complaint is the unit is very tall which makes it barely fit under my cabinets so I recommend you measure it out first to make sure it will fit in your kitchen.
Cleaning:
This unit is so easy to disassemble and clean, it is amazing. Pull a handle at the top and the top comes off, remove the blades by pulling on the top portion of the blade assembly (be careful, three sets of blades are extremely sharp), twist the base and wash. I dry the unit right away with a towel to ensure there are no water spots.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Are you a fan of the game Forza Horizon 5? The modular eSwap X Pro Controller gamepad — which has become a benchmark in the professional gamepads segment and used at a high level in competitive games — is heading to Mexico and sporting the colors of Forza Horizon 5, with a game-changing new feature that’s setting the racing world on fire: Racing Wheel Module. Experience an absolutely thrilling level of immersion by mastering turns and drifting on any type of terrain with Racing Wheel Module’s 95° rotation angle and re-centering system. Thanks to cutting-edge T-MOD technology, there’s no limit to how many times the controller’s mini-sticks can be replaced. With two high-performance, next-generation (NXG) mini-sticks for enhanced precision, plus a super-responsive mechanical D-pad and buttons, it’s time to get ready for a whole new level of control! This product is an officially-licensed Xbox and Forza Horizon 5 device, compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC (Windows 10, 11).
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great if you don't have space for a rig.
on September 27, 2023
Posted by: psyclopps
I was skeptical of this controller at first since it was not a full size steering wheel. After a few days of use, I am greatly impressed.
Pros:
-Style
-Wheel adds precision
-Customizable
-Comfort
Cons:
-No rubber grips/texture
-Micro USB
-Wired only
Setup:
I used my unit on both Xbox One Series X and PC but did most of my testing on PC since there is software to better customize the device. I was impressed by the packaging and that each stick is modular. The D-Pad requires a special tool to remove so do not lose this as you have to “hook” it out of the unit. Any module can be placed in any slot. The unit comes with a cloth bag and a braided Micro-USB cable. I installed the Thurstmaster software on my PC which allows you to customize the wheel sensitivity zones. Initially I found fine movements to be too small at about 33% and I found my sweet spot to be 40% before transitioning to medium or large movements.
Hardware:
The controller is well built with sturdy plastic. The sticks and buttons feel high quality. The triggers were a little shallow for my taste but they offer a switch to change them to buttons or variable triggers similar to the Xbox Pro controller. There are four rear buttons which are by default mapped to D-Pad controls which allows you to go through menus when using the wheel in place of the D-Pad. It is not the most intuitive interface but once you get used to it, it works well.
The grip area is a different color then the rest of the controller but has a smooth texture, I would have preferred some sort of texture or rubber grips there. The sticks are in a position where the menu button on the left is somewhat hard to press without touching the thumb stick. I was a little annoyed that the controller uses Micro-USB but the braided cable feels very sturdy with its plug, just don’t lose it.
Vibration is present on both sides of the controller but I did not sense any vibration on the variable triggers. Overall, the controller is well thought out for its modular nature but takes a few shortcuts.
Gaming:
I primarily spent my time with this controller on Forza Horizon 5 on both PC and Xbox. I replaced the D-Pad with the wheel unit but it can go in place of any stick. At first, I crashed all over the place as the wheel is not intuitive at all at that size and controlled by the thumb. After about 20 minutes I realized the wheel is more precise than when I drive with the thumb stick requiring less taps and giving the ability to keep straighter lines in turns. I was very impressed after a few hours at how much my accuracy increased. You have to give this controller a chance and training to use properly as well as customize in the software. Once adapted, this controller is a game changer for racing fans who might not have room for a full size steering wheel.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Arlo Home Security System makes protecting your entire home easier. Get greater protection from All-in-One Sensors integrated with 8 sensing functions, opt in for around-the-clock protection from 24/7 Live Security Experts that monitor your home, so you don’t have to, and experience better whole home protection with SecureLink.¹ All-In-One Sensors have 8 sensing functions in 1 compact design to give you flexibility to place anywhere you need coverage inside your home. All functions are easily controlled through the intuitive Arlo Secure App, simply change or enable more detection functions anytime. Protect your doors and windows by combining open/close and motion detection, or protect areas under your sink by combining leak and freeze detection. You can also enable tilt, ambient light, smoke and CO alarm listening for any of your sensors for additional protection.² Arlo’s All-in-One Sensor protects your everything. The Keypad Sensor Hub controls your security system, has an integrated siren, motion sensor, smoke/CO alarm listener, and pairs devices with SecureLink technology for extended range and a more secure connection.¹ Change your security system mode or use One Tap Emergency Response buttons to send fire, police, or medical responders to your home, directly from the Hub or Arlo Secure App.²
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great for apartments and smart homes
on September 27, 2023
Posted by: psyclopps
I am very happy with this device after a few days. It has extremely easy installation, is easy to use and seems reliable.
Unboxing & Setup:
In the box you will find the base unit, two sensors, documentation, some stickers and the ac adaptor. Installation couldn’t be easier. First, download the Arlo app which will guide you through the process. Pairing the base station with the app is easy and will provide a few tests to make sure it works properly. The door sensors go on with adhesive and are easy to align. I used mine as door sensors but they can be used as water leak sensors or motion detectors.
Hardware:
I was very impressed with what features each unit includes. The base unit does everything, it has smoke alarm listening, CO2 alarm listening, motion detection (in the front) and a built in siren. The buttons are panic, first aid, police and fire. Buttons feel well built and are responsive. The unit will light up when it detects you are walking toward it. The only downside I see is it only uses 2.4Ghz Wifi which is good for range but might be bad for interference. Security options include home (disarmed), arm (all sensors active), and arm home (open/close sensors only, good for night while sleeping so no one sets off the motion detector).
The door sensors are also jack of all trades. They do most of what the base unit does but also adds tilt detection (garages), open/close and temperature detection. The sensors use CR2477 batteries.
Software:
The Arlo app is easy to use. Compared to most home security systems, I actually prefer the Arlo interface since it allows you to arm/disarm the unit on the go with no PIN needed. I use this to disarm the alarm when I am getting out of the car so I don’t need to go to the panel. The app also has the ability to activate the siren and call emergency support. The unit came with a trial for “Professional Monitoring” which will allow Arlo to notify emergency services if the alarm goes off for any reason. There is further integration if you have other Arlo devices such as viewing cameras to ensure there is no false alarm.
Daily use:
The device is easy to use and as discussed, it allows me to easily set and disarm the device. You can also set automations via schedules. I trained my kid on how to use the alarm and emergency buttons so that is another tool to allow him to quickly take action in the event of an emergency. I have had zero false alarms so far with a large cat roaming the house. I intend to buy the battery / cellular backup unit as well as a few additional sensors for the house.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Show off that new powerful Predator PO5-650-UB11 gaming PC and illuminate your room in the multi-hued ambience of ARGB as fiery FrostBlade fans hum in an endless high-speed harmony giving constant cool to the Herculean hardware hidden away within. Powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core processor and high-performance NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics, the Predator Orion 5000 delivers an awe-inspiring gaming experience that's second to none! Get ready for an unforgettable gaming experience that ignites the senses and takes your passion to new heights!
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great for gaming, expansion and work!
on September 14, 2023
Posted by: psyclopps
The Acer Predator Orion 5000 is a beast of a machine and I highly recommend it for any type of gaming or work. If you are interested in easy expandability and flashy looks, this is the desktop for you. In my week or so using this device, I have found very little to be unhappy about and any negatives I found do not impact my total score of five stars.
Pros:
-Speed
-Quiet
-Expandability
-Good looks
Cons:
-Only 1 USB C Gen 2 port
-Older 3070 video card
Unboxing:
The device comes in a large box with very little inside. There is the unit, a wired keyboard, a wired mouse and documentation. I received mine in the mail and the desktop arrived in great condition due to the extreme amounts of padding inside even though the box was somewhat beat up.
Setup:
As the computer is pre-built, set up is simple. Connect your monitor, power, ethernet (if not using Wi-Fi) and any accessories such as keyboards, cameras and mouse. Once that is done, there is the standard Windows setup process. There is an Acer registration/login screen in the setup to allow for further support and access to some of the Acer software features. Bloatware is present but minimal. Preinstalled software includes Dropbox, Clipchamp, McAfee, Express VPN and various Acer software tools. All items can be uninstalled.
Performance:
The hard drive is a Micron MTFDKBAT0TFH Gen 4x4 NVMe drive. In CrystalDiskMark It tested at 6510 MB/s read and 5077 MB/s write. This is in line with the rated specs of 6600 MB/s read and 5000 MB/s write. The modem is an Intel AX211NGW which supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. I had no issues with networking via ethernet or Wi-Fi when connected to a Xfinity XB8 router on Wi-Fi 6E.
I was a little disappointed with the USB ports. There is a good selection overall (see attached picture) but my main issue is with the USB-C speeds. The top USB-C port transferred about 500 MB/s which puts it in line with 3.2 Gen 1x1, whereas the rear port transferred around 1000 MB/s to my external drive putting it at 3.2 Gen 2x1 speeds. I personally would have preferred the faster port on the top as I tend to use those ports more often for I/O than the rear ports unless something is permanently plugged in. There are no SD card slots.
Gaming:
This desktop features a Nvidia RTX 3070. For most gamers this will provide outstanding performance up to 1440P. I was running my games on an ultrawide monitor at 5120x1440 resolution, so my performance is likely lower than a normal 1440P monitor.
Jurassic World Evolution 2: 68FPS (max settings)
Starship Troopers Terran Command: 60-70 fps (max settings)
Starfield: 40-60 FPS (high default settings)
Port Royal Benchmark: 8178
Fire Strike Ultra: 8365
Time Spy: 13443
I also played lots of Diablo 4, Forza Horizon, Doom Eternal with no stuttering unless I was running RTX ray tracing at 5120x1440.
What I was most impressed with was how quiet this desktop runs even when doing stress tests. I expect quiet performance from a liquid cooled PC but this one is all air cooled and runs silent most of the time, great job Acer!
Productivity:
I do a lot of photo editing and noticed no hiccups in my work process. The device has 16GB of DDR5 RAM but has two open slots, so if you do photo and video editing, I recommend you upgrade.
In Adobe Lightroom, when exporting 156 24 MP RAW photos to JPEG from a Sony A6500, exporting full resolution took an average of 2 minutes. When utilizing AI Denoise, a single image was processed in 8 seconds, this is in contrast to the three minutes it took my Xe equipped laptop to do the same AI processing.
Cinebench completed the multicore test with 18202 points.
Expansion:
Being a large desktop, there is plenty of room for expandability. There are two open RAM slots, two hard drive slots for 3.5” hard drives, two 2.5” hard drive slots (on the other side of the motherboard vertically mounted), two open SATA slots, one open NVMe slot, and plenty of room for a larger video card if needed. Keep in mind the are no extra screws or cables included.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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psyclopps's Review Comments
 
SynopsisThe last time the earth was ravaged, animals were saved two by two in a massive ark, peacefully sailing to a new beginning, or so the story goes. This time, we're not so lucky. With a massive asteroid hurtling toward the planet, a select few were chosen to inhabit modern-day arks — pods buried deep within the earth's core. You were chosen. You were buried alive. And you rose from the ground to face your worst nightmare. Hordes of mutants killing without a thought, bandit gangs wreaking havoc throughout the already defunct wasteland, a looming Authority seizing maniacal power and holding secrets — this is what remains of humanity. The world as you know it is gone, but if any world is to stand in its place, there's only one person left who can raise it up from the ashes — you. That is, if you can survive the Rage.Step up to the challenge and climb into the wasteland in the first-person shooter that flings you to the edge of the earth and the brink of extinction. Rage pits you against the odds in a desolate world in which you were selected for survival — just to face death at every turn. To redeem humanity, you must master a massive arsenal of exotic wingsticks, sentry bots, bomb cars and other powerful weapons and fearlessly wage war against the evil forces overtaking your planet. Fire through heart-pounding first-player shooting action, rip through the wasteland in high-octane vehicle chases and turn your car into your most deadly weapon — you have to play dirty if you want to live. Experience the mass decay with every painfully realistic detail with the id Tech 5 engine and Megatexture technology, firing at 60 frames per second to make you feel as if the world has crumbled around you. And when you take the battle online, the devastating action really does stretch around the world. You've survived the apocalypse. Now comes the real battle.
 
Overall1 out of 51 out of 5
Game was not tested properly
By skullboy88 from Los Angeles, CA
First of all the reason for such a low rating is that the game is not playable. Right out the box. Now, I have been building pc's for over 10 years and have sunk hundreds of dollars into my rig to play the most demanding games. And I do. The problem is that ID software sent out a game to the public that is not finished. Google, rage graphics problems and you will find a magnitude of arcticles about poor graphics bad drivers and other issues. AMD and Nvidia have been working for a driver patch but reports from many say they do not work to fix the tearing and poor rendering . People are paying $60.00 for a pc game. Dont you think it should work right away without having to wait for a patch?
Customer Avatar
psyclopps
San Diego, CO
Updates
October 14, 2011
To be fair, a patch has since been release which fixes many of these PC problems including better support for video cards and settings.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
Rock out during your workout with these Sony Balanced Armature Sports XBAS65 earbud headphones that feature water-resistant housing with a waterproof film to stand up to sweat, rain and rinsing. Balanced Armature drivers deliver clear, detailed audio.
 
Overall2 out of 52 out of 5
Horrid Sound
By DELienz from Delaware
I had pair of Sony Headphones that I bought a few years ago for approx. $50 dollars... Sounded Amazing, but I recently ran then over with my car... Anyway bought these assuming the sound would be similar and also compensate for my only complaint with my other heardphones which was falling constantly out of my ear during workouts. Turns out these are more expensive but that sound terrible. Tried changing the setting on my IPOD and there is no overcoming the lack of bass. I am a auidiophile and I do listen to music a lot of double bass and drums so bass is something I must have in a headphone. If that's what you looking for don't buy these. I'm confident cheaper headphones with the same quality sound can be obtained so I would not recommend these to anyone...
Customer Avatar
psyclopps
San Diego, CO
Balanced Armature
June 28, 2012
Balanced Armature headphones are designed to sound like the original recording. Most headphones these days are "dynamic armature" which are designed kind of like a hardware equilizer where bass is usually most important. Any of these balanced armature headphones are aimed specifically at audiophiles as they repoduce very true to original sound with detailed mid ranges and highs.
+2points
2of 2voted this comment as helpful.
 
psyclopps's Questions
 
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psyclopps's Answers
<< 1 2 3 >>
 
Lenovo Yoga 710 Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Take your work or play with you with this Lenovo Yoga convertible laptop. The Intel 7th Gen Core processor and Windows 10 Home operating system keep you moving through tasks quickly. An edgeless 15.6-inch UHD display lets you see intricate photo details when you view websites or downloaded media on this Lenovo Yoga convertible laptop.
 

Why is this computer so cheap with all these features?

Good question. The only areas I can see where they skimped out a bit are a bit in the trackpad and battery life. Everything else seems as advertised and it performs very well to match the specs. There is little to no bloatware installed. Lenovo is making some great stuff these days!
8 years, 7 months ago
by
psyclopps
 
Lenovo Yoga 710 Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Take your work or play with you with this Lenovo Yoga convertible laptop. The Intel 7th Gen Core processor and Windows 10 Home operating system keep you moving through tasks quickly. An edgeless 15.6-inch UHD display lets you see intricate photo details when you view websites or downloaded media on this Lenovo Yoga convertible laptop.
 

Does this model have a fingerprint scanner on it?

Yes it does, it uses Windows Hello fingerprint which is very fast and accurate.
8 years, 7 months ago
by
psyclopps
 
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
 

Can it read audible audiobook from amazon ?

Unless you have an app that can "cast" audio then the answer is no. Amazon is much more integrated with it's own Echo. I own both and Echo is much better for this task than the Google Home. From what I can tell, Audible apps do no throw audio to other Chromecast devices such as Google Home.
8 years, 7 months ago
by
psyclopps
 
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
 

Does the Google Home have to be set up with your cell phone provider?

No it does not, it is a wifi only device but works great with any phone or device that has google play music or youtube installed.
8 years, 7 months ago
by
psyclopps
 
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
 

Will it work with Samsung SmartThings?

According to Google, yes. It lists Smart things on the box and website.
8 years, 7 months ago
by
psyclopps
 
Bring the power of Google directly to your fingertips with the Google Pixel. A large 32GB of storage keep data secure, while unlimited cloud storage transfers data as needed, and it's completely automatic. The large 5-inch screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4 to ensure the Google Pixel remains scratch-free.
 

If I have T-Mobile, will this phone work with it, or is it just for Verizon?

I have tried my Verizon Pixel with my T-Mobile SIM card and it works perfect. The device is actually unlocked if you buy it outright. I had full LTE connectivity in the Seattle area on T-Mobiles network.
8 years, 8 months ago
by
psyclopps
 
Bring the power of Google directly to your fingertips with the Google Pixel. A large 32GB of storage keep data secure, while unlimited cloud storage transfers data as needed, and it's completely automatic. The large 5-inch screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4 to ensure the Google Pixel remains scratch-free.
 

Is this version of Google pixel phone a unlock version and will it work in a country like Malaysia ?

I am not sure if it will work in Malaysia but I have used this Verizon Pixel with my T-Mobile SIM card. It is unlocked but ensure you have paid off the device to ensure it is not stuck to Verizon through a contract.
8 years, 8 months ago
by
psyclopps
 
Get your own workout coach with the Fitbit Blaze in blue. PurePulse heart rate tracking ensures you reach optimal heart rate for maximum calories burned, and the all-day activity tracking notes every step you take, whether you're climbing stairs or running for a taxi. The Fitbit Blaze in blue even features sleep tracking and can wake you up each morning.
 

How does the GPS feature work?

It requires your phone to be within bluetooth distance (in your pocket). You press run, it syncs with the phone and the phone tracks your GPS distance while the fitbit tracks heart rate and steps
9 years, 1 month ago
by
psyclopps
 
Get your own workout coach with the Fitbit Blaze in blue. PurePulse heart rate tracking ensures you reach optimal heart rate for maximum calories burned, and the all-day activity tracking notes every step you take, whether you're climbing stairs or running for a taxi. The Fitbit Blaze in blue even features sleep tracking and can wake you up each morning.
 

does it let you know if you have a call coming in and if so how far away can the phone be from the fitbit

It does let you know if you are paired via bluetooth. As you are using bluetooth, you get the usual limitation of 30 feet or so from your phone.
9 years, 1 month ago
by
psyclopps
 
Get your own workout coach with the Fitbit Blaze in blue. PurePulse heart rate tracking ensures you reach optimal heart rate for maximum calories burned, and the all-day activity tracking notes every step you take, whether you're climbing stairs or running for a taxi. The Fitbit Blaze in blue even features sleep tracking and can wake you up each morning.
 

How do you tell how many steps that you have

Two ways you can tap until you see steps displayed or you can look at the ring around the time display. The ring is a graphical version of how many steps you have until your goal.
9 years, 1 month ago
by
psyclopps