GadgetGuy1981's stats
- Review count191
- Helpfulness votes390
- First reviewJune 23, 2016
- Last reviewJune 14, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.2
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count83
- Helpfulness votes240
- First answerJanuary 15, 2011
- Last answerOctober 15, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers18
Epson EcoTank ET-4760 All-In-One Printer: Produce high-quality forms, reports and other documents with this black Epson EcoTank all-in-one printer. The built-in scanner, fax machine and copier let you tackle a wide range of office tasks in one centralized location for increased productivity. This Epson EcoTank all-in-one printer uses large EcoFit ink bottles for reduced maintenance.Prints up to 15 ISO ppm* in black, up to 8 ISO ppm* in color.
Customer Rating
4
An excellent All-in-One with great ink capacity...
on July 9, 2019
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
from Lebanon, OH
I'm impressed by the new EcoTank systems from EPSON - These printers/Multi-Function devices use reservoirs instead of traditional cartridges to hold more ink than traditional printers, and the ink is easily refilled by buying MUCH more economical ink tanks for each color ((C)yan, (M)agenta, (Y)ellow and Black(K)). The inks total about $65 retail for a refill kit that should last quite a while longer than even the largest traditional cartridges. When EPSON says this is "2 years" worth of ink though, they might be assuming you don't print much or using a statistic that doesn't represent heavy photo printing, etc.
If anyone was going to do this, it was going to be EPSON, who for years has replaced cartridge-and-head replaceables with mini-ink-tanks, so moving to a larger capacity tank was already supported in their design. I do worry that this set up will lead to print head failure before the full value of the system can be realized. I have relatively unpredictable and sporadic printing needs, and can sometimes go a month or more without printing - When I do this on HP printers that have integrated heads, often they are dried out, but a quick cartridge replacement solved the problem. With these kinds of printers, the head doesn't seem to be replaceable. Might be a maintenance issue in the long-term.
The print quality is excellent, and plain paper documents I printed had crisp text and good alignment, and the photos I printed on both full-sheet 8.5x11 and 5x7 photo paper were centered to allow for a perfect border, or borderless as per my various trials, with great accuracy. The color was a bit cool for my liking - Even when manually adjusting the saturation and yellow levels to compensate, I just couldn't get an image that appeared as warm on paper as it did on screen - And I have a calibrated display and I tried both ColorSync profiling and EPSONs built-in color management with its own tweaking tools. This will be an issue for someone looking for a good photo printer included in the value of this unit.
EPSON makes excellent scanners, and I found the built-in flatbed to be NO exception. Good reproduction, nice heavy lid so pressing documents down for flattening was much easier than with others I've used, and the auto-document feeder was great for multiple-page scans or copies. It also folds away unlike many ADFs so that it looks completely flat/clean on top when not in use. The tray is a little flimsy, but should hold up OK without abuse.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Bose Home Speaker 300 Wireless Smart Speaker delivers room-rocking bass and 360-degree sound in a space-saving size. With the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa built in, enjoy millions of songs, playlists and more with just your voice. And you have the freedom to control the music your way - using your voice, with a tap on the top controls, or the Bose Music app.
Customer Rating
3
Great Bose sound, but limited Google Assistant
on July 9, 2019
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
from Lebanon, OH
The Bose Home Speaker 300 is an awesome tabletop audio device for even mid-size rooms. With Bose's traditionally rich and clear sound in-tact for this model, you can't go wrong if you're looking for a good, Bluetooth-ready streaming speaker for sending phone or device audio in to fill a room.
That being said, the Home 300 offers some other unique functionality: This speaker includes Alexa and Google Assistant functionality! As a Google Assistant household, I was excited to potentially replace my Living Room speaker (a Google Home Max which had recently been damaged) with this unit.
One of my key use cases with Google Assistant is the ability to control a Chromecast-connected TV with it, but also make music requests to the speaker throughout the day to play directly. My Google Home devices throughout the house are able to do this with my Google Play Music/YouTube Music subscription... Makes sense since the Google products should work with their music service, right?
My disappointment begins in that many of the long-form Google Assistant commands are not yet available on this device - Bose claims that long-form support is coming in a future firmware release, but what was even more disappointing was that the Google Play/YouTube Music services are completely unavailable on this device? How can you have Google Assistant without being able to call these services? The speaker does support Pandora and a few other niche music services, but for Google Assistant to NOT support its own music services on ANY device is a non-starter for me.
If you use one of it's supported services, it works well - I happen to have a free Pandora account which I tested with. Quick song results and excellent room-filling audio as I expected from the device. Bluetooth streaming also worked flawlessly and had good range.
All in all - If you're looking for a speaker for phone/device streaming first, and the assistant is an afterthought, this might work well for you - If you're looking for a standalone music machine that you and your family can command to play anything in your library/subscription, you might be better off with Google's native offerings.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Clean messes and dust at the office with this Hoover ONEPWR wet and dry cordless vacuum. The capable motor delivers up to 45 cfm for faster cleaning, and the rechargeable 2 Ah battery facilitates cordless use. This Hoover ONEPWR wet and dry cordless vacuum includes a 3-gal. dirt tank to trap captured debris.
Customer Rating
4
This vacuum really SUCKS! -And that's a good thing
on July 9, 2019
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
from Lebanon, OH
The Hoover OnePWR system seems poised to take floor care to the space power tools have been going for years - Wire-free and battery ecosystem locked!
This 3-Gallon wet/dry vac is intuitive, sucks hard, works VERY well for automotive clean ups thanks to its portability and strong suction, but the accessories are tiny and don't stay on the hose well during use, and the battery life fell just short of our "Can we vacuum the entire car out" test.
The cleaning heads (a flat vacuum head and a crevice wand) integrate nicely into the chassis of the unit when not in use, and there is even integrated hose storage on the top of the unit. This makes it a nice, self-contained unit with great portability.
The main vacuum head also doubles as the adapter for blower mode. Its an interesting approach but worked well in my tests. I only wish this attachment held on as well to the hose when in standard vacuum mode - It tended to slip off frequently when cleaning my car (these are smaller than normal attachments and I have big hands, so maybe that's it)...
This thing is VERY innovative, and if you're willing to invest in a battery system for floor care, its the one I'd choose - Just have an extra battery for the big jobs.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Experience legendary performance and sound of ASTRO Audio V2, with the convenience and freedom that comes without wires. The A50 Wireless + Base Station for PS5 /PS4 / PC delivers top-of-the-line acoustics, ergonomics, comfort and durability that gamers demand. The all-new Base Station provides clear, low-latency voice communication, while making headset pairing and charging simple. The ASTRO Command Center software allows gamers and streamers to tune every input and output parameter of the A50 precisely for their specific setup. Experience absolute audio immersion with the A50 Wireless + Base Station.
Customer Rating
5
Great audio and modularity in gaming headsets!
on June 28, 2019
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
from Lebanon, OH
The Astro A50 is the pinnacle of wireless gaming headsets. While it is bulky and includes a docking station that requires installation within USB reach of your console or gaming PC, this device is premium throughout.
Audio quality, both output from its soft, comfortable padded over-ear cups was excellent, and the flexible boom mic worked great when chatting with my squad on a few key multiplayer titles on PC.
The build quality of this monster is superb. The only few criticisms, and this is preference, is that the headset seems difficult to dock into the base station when setting it down to charge, and the firmware for XBOX and PlayStation 4 should be able to be incorporated into a single base station - Since it can't (thanks Microsoft!) you can always add an XBOX One base station to your setup near your console and simply dock the headset to pair it with that station to switch play.
Really impressed with this unit and I might be adding the second base station to make it my go-to on all platforms!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Acer Laptop: Run graphic-intensive games with this Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop. The 15.6-inch FHD display shows an immersive picture with sharp visuals. CoolBoost technology lowers CPU and GPU temperatures for long-lasting sessions. This Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop features a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card for a vivid picture, and the high-quality speakers deliver clear dialog and deep bass.
Customer Rating
5
Value gaming laptop with some premium capabilities
on June 9, 2019
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
from Lebanon, OH
First of all this is only a 5-star review because I'm considering the value nature of the "Nitro 5" series when writing this review. I know there are MUCH more powerful and featured gaming PCs and laptops out there with more bells and whistles.
The Acer Nitro 5 is VASTLY improved from the previous year's model - A device I wouldn't touch for its limited specs, washed-out screen, and HUGE bezels which lead to a large footprint even for a 15.6" device. Now I know gaming laptops are all huge and some of the gaudy-ness is part of the appeal to some gamers, but its 2019 and I expect capabilities without needing to be the size of PCs 10-15 years ago.
The 2019 Nitro 5 is a revolution in gaming laptop chassis on the value end... Sure the "Razer" guys have really shrunken into Ultrabook territory, but at these prices, for polycarbonate chassis, this thing is really compact and delivers many of the options of the "big guys"...
Lets start with the screen: 15.6" IPS panel with very little light leak (still has some) - But the troubling thing is that the Nitro 5 product material mentions 144Hz panels in the 2019 models. These models are clearly 60Hz panels - I guess the Best Buy or NA models don't get the high-framerate LCDs... The contrast and color is good for this segment, and functions adequately.
Design/Build Quality: The Nitro 5 is a value-series gaming laptop. Plastic chassis and some cheaper-feeling components aside, the fit-and-finish for these materials is very good. The screen assembly is easily warped and manipulated, but again, flimsy plastic bends… This also seems to be a pretty weak display hinge, as the screen doesn’t always stay put with ANY jostling of the machine on the table or moving from table-to-table. All of this does mean that the laptop is very light for a large 15” gaming rig. The industrial design is much more understated than its predecessor, and while it is definitely a gaming laptop, thanks to the RED illuminated keys and design cues, its probably more understated than much of its competition. The functional design is excellent. The keyboard is a pleasure to type on, and control games with. Highlighted WASD keys and arrow keys are easy to find, and key travel is good. Also the touchpad is bigger now and much more responsive than before. A big improvement from earlier models. The internal design is the real achievement here. Dual-channel memory banks and the ability to support DDR4-2666 RAM in dual channel will make game performance great, but bear in mind that the device only comes with 8GB RAM in single-SODIMM/Single-channel mode, so you’ll want to add another stick of DDR4 to match to get full potential here.
This is a 9th-Gen Core i5 quad-core main chip, paired with the new nVidia GeForce 1650 GTX GPU with its own 4GB of GDDR5 memory. Plenty of performance foundation for every Play Anywhere game I threw at it, including Everspace and Gears of War 4 Ultimate, both at 1080p on EPIC settings. (Though full disclosure. I did upgrade my rig to 16GB RAM before reviewing...)
Framerate averages:
Gears of War 4: 52 FPS
Recore: 55FPS
Everspace: 52FPS
Gears of War 4: 52 FPS
Recore: 55FPS
Everspace: 52FPS
As far as storage capabilities, this rig really shines, out of the box you have a speedy 128GB 4-lane NVMe drive in one of the DUAL M.2 2280 slots to house the OS and any apps that won’t move, and a pretty nice PMR 5400 spinning drive in a full 2.5 SATA3 bay for mass storage of games and modern Windows apps. Getting apps to install to the secondary drive by default is a config switch in the storage settings, so make sure you do that before setting this thing up. Stock performance from these drives was good, but 1TB total game storage is limiting these days, so it’s awesome to know you can max this thing out pretty affordably with 2X M.2 drives, and a larger 2.5 drive... I went as far as 2x 1TB M.2 SSDs, and a 2TB hard drive (hybrid drive) and I had no trouble setting up the SSDs as RAID0 and assigning the HDD as default app storage. So for a few hundred extra bucks, his thing can be upgraded to full-on beast rig! 2.5Ge Ethernet, HDMI 2.0 and plenty of USB ports round off a great connectivity solution!
Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a light, semi-compact traveling gaming setup... Would recommend to anyone but the most hardcore LAN party nerds who carry around desktops. Very upgradeable, all the key ports for parties, and TONS of horsepower for casual or regular gaming.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
Protect your 11-inch iPad Pro from dings, dents and scratches with this Logitech slim folio case. The textured surface helps prevent slipping, while the rubberized feet provide solid traction and elevation for improved airflow. This Logitech slim folio case has a slender design, making storing and transporting simple, and the built-in stow holds and charges a 2nd-generation Apple Pencil.
Customer Rating
4
A bulky, yet protective, alternative to OEM
on June 7, 2019
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
from Lebanon, OH
The Logitech accessories for Apple products of late are on a bit of a roll. Their keyboards, mice, and now iPad accessories have experienced a HUGE leap in quality build and fit/finish match with Apple's aesthetic which makes them my first choice for accessories for my Apple products.
The Slim Folio Pro is their take on Apple's Smart Keyboard for the new 11" iPad Pro. Its a handy, capable keyboard accessory that provides a significant amount of protection to the iPad also, but there are a few things to note about the product:
They called this thing "Slim Folio Pro" - It is NOT slim. It might be slimmer that, say, my gaming laptop, but it more than doubles the thickness of the iPad Pro when folded and carrying it around. I do feel better in the "Slim" Folio in the event of a drop or accidental bang against the wall that my iPad Pro will leave the incident unscathed, but for the most part, it seems overkill and really diminishes the sleekness of Apple's latest tablet.
Ironically, the keyboard, the primary functional component of this accessory, is the slimmest part! It has excellent typing feedback for such a thin keyboard (something Apple should take note on) and the backlighting was adequate for the purpose of letting me see keys in the dark when using the device - Something that Apple's OEM case lacks entirely.
My gripe about the keyboard (and this whole device) is that it doesn't use Apple's OEM smart connector to power and connect the keyboard. Instead we're back to Bluetooth LE here with a rechargeable battery on-board like every cheap universal keyboard that came before. This might have been a licensing or power limitation issue, but I loved Logi's use of the last-gen connector in their "Create" keyboard for the 10.5 Pro so much that I was really hoping for it this time.
As a cancellation prize, Logi DID include USB Type-C instead of the terrible little Micro-B port that most el-cheapo electronics use. Type C is the same connector as the iPad Pro, so you're able to top up your keyboard with your iPad charger, which saves on travel clutter, but also saved Logi a few bucks, since NO CHARGING CABLE IS INCLUDED. On their other new Type-C products, such as the Craft Keyboard or the MX Vertical mouse (two of my faves) the cable is still included so I guess this was just a cut to packaging and BOM costs.
On other fronts, the packaging is efficient and minimalist, the device itself has some nifty other feartures, like a closure flap when folded that helps keep your iPad secured magnetically and allows for the Apple Pencil (2nd gen) to be stored where it belongs on the iPad so that charging and storage support the iPad's built-in wireless charging for the pen.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a SLIGHTLY more rugged version of the Apple Keyboard, but for light duty/office use, I think I'll stick to the Apple solution, and use this when camping/outdoors with my pad for extra protection.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Enjoy your movie experience with this Sony 2.1-channel sound bar. Stream from your smartphone with the Bluetooth connection, or use the HDMI ARC to control information right from your TV. The S-Force PRO Front Surround and wireless subwoofer make this Sony 2.1-channel sound bar powerful, providing bold, dramatic sound and a cinematic experience.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent solution for sectional setup!
on May 27, 2019
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
from Lebanon, OH
To start things off, I’m not an audiophile that demands the absolute best sound quality and nuanced balance of sound in everything I listen to, but I am a technical consumer who knows that sharp highs, clear dialog, and deep hitting sound effects and bass in music mix to make a great at-home theatrical experience.
This Sony soundbar system delivers the entire package. Good volume response, excellent dialog reproduction compared to TV speakers alone, and a few cheaper sound bars that I’ve evaluated.
The real bonus here is in how easy the setup was for this sound bar and it’s wireless subwoofer. Speaking of the sub, it’s got a great depth for a 2.1 system and helps with the virtual surround effect. We put the sub behind our sectional sofa near an outlet behind the couch, and it reproduces deep sounds and “feel-able” bass that really upped our home theater game!
There are presets for spoken voice/news, movies, and music. They all seemed different to me, but leaving things on the “movie” setting full-time suffices for our needs.
This product came with a good-size remote, but was easily supported by my Logi Harmony 650 also.
This is a great value for the money, has dead-simple installation, small footprint (fits between the feet of my 55” TV), and has excellent output.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Add up to 63 hours of battery life to your Apple watch with this black Belkin AW Power Pack 2200. Portable and compact design makes it ideal for travel and on-the-go charging, so you can track fitness, use Apple Pay, and receive updates. The included micro USB cable in this Belkin AW Power Pack 2200 allows for easy connection to a wall charger.
Customer Rating
5
Perfect for the business traveler!
on May 27, 2019
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
from Lebanon, OH
When I got the Apple Watch years ago, the first thing I realized was I had to carry a spare charging cable for it whenever I took a business trip - Plus a separate AC adapter, plus hope that my latest home away from home has enough outlets for the Laptop+iPad+Phone+Watch that all needed charged each night for the next productive day.
This charger solved a huge problem for me. It fully charges the watch about 3 times, so I'm able to take a 4-day business trip with this little guy in the bag all charged up and ready for a week of use! One more thing to carry, but 3 things no longer needed in my bag!
The best part, its only a little bit more expensive than the Apple Watch USB charger that still requires a separate AC adapter and an outlet at your destination! This thing is brilliant!
My only wishes are that it charged via Lightning or Type-C so that my existing Apple cables could top it up while I'm off working.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Stream from up to 50 feet away with this Aluratek BT5 transmitter. The rechargeable design saves you from having to replace the battery for added convenience. This Aluratek BT5 transmitter features Bluetooth compatibility, so connecting to PCs, TVs, MP3 players and a variety of other devices is quick and simple.
Customer Rating
5
Finally a COMPACT Bluetooth Dongle for 2.5mm
on May 27, 2019
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
from Lebanon, OH
This little guy is really useful on a few fronts...
We have several scenarios (my wife helps coach a cheer team, I'm a gadget nerd) where we need access to wireless speakers from an analog device that doesn't have Bluetooth (CD players, etc)... Finally there's a device that isn't HUGE that lets us carry it with the player or to games at stadiums/arenas where hauling a bulky adapter is less convenient. This BT dongle has been so useful to us!
The best part for my wife, in situations where a phone can't dual-pair to multiple BT speakers at once, this little guy gets charged the night before, and works for several hours of streaming to pairs of wireless speakers, and even comes with RCA stereo analog for those odd stereo hookups at certain venues.
Awesome little device that almost no one realizes they might need!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
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.
Customer Rating
5
Belkin solved everything wrong with Qi charging!
on May 27, 2019
Posted by: GadgetGuy1981
from Lebanon, OH
I have a confession to make. I didn't use this charging stand myself. My wife stole it from me when it arrived.
We purchased iPhone X's last year and it was her first phone with Wireless (Qi) charging. I bought her an earlier Belkin wireless charging base for it, but consistently she'd wake up in the morning to a dead phone or an undercharged phone because she was not setting the phone properly on the mat at night.
In comes the new 10W Charging Stand! Not only does it allow her the ability to set the phone upright, it ensures charging alignment with its base design. Also we moved her from 7W to 10W changing and her phone charging issues are in the past! The fast charging usually charges her fully even on short nights, and the base allows perfect alignment every time.
Now I'm off to get a second one - For me this time!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
GadgetGuy1981's Review Comments
GadgetGuy1981 has not submitted comments on any reviews.
GadgetGuy1981's Questions
GadgetGuy1981 has not submitted any questions.
Turn your tablet into a laptop with this Logitech Smart Connect keyboard for iPad Pro. Skip the Bluetooth pairing, and simply set your iPad Pro in typing position to set up instant pairing with the keyboard. Backlit for easy viewing, this Logitech Smart Connect keyboard offers a full 9-inch QWERTY setup, so you can work or correspond wherever you are.
Can the keyboard be removed from the case and does logi make a replacement case. My case cracked and needs to be replaced but keyboard is still in good working order
They are only sold as a single unit. I believe if the case breaks then the entire unit needs to be replaced. Its NOT a modular or user-serviceable item.
7 years ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
Create a reliable internet connection throughout your home with this Google Wi-Fi system. The convenient package of three connectivity points effortlessly covers even large homes up to 4,500 square feet. This Google Wi-Fi system eliminates uneven bandwidth usage among multiple devices, including cellphones and tablets, for an unimpeded connection that doesn't lag behind.
Have Netgear N900 modem-router-wifi device. What do I have to do to connect Google Wifi network? Will Genie still provide a network map?
Disable WiFi on the Netgear. Genie will still show a map of devices including the mesh APs, but will not necessarily show them by node. The Google App however will.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
Create a reliable internet connection throughout your home with this Google Wi-Fi system. The convenient package of three connectivity points effortlessly covers even large homes up to 4,500 square feet. This Google Wi-Fi system eliminates uneven bandwidth usage among multiple devices, including cellphones and tablets, for an unimpeded connection that doesn't lag behind.
I have my own "Router" firewall device that I don't want to change. Can I use the Google Wifi as simply as a smart Wifi grid behind my security device?
Yes! Simply use your router without WiFi turned on and make sure that a single Ethernet connection passes through the router on its way to the Google setup as the only connection to any wireless hotspots.
You may want to put the whole system in Bridge mode when doing it this way but in doing so you'll lose priority device mode and some of the parental controls.
You may want to put the whole system in Bridge mode when doing it this way but in doing so you'll lose priority device mode and some of the parental controls.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
Create a reliable internet connection throughout your home with this Google Wi-Fi system. The convenient package of three connectivity points effortlessly covers even large homes up to 4,500 square feet. This Google Wi-Fi system eliminates uneven bandwidth usage among multiple devices, including cellphones and tablets, for an unimpeded connection that doesn't lag behind.
Is this compatible with FiOS?
As long as the FiOS modem isn't also a wifi router, or you can disable wifi and just have the modem output via Ethernet you'll be good.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
What speakers are available for my Dell desktop Optiplex 380?
Your OptiPlex 380 has both 2.5mm audio jack and USB ports so just about any standard speaker set would work and even some advanced USB speakers would if you have a free USB port.
To see if your computer can support 2.1 or 5.1 audio natively, check to see if you have blue, green, and tan audio jacks in the back. If you do, you've got enough ports to install 5.1 surround. If only 1 audio out is back there (usually green or black colored) then you'll want to get a 2-speaker or 2.1 (two speaker and integrated wired subwoofer) system.
My advice for a simple desk setup would be to get something like these Logitech sets and just run the two speakers unless you demand floor-shaking bass.
To see if your computer can support 2.1 or 5.1 audio natively, check to see if you have blue, green, and tan audio jacks in the back. If you do, you've got enough ports to install 5.1 surround. If only 1 audio out is back there (usually green or black colored) then you'll want to get a 2-speaker or 2.1 (two speaker and integrated wired subwoofer) system.
My advice for a simple desk setup would be to get something like these Logitech sets and just run the two speakers unless you demand floor-shaking bass.
8 years ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
Subwoofer? Compatible Speakers
I have an older subwoofer I had with a previous computer. The speakers I have on my new one don't have a place to plug the subwoofer in. What kind of speakers should I get to be able to use this?
Only a set designed for a "2.1" or higher channels will support your sub. Most 2.1/5.1/7.1 systems will come with their own, newer subwoofer.
8 years ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
Connect with family and friends on this Dell Inspiron laptop computer, and clearly connect with the wide 13.3-inch screen and integrated webcam. Touchscreen capabilities provide the function of a tablet, while a full backlit keyboard lets you type all day and night. This Dell Inspiron laptop features Windows 10 Home for easy loading and running of software and apps.
Does something similar come in 15.6? Why do no Dell's have DVD/CD drives? What are my options if I need it?
There is a similar "flip hinged" 15" model available (I believe it's called the Inspiron 15 7000 Series 2-in-1, but I'm unsure of the specific model/SKU).
Most PCs are forgoing optical/CD/DVD drives in contemporary years as the demand for these drives has reduced greatly. While many desktop PCs (who have also seen a demand decline) still include them, removing them from laptops was a key element in getting these devices to be thinner/lighter, longer lasting on a single charge, etc. If you think about it, when is the last time you burned a CD or DVD and transferred files that way. With today's cloud storage and send services and with the low cost of thumb drives, home made DVDs/CDs quickly obsoleted.
As far as commercial discs, music has for a long time been more about streaming and online purchases from iTunes/Google Play/Spotify/Pandora/etc... Movies have largely gone the same way with Google Play/iTunes Movies/Netflix/Hulu.
I'm not saying that we don't all have discs we need to play/copy/install here and there, but for the most part, they aren't a primary medium anymore so the trade off for space and battery capacity drove them out of mobile devices.
You might be saying: "I don't care where the lemmings are going! I want my MTV, DVD and CD! I'm still angry about losing the tape deck in my new car!" For you my friend, I recommend one of the offered external USB DVD/Blu-Ray drives available at BestBuy which would allow you access to your optical collection without having to keep a drive attached for the 90% of the times you don't need one.
Most PCs are forgoing optical/CD/DVD drives in contemporary years as the demand for these drives has reduced greatly. While many desktop PCs (who have also seen a demand decline) still include them, removing them from laptops was a key element in getting these devices to be thinner/lighter, longer lasting on a single charge, etc. If you think about it, when is the last time you burned a CD or DVD and transferred files that way. With today's cloud storage and send services and with the low cost of thumb drives, home made DVDs/CDs quickly obsoleted.
As far as commercial discs, music has for a long time been more about streaming and online purchases from iTunes/Google Play/Spotify/Pandora/etc... Movies have largely gone the same way with Google Play/iTunes Movies/Netflix/Hulu.
I'm not saying that we don't all have discs we need to play/copy/install here and there, but for the most part, they aren't a primary medium anymore so the trade off for space and battery capacity drove them out of mobile devices.
You might be saying: "I don't care where the lemmings are going! I want my MTV, DVD and CD! I'm still angry about losing the tape deck in my new car!" For you my friend, I recommend one of the offered external USB DVD/Blu-Ray drives available at BestBuy which would allow you access to your optical collection without having to keep a drive attached for the 90% of the times you don't need one.
8 years ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
Acer Chromebook: Stay connected when on the go with this 14-inch Acer Chromebook. Dual-band MIMO technology provides ultrafast wireless speeds ideal for streaming or downloading, and an HDR webcam lets you video chat effortlessly. This Acer Chromebook has an antiglare screen and Full HD resolution for optimal viewing, and its 12-hour battery life increases productivity.
Can you download Microsoft office onto this? I want to use this for school so I need to be able to use word and PowerPoint.
You cannot install typical Microsoft Office apps on this device, as it runs ChromeOS. You can however edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint files using the included Google Apps (Docs,Sheets,Slides) that are FREE apps on the Chrome Web Store and are compatible with most/all files from Office proper...
Also, Microsoft makes web-based versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint that are also in the Chrome Web Store and these would better support existing files but these have some limits to their functionality, and I believe full usage requires an active Office365 account/subscription.
I hope this helps! Sorry it's not a yes/no answer. YOU HAVE OPTIONS!
Also, Microsoft makes web-based versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint that are also in the Chrome Web Store and these would better support existing files but these have some limits to their functionality, and I believe full usage requires an active Office365 account/subscription.
I hope this helps! Sorry it's not a yes/no answer. YOU HAVE OPTIONS!
8 years ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
I need advice on what camera to buy her
My wife is a very fine artist I would like to buy a digital camera for her she does most of her paintingon location. She says she needs a digital camera with a zoom lens plus one that would take portraits and the best quality pictures for her work ,she speaks of a Digital SLR with at least
a 12.o pixel ? what do you recommend I buy her. I have a limited budget of between $ 750.00
and a $1000.00 dollars and I need some professional advice.
Thank you
Wm Bertsche
.
a 12.o pixel ? what do you recommend I buy her. I have a limited budget of between $ 750.00
and a $1000.00 dollars and I need some professional advice.
Thank you
Wm Bertsche
.
I have photographed many paintings for customers that needed a digital gallery with my Sony Alpha A33 DSLR/SLT.
14.2 megapixels, great zoom lens options, and noise reduction and light sensitivity settings that allow for accurate color capture in gallery light settings.
You're looking at 799-999 for a decent package with at least one zoom lens, but I would recommend the 18-55 kit lens with the body, and the additional 55-200 lens that Best Buy carries for longer zoom. Also, for portraits, I recommend a "brighter aperture" lens, such as the SAL50F18 50mm F1.8 portrait lens, which gives fantastic low-light performance at low ISOs, for maximum detail and clarity.
For the body and all three lenses, you're likely looking at 900-1100... Shop around, but Best Buy carries all of it and their photo guys do great bundles with warranties.
14.2 megapixels, great zoom lens options, and noise reduction and light sensitivity settings that allow for accurate color capture in gallery light settings.
You're looking at 799-999 for a decent package with at least one zoom lens, but I would recommend the 18-55 kit lens with the body, and the additional 55-200 lens that Best Buy carries for longer zoom. Also, for portraits, I recommend a "brighter aperture" lens, such as the SAL50F18 50mm F1.8 portrait lens, which gives fantastic low-light performance at low ISOs, for maximum detail and clarity.
For the body and all three lenses, you're likely looking at 900-1100... Shop around, but Best Buy carries all of it and their photo guys do great bundles with warranties.
13 years, 5 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
Cincinnati, OH
Can a 35mm film camera lens be used on a digital SLR camera
I have a Cannon EOS Rebel and would like to purchase an SLR camera. If the lenses I have for the EOS Rebel will work on a SLR I would like to purchase that camera
The Canon EOS Digital Rebels will use the EOS lenses, with few exceptions, if i recall.
The difference is, that the EOS Digital Rebel's like the XS, or XSi, have smaller APS-sized sensors, vs. the focal design of the 35MM film counterparts.
This will mean a different focal range for the digital camera using the lens. It may also mean varying aperture performance, considering that less exposed area is resulting in an exposure on the sensor, than what was being exposed to the film, and the depth dimension of the digital camera will be different than it's film predecessor.
It may just take some experimentation to determine which lenses work best for digital. Its best to get Digital EOS lenses for work with Digital cameras, but many pro photographers interchange lenses to this day between their 35mm film and digital cameras. Your mileage may vary.
The difference is, that the EOS Digital Rebel's like the XS, or XSi, have smaller APS-sized sensors, vs. the focal design of the 35MM film counterparts.
This will mean a different focal range for the digital camera using the lens. It may also mean varying aperture performance, considering that less exposed area is resulting in an exposure on the sensor, than what was being exposed to the film, and the depth dimension of the digital camera will be different than it's film predecessor.
It may just take some experimentation to determine which lenses work best for digital. Its best to get Digital EOS lenses for work with Digital cameras, but many pro photographers interchange lenses to this day between their 35mm film and digital cameras. Your mileage may vary.
13 years, 5 months ago
by
GadgetGuy1981
Cincinnati, OH