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TechnicallyWell's Reviews
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5 out of 5
5
Decent, entry-level gaming laptop
on April 25, 2024
Posted by: TechnicallyWell
## Design
The Lenovo LOQ laptop has a stylish but plastic exterior. There are no ports on the left side of the laptop, which I was surprised to find. On the right side, there is a USB-C port (which supports video, but I couldn't get the laptop to charge with my dock), a camera privacy hardware switch, a headphone jack, and a USB-A 3.2 port. On the back, there are two more USB-A 3.2 ports, a full-size HDMI port, and a proprietary power port. The keyboard is backlit with white LEDs. The keyboard even features the brand-new Microsoft Copilot key to the right of the spacebar.
## Display
The display is colorful and has a nice, matte finish that reduces glare. The 144Hz monitor looks great and fluid while gaming. It also has wide viewing angles and can achieve up to 300 nits of brightness, which is fine for indoors, but may not be bright enough to use outside on a sunny day. The laptop also has a full-size HDMI port and supports video over USB-C for compatible docks if you would like to use an external monitor.
## Performance
This Lenovo LOQ laptop is aimed at entry-level gamers, so don't expect top-of-the-line performance. However, it does have some decent specs, with an Intel i5-12450HX processor, 12GB of RAM, and A530M integrated graphics.
The 12th-generation Intel i5-12450HX CPU, while a competent mid-range mobile processor, falls short when stacked against newer chips. With its 8 cores (4 performance and 4 efficiency) and 12 threads, it boasts a respectable clock rate ranging from 2.4 to 4.4 GHz. In addition, the i5-12450HX is about 2 years old now.
This Lenovo LOQ model also includes 12GB of RAM which is ample for Windows 11 (many would say that 8GB of RAM is the bare minimum you would want for Windows 11).
The Intel Arc A530M graphics card, while a decent effort by Intel to enter the dedicated mobile GPU market, falls short in delivering competitive performance. Launched in August 2023, it is a lower-mid-range card designed specifically for laptops. Despite its potential for decent everyday gaming and multimedia tasks, its peak clock speed of 1.3GHz and power draw of 65W means it's not as performant nor energy efficient as many of the GPUs available today. However, it does support some modern features like DirectX 12 Ultimate and hardware-raytracing (light reflections and shadows).
I ran the Cinebench benchmarking tool and it came up with:
- a multi-core score is: 10,250
- a single-core score is: 1,606
I fired up Fortnite to test out the performance of LOQ. After allowing the game to self-configure the graphics, it landed on mostly "medium" and "high" (but not "epic") settings. Performance while playing Fortnite was OK. The frame rate would fluctuate between 40 and 50 FPS, but would sometimes dip into the 30s if there were a lot of players on the screen at once or a new area was rendering. You'll need to remember that this is an entry-level gaming laptop, so you likely won't get console-level performance.
The laptop includes Lenovo's "Vantage" software that allows some hardware tweaks, such as limiting battery charging to 80%, adjusting the camera, setting the thermal mode (between Performance, Balance, Quiet, and Custom mode settings), and setting the GPU working mode. It also allows you to install driver updates and perform hardware diagnostics. The software can be a little spammy at times with its many banner ads advising you to extend the warranty.
I also installed Ubuntu 22.04 on the laptop and was pleased to find that pretty much everything worked out of the box: Wi-Fi, sound, keyboard backlight, display brightness, and I was also able to connect it to my Dell USB-C dock connected to a monitor. I would recommend dual-booting it with Windows because some of the hardware settings are only accessible through the Windows-only Lenovo Advantage software.
## Summary
Overall, while this Lenovo LOQ does not have a top-of-the-line processor nor graphics card, it's aimed for gamers on a budget or someone just getting started with PC gaming. You can expect average performance for gaming. It has plenty of ports and USB-C docking capabilities, so it would be a good machine for students as well, although the large size might make transporting it to and from class somewhat difficult.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience enhanced bass and powerful sound built into a compact package. Equipped with a versatile multi-way strap, it's perfect for on-the-go adventures. With long battery life and water, dust, rust, and shockproof design, enjoy endless hours of good music with your favorite people.
 
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5 out of 5
5
Great sound from a lightweight speaker
on April 19, 2024
Posted by: TechnicallyWell
## Design
The Sony ULT FIELD 1 speaker, with its rugged design, makes for a great outdoor companion. Most of the speaker is covered in a soft, water-resistant fabric while the rest of the exterior is a rubbery plastic to help protect the unit bumps. I was also surprised at how lightweight the speaker is as it only weighs about 1.5 pounds. The lack of weight almost makes it feel cheap (but the sound does not sound cheap at all). The built-in hand strap makes it easy to hang from a tree or from your backpack, although the large size might make it feel awkward if you don't tie it down to prevent it from bouncing around. On the back, you'll find the USB-C charging port covered by a rubber flap. It has an IP67 water, dust, and rust-resistant rating, which would require you to keep the charging flap securely closed to prevent water from getting inside.
Across the top/side of the speaker, you will find the controls: power, Bluetooth, play/pause, volume, and the new ULT button. The ULT lights up purple (or yellow if viewing from the side) when it is active, which enables the bass-boosting function.
## Performance
Sony has focused on bass performance on the UTL FIELD 1 with the dedicated "ULT" button. And I can say that this speaker definitely has bass! As expected, it is not as strong as is found on Sony's larger speakers, but it is more than I was expecting from a speaker this size. It sounds great either on its side or standing upright. Bass is somewhat reduced when it is hanging and not against a solid surface, but it is definitely still there.
The bass is also well balanced so it doesn't overpower the mids and highs. Vocals still come through clearly and they don't sound muddy. Turning off the ULT feature makes the music sound weaker, so you'll likely only want to turn it off if you're listening to spoken content, like a podcast or an audiobook. Sound can be adjusted through Sony's Music Center app with a custom EQ. The app also allows you to check the battery level, and adjust the auto power-off and Bluetooth priority settings.
If you're wondering how many watts this speaker has, you'll likely have to keep wondering. Sony typically doesn't release the exact wattage of their speakers, as it doesn't always correlate to how loud the speaker can get or how well it sounds. I would say it gets loud enough to fill a medium or even large size room, but probably not an auditorium. At around 75% volume (according to my iPhone's volume slide), distortion begins to occur.
I tested some voice recordings with the speaker's built-in microphone and it sounds about how you would expect a speakerphone to sound: a little distant, a little echo-y, but it gets the job done. There is no multipoint connection on this speaker, so you can not connect it two devices simultaneously.
## Battery Life
The speaker can last up to 12 hours on a single charge at around 25% volume. It uses a standard USB-C connection for recharging. As is typical with pretty much everything now, there is no AC adapter included in the box (although a USB-A to USB-C cable is included). You can use the AC adapter from your phone or tablet and it should work fine to charge this speaker.
## Summary
Overall, the Sony ULT FIELD 1 speaker is great for both listening at home or listening outside while camping, tailgating, or celebrating! The bass is nice a boomy and the sound quality is great. The speaker features long battery life and is light enough to carry on your adventures.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience the height of gaming innovation with the ROG Zephyrus G16. Featuring an all-new premium aluminum chassis with customizable lighting, this laptop merges style and durability. Its ultra-slim 0.59” profile and lightweight 4.08lbs 16” chassis redefines portability, but does not compromise on performance. Powered by Windows 11, an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 laptop GPU, the Zephyrus G16 seamlessly aligns with your lifestyle, meeting all your gaming and creative demands. ROG Intelligent Cooling features liquid metal for reduced CPU temperatures and upgraded Arc Flow Fans for improved airflow to sustain peak performance on the Zephyrus G16 no matter the task. Immerse yourself in the OLED Nebula Display and enjoy rapid 0.2ms response times, vivid 2.5K resolution, and a smooth 240Hz refresh rate.
 
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5 out of 5
5
Sleek design, powerful performance
on March 11, 2024
Posted by: TechnicallyWell
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 is ASUS's 2024 line of gaming laptops that not only looks sharp, but also packs some impressive power.
## Design
One of the first things I noticed with this laptop is how thin and compact it is. With its aluminum chassis, you can almost think of it as the MacBook Pro of gaming laptops.
The left side features a proprietary power jack, full-size HDMI, a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port, a USB-A 3.2 port, and an audio jack. The right side has an SD card slot, another USB-A 3.2 port, and a USB-C port with Display Port support.
The laptop has a beautiful 16" OLED that is vibrant and ideal for gaming, with a fast 0.2ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate. OLED monitors can switch pixels on and off faster than LCD monitors, resulting in smoother motion and reduced ghosting and blur. OLED monitors are ideal for gaming and video editing, as they can support these high refresh rates.
A cool (but not very functional) feature is the "Slash Lighting array" on the laptop lid. You can customize the LED animations on the slash, but the LEDs are only a white color (no RGB). Unfortunately, the LEDs face away from you while using the laptop, but others get to enjoy (or be distracted by) them.
The keyboard itself is RGB backlit and comfortable to type in. In addition to the dedicated volume buttons, I like that there is a dedicated mic mute button above the function keys.
## Performance
This particular configuration of the ASUS laptop features an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, 16GB of RAM, and for the GPU, this ASUS ROG laptop has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card.
The U94070 is the lowest-end model in ASUS' ROG Zephyrus G14 lineup of gaming laptops for 2024. While it definitely holds its own in terms of performance, the higher-end models -- U94080 and U94090 -- have higher-spec NVIDIA GeForce RTX cards (4080 and 4090, respectively). The U94080 and U94090 also have a max RAM capacity of 32GB, compared to a max RAM capacity of 16GB in the U94070. The U94090 also has more storage at 2TB compared to 1TB in the U94070 and U94080. The U94080 and U94090 also have better cooling with a custom vapor chamber using dual fans, whereas the U94070 uses a 3-fan system with no vapor chamber.
However, the U94070, U94080, and U94090 have the same Intel processor, OLED display, ports, keyboard, camera, Wi-Fi (6E), battery, and speakers.
Intel’s Core Ultra 9 Series 1 (Meteor Lake) processors are new for 2024 and provide a nice bump up in computing power for laptops. Intel states that some of the notable features of these processors are the enhanced AI capabilities, enabling more intuitive and responsive user experiences. They also continue to make advances in energy efficiency, meaning these processors are designed to optimize battery life without compromising performance. In essence, the Core Ultra 9 Series 1 processors are about smarter computing, better graphics, and longer usage times, making them a solid choice for modern laptop users looking for a balance of power and efficiency.
The NVIDIA GeForce is a mid-range GPU in the RTX 40 series, striking a balance between gaming performance and price. It has 12GB of GDDR6X VRAM. For some background, these are the latest and most powerful graphics cards from NVIDIA, based on the Ada Lovelace architecture. They feature new technologies like DLSS 3 Frame Generation, which can boost performance by up to 2.5 times in some games, and RTX 3.5 Ray Reconstruction, which can enhance the realism of ray tracing (lighting and reflection) effects.
The laptop features 16GB of RAM, which provides ample room for Windows 11. Unfortunately, 16GB is the maximum that this laptop supports. Many would consider 4GB to be the bare minimum for Windows 11, with many recommending 8GB to run Windows 11 comfortably for multitasking. As always, the more memory you have, the more efficiently Windows 11 can run, so 16GB is ample enough for gaming, although 32GB would have been more beneficial for a gaming laptop.
I tested this laptop out with a couple of rounds of Fortnite as the new season (Chapter 5, Season 2) started shortly after receiving this laptop. The game performed very well, reaching an average FPS between 65 and 75. The graphics are sharp and colorful, with animations that are buttery smooth on the OLED display. I let the game auto-set the graphic settings and it selected "High" and "Epic" for most of them. Fan noise can be a bit of an issue as they do get loud while playing games, but wearing headphones negated that issue.
- The Cinebench multi-core score came in at 15,904 points.
- The Cinebench single-core score came in at 1,826 points.
ASUS’ included "MyASUS" application gives you the option to limit battery charging to 80%, which is a nice feature for those who plan to keep the laptop plugged in a majority of the time. You can also temporarily remove the 80% limit for 24 hours in the MyASUS app for when you occasionally want to use the laptop on battery power and want a full charge before you head out.
## Summary
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 is a compact and powerful gaming laptop featuring a 16" OLED display, Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card. Its design is sleek, resembling the MacBook Pro, and includes a variety of ports for connectivity. Unique features include customizable “Slash Lighting array” LED animations and a comfortable RGB backlit keyboard. The laptop is tailored for gamers and content creators, offering a balance of performance and portability, with a notable emphasis on its vibrant display and responsive gaming experience. However, it’s limited to 16GB of RAM and lacks the advanced cooling system found in higher-end models.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Designed for Mac and optimized to work with Apple devices right out of the box, the Crucial X9 Pro for Mac helps you supercharge your creativity. With space to store thousands of photos, files, and videos and the speed to edit and retouch your portfolio quickly, the Crucial X9 Pro for Mac provides support for even taxing workloads along with durability and style in the studio, in the field, or wherever you roam.
 
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5 out of 5
5
Tiny, yet fast
on November 21, 2023
Posted by: TechnicallyWell
## Design
When I first opened the box, I was surprised how small this 2TB drive is! It has a gold aluminum exterior that compliments my 2023 Mac mini very well. Since it is so small, it sits nicely on top of the Mac mini without being an eyesore.
There is an activity LED in the notched corner of the drive that thankfully stays off when the drive is not being actively read or written to.
## Performance
This drive only comes with a USB-C cable only, so if you need USB-A, you will need to purchase an adapter separately. As Apple moves to USB-C standard, this is becoming less of an issue for Mac users.
Using the Blackmagic Disk Speed Test app, I tested the read and write speeds of the drive. The results (which are attached) were just shy of the advertised 1,050MB/s speed, but still much faster than most of external hard drives I’ve used. Although I use the cloud for a lot of things, you just can't beat the performance of an external SSD when working with large video files.
I decided to use this drive for Time Machine backups from my Mac and the first backup took less than 30 minutes! Subsequent backups have been very quick as well. I like that I can just leave this drive connected to my Mac mini since it is so small and easy to tuck out of the way.
The drive did get fairly warm during that initial backup, but the aluminum exterior seems to dissipate heat well.
## Summary
Overall, this is a tiny yet small drive for Apple users. It is ultra portable and great for bringing along to manage large files for your Mac, iPhone 15 Pro and iPad. You could also reformat it and use it for a Windows computer as well.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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For smart home security, the Essential Outdoor Camera provides crystal-clear 2K resolution. You can see license plates and eye color in detail with 12x zoom. You’ll get alerts and be able to watch live video right from your phone. Use the Integrated Spotlight Ward to ward off intruders or trigger the Integrated Siren automatically or manually from the Arlo Secure App. Even in low light you’ll be able to identify details with Color Night Vision. Or try the noise-canceling audio to hear and speak clearly with visitors. Setup is quick and easy and only takes minutes by connecting directly to Wi-Fi. You can install it with full confidence thanks to its rechargeable battery and weather-resistant design. An Arlo Secure plan trial is included. After trial, a paid plan is required to keep premium features like 30-day video cloud storage, People, Package, Vehicle Detection, 24/7 Emergency Response, and more.
 
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4 out of 5
4
Great video, but prepare to pay monthly
on November 19, 2023
Posted by: TechnicallyWell
## Design
Unlike other Arlo cameras I’ve used, the 2nd generation of the Arlo Essential cameras don’t have a removable battery. While you can’t simply swap in a fully charged battery for a drained one, the Arlo Essential 2nd gen camera does use a standard USB-C connector, which I do appreciate as some of my Arlo cameras use a proprietary cable that I always need to hunt down when it is time to charge.
## What can this camera do for free and what requires a Arlo Secure subscription?
For free, you get:
- Live streaming
- 2-way talk
- Very basic motion detection alerts (no activity zones, no person, vehicle, or package detection)
A paid subscription to Arlo Secure gets you:
- Cloud recordings
- Activity zones
- Person, vehicle, and package detection
- Animated thumbnail previews included with the motion alert push notifications
- 24/7 emergency response
Since there is no onboard intelligence on the camera itself, I feel many will find that this camera is annoying when used outside without a subscription, because animals and leaves moving in the wind can trigger the motion detection and can lead to a ton of false positive notifications (and faster battery drain). If you don’t plan on getting a subscription, you’ll likely find that this camera is more ideal for indoor locations or for facing a stationary background outside.
## Does it need a Base Station?
This Arlo Essential 2nd generation camera does not require (nor supports) a base station and instead connects directly to your home’s Wi-Fi. It supports the 2.4GHz band only. Most routers broadcast both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, so most people should be fine unless they purposely turned off 2.4GHz due to Wi-Fi congestion issues.
Unfortunately, if you DO want to connect this camera to a base station, as I did, it is not compatible with existing Arlo base stations! I found this hard to believe, so I chatted with a support rep who did indeed confirm that base stations are not supported on the 2nd generation of Essential cameras (at the time of this review, their support articles were not updated to reflect this fact). So no local recordings can be done with this camera at this time. The rep did mention that this *could* change with a future update, but I was not provided with a timeline of when (or if) that would actually happen.
## Performance
The camera has a very sharp and clear vision and night vision works very well. You can also turn on the built-in LED spotlight for color night vision. The camera also has a built-in alarm that you can set to automatically trigger when it detects a motion event, or you can trigger it yourself from the Arlo Secure app if you want to first verify that the motion is alarm-worthy.
I’ve been using the camera about a week to monitor the sump pump in my basement and based upon a handful of live streaming sessions, the battery life has only dropped 4%. More active areas with more motion will obviously drain faster.
Unfortunately, these cameras are not compatible with HomeKit at this time. Although Arlo has never supported HomeKit Secure Video as far as I know, it was still nice being able to view the cameras in the Apple Home app along with my other HomeKit cameras.
## What is going on with Arlo?
I was first drawn to the Arlo system due to the free cloud recordings and the ability to record locally, but I feel like Arlo is dismantling many of these great features to put them behind a paid subscription. Free cloud recordings are gone for new devices (but kudos to Arlo for maintaining it for older devices, though). Now this generation of Essential cameras do not connect to a base station, so no local storage option either. And the Arlo app has been updated with a new “Feed” interface that makes the local recordings even harder to locate (and requires more taps) in the app.
I feel there is too much feature fragmentation with the Arlo ecosystem. One would assume that if you buy a camera with the “Arlo” logo on it, that it would work with an existing Arlo system. It’s becoming too much of a hassle to know which camera and base station combination (if it even supports a base station) is needed to achieve a certain goal, such as HomeKit or local recordings.
## Summary
While the Arlo Essential 2nd generation cameras provide great video quality and night vision, the ecosystem as a whole seems to be leaning towards a monthly fee rather than one-time purchase. So I would think of these camera as more as a subscription-based service as their local functionality is very limited. Those looking for a local storage solution with no cloud fees will likely want to look for another solution.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience the fun of RF mount content creation with the smallest and lightest EOS R series camera¹, the Canon EOS R100. Excellent still-image capabilities start with its 24.1 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS Image sensor and DIGIC 8 processor, along with Dual Pixel CMOS AF with the ability to detect human faces and focus on their eyes. The EOS R100 also can record Full HD video at up to 60 frames per second, and detailed, high-res 4K from the central area of the sensor at 24 frames per second. The versatility and small size of the RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM lens gives you the flexibility you desire without taking up your whole camera bag.
 
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4 out of 5
4
Great for beginners and some advanced users
on November 16, 2023
Posted by: TechnicallyWell
## Design
One of the first things I noticed about the Canon EOS R100 camera is how lightweight it feels. The EOS R100 (0.81lbs) is only slightly lighter than my Canon M50 Mark II camera (0.88 lbs), but is still very comfortable to hold.
The back of the camera has a fixed screen (no swivel like my Mark II) that is oddly not a touch screen, which is something I use a lot on my Mark II and it is taking a lot of getting used to on the EOS R100.
The camera uses Canon’s new RF mount for lenses, so the number of lenses compatible with the camera may be initially limited.
## Performance
The picture quality is virtual indistinguishable between the Canon EOS R100 and M50 Mark II cameras. Both capture sharp, colorful images (some samples are attached to this review) that you just can’t get with a phone’s camera (although each year, phones are coming closer and closer to DSLR quality!). The auto focus system is also fast and accurate, and supports face and eye detection.
The camera also has a lot of features to help beginners and advanced users alike. For example, the “Mode” dial can be set to:
- Fully automatic: The camera analyzes the scene and sets the picture settings automatically. Not sure how to change the brightness or the amount of background blur? Press the “Q Set” (middle) button to select some common settings in plain English (no need to know what “aperture” is and what number to pick).
- Special Scene Mode: One of my favorite settings is located in this mode: HDR Backlight Control. The camera automatically takes 3 photos at different exposures and merges them together to help “even out” overly dark or bright areas of the photo and maintain the detail in shadowy areas.
- Aperture-Priority AE: Another one of my favorite modes. This setting puts a priority on aperture and handles the shutter speed automatically so you can achieve the level of background blur you want.
Another feature I like with this camera is its ability to upload pictures directly from the camera to a temporary online storage area (image.canon) so you can download them to your computer or smartphone without removing the SD card and importing the images manually. Again, the ability to touch the screen is sorely missed during the Wi-Fi setup process (using the directional pad to type out your Wi-Fi password and email address is a royal pain!) and the Wi-Fi can be flaky at times, so make sure you’re close to your router when you use this feature.
The camera can also connect to your smartphone with the Canon app via Bluetooth, and it will automatically switch to a private Wi-Fi connection when needed for things like photo transfers to your phone. You can even “wake up” the camera when it is off from your phone and transfer photos.
The screen on the back of the camera is large enough to determine if your photo is a dud or not, and you can zoom in portions of the photo to make sure you captured the detail you wanted to.
## Battery
The battery is rated for 340 photos per charge (of course, video recording and Wi-Fi will eat through the battery’s charge quicker). The included battery needs to be removed from the camera in order to charge it with the included wall charger. Unfortunately, you cannot connect a cable to the camera and charge the battery while it is in place.
## Summary
The Canon EOS R100 camera is great for beginners and more advanced users alike, with plenty of automatic and manual controls. Pictures come out sharp and colorful. The built-in Wi-Fi is convenient for transferring photos, but battery charging is a little more of a hassle as you need to remember to bring the wall charger with you when traveling. Also, the fact that the LCD screen is not a touchscreen makes some functions more difficult than they need to be.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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A sleek design in stylish colors³ that sets you apart from the crowd. It’s ultra-portable at under 2.5 pounds with a vibrant 12.4" touchscreen for work or play, wherever you are.
 
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4 out of 5
4
Specs are a little light
on November 6, 2023
Posted by: TechnicallyWell
## Design
While you can think of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 as Microsoft’s version of the MacBook Air (M2), there are some key differences you should know about. First, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3’s dimensions are 10.95 x 8.12 x 0.62 inches, with a 12.4-inch screen with a resolution of 1536x1024, and a weight of 2.49 pounds. The MacBook Air (M2) is a little bit heavier (2.7 pounds) and has a larger 13.6-inch screen, which features a higher resolution of 2,560 x 1,664.
While both the Surface and the MacBook feature a USB-C port (for display, data and charging) and a headphone jack, only the Surface offers a “traditional” USB-A port, while the MacBook instead has a second USB-C port.
Disappointingly, there is no keyboard backlight on the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 (which is odd for a laptop at this price point), whereas the keyboard is backlit on the MacBook Air.
I’m reviewing the “Sandstone” color which I believe resembles more of “Rose Gold” color of the iPhone than it does a brown sandstone. While the top of the laptop has a nice aluminum finish, the bottom feels like it is mostly plastic (although Microsoft states there is some aluminum mixed in with it as well).
## Performance
Microsoft included last year’s i5 12th Gen Intel 1235U processor in the Surface Laptop Go 3 which is an odd choice for a laptop at this price point. For a couple hundred more (or less, depending if it’s on sale), you can get a MacBook Air with a current generation M2 processor).
The Surface model I’m reviewing only has 8GB of RAM which is becoming the minimum amount you need for acceptable Windows 11 performance. If you can, I would spring for the 16GB model.
The Cinebench R23 score came in with a Multi-core score of 5284 (for reference, a MacBook Air 2 M2 typically comes in around 8400).
Even though the specs are not the best, I did test it out with some web development with Node.JS and Puppeteer and found it to still be very responsive, but I was easily maxing out the 8GB of RAM.
You could enjoy some casual games on this laptop (think Candy Crush), but it likely won’t meet the needs of more graphics-intense games.
## Features
- 12.4” Display: While a nice balance between size and portability, the screen is smaller than the MacBook Air and has a lower resolution of 1536x1024 (if you look closely at the screen, you can see the pixels). The screen is a touchscreen (something the MacBook Air does not have), but as such, the screen has a shiny finish meaning that it can be too reflective to use outdoors or near a window.
- Fingerprint reader: The power button also serves as a fingerprint reader for Windows, allowing you to login to Windows quickly. Although the keyboard is not backlit, the fingerprint reader key does light up so you can easily find it when you are prompted for your fingerprint.
- Dock and charge via USB-C: The 4 USB-C port on this laptop allowed me to “dock” it with both my Dell and Belkin USB-C docks without issue.
## Battery Life
Microsoft states that the battery can last up to 15 hours with “normal” usage (I’m thinking editing a Word document on web browsing). I’ve easily gotten through a day of on and off usage with this laptop.
The included charger uses the proprietary Surface connector located on the right side of the laptop, but you can also charge it with many USB-C chargers and docks.
## Summary
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is a nicely designed and portable laptop, but at its MSRP price point, the processor speed and RAM are unimpressive. However, if you can get this laptop on sale, I think it would be fine for most college students for word processing and web browsing and even some developers who want a second machine that is easy to grab on the go.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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You need your computer’s USB ports to connect a keyboard, mouse, transfer files and charge devices – it’s no surprise that there aren’t enough ports for everything. This hub helps optimize your workspace by providing four extra USB-C and USB ports to connect accessories. Simply plug it into your computer’s USB-C port. Transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps move files quickly and efficiently while an HDMI port lets you watch 4K quality videos at up to 60Hz. Its compact size makes it perfect for slipping into a purse or backpack, and a short, flexible cable offers different placement options. You really can do it all with the Insignia NS-PH541MD24 4-Port USB-C Hub.
 
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Handy little dock/hub
on October 23, 2023
Posted by: TechnicallyWell
## Design
Since the pandemic, it seems like everyone working from home quickly became familiar with USB-C hubs and docking stations. It is certainly convenient to be able to connect one cable to your laptop and suddenly work from a full-sized monitor, mouse and keyboard, all while charging your laptop at the same time.
This hub from Insignia can help you accomplish that in small form-factor that travels well. On this mini hub you’ll find a short USB-C cable that goes to your laptop, as well as a USB-C input to which you can connect your laptop’s USB-C wall charger. There is also an HDMI port to connect your monitor, and two “regular” USB ports that you can use to connect your keyboard and mouse (or other USB accessories, such as a flash drive).
## Performance
Of course, whether or not this will work will depend on your laptop. Most laptops produced in the last couple years by Dell and Apple have used USB-C Thunderbolt technology that can handle data, video, and power with one USB-C connection. If you’re not sure, you’ll need to check with your computer’s manual or manufacturer.
Using this dock with my 2020 MacBook Air M1 has worked fine, allowing me to easily connect it to my ultrawide monitor and wireless keyboard and mouse. The hub itself uses about 15 watts. Therefore, if you’re using Apple’s 30 watt charger that is included with the MacBook Air, using this hub will cut the charger’s output to 15 watts by the time it gets to your MacBook, which may cause it to not actually charge while plugged in to the dock. Therefore, you’ll probably want to look at a 45 watt or higher USB-C charger compatible with MacBooks if you plan on using this hub on a regular basis to charge your MacBook (or other laptop). Also note that this is common with all USB-C hubs (some even home with a separate power supply brick) and is not a fault of this particular hub.
## Summary
If you’re looking for a way to “dock” your USB-C laptop while traveling or just want a slim option for your desk, this USB-C hub from Insignia allows you to connect your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and charger to give you a one cable connection to charge and use your laptop as a desktop.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Introducing eufy SoloCam S340, a secure, smart, and sustainable home security solution. The outdoor camera allows you to keep an eye on family, monitor deliveries, and simply stay aware of your home’s surroundings when away. Equipped with dual cameras, enjoy unparalleled 3K resolution and highly detailed views with 8X zooming capabilities. Goodbye blind spots as the camera covers front yards, backyards, porches, and the sides of your home with 360° pan and 70° tilt coverage. Ideal for day and evenings, the f/1.6 aperture lens captures 20% more light, delivering vivid images up to 26 ft (8 m) away. Gain only relevant notifications as onboard AI intelligently detects then tracks humans, pets, and vehicles, zooming in to keep the subject in focus. Just 2 hours of direct sunlight daily is all that’s needed to keep it continuously powered. For overcast weather days, the built-in battery provides up to 3 months of reserve power ensuring you're always covered.
 
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5
Keeps itself charged!
on October 20, 2023
Posted by: TechnicallyWell
## Design and Performance
The Eufy SoloCam S340 brings more visibility to your front or backyard by incorporating a panning and tilting mechanism that can actually follow the motion it detects. This is a cool feature, and the recordings can be set to capture both the wide angle lens and the zoom lens at the same time. For example, when my lawn maintenance company came, it followed them across the yard, recording the wide angle as well as a zoomed-in view of the person. Very cool!
From what I understand from the documentation, the person detection and motion tracking logic all happens on-device. Many other systems, like Arlo, need to transfer the video to a server in order to determine if the motion sensor was set off by a person, an animal, or some leaves blowing in the wind. This can waste internet bandwidth and the battery power to transfer the recordings for every little motion event when it doesn't need to. With this Eufy camera, the logic and recording all stay on-device and are only transferred when you open the app, connect to the camera, and stream the recording to your phone. (Technically, enabling thumbnail previews in the app would transfer the thumbnail image to a push notification server, so you can view it on your phone without opening the app, but you can disable this in the Eufy Security app if you like.)
One of the gripes I have with my Arlo system is the fact that I have to get the ladder out and grab the cameras to charge them every couple months. The Eufy SoloCam S340 includes a solar panel, which I questioned could actually charge this camera given its small size. However, after a couple of partly cloudy days in a location that only gets sun a few hours each day, the charge on my camera has risen 2%. So it does indeed to be working and powerful enough to top-off the charge of the camera. The solar panel is detachable, and an extra long cable is included if you need to locate the solar panel far from the camera unit itself.
My main gripe with this camera is that there are hardly any integrations available! I can't configure it with HomeKit, Home Assistant, SmartThings, or even IFTTT to automate the "arming" and "disarming" of notifications. So every time I go out in the yard, I need to remember to disable the camera so I don't end up with a hundred motion notifications (and drain the camera's battery). At least with Arlo, I can integrate it with IFTTT so when I disable my home security system, the Arlo cameras are disabled as well. To be fair, it is possible to view the cameras on an Amazon Echo Show device, but even with that integration, you can't tell Alexa to disable the cameras.
## Features
- Dual cameras with 3K quality: The high resolution on this camera allows you to capture a high level of detail, such as faces. With the dual lenses, the camera can effectively reach a 8x digital zoom.
- Local Storage (no cloud fees): The camera has 8GB of on-device storage, so the recordings stay on the device and are not uploaded to the cloud. If you want more storage, this camera does work with Eufy's HomeBase S380.
- No base station needed: The camera can connect directly to your Wi-Fi, so no base station is needed. However, if you have the HomeBase 3 (S380), it can utilize it.
- On-Device AI: The camera can be set to only alert you if it detects humans or vehicles (so it does not alert you every time the leaves move in the breeze, unless you want it to).
- Solar-powered: There is a solar panel included that helps keep the battery topped off. Eufy states that two hours of direct sunlight a day is enough to power the camera indefinitely. You can check the battery status in the app and if you hit a string of cloudy days, you can always charge the camera with a USB-C cable.
- Alexa and Google Assistant-compatible: You can get a live view of the camera from an Amazon Echo Show or Google Assistant-powered display.
- Weather-proof: The camera is designed to withstand rain, sun, and snow. It's protected in temperatures from -4 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Built-in light and siren: The spotlight can reach 100 lumens, enough to light up a good portion of the yard and a built-in 90db siren to (hopefully) scare off intruders.
## Summary
The Eufy SoloCam S340 captures a sharp image even in the dark, can follow the motion with its pan and tilt mechanism, and can keep itself charged with the included solar panel. I also love the on-device person detection, so it doesn't need to transfer every recording to the cloud for analysis. However, I really wish this camera had more integrations to disarm and arm the camera via a service like IFTTT. Otherwise, you need to remember to open the app and disable it every time you go into the yard.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience a full health check-up at home, in just 90 seconds. Body Scan is the first connected health station of its kind. The integration of new technology supports breakthrough metrics like segmental body composition, which can precisely measure fat and muscle imbalances. It is also designed to identify changes in cardiovascular health, and it offers a variety of cardiovascular measurements at every weigh-in, including 6-Lead ECG, Vascular Age and standing heart rate. Body Scan can evaluate your sweat glands response to stimulation and unlock your EDA score, an insightful metric to better manage your health on a daily basis. Embrace the Withings Scale Experience, and seamlessly make better health part of your daily life. Body Scan features a 12-month battery life, a high-resolution color screen, and automatic tracking for multiple users. Plus, explore dedicated modes for pregnancy*, babies* and athletes. Enjoy Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity and sync all your health data directly to our highly-rated app. View trends, progress, and daily inspiration for long-term improvement. Thanks to best-in-class data privacy standards, your data is always secure.*ECG is not intended for use for pregnant women and babies*
 
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5
Love how much it tells me about myself
on October 16, 2023
Posted by: TechnicallyWell
## What does it measure?
The Withings Body Scan measures a lot more than a standard body fat scale:
- Weight: This is a measurement we're all familiar with and probably most afraid of.
- Body fat percentage: Theoretically, the body fat percentage on the Withings Body Scan should be more accurate than scales that measure through your feet only, as the Withings Body Scan includes a handle that you hold, so it gathers measurements from both your upper and lower body. I found that the readings seemed to be very accurate (at least, it was inline with my previous scale). I also like the app summarizes trends, such as "gaining muscle" to help take the emphasis off your weight reading alone.
- Segmental body composition: I found this feature to be very cool! This shows a 3D model of a human body and shows your fat and muscle mass percentages in 3 different areas of the body: the arms, legs, and torso
- ECG AFib detection: Interestingly, my first reading had to be reviewed before the results were revealed to me (I believe this depends on your state of residence). Much like the ECG feature on the Apple Watch, this features measures your heart for 30 seconds to check for AFib (but it does not detect a heart attack).
- Vascular age: I haven't been able to get this feature to work yet. The scale has been showing an error, but neither the scale nor the app tells me what is wrong or how to fix it.
- Electrodermal activity assessment: This measurement supposedly measures sweat gland activity in your feet. It's interesting, but not really a measurement I know much about. Oh great, something else to worry about. :)
## What else does it do?
- Color display: I like the little animations that show up on the display. It helps make the results easy to understand, and you can even configure it to show the weather and air quality for the day. A nice touch as most people will check their weight in the morning.
- Wi-Fi: My old scale was Bluetooth-only, meaning I would have to unlock my phone, open up its app, wait for it to connect, then finally step on the scale. Some mornings it was a struggle to get it to connect to my phone and I would have to wait until the next day to see if it would catch up on the missed readings. The Withings Body Scan connects directly to my home's Wi-Fi and uploads my stats without needing to open anything on my phone. You can open the Withings app later to review your results and sync with Apple Health. And if you wanted to, you still have the option of Bluetooth.
- Apple Health support: I like that most of the stats sync over to Apple Health with the rest of my information. Some things, like the ECG and Electrodermal assessment, do not sync at this time as I don't believe Apple Health offers an API to developers for them.
## Any gripes?
- A little slow: Sometimes, it can take 5-8 seconds to settle on a weight. As it teeters between .4 and .5 and .6, I find myself thinking, "just pick a number already!" And after that, you have to wait for the other readings one by one. I wish it could do some of the readings simultaneously, like start the 30-second ECG while it (slowly) measures my weight.
- Vascular age: As I mentioned earlier, the scale will simply show "Error: Vascular Age" on the screen. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, and I wish the scale or the app would state what the issue is or some recommendations for next time. UPDATE: On day 4, it finally took a "vascular age" reading, but the app informed me it would need 5 total reading to generate a result.
## Summary
Overall, this is a very cool scale that goes beyond simple weight and body fat readings. It helps visualize where your body stores fat (and muscle), performs an ECG, and checks electrodermal activity. I like that this scale provides guidance on your body fat trends, as some would argue that this is more important than tracking your weight alone. It can even export everything into a summary PDF that you can share with your doctor.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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MagGo Magetic Portable 5K Battery with Bracket is both a charger and a stand, specifically for your MagSafe compatible iPhone 12 & 13. Using new technology, this can magnetically attach to the back of your phone, providing it a wireless charge along with a strong attachment. The battery also has a bracket that folds out, so that you can stand your phone up wherever you want.
 

Does it work for any iPhone like the iPhone 11 Pro Max or is it just for the 12 and 13

The iPhone 11 series does not have the magnetic ring in the back, so this power bank will not be magnetically attracted to the iPhone 11. However, you could sit this power bank on a desk, turn it on, and set your iPhone 8, X, or 11 on top to use it like a regular (non-magnetic) wireless charger.
2 years, 4 months ago
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TechnicallyWell
 
MagGo Magetic Portable 5K Battery with Bracket is both a charger and a stand, specifically for your MagSafe compatible iPhone 12 & 13. Using new technology, this can magnetically attach to the back of your phone, providing it a wireless charge along with a strong attachment. The battery also has a bracket that folds out, so that you can stand your phone up wherever you want.
 

What type of usb do you need to charge this battery pack? Apple sub charger? And do you need to buy a magnetic case for this to use?

You could use the charging brick for your iPhone, but you'll need to temporarily remove the Lightning cable and use a USB-C cable to charge this power bank.
This power bank will work best if you have a magnetic case on your iPhone 12 or 13. If you use a non-magnetic case, the power bank's magnetic attraction will be weaker and it may not stay in place.
2 years, 4 months ago
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TechnicallyWell
 
Unlock more possibilities than ever with the Pro designed for a Pro like you. The first consumer laptop-to-tablet PC designed on the Intel Evo platform⁹ and designed to light up the best of Windows 11, Surface Pro 8 combines the power of a laptop with the flexibility of a tablet, and every angle in between. Do great things with a larger 13” touchscreen, faster connections with Thunderbolt 4 ports, and extra speed when you need it.
 

How can I connect a wireless mouse and external storage to the surface pro 8, without any USB ports? Is there something you recommend using?

If you search for a "USB-C to USB adapter", you can find small dongles that will turn a USB-C port into a regular USB port. You can also search for "USB-C Hubs" as some will charge the Surface Pro 8, connect to a monitor, and provide one or two regular USB ports with just one USB-C connection.
Alternatively, you can also look for a wireless mouse that supports Bluetooth if you want to be able to connect a mouse without using a dongle.
2 years, 6 months ago
by
TechnicallyWell
 
The New Definition of High Definition: This FHD monitor feels as good as it looks, packing IPS technology for 178 degrees ultra-wide viewing angles, 99% sRGB color gamut for color accuracy, and AMD FreeSync to keep your eyes up to speed with your imagination.
 

how do you connect the monitor to the laptop

Some Windows laptops have a regular HDMI port like you might find on a TV. If that's the case, you can use the included HDMI cable to connect your laptop to this monitor. If your computer has an older VGA port, you would need to buy an inexpensive VGA cable to connect to the monitor.
If your laptop doesn't have an HDMI or VGA port, then you'll likely need an adapter. You could call/chat/email your computer's manufacturer and ask what you would need to connect your laptop to an HDMI monitor.
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2 years, 11 months ago
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TechnicallyWell
 
The New Definition of High Definition: This FHD monitor feels as good as it looks, packing IPS technology for 178 degrees ultra-wide viewing angles, 99% sRGB color gamut for color accuracy, and AMD FreeSync to keep your eyes up to speed with your imagination.
 

Would this monitor work well with a Macbook Pro?

You'll likely need an adapter to use this monitor with a MacBook as MacBooks don't typically have a regular HDMI port. Go to Apple's support page and search for the article titled "Connect to HDMI from your Mac". This article will show you the different types of ports you might find on your Mac and what you'll need to connect them to HDMI.
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2 years, 11 months ago
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Enjoy astonishing sound with this breakthrough portable speaker. Stream music and more over WiFi at home and listen on the go with Bluetooth. Get up to 10 hours of battery life. Easily control the sound with the Sonos app, your voice, and Apple AirPlay 2. Create a whole-home sound system with multiple Sonos speakers.
 

Will this integrate with other Sonos speakers over wifi ?

Yes, you can make the Roam part of a "room" in the Sonos app so that it is synchronized with other Sonos speakers, like a Sonos One.
3 years ago
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TechnicallyWell
 
Enjoy astonishing sound with this breakthrough portable speaker. Stream music and more over WiFi at home and listen on the go with Bluetooth. Get up to 10 hours of battery life. Easily control the sound with the Sonos app, your voice, and Apple AirPlay 2. Create a whole-home sound system with multiple Sonos speakers.
 

Do you carry the wireless charger?

I'm not sure I understand your question, but hopefully this information helps:
There is no wireless charger included with the unit. The Roam comes with a USB-C cable for charging. You cable has a USB-A connector at the other end, so it can be plugged into the "regular" (rectangular) USB ports you'll find on older laptops and phone chargers. It could also be used with a power bank if you wanted to be able to charge the Roam while away from a power outlet.
3 years ago
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TechnicallyWell
 
Bose Sport Open Earbuds are true wireless earbuds like you’ve never seen or heard before. What makes them truly unique is that they are the first workout headphones of their kind that combine exclusive Bose OpenAudio technology with an innovative open-ear headphone design to produce high-quality sound without covering your ears. This allows you to hear your music and the world around you for an unbelievable, full-sensory experience. The city. The surf. Your running buddy. Hear it all and your music at the same time with these entirely new, entirely open sport earbuds. Sound is what motivates, and Bose Sport Open Earbuds deliver. The exclusive Bose OpenAudio technology produces clear, consistent sound that’s more authentic and comfortable than bone conduction. In addition, acoustic spillage is minimal thanks to speaker placement that’s closer to the ear. A comfortable and secure fit is crucial when exercising. These sport earbuds were rigorously designed and tested to gently rest on your ears while staying put no matter how intense your workout. Bose Sport Open Earbuds also offer up to eight hours of play time (with daily charging), an advanced mic system for crystal-clear calls, and IPX4 sweat and weather resistance. Now you can combine the environment that invigorates you with the content that motivates you.
 

can one earbud be used at a time to either take/talk on phonecalls?

Looking at the manual, it appears that only the right earbud contains the microphone for phone calls. So if you want to use only one earbud, it would need to be the right earbud.
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3 years, 3 months ago
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TechnicallyWell
 
Wemo WiFi Smart Outdoor Plug gives you total smart control over your lights, holiday decorations and other outdoor devices. Featuring two splash-proof and weather-resistant outlets, you can set schedules and control two devices together from anywhere by using the app or your voice with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Hey Google.* It’s perfect for the patio, yard or other spaces where you’d like to manage electric outlets. You can also use Away Mode to randomly turn porch or landscape lights on and off when you’re not home. Sync lights connected to the Smart Outdoor Plug with the sunset and you’ll walk out to a backyard that’s ready for evening activities.
 

Does this Wemo WiFi smart plug-outdoor, connect to a mesh WiFi system. I have some Wemo smart mini plugs thatonly connect to 2 ghz routers. The Mesh system I have doesn’t distinguish between 2 and 5 ghz bands, so the Wemo mini plugs do not connect my wifi

I connected the Wemo Outdoor smart outlet to a Linksys Velop mesh system that uses the same SSID for the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, and I have not noticed any issues with this or any of my other smart devices. It's true some devices only work on the 2.4 GHz band, but it shouldn't matter if the SSID is the same for both bands as the smart plug will only "see" the 2.4 GHz version.
3 years, 5 months ago
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TechnicallyWell
 
Illuminate and view 2K video with the powerful wire-free Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera. The multi-functional wire-free floodlight camera cuts through darkness with brilliant LEDs, and an integrated high resolution 2K camera allows you to clearly view live video or recorded clips directly from your phone, with an included trial of Arlo Secure. The sleek design seamlessly integrates a robust security solution into your space. See more with a wide 160-degree field of view. Hear and speak to visitors clearly, with two-way audio. Customize lighting configurations to enhance security. Trigger your built-in siren remotely or automatically to ward off unwanted visitors. Protect your home or business with Arlo.Arlo Secure includes cloud recordings of video clips at 2K or lower resolution for 30 days. Renewal of an Arlo Secure plan is required to maintain Arlo Secure features, including cloud storage.
 

This is for internal use only. Can i turn off floodlights? I don't want a police-type setup.

You can configure the unit to record video only and not turn on the floodlight when motion is detected. However, if you don't plan on using the floodlight, you could save some money by purchasing one of Arlo's cameras without the floodlight.
3 years, 5 months ago
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TechnicallyWell