Capshroud's stats
- Review count121
- Helpfulness votes592
- First reviewJanuary 20, 2014
- Last reviewApril 6, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.2
- Review comment count2
- Helpfulness votes15
- First review commentAugust 11, 2016
- Last review commentAugust 11, 2016
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Questions
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- First questionNone
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- Answer count26
- Helpfulness votes47
- First answerAugust 4, 2016
- Last answerOctober 22, 2021
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- Best answers5
The new Denon Home 350 plays all your music wirelessly with the great sound you expect from Denon. Enjoy your music in any room of your house, and group other products with HEOS Built-in such as AV receivers, Hi-Fi systems, sound bars and speakers to fill your whole home with music. With a dynamic tweeter and powerful mid-bass driver, enjoy accurate, room-filling sound, without sacrificing the space needed for a full Hi-Fi system. Play music from your favorite online streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music HD, Pandora, TIDAL and more, or play music stored on your phone or network via Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 or Bluetooth.
Posted by: Capshroud
from Lawrence
Without a doubt, the Denon 350 has astounding sound that can fill a large room or be at home in a modest area. There is a setting for placement … open area, against a wall, or in a corner … and it shapes the sound to maintain stereo separation and presence. One thing to note, to really hear what it can do, you must use a high-quality stream or source. You will hear all the nuances and dynamic range of good audio, but you will also find how poor a lot of standard streaming music is. If you feel the Home 350 lacks punch, bass, or clarity, it’s your source. If you are going to invest the money in this speaker, you need to invest in a paid version of the better steaming apps which provides low compression HI-FI sound. Period! You will find the difference amazing.
The build quality is also top-notch. This a heavy speaker, and it comes well packaged. The setup process uses the HEOS app which isn’t yet the quality of the hardware. The app finds the speaker, connects it to your WIFI, and is a direct interface to a long list of streaming services. My speaker immediately needed two, back-to-back firmware updates, and you need to be patient since they take a while. The app also allows control of multiple devices and full home integration. Multiple speakers can function alone and play different sources. They can be paired to play the same source, or they can be set up as left and right channels. Having only one HEOS device, I have not been able to test these features. I found the app less than intuitive, and I suggest you go online and reference the full user guide at https://manuals.denon.com/DenonHome350/EU/EN/index.php
The top of this understated but handsome unit has capacitive buttons that only light up when your hand is in close proximity. They include volume, pause/play, and six programable presets that will directly start a source playing without using the app. The HEOS system can stream without needing an external device once those are set up and logged on through the app. As a tip, go into settings on the app (Settings – My Devices – “your device name” – Touch Controls) and set the Fad Out Display up. Mine was switching off too quickly to use the buttons, and they are invisible when off. The Home 350 also can pair directly through Bluetooth. If you use your device to stream, keep in mind that it needs to have Bluetooth 5 and high-end current codecs to stream low compression music. It also has an auxiliary in and a USB port to connect directly. If your WIFI isn’t up to the streaming demands of HIFI music, there’s an ethernet port for a wired internet connection. And as you might guess, it’s can work with Siri and Alexa for voice control.
Once you get things set up, you will be rewarded with world-class sound. I have other wireless speakers which I thought were pretty good, but they pale next to the Denon Home 350.
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Designed for a life with less cleaning, the DustMagnet 5410i air purifier catches 99% of airborne dust before it settles on floors and surfaces. Independently tested for performance as part of the AHAM Verifide Program for room air cleaners, for a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 244 cfm for fine smoke particles, 265 cfm for pollen particles, and 266 cfm for dust particles. Recommended for medium rooms like a master bedroom, living room, or playroom, the 5410i model completely filters room air about every 12.58 minutes (approx. 4.8x an hour at 380 ft) on the highest speed. Patent-pending DustMagnet technology powerfully attracts airborne dust particles like a magnet. Two air intake points and a unique airflow pattern create a vortex effect in the room to capture dust before it settles. A stream of negatively charged particles clusters airborne dust particles, making them easier to capture. Once inside the air purifier, the particles stick to the positively charged pre-filters like a magnet. Equipped with HEPASilent filtration technology to kill germs and effectively trap 99.97% of airborne particles like allergens, dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, bacteria, and viruses down to 0.1 microns. Additionally, activated carbon is integrated throughout the filters to absorb gases and household odors from cooking, smoke, and pets. DustMagnet delivers more clean air using less energy and less noise, quietly cleaning the air with less noise than a whisper (31 dB) on low and up to a normal conversation (50 dB) on high – while using about as much energy as a light bulb (42 watts) on high. Air purifier not tested against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Designed to blend into your home like a great looking piece of Scandinavian-style furniture, the dual-use design features a convenient top surface to double as a side table and air purifier. With a design worth showing off, there’s no need to hide your air purifier, place it prominently in the room where it will be most effective. DustMagnet takes a simple approach to smart air quality management with proactive features such as Auto mode, Welcome home, and a five-color LED air quality indicator light. When Auto mode is enabled the air purifier will auto-increase fan speed when the particle sensor measures diminishing air quality conditions (when cooking, vacuuming, etc.) and returns to a lower speed once pollution dissipates. Activate the Welcome home feature (available March 2021) via the Blueair app and your air purifier will go into standby mode when you leave the house and turn back on as you approach home, reducing airborne dust for when you arrive. The Wi-Fi-enabled air purifier also allows you to control settings from almost anywhere with the Blueair app and voice-control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant-enabled devices. Includes one set of combination particle and carbon filters with a maximum of 1-year filter life and two permanent stainless-steel pre-filters. DustMagnet proactively monitors filter use and pollution levels in real-time to accurately determine when you need a filter change. When it's time for a replacement, the Blueair app sends an alert with an option to order filters at the touch of a button. For optimal performance, we recommend cleaning the pre-filters with a vacuum or cloth weekly, or as often as needed. Replace the combination particle and carbon filters when the filter light indicates a filter change is necessary (roughly 6-12 months of 24/7 use based on pollution levels). At Blueair, our Swedish heritage inspires sustainability and quality at the heart of everything we do.
Customer Rating
4
Quality build, good performance, poor support
on March 13, 2021
Posted by: Capshroud
from Lawrence
The Dustmagnet is very well made and nicely boxed packaged to arrive in good condition. Kudos for not using any Styrofoam! The design of the Dustmagnet is on the postmodern or retro side, so depending on your taste, you may like it or prefer one of their more basic appearing products. Once running in automatic mode, it’s very quiet unless it senses pollutants in the air, and then it will increase the fan speed to clean things up. The front status light color indicates your current air quality. There are also manual fan speed controls and a night mode which turns off the LED lights and holds the speed at a whisper-quiet level.
The app geolocates your house to show and graph the outside air quality. Switch to device control and the inside air quality is graphed along with outdoor. The app provides full control of the unit’s fan modes, adjusts the led light intensity, and monitors filter life. It allows you to schedule different modes and fan speeds for different times of the day. I only have one unit, but it apparently will control multiple Blueair products separately. The app is a bit finicky and sometimes requires a restart to properly show and graph air quality. It does seem somewhat a work in progress.
It appears to do everything it's designed to do and does it well. It gives clean, filtered air and removes a variety of pollutants … particles, gases, and allergens. Various Blueair products are designed for different sized spaces, so you need to choose appropriately. I know that the acute air quality problems that last fall’s wildfires created brought a high demand for Blueair products, and reports are that they did an excellent job of removing smoke particulates. I’ll know more about its ability to remove allergens as Spring arrives. I haven’t found any listing for replacement filters yet, but if the cost is similar to their other filters, they probably will be pricey.
Although I now have a fully functioning unit, it was an effort to get there. The first one would not link to my WIFI to use the app. I tried every troubleshooting method listed on their website to no avail and then contacted support. That was perhaps the worse support experience I have had. After multiple attempts, disconnects, callbacks, and conflicting responses, I finally reached someone other than their obviously out-sourced support. After a helpful and knowledgeable discussion, a new unit was on its way. That unit immediately connected and worked without any problems. This experience brought my rating down.
I would recommend it with the qualifications mentioned.
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With powerful 40mm drivers and exceptional acoustics, Hesh Evo features audio quality that has been refined over four generations of constant improvement. The clear, rich sound rivals the most expensive headphones out there — at a price that’s surprisingly affordable.
Customer Rating
4
Great everyday headphones
on January 22, 2021
Posted by: Capshroud
from Lawrence
I have a high-end pair of Skullcrusher headphones that have active NR and can be tuned to rattle your head with aggressive bass if you wish. These are something different. They are straightforward, simple, wireless headphones with good sound. There is no app, no sound shaping, no tricks, just decent neutral sound at a good price for true wireless phones.
The build is mostly plastic, but the quality is more than you might expect at the price point. The controls are simple, and the pairing was easy. There’s a headphone jack if you want to connect to a device without using Bluetooth and a cable included. There’s also a USB C charging cable and carrying bag. You provide the power source, but any USB block or computer will do. Charging is quick, and a full charge lasts over 30 hours. It’s good to see USB C used for charging on a price point item. As with most Bluetooth ear and headphones, you can control playback tracks and answer your phone.
As stated, the sound quality is quite nice and neutral. Solid, not thundering bass which is nicely balanced with the midrange and highs. There is no app to load because there are no adjustable parameters. If you must fool with the sound, you can load and use an equalizer on the source device. The earpads are well-padded and comfortable and are large enough to fit over my ears, but not by much, and they do a fair job of blocking ambient sound.
The Hesh Evo’s are a great choice for casual listening and everyday use with your phone or tablet. They don’t have active noise reduction or the sound and adjustment of $400-500 headphones, but you’re not paying for those features. However, their sound is better than many if not most in this price range. I think they hit a good balance between price, features, and quality. What they do, they do quite well, and I would recommend them to anyone not needing those expensive features.
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The Soundcore by Anker Flare 2 wireless portable speaker provides a 360° immersive audio/visual experience and enhances the atmosphere of any gathering. When you want a deeper bass for your party, the Flare 2 portable speaker is the best choice with its BassUp technology. The custom-designed DSP chip and dual bass radiators deliver 100% more bass than ordinary portable Bluetooth speakers. It doesn't stop there, this party speaker is IPX7 Waterproof, so your party stays rocking no matter the weather. Even a full submersion in water will not harm the Flare 2 Bluetooth speaker.
Posted by: Capshroud
from Lawrence
There are plenty of Bluetooth speakers out there, and for the most part, there are greatly indistinguishable. The Flare 2 has a few unique features which set it apart. It’s definitely flashy. Both the top and bottom rings can pulse with your music for a mini light show. There are several switchable variations including off. It’s waterproof making it good for outdoor and pool use. And, up to 100 of these guys can be synced to play in unison.
Soundcore is a division of Anker which is best known for its quality chargers and power banks. This speaker follows that standard with a good, solid build quality. The sound is not that of the big-name products that cost five to ten times as much, but it’s pretty decent and can play at a high volume with minimal distortion. It pairs easily, and there’s a bass boost mode which most will probably leave turned on. There are buttons on the top for power, volume, light control, and “multi-function” (play/pause, track advance, and phone answer/end). The side has the bass boost and Bluetooth control. Under a watertight flap, you’ll find the USB C charger port. A cable is supplied, but you need to provide your power source … maybe an Anker charger?
Soundcore has an app that you don’t need for everyday use. It offers is equalization, light mode control, and firmware updates. Depending on the sound features your mobile device offers, it may or may not be something you wish to keep on your phone.
This speaker exceeded my expectations. At the regular price, it’s a good deal, but on sale, it’s a super bargain. It performs well above its price, and your kids will love the lights. Maybe you as well.
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Go Epic! Enjoy an epic viewing experience with the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 Smart Streaming Laser Projector. Whether you’re binge-watching your favorite TV shows or hosting an outdoor movie night, the portable Epson EpiqVision EF12 Streaming Laser Projector makes it easy to stream bright images from virtually anywhere in your home, even outside. Featuring built-in Android TV and wireless connectivity, the Epson EpiqVision EF12 Streaming Laser Projector gives you seamless access to popular streaming services including Hulu, HBO and YouTube, right out of the box. Simply power on the projector and start streaming your favorite content up to an epic 150" – no screen required. Epson has partnered with Yamaha to create a unique audio experience unlike anything it its class. Developed exclusively for the Epson EpiqVision EF12 Streaming Laser Projector, Yamaha’s leading Acoustic Engineers designed a unique sound system to deliver a true audiophile performance. Designed within a custom 3D Acoustic Enclosure, two high-end Yamaha drivers are powered by a discrete amplifier and tuned, using Yamaha’s latest AudioEngine™ DSP technology to produce an impressive, wide sound stage that rivals dedicated higher-end audio systems and soundbars.
Customer Rating
5
Great small and portable projector
on November 29, 2020
Posted by: Capshroud
from Lawrence
This is a very compact and high-performance projector with very few drawbacks. It’s a little brown cube that’s approximately 7” x 7” by 5” tall. Out of that small package, it can project an image up to 150” diagonally and provides very good sound quality with its built-in Yamaha sound system.
The build quality is excellent, and it’s packed with a lot of use and convenience features. As an Android TV device, you can stream content through a WIFI connection. Also, it is Chromecast enabled allowing streaming from a variety of mobile or computer sources. There are two HDMI connections, one of which is ARC enabled allowing connection to a soundbar or surround sound system. You can also connect a sound source via Bluetooth and use it as a speaker. There’s automatic keystone correction which gives you a squared up image without any manual adjustment needed. The remote pairs by Bluetooth eliminating any line of slight requirement. The laser-driven LCD projection is clear and sharp. It will accept 4K input, but the projected resolution is 1080 HD, not 4K.
The only drawback due to its diminutive size is a light output of only 1000 lumens. With a modest-sized image, it’s enough in a low ambient light environment, but don’t expect too much if you have lots of windows and it’s a sunny day. That’s what 3000-5000 lumen projectors are for. If you want to project a 100” plus or size imager, it needs to be in a low light or night setting.
I would call this a personal projector, and it’s certainly portable. I think it would have been a great addition if Epson included a carrying case or padded travel bag. It’s not intended to be the center of a large media room, but it would be easy to carry outside and use on the patio at night. It may be just the thing in this age of socially distancing and staying outdoors since it’s perfect for casting your digital pictures or streaming a movie for the kids.
The bottom line is that this little fellow does everything it was designed to do and does it very well. The Android TV interface makes it friendly, modern, and convenient. The sound is quite good which avoids the need of setting up a separate speaker system for typical TV and movie use. As long as you’re not expecting 4K, high-intensity output, and booming bass, you’ll be very happy. There’s a lot for the money, and it comes in a small, easy to carry package.
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Bring your Astro dreams to life with the Hover-1 Astro Hoverboard. This exciting rideable is an all-out color experience. Available in three different finishes, the LED lights along the wheels, the board and the foot pads will shine bright during your entire ride. The vibrant RGB color scheme will bring your board to life. Bright, bold, and beautiful, Astro brings out our love for color with every mile you ride. Loaded with a massive 400W motor that lets you hit speeds of up to 7mph, you can cruise for up to 6 miles on a single charge. The purchaser and rider of this product are responsible for knowing and obeying all state and local regulations regarding the use of this product, including whether licensing is required and the rules concerning where it may be operated. It is highly encouraged that you read and follow the product instructions including all safety precautions and use protective gear.
Posted by: Capshroud
from Lawrence
This hoverboard’s big claim to fame is the lights, and it sure has plenty. They are everywhere including the wheels, making the Astro a rolling light show. Otherwise, it’s a pretty typical board in the mid to upper price range. It seems solid and well built, and it weighs close to twenty pounds. Everything you see and touch is plastic, but it takes a sizeable battery to go the six-mile distance it’s rated between charges.
The lights are controlled by a phone app allowing you to pick colors and a variety of flashing patterns. However, I found the app to be a real weakness. It was finicky to pair, and I found it hit and miss when controlling and changing the light show. Yes, it also adjusts some other functions and shows your speed … assuming you want to be fiddling with your phone while riding.
Here comes the disclaimer. There’s a reason that the first page in the manual starts with the warning that “HELMETS SAVE LIVES”. It’s not made to use off-road on soft ground. It’s intended for smooth, hard surfaces, and some falls are pretty much inevitable while learning. I also suggest that wearing knee and elbow pads is a really good idea. Don’t ask me how I came to this conclusion.
The bottom line is that most young people will love this thing. It’s flashy, literally. They’ll catch on quickly and have fun. Plus, they bounce better. Just be aware that there are precautions to take. I would have rated it four stars except for the app problems. Why pay extra for fancy lights if you can't control them.
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No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Shure AONIC 50 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones - Black
Customer Rating
5
Excellent and priced accordingly
on November 2, 2020
Posted by: Capshroud
from Lawrence
Shure has been a well-known name in studio audio equipment for years, particularly microphones and headphones. They have moved into the pro-consumer market as well and have several headphones, but I believe the AONIC50 is their first venture into the wireless, noise-canceling market. They certainly entered it in a big way. These high-end and high-priced phones are poised to give Bose and Sony’s best a run for it.
At $400 they are priced at the top end of the market, and what do you get for all that money? You get first-class build quality and appearance, studio-quality balanced and purposely neutral sound, and up to 20 hours of battery life between charges. They are large, but the heavily padded leather ear cups make them very comfortable. They also have state of the art high-speed, high-definition audio processing and codecs. The processing is internal not app-driven meaning whether connected by Bluetooth, USB or analog cable, the sound will be as good as the source with no lag or latency. The noise-canceling ability is impressive as well, and it is switchable. Noise-canceling always has some effect on sound quality, so to get the absolute best sound … turn it off. There are two levels of reduction selected within the app. The normal level is quite adequate for general use with little coloring or loss. On high, there is some compromise, so I would reserve that mode for planes, trains, and automobiles where you really need it. With noise-canceling off, you can choose whether to allow ambient sound through and if so, how much of the outside world you wish to hear. There is a switch to change modes which makes it quick and easy with no need to open an app. Besides an on/off pairing button, there are the typical buttons for volume up, volume down, track switching, voice assistant, and phone control. As a minor complaint, I found the subtlety raised buttons a bit hard to find by touch at first.
The amount of noise reduction and ambient sound pass-through is controlled by the Shure Play app. It shows the mode the phones are in, the level of charge, and lets you adjust the “Environmental Level” which is the amount of ambient sound passed through. The app has a couple of other features. It’s where you check and update the firmware, and there’s a built-in music player with an equalizer. It will only playback and equalize cuts that are located on your device. However, if they are high-definition and you have Bluetooth 5, you will get the full impact and quality of uncompressed, high-def audio.
The sound quality is excellent. It’s full range, clean, neutral, and true to the source. As mentioned, the equalizer only works with the in-app player, so if you want to kick the sound around, you may need an add-on app. These headphones are about true, clean, uncolored sound, and they do not need any help to provide that. They are not trying to be Skull Crushers with thundering bass, and if that’s your thing, I would suggest you look elsewhere. If you want a high-quality build, look, feel, and sound with excellent noise reduction, these are among the top choices. Listen and decide.
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Dial into great sound for your desktop with Z407 Bluetooth computer speakers. Get immersive sound with a down-firing woofer that adds “boom” to your sound, and digital signal processing that keeps clarity across the sound spectrum. Stylish oval satellite speakers lay horizontally or vertically. Position them however you like to curate your space. Control it all with the Bluetooth-enabled wireless control dial. Adjust bass and volume, skip and pause tracks, from up to 20-meter line of sight range. Connect with Bluetooth, micro USB, or 3.5 mm inputs.
Posted by: Capshroud
from Lawrence
Logitech seems to be on a roll these days with one after another great product. Their newest Bluetooth enabled computer speakers, the Z407, is another hit. No, these aren’t the world’s leader in high-end sound, but at $80, they are an amazing value in a 2.1 system. They are good enough that I have retired my trusty older Altec Lansing speakers. All that said, what are the pluses and minuses?
They have a nice slightly understated look. The sub-woofer is much smaller than you would expect for the sound it can produce. The right and left speakers have stands that can be switched to use them vertically or horizontally giving versatility in placement. Even though they are light plastic enclosures with just a single driver, they do the job with amazing presence, and they are perfectly matched to the woofer. The real extra is that they can be connected by Bluetooth, USB, or to your headphone or speaker jack. The wireless little control puck controls volume in all modes. Pressing it controls track forward, track back and pause when connected via Bluetooth or USB. There are buttons on the bottom to switch inputs and pair Bluetooth devices. Additionally, a long press puts it in bass volume control mode. The multiple connections and switching make these guys very versatile, and it’s one of the big pluses. The only drawback I found was a lot of latency when using a Bluetooth connection with a computer, but that that’s a Windows issue. Most phones use better codecs and latency isn’t a problem. Because of this, I ended up preferring the USB connection with my computer.
The sound is very good. I did a switch back and forth comparison with my Altec speakers. Although the Altec woofer at twice the size had a little more thunder, the Logitech was tighter and didn’t muddle the mid and high range. The real difference was the excellent clarity and presence of the right and left speakers. While this system isn’t built to fill a concert hall, it has plenty of power. It’s a great match for computers and modest-sized rooms. Considering how various music tracks and sources can vary significantly in volume, I found the little wireless control puck a real plus by letting you quickly make adjustments or pause playback.
I like these speakers, and they now have a permanent place on my desk. I don’t know of anything on the market that comes close for the price. Highly recommended.
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Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
Posted by: Capshroud
from Lawrence
This most certainly is an interesting little guy. There’s plenty to like, and perhaps a miss or two as well. I said little guy because that’s the first impression you have with the Surface Laptop Go. This thing is tiny, very light, and has the excellent build quality expected of Surface products. The lid and key base are aluminum, and the bottom is a reinforced plastic. It’s smooth and feels very solid. The full-sized keyboard has a very good touch, and the large trackpad is smooth and responsive. The only openings in the case are the USB A, USB C, and audio jack on the left, and the ubiquitous Surface Connect port on the right which is also the charging port. The cooling vent is hidden in the hinge and nearly invisible. The appearance is clean, high end, and cool in that understated Surface way. To be fair, I had did have some problems with my first unit, and Microsoft quickly sent a replacement.
All three of the Go laptops use an Intel I5 processor and come with Windows 10 in S mode. If you don’t care for that locked down version of Windows, it can be switched to Windows 10 Home in a matter of seconds, but that is a one-way street … no going back. I have the top configuration with 8 GB of ram, a 256 GB PCIe SSD, and a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello (no face recognition). It’s quite capable of running the full Windows version. The onboard Intel graphics is not built for video transcoding or demanding games. It will handle everything the typical home user might throw its way including streaming video and can be connected to an external high-resolution monitor. With the sparsity of ports, you need an external adaptor to attach a monitor or to read memory cards, etc. However, that’s becoming typical on small lightweight laptops. I ran speed tests with Novabench, and the scope of 1750 overall was much better than the diminutive size might suggest. CPU, memory, and disk speeds were very good with GPU performance as the only weakness. The value-priced base version with only 4 GB of ram and a slower 64 GB drive will be more limited. That unit should be a good match to Windows 10S and do well in the educational and youth market competing with Chromebooks ... while looking much cooler.
There are things that I found lacking at the level and cost of the unit I have. There’s no keyboard illumination. It’s small enough to use on your lap in the evening, but the keyboard is a drawback. Microsoft spoiled me with the high resolution of the Surface Pro, and the GO’s 12.4-inch screen resolution of 1536 x 1024 is a bit low. It’s certainly not a bad screen. The color and brightness are first-rate, and I like the 3 x 2 format with the small screen. At $550 for the base model, it’s probably acceptable. but at $900 for this configuration, I expect more. The battery life is good, but don’t expect the maximum time listed unless you use battery saving mode and don’t do a lot of heavy demand processing. I found that 8 hours seemed more accurate in my use. With its fast SSD, it comes back to life instantly from sleep mode and boots very fast. This isn’t intended to be a primary production machine, and in typical intermittent use, it should more than last the day.
I find that the more I use the Laptop Go, the better I like it. It’s super portable, very fast, has a great keyboard and trackpad. Also, the camera, mics, and speakers are all better than average. All this comes in a very small, eye-catching package.
Although as part of the invitation-only Tech Insiders Network, this product was provided at no cost to me to provide an honest and unbiased review, I can honestly say it’s a product I would recommend to my friends.
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Find a comfortable typing position with this ergonomic Logitech mechanical illuminated corded aluminum keyboard. The linear Cherry MX Red switches offer quiet performance and a smooth, responsive feel, which is ideal for gaming. This Logitech mechanical illuminated corded aluminum keyboard features five lighting selections for enhanced visibility, while the high-quality construction withstands up to 50 million keystrokes.
Customer Rating
5
The more I use it, the better I like it
on October 21, 2020
Posted by: Capshroud
from Lawrence
It takes just a little time to get used to this keyboard. It’s a great keyboard, but most of us are used to the shorter throw cheap keyboards that come with the typical desktop computer. Laptops and portable devices don’t have room for more than membrane keys, and many high-end computers have keyboards designed more for appearance more than function. A mechanical board has a totally different feel and look. The feel is a bit reminiscent of the old, bulletproof IBM keyboards from back when more money was spent on the human interface. Gamers are about the only among us who understand the advantages of mechanical keys. They are nearly indestructible; they are fast, and they give feedback so you know the key has been pressed. And they have a sound to them.
True to a gaming heritage, this keyboard is available with a choice of different switches or keys. You can choose quiet, clicky, in between, and also real Cherry brand switches … for a bit more. That said, this is not designed primarily for gamers. There is no programming, no software suite with special drivers, and no exotic RGB lights. Yes, it’s lighted and has several fixed and motion modes to choose from, but that’s it, and they are only white. You plug it in and use it. That’s all. This is aimed at the serious computer user who spends lots of time at the keyboard and wants accuracy and comfort. Plus, a capable gaming keyboard.
The build quality is very good. It feels like it has been made to last, and the aluminum base is cool in an understated way, and with its raised keys, it makes a definite visual statement sitting on your desk. It’s a full-size keyboard with a Numpad yet fairly compact at 17” x 5”, but it’s heavy enough to stay put. I got the Cherry red keys, and although they are considered smooth switches, there’s a definite click. However, it’s not so loud that in an office environment your associates will think you’ve taken up tap dancing. As it should be for a production or gaming board, the F1-F12 function keys are the default, and the alternate controls are triggered by the Fn key.
If you want a top-notch production keyboard that’s also great for gaming, and a little noise isn’t a problem, this is an excellent choice.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Capshroud's Review Comments
Watch movies or check emails with this Samsung Galaxy Tab A. It has a 10-inch screen for easy viewing, and the octa-core processor keeps up with multitasking or streaming. This Samsung Galaxy Tab A has a battery life of up to 13 hours on one charge for convenient portability and long-lasting use.
Overall
3 out of 5
3 out of 5Mixed - Good for the money
By Capshroud
from Lawrence
There's a lot good about this tablet. It has a lot for the price such as a beautiful high-rez screen, a fast processor, really good battery life, and it comes with Android 6 Marshmallow (more about that).
A minor irritation is that the hardware navigation buttons are not illuminated. In a low light situation, you have to just know where they are.
The biggest weakness is that it only comes with 16 GB of internal memory. It does support SD cards up to 200 GB. However, I found that Samsung has chosen to NOT support adopted memory in their version of Marshmallow. This is true for all Sammy devices. This means you don't have the option of expanding that paltry 16 GB ... half of which is used by the system and Samsung's baked in apps and overlay.
The bottom line is that this is a fine home or kid's tablet, but you shouldn't confuse it with a real working tablet. Perhaps they just didn't want to steal too much thunder from their $400-500 offerings.
I'd almost give this 4 stars and would recommend it with the limitations mentioned.
Capshroud
Lawrence
Apps2SD
August 11, 2016
Yes, you can move some apps to the SD card. That ability has been around for a while, but it's not the same thing as Android 6 adopted memory. It's slower, some apps can be moved but they won't work exactly right ... especially after a reboot. Many still keep a lot of data and cache in internal memory. It's a work around.
+8points
8of 8voted this comment as helpful.
Watch movies or check emails with this Samsung Galaxy Tab A. It has a 10-inch screen for easy viewing, and the octa-core processor keeps up with multitasking or streaming. This Samsung Galaxy Tab A has a battery life of up to 13 hours on one charge for convenient portability and long-lasting use.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Mixed - Good for the money
By Capshroud
from Lawrence
There's a lot good about this tablet. It has a lot for the price such as a beautiful high-rez screen, a fast processor, really good battery life, and it comes with Android 6 Marshmallow (more about that).
A minor irritation is that the hardware navigation buttons are not illuminated. In a low light situation, you have to just know where they are.
The biggest weakness is that it only comes with 16 GB of internal memory. It does support SD cards up to 200 GB. However, I found that Samsung has chosen to NOT support adopted memory in their version of Marshmallow. This is true for all Sammy devices. This means you don't have the option of expanding that paltry 16 GB ... half of which is used by the system and Samsung's baked in apps and overlay.
The bottom line is that this is a fine home or kid's tablet, but you shouldn't confuse it with a real working tablet. Perhaps they just didn't want to steal too much thunder from their $400-500 offerings.
I'd almost give this 4 stars and would recommend it with the limitations mentioned.
Capshroud
Lawrence
Adopted memory
August 11, 2016
Navigator is correct that slow memory can slow the system when using external memory as an extension of internal memory. That's why Android 6 (not Samsung's version) gives you the choice of using the SD card as adopted or portable memory, AND it checks the card's speed and warns if it's too slow to work well. This slow down also happens when moving apps to the card as described by other users.
As I said in my review, this is still a very good tablet. It's probably the best out there for the money. It just didn't meet my needs.
+7points
7of 7voted this comment as helpful.
Capshroud's Questions
Capshroud has not submitted any questions.
Until now, streaming devices forced you to use each of your apps individually – creating browsing headaches and disconnected watch lists. TiVo Stream 4K is the first to help you find what you want to watch–across your favorite apps–without needing to switch between platforms and navigate different screens. Recommendations from your apps are combined, giving you all your options in one place. And with direct integration with Sling , your live entertainment has a home alongside your streaming shows and movies. From beginning to end, from binge to browse, TiVo Stream 4K delivers an amazing Android TV streaming media player experience. A voice control remote with the power of Google Assistant lets you find movies, check scores, dim the lights and so much more, all with your voice. With Chromecast built-in, you can easily cast movies, music, and more to your TV from your mobile devices. Google Play integration gives you access to a world of movies, shows, games, and over 5,000 apps. Plus, with 4K UHD, Dolby Vision HDR, and Dolby Atmos compatibility, you can enjoy cinematic-quality viewing from the comfort of your couch. The company that invented the DVR just simplified streaming. Less scrolling, more watching. Availability of streaming content from third-party sources is subject to change and certain third-party fees may apply. Streaming apps may not be available in all regions. Broadband internet connection is required to access and receive streaming and live TV content.
Can this record live tv ? And can I watch another channel while it is recording ?
This is just a streaming device like Ruku or Fire Stick. It has no recording or other functions.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
Capshroud
Elevate your entertaining experience with immersive 3D sound. The power of Samsung sound bar Q600A makes surround soundbar comes to life with speakers that fire from front, side and above.
Hi. Does the Samsung HW-Q600A have eArC? Thanks.
No just ARC. Starting with the Q700A and on up they have eARC
2 years, 10 months ago
by
Capshroud
Elevate your entertaining experience with immersive 3D sound. The power of Samsung sound bar Q600A makes surround soundbar comes to life with speakers that fire from front, side and above.
Which 2021 rear speakers match the HW Q600A best? Purchased the sound bar and ready for the rear speakers. Thanks Darren
The Samsung SWA-9100s rear speakers are the match.
2 years, 10 months ago
by
Capshroud
Harness your PC's potential with the 980. Whether you need a boost for gaming or a seamless workflow for heavy graphics, the 980 is a smart choice for outstanding SSD performance — and it's all backed by an NVMe* interface and PCIe 3.0 technology.
Is it laptop or desktop compatibility?
It's compatible with any computer that has an M2 drive slot.
3 years ago
by
Capshroud
The HP OfficeJet Pro 8035e delivers increased productivity with fast speeds and custom mobile shortcuts. It includes the optional HP+ Smart Printing System that keeps itself up to date, secure, and ready to print from virtually anywhere at any time. Optional HP+ system requires an HP account, internet connection, and use of only Original HP Ink for the life of the printer.
Will it print and scan Legal size
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
Does this have WiFi and any USB ports?
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
Is the keyboard backlit??
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
Does this laptop have an hdmi port?
No. You'll need an adapter connected to either the USB C or Surface Connect port.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
Capshroud
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
Is this a fast laptop in other words does it lag and how quickly does it turn on? Can you give me some examples as to the speed of the processing of different apps or going into a browser for example? My broadband goes up to 300 megs so it's a fast Wi-Fi.
It's very fast and near the top of its class for the hardware used. I tested it with Novabench and got an overall of 1750. The only weak link is the onboard video which just isn't strong enough for high-end gaming on video processing. It has WIFI 6 and Bluetooth 5, so it will make use of your fast broadband.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
Capshroud
Hear all your games in high-quality sound with this JLab Play wireless gaming headset. With an increased mid to high frequency response and super-low 60 ms latency, this headset is able to deliver clear vocals and enhance spatial awareness without lag. JLab’s Play wireless gaming headset delivers over 22 hours of playtime and compatibility with PCs, consoles and mobile devices to handle every session.
where is the micro phone? can it be used for a call center?
The mic retracts into the right side. As far as using them at a call center, I think they're a bit lightweight for all-day commercial use.
3 years, 9 months ago
by
Capshroud