Introducing COOLiFY Cyber, the ultimate personal air conditioner that is different from conventional neck fans and engineered to deliver a customized and comfortable climate experience beyond compare. With powerful cooling performance and pioneering features, COOLiFY Cyber sets the benchmark for the next era of personal neck air conditioners. Powered by the algorithm-driven KU 3.0 chip, state-of-the-art Coology system, and graphene heat dissipation technology, COOLiFY Cyber swiftly envelops you in refreshing coolness, accompanied by customizable airflow and modes (Cool/Fan/Heat) ensuring tailored comfort regardless of the temperature. The compact, lightweight, and adjustable design allows you to move your head without restriction, making it ideal for various outdoor activities like golfing.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
TLDR: The Torras Coolify Cyber is a high-tech solution for a low-tech problem. You can get better results from a cold towel without worrying about damaging or losing a complicated cooler. If you are looking for something for house, this could be your answer, for outside use, I’d look elsewhere.
The Torras Coolify Cyber consists of a peltier cooler housed inside a plastic neck band. The neck band contains everything needed for the cooler to operate; battery, vents, peltier cooler, buttons, and display. The neck band flexes slightly at the shoulders and in the back to fit nearly any neck.
The Coolify is easily controlled via the Torras Life app. This app installed without issue on both my iPad and my Galaxy phone. This is one of the few apps that seemed to work perfectly out of the box without hiccups or glitches. Torras should be commended for time well spent on the app.
Having a peltier heat exchanger built-in, Torras advertises a cooling difference of approximately 20 degrees Celsius. I would say this is a best-case scenario. As things have warmed up considerably here in the south, the Torras provided a much more noticeable temperature difference the warmer it was outside. Having 3 distinct cooling zones is quite nice. The user can choose to have cold air blown up and down in the front of the neck, up from the back and down from the back. Each zone is independently adjustable. A welcome and very nice feature.
BATTERY LIFE The Coolify supports 20W fast charging. Reaching from 0 to 80% in approximately 1.5hours, according to Torras marketing. I’m assuming to preserve battery longevity, it slows charging down considerably after 80%, reaching full charge in a little over 2 hours.
But, what about battery life during use? Well, that all depends on how many zones you have on and at what cooling setting. Full on with all zones blowing, I only saw a little over 1.5 hours of battery life. Torras claims up to six hours of battery life and I think it could muster it, but only at limited settings. Using it at what I would consider normal use speeds and cooling, I can muster a good 3 – 4 hours.
NEGATIVES The biggest draw of this device is its novelty. It does its intended job, but while it does it, it also becomes quite heavy. I found myself wanting it off my neck after 2 hours, at best. While it starts off feeling cool and refreshing, after I get cooled down the Torras just becomes a nuisance. After a couple of hours, it just gets annoying and heavy.
I honestly never thought I would have any issues with the Torras. I wear a motorcycle helmet for hours on end without much thought, but there is just something different about the Torras. I know Torras has done an admiral job slimming and trimming the Coolify from the previous generation, but it quite honestly isn’t much lighter than my full-faced motorcycle helmet. Having that weight resting on one spot around my neck and on my shoulders gets irritating after a while.
FINAL THOUGHTS Like I stated earlier, I see this as a high-tech solution for a low-tech problem. Torras’ website shows people playing sports in their Coolifys like it is nothing. Tennis, hiking, etc. I just don’t see it. One, the Coolify is too heavy and awkward for competitive sports. Sudden movements and directional changes jar it around and out of its ideal and comfortable position. Two, you can get relief from buying a cold towel and dipping it in water or ice water. Cooling results from a cold towel are much faster, more refreshing, and I can easily play sports in a towel that weighs next to nothing versus a weighty neck band. If my towel comes flying off during sports, no biggie. If my Coolify comes flying off, well, that is a different story.
If I worked from home or in an office environment that was warmer than my ideal temperature, I could see this being a viable solution. No one would want a cold towel draped around them while working on a PC or while sitting at an office desk getting their shirt and collars wet. In this environment, I could see the Coolify Cyber being a solution. It works much better than just having a fan blowing ambient air on you to keep cool. Plus, you would have easy access to a charger, keeping the Torras topped off throughout the day.
Unfortunately, I have the give the Torras Coolify Cyber a NOT RECOMMENDED. I think there is a limited target audience for the device, but as a whole, I just don’t see the benefit for a vast majority of the people.
Meet the Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL, a fast and easy way to get the perfect crisp with up to 450F of heat. MaxCrisp Technology surrounds your favorite foods with superheated air for hotter, crispy results. Cook up to 9 lbs (6.5 QT) of wings using little to no oil and enjoy your favorite foods guilt-free. With 6 cooking functions, you can satisfy any craving, from crispy snacks to full meals. With Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate, the options are endless. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with a nonstick and dishwasher-safe crisper plate and basket.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
I have several Ninja kitchen appliances. Blenders, Pots and Pans, Digital Ovens, Grills, etc. and like my other Ninja branded products, this air fryer is also easy to use and produces excellent results.
The Pro XL has a 6.5-quart capacity and 6 different cooking options: Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate. Operation is as simple as it gets. Select your cooking function, the desired temperature, and the cook time. That’s it. The Ninja does the rest. The hardest part of using this air fryer is wading through the endless recipes on-line trying to find one you like. Ninja includes a small recipe book with the Pro XL, but there are endless recipes available on the web.
I have tried several different foods in this air fryer. I wanted to see how this little air fryer stacked up against my Ninja Foodi Air Fry Oven. While the whole family loves the Air Fry Oven (we use it nearly every single day), when it comes to air frying and crisping, the Pro XL has the Air Fry Oven beat. Food comes out much more consistent in the Pro XL. The Air Fry Oven would often get part of the food on its tray, very done and food further from the air circulating fan, not so much. This is something that does not affect the Pro XL. Because food is placed directly underneath the recirculation fan, everything in the air fry basket comes out evenly cooked, fried, reheated, etc. There are no hot spots or uneven cooking, just don’t overcrowd the basket and things will be great.
The food cooked in the Pro XL is consistent and evenly cooked. Whether it be chicken wings, chicken parmesan, steak bites, pizza bagels, pizza reheats, etc., the Pro XL has produced superior results. The whole family has commented on how much better the food is out of the Pro XL vs the Air Fry Oven or even our conventional oven.
The one thing that impresses me most about the Pro XL is the ease of cleanup. While I love my Air Fry Oven, it isn’t the easiest to clean. Far from it. Not the Pro XL. Ninja’s ceramic coating is impressive. Nothing sticks to it. Almost everything I’ve had spill in either the crisper tray or the air fryer basket rinses out with just water. If it won’t come off with water, a little soap and a sponge takes care of the rest. Even cheese. Impressive!!! The same can’t be said about the Air Fry Oven.
NEGATIVES I would like to see the addition of pre-heat option and I would like to see the inclusion of a food thermometer. A food thermometer that integrates and automates the Air Fryer Pro XL’s cooking would be slick.
CONCLUSION There isn’t much not to like about the Pro XL Air Fryer. I know I talked a lot about the Air Fry Oven during the review, not to bash on the Oven, because it is now a staple in our home, but to highlight the differences between the two. After having experience with both, I would easily recommend the Pro XL. Like all my other Ninja products, the Pro XL doesn’t disappoint. It is easy to use, easy to clean up and best of all helps you cook some of your favorite comfort foods healthier than other alternatives. I can see why air fryers have become so popular. A worthwhile addition to any busy household.
A50 X is made to play. The ultimate gaming headset is upgraded with breakthrough innovations in audio and connectivity. PLAYSYNC Multi-system switching between 3 platforms at once. PRO-G GRAPHENE audio drivers achieve unprecedented clarity and response critical for in-game performance. Pro-grade LIGHTSPEED wireless delivers the highest levels of wireless performance including broadcast-quality wireless boom mic and wireless dual-device mixing. HDMI 2.1 Passthru delivers Ultra HD resolution for the highest levels of console audio (24 bit) and visual fidelity (4K 120 Hz). Battery lasts for up to 24 hours of playtime with the ease of wireless charging. A50 X is a breakthrough in design and engineering for the ultimate gaming audio experience.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
FEATURES The A50X ear cups are the softest and nicest cups I’ve used to date. Compared to every other headset I have, gaming, traveling, etc. these are the most comfortable headphones I have used, regardless of manufacturer. The foam surrounds and their cover material feel luxurious and do a great job of sealing out unwanted ambient sound.
The A50X uses Logitech’s 40mm graphene drivers. Logitech claims their graphene drivers are ultra lightweight and with that “improve response, clarity, and sound localization”. Frequency response is rated at 20Hz to 20kHz, encompassing the entire frequency range for human hearing. This is uncommon, as most headphones struggle in the lowest octaves, which unfortunately, I find plague the A50X’s too.
What doesn’t struggle is the excellent microphone Logitech has included. It is markedly clearer than any of my other gaming headsets. Even my Pro X 2’s. Frequency response is rated at 60Hz – 20kHz on the mic, but what can’t be listed on the specs sheet is how crisp and clear the vocals are. My gaming buddies immediately noticed how much clearer my voice was during gameplay. Excellent work Logitech.
The A50X’s include all the necessary wireless protocols you would expect from Logitech. Bluetooth and Lightspeed are included. The Lightspeed tech is impressive. I found audio lag nearly non-existent using their high-speed proprietary protocol. Even better is that there is sufficient bandwidth to transmit audio up to 24-bits / 48kHz. Impressive. Add to that up to 24 hours of battery life and the headphones have a lot going for them.
DOCKING STATION Logitech’s newest headphones take a novel approach to traditional gaming headsets. Using a unique docking station, Logitech combined the ability to plug nearly all your gaming peripherals into one device and allows the user to switch seamlessly between those devices. On the back of the docking station are 3 inputs: PC, XBOX, and PS5. The dock includes a USB-C input for a PC, and 2 HDMI 2.1 inputs with accompanying USB-C inputs for your gaming consoles, with a sole HDMI 2.1 output. All the specs are there for a great gaming experience. According the Logitech website, the docking station’s HDMI 2.1 ports support up to 40Gbs bandwidth, Auto Low Latency Mode, Variable Refresh Rate, and up to 24-bit audio. WOW! I can tell you that it works. Neither my PC, nor my Series X had any issues pushing a 4k 120Hz image through the dock to my gaming monitor.
Users can easily switch the docking station between sources simply by pressing a button on the ear cup of the headphones. It works flawlessly. Anyone that is tired of having to re-pair headphones every time they switch between sources, will likely appreciate this feature. A user can go from gaming on a Series X, to using their headphones with their PC at the touch of a button, no longer fussing with unpairing and repairing the headphones with each source. SWEET!
One thing that I have to mention, as I consider it very important, is that the docking station cannot be used without external power. The USB-C input connection must be connected to something that supports power delivery over USB-C. While Logitech includes a universal adapter in the box, you cannot connect the docking station to any laptop, computer, or game console and expect it to work. It must have USB-C power delivery and the device it connects to, if using the included USB-C to USB-A/C combination cord, should be connected to a minimum of a USB 3.0 port. Logitech warns against trying to using the docking station with a USB 2.0 port, as I am assuming it cannot supply data fast enough to the dock.
SOFTWARE I am fortunate to have gaming headsets from nearly every major player in the field. Logitech’s G Hub software stands out as one of my favorites. It is minimalistic, simple, and easy to learn. It doesn’t try to be the end-all, be-all, one-stop-shop that all the others think they need to be.
NEGATIVES One. My biggest complaint is not including noise cancelling tech into the headphones. As good as the earcups are at sealing against your head, they can’t compare to noise cancelling units. Users can never truly isolate themselves from their environment & even some of the smallest sounds intrude, limiting total immersion.
Two. You can’t use the headphones without the dock. Not even for Bluetooth. If you want to use Bluetooth with the A50X’s, you have to pair the device with the dock. It isn’t a hard process and can be completed on the actual headphones themselves, but the fact you can’t use the headphones without the dock, is a buzz kill. I like to take a set of headphones with me while traveling, because of the dock limitations, it definitely will not be the A50X’s. On a positive note, I noticed no discernible lag over the Bluetooth connection when watching movies on my iPad.
Three. There is no hardware-based surround sound built into the A50X’s. While the A50X’s are capable of Dolby Atmos playback, it is a full software-based solution (a license is included with purchase). Because of this, only PC and /or XBOX gamers and mobile users will get true Dolby Atmos playback back. PS5 users are limited to Sony 3D audio.
Four. Logitech claims a frequency response that includes the full range of human hearing 20Hz – 20kHz. However, I find that the lowest octaves get muddied during reproduction. Whether it be PC gaming, Bluetooth music streaming, etc. the sound gets muddy at the bottom. Thankfully, the mids and high frequencies are much clearer and far more enjoyable with speech and vocals clear and intelligible.
Five. I find the charging solution with the dock, quite fiddly. Once the A50’s are adjusted to my watermelon sized cranium, I can’t just walk by and place the headphones in the dock to charge. They never seem to just drop in and make contact with the 3 charging points. I have to work at getting them sized just right to make contact.
CONCLUSIONS The A50X is a unique and novel approach to gaming headsets. As unique and unifying as the A50X’s are, they are equally as limiting.
As far as gaming headsets go, these are a good piece of tech. If you have a set-up where all your gaming equipment is in one place, you would hard-pressed to find a better, easier, and more comprehensive solution. The docking station is a game-changer for those that have multiple gaming platforms. The ability to switch between inputs at the touch of a button from the headphones is awesome. Once you have it and try it, you will not want to go back to pairing and re-pairing devices. After just a few days of use, I already find it annoying, wishing other manufacturers would adopt Logitech’s approach.
However, if you are a gamer on the go, these are not the product for you. Having to tote around the docking station and a bunch of different USB-C and HDMI cables are a deal breaker. Not being able to throw the A50X’s into a travel case and take them with me is a no-go. If you do a lot of traveling and gaming while on the road or in the air, I would look at a different solution, something like the equally excellent Logitech Pro X 2’s.
The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier is designed for 10x longer filter life, saving you $300 or more in filter replacement costs over 5 years*. It captures 99.98% of airborne particles like allergens*, dust, and dander (based on IEST-RP-CC007.3, 0.1-0.2 microns). It covers up to 650 sq. ft. for powerful, multi-room purification. Odor Neutralizer Technology guards against odors throughout your home, releasing a fresh scent into your air for 2x better odor reduction vs. filtration alone, Based on ASTM E544 vs. HP150 with filter and carbon only, after 30 minutes. *Allergen refers to non-living matter. *Vs. cost of replacing filters on a competitor unit over 5-year period in 300 square foot space.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
MARKETING Shark’s “Never Change” marketing is a stretch and honestly quite gimmicky. By “Never Change”, Shark means that the HEPA filter can last up to 5 years before needing replaced. This, of course, if you read it correctly does say; UP TO. It doesn’t mean that it will last 5 years and doesn’t mean the HEPA filter will never need changed, unless Shark does not intend for their machine to last that long. Don’t know. But just note, this is not a “Never Change” product, as the filter is designed to be replaced when full.
DESIGN Now that I got my rant out of the way, I will say Shark did a good job at designing the pre-filter system in this air cleaner. To extend the life of the HEPA filter, Shark has incorporated 3 separate pre-filters to help stop most of the contaminants before reaching the actual HEPA media itself. Anyone that has purchased an air cleaner, must agree that the overall price of filter media is outrageous. Much like buying an inkjet printer. The machine is reasonably priced, but the consumables are what gets you.
Shark’s excellently designed pre-filters do a good job of capturing most contaminants up front. The drawback, which I would gladly trade for any day, is more maintenance by the consumer with the pre-filters. A few minutes of your time every month or so, cleaning the easily accessible pre-filter media, will greatly extend the life of the HEPA filter, thereby substantially reducing the overall cost of ownership of the cleaner. Excellent concept Shark. Kudos!!!!
USE I like this Shark’s premium look and feel. The controls look and operate like a high-end device should. I also like that Shark has omitted what you really don’t need in an air filter, Wi-Fi. Thankfully, a device that doesn’t need internet access, it just sits there doing its job and looks good doing it.
This is the first air cleaner I’ve seen and/or used in long time that includes a small device for freshening the air. Shark gives a sample of it in the device, but as the scent gets weaker from use, the owner can purchase additional capsules that lock into the top of the cleaner and gradually release a fresh scent of choice as the Shark runs.
The front display gives you all the information you could want at a quick glance. The outer blue ring indicates air quality. Blue being the best, changing to amber and then red as air quality worsens. Machine controls for monitoring filter life, pre-filters, particle count, etc. are all simple and readily accessible by the capacitive touch controls on the top. You can easily toggle between air quality, filter life, pre-filter life, fan speed, operating modes, etc.
The most important button on the top is easily the AUTO button. Using auto lets the machine decide fan speed based on current air quality. As air quality worsens the machine will automatically ramp up fan speeds to help clean faster. As quality improves, it gradually slows down until it reaches 100% quality for up to 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, it will turn on ECO mode and sits there, whisper quiet, slowly cleaning the air, while maximizing filter life.
NEGATIVES While I love the look of the machine and readouts, I would like to have some additional dimming steps built in. There are only 3, as of now. Bright, Mid, Off. I would like to see a couple of additional steps in between, as even on the middle setting the light emitted is quite bright, especially in a darkened bedroom. I would love to see a LOW setting, where everything is just barely visible.
Machine noise at 99% vs 100% is quite noticeable. While not horribly loud, the machine does get obtrusive if air quality diminishes too much. Thankfully, I have not had air quality dip below 98% in the bedroom I have this placed. But you can instantly tell when the machine changes from 100% to 99%. The increase in noise is quite noticeable and becomes much like a bedside fan, which if you sleep with fan, may not be a bad thing.
CONCLUSION After a week, the overall dust in my bedroom (the machine cleans rooms up to 650 sq ft) has declined substantially. There is no reason not to recommend this machine. If the consumer recognizes that the “Never Change” speak is purely marketing, then they will be hard pressed to find a better device. I will gladly take a little extra maintenance and attention on my behalf to delay purchasing pricey replacement media. I think a lot of people feel this way and Shark has answered their requests.
Stand out from the crowd with superior skill and distinctive design. The CORSAIR K65 PLUS WIRELESS is a 75% gaming keyboard that maxes out on performance and personality. Step up your switch game with pre-lubricated CORSAIR MLX Red linear switches that make each keystroke silky smooth and responsive. Integrated sound dampening tempers annoying clacks and pings, so you can enjoy subtle, pleasant acoustics as you play and type. Easily connect to PC, Mac, and other devices via ultra-fast 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth, and power through your playing sessions for longer than ever ~ up to 266 hours on a single charge. On the K65 PLUS WIRELESS, skill meets style.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
Great Size, Mechanical Switches, Long Battery Life
on February 12, 2024
Posted by: NAMO
The K65 strikes a nice balance between a full-size keyboard and an often too small 65% gaming keyboard.
DESIGN / AESTHETICS The K65 has a premium design and feel. Like most high-end keyboards, the K65 incorporates the almost mandatory Red MX mechanical switches. However, unlike other keyboards that emit a loud and often obnoxiously distracting typing noise, Corsair has designed the K65 with 2 different layers of sound dampening materials. The well-designed dampening mechanism virtually eliminates the loud clickety clack of the mechanical switches, making an almost ideal compromise with the feel of mechanical keyboard and one that is nearly as quiet as a membrane style keyboard.
CONNECTIVITY The K65 has provisions for 3 different connectivity options. First off is good, reliable hardwired connectivity. Next up is obligatory Bluetooth connectivity, and for the ultimate in low-latency gaming performance, a 2.4GHz wireless option. Corsair states that using Bluetooth without the lighting is good for approximately 270 hours before charging. Needless to say, battery life is outstanding, but it does take a good penalty with lighting turned on, especially on bright.
SOFTWARE & OPTIONS Report rate, lighting, macros, etc. are all configured and managed through Corsair’s proprietary iCue software. While it has improved over time, I still find iCue a mixed bag in terms of reliability and ease of use. It is quite comprehensive, but it doesn’t have the ease of use of Corsair’s competition. The very basic settings are easy enough to manipulate, but anything but the absolute minimums are frustratingly hard to find and once you do, proves to be a gamble on whether or not those changes will take affect or not. iCue has been overhauled many times through my years of use & it still needs more work.
POSITIVES Like I mentioned before, the well-designed dampening mechanisms do a great job reducing the mechanical switch noise without impeding the feel of the cherished mechanical switches. As far as overall lighting goes, the K65 has a very bright and vibrant LED layout with individually addressable RGB lighting. I really appreciate manufacturer’s including individually addressable LED’s vs just a single color or only including a limited number of zones. I like the ability to change lighting based on my use of the keyboard. I set up gaming profiles and key lighting totally different than when doing general typing.
The 75% size of the K65 Plus strikes a great balance between a full-size keyboard and miniature keyboard. The 65% keyboards are just a little too small for comfortable typing for me and the additional 10% increase in size is welcomed.
NEGATIVES Unlike other keyboards, the K65’s LED’s do not illuminate up through the keys. To me, this is a must have feature for a keyboard. While the K65 does put on a nice light show, with plenty of glow from around the keys, not having the actual characters illuminate on the buttons would be a deal breaker for me.
Lastly, the iCue software needs work. It ALWAYS seems like a beta product. It is hit or miss as to whether or not the changes I implement will actually get applied to my Corsair products.
CONCLUSION Would I buy this keyboard for myself? The answer is NO, I would not. I don’t like a lighted keyboard that doesn’t illuminate the characters on the keys themselves. I do quite a bit of work and gaming in darkened environments and not being able to see the key characters is a deal breaker for me.
However, that isn’t to say the K65 Plus is a bad keyboard. It isn’t. The size is great. Big enough to comfortably type on, but small enough to have more room for your mouse while gaming. That’s great. The dampened Red Switches are fantastic and my other family members have even commented on how much they like the key feel, eyeing the keyboard since its arrival.
I like the keyboard and would recommend it, especially for those already into the Corsair ecosystem, but at the same time, I personally wouldn’t buy it for myself, as this is a matter of preference for me and not a knock against Corsair or the keyboard.
Fuel your system performance with the Crucial T500 Gen4 NVMe SSD. Experience faster gaming ~ perfect for PS5 upgrades. Amp up your creative potential with solid state storage that moves as fast as you need it to. Heavy tasks are no problem with better performance to power efficiency, and our heatsink gives you quiet heat dissipation in a sleek design.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
SUMMARY The T500 is a premium offering from Crucial with the hardware to back it up. It reached some of the fastest Gen 4 speeds I’ve ever recorded, has 2GB of DRAM, a life expectancy of 1200 TBW, and is fully compatible with the PS5.
INTRO The T500 represents Crucial’s (Crucial is owned by Micron) premium entry into the consumer NVMe market. Crucial has put all the necessary hardware on the drive to make it a top performer in the field and the specs and the results prove it. The T500 is capable of sequential read speeds up to 7400MB/s and write speeds of 7000 MB/s. Crucial places approximately 1GB of DRAM per TB, so this 2TB SSD is equipped with 2GB of DDR4 DRAM. Managing all of this is the latest Phison controller that supports Microsoft’s DirectStorage tech. Warranty on the drive is 5 years with an endurance rating of 1200TBW.
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION My test computer is a new 2023 Asus ExpertCenter. It has a 13th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and most importantly, supports the latest Gen4 NVMe interface. The computer came with a Micron Gen 4 NVMe drive installed, but it was only a 500GB model and honestly, speeds into and out of the drive were underwhelming. Far from what I would have expected from a Gen 4 drive.
While I was hoping for improved performance from the desktop, my real reason for installing the T500 is I am trying to make the Asus a mild gaming PC in addition to its daily chores as my primary workhorse. After installing just 2 games on an otherwise fresh install of Windows 11, I had clogged up over 60% of my existing drive. This was forcing me to store larger work files on my NAS and my performance was dropping off rapidly, the fuller the 500GB model got. Storage room improved significantly with the T500 as final capacity after partitioning, provisioning, and installation of Windows 11 yielded 1.83TB of usable storage space.
After installing the drive in the desktop and a fresh copy of Windows 11, it was time to reload all the latest drivers, my current choice of games, and all the latest productivity and business software. Surprisingly, the computer was much more responsive. Opening and installing large files seemed much quicker. Larger video driver downloads compiled faster and were much quicker to open after download. The computer just seemed peppier and no matter what I asked of the desktop, it just felt much snappier and less labored.
I thought this was more of a mind trick than anything. I had made myself believe that after spending all this time installing the drive and re-downloading all the software I use, this desktop must be quicker. Kind of like when you put a shiny new part on your car and you swear it runs better, has more power, and gets better mileage. So, was I just making myself believe it, or was it faster? Time to find out. Fingers crossed, because this installation, update, and all the software downloads & installs took a while. Ugh.
Queuing up CrystalDiskMark confirmed my observations. The desktop is decidedly faster than it was. Going from one Micron drive to another shows a vast disparity in drives with the same Gen 4 interface. Attached are photos of the results. The T500 is nearly twice as fast as my old NVMe drive. Sequential and Random read and write speeds are right at where Crucial claims they should be, topping more than 7000MB/s. Outstanding. Even more impressive, is that even during all my benchmarking, the drive never got over 71C and never thermal throttled. Partly because of good case airflow, but mostly due to the integrated heatsink on the drive. A worthy option whether you are installing the drive in a PS5 or a desktop.
Synthetic benchmarks aside, this drive is markedly faster in day-to-day tasks. Opening larger driver installation packages is much quicker. Driver installs, game installs, everything happens much quicker with the T500. To prove my theory, I used my 2 newest games I purchased over the holidays. The files are massive (both games clocked in at over 80+ GB each). Once the games are downloaded, the installer goes back, reads, and verifies the installation. With over 80GB per game, this can take a while and it did.
My old Micron drive averaged just over 1 GB/s read speeds (sorry, I don’t have photos documenting). Top read speed was approximately 1.25 GB/s. Not bad. However, the T500 crushed it. Game verification was taking place at over 4 GB/s with speeds reaching up to 4.3 GB/s. That’s nearly 4x the increase in performance! This is immediately noticeable when opening a large application, starting a new game, installing drivers, etc.
NEGATIVES The only negative I find about the T500 is its lack of hardware-based encryption. I scoured the Crucial website and even their product literature and can find no mention of support for encryption. A premium drive of this caliber deserves the ability to support hardware-based data encryption, especially one that Crucial is billing not only as a gaming drive, but as a drive designed for demanding workloads.
FINAL THOUGHTS The lack of hardware-based data encryption is the only fault I can find with the T500. It is an excellent drive that can reach the upper limits of data throughput in the Gen 4 interface. It has a great warranty and is made using, in my experience over the years, Micron’s excellent memory chips. I have had nothing but exceptional performance from my Crucial and Micron products. I’ve been using a low-end P3 in another desktop for years without issue. I have no doubt this drive will serve consumers well and will continue with Crucial’s excellent reliability.
Boost your skills with the controller innovations from Nacon. Officially licensed for PlayStation, the Revolution 5 Pro delivers unmatched performance and reliability in a wireless game controller for PS5, PS4 and PC. Revolutionary features include magnetic Hall effect joysticks, adjustable trigger blockers, swappable D-pad designs, and Bluetooth audio.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
SUMMARY: With lack of support for PS5 haptic feedback and the underside buttons that are unreachable for all of those without the longest of fingers, this is a no-go for me.
INITIAL THOUGHTS The Nacon controller has a heavy and robust feel to it. Heavier than my “Elite” controller from a different supplier. In addition to the premium feel, Nacon has put in great effort to make the Revolution appealing. It has optional D-Pads, ballast weights, fully customizable buttons and mappings, onboard memory to save profiles, 3 connection options (wired, Bluetooth, wireless with the included 2.4GHz dongle), micophone input and volume controls. One of the biggest advantages of the Revolution, is Nacon’s use of the Hall effect switches in its joysticks. This nearly all but eliminates the dreaded joystick drift some controllers get as they age. With no mechanical switches to wear out (Hall effect switches use magnets and magnetic pickups), the Nacon promises years of hopefully trouble-free use. If you are looking for a full-featured controller this thing checks nearly all boxes you can think of.
SET-UP I used the Revolution on a couple of different PC’s, which it is fully compatible with, as I don’t play on a PS5 or PS4, often playing “on the other team” if you will. After downloading the software for Windows 11, I was surprised. I didn’t think anyone still made software look and feel like Windows 3.1 or Windows 95. Time to invest a few bucks on your app Nacon. To make matters even more difficult, the controller cannot be plugged directly into a PC and used, configured, or upgraded. There is a VERY specific sequence you must perform to get the PC and the Nacon software to recognize the controller. Follow them to the letter and it works, try to take a shortcut and the software fails to recognize the controller whether it is hardwired, Bluetoothed, or wirelessly connected through the dongle. Unacceptable in today’s day and age. On a positive note, once configured and the firmware updated, you can connect the controller to a PC without the software, but any changes that need to be made, will require reconnecting it to a PC via the USB cable and following the software to the letter each time. Frustrating and unnecessary.
USE Having little time with controllers modelled after the PlayStation, I thought I would have trouble adapting to the Nacon set-up. While it is different than the controllers I normally play with, I had little trouble adapting to the shape of the Revolution. Most switches, triggers, and pads were in easy reach and it didn’t take long to feel comfortable with the new-to-me design.
One thing that I absolutely despise about the Revolution is the horribly placed buttons on the underside of the controller. They are very difficult to reach and awkwardly placed, making them nearly impossible to intuitively use. This is not something I have experienced with my current “Elite” controller. Everything fits and feels right at home. Thinking it was just a personal preference on my behalf, I gave the controller to my teenage gamer to try, not telling him any of my experiences with it. After about an hour, he brought the controller back out and said: “No Thanks. I don’t know who designed those buttons on the underside, but they stink.” Little did he know, my thoughts exactly.
Lastly, while the controller is supposed to be fully configurable. Owners can use the Nacon software, or Windows to configure the controller. Using it on some Game Pass games yielded mixed results. Even though games would detect the controller and all its configurable buttons and triggers, a few games failed to save the configuration information rendering custom mappings unusable. A good example of this is Forza Motorsport. Forza uses the Left and Right triggers, by default, for throttle and brake. They were mapped incorrectly with the Nacon. Using the Forza menu, I remapped the controller to use the left and right triggers, but no matter what I tried, the game would not save the configuration of the device. This behavior was not just limited to Forza but happened during other games at times as well. A behavior I have not experienced with ANY other manufacturers’ products. So, I am hoping this is something Nacon can iron out with a firmware update.
CONCLUSION Having used controllers from other manufacturers, the Nacon Revolution is one of my least favorite controllers to date. Configuration glitches and a poor design that renders bottom buttons and triggers nearly unusable doesn’t cut it for me. I could excuse the configuration issues, as one can always find some sort of workaround, if the controller had a nearly perfect fit and feel, but I cannot overlook the poor ergonomics. Add to the that, the lack of vibration support with the Playstation and the Nacon does not have enough going for it to give it a positive recommendation.
Say hai to a smart sustainable showerhead. Water-powered Bluetooth technology connects to the hai app, helping you track your water usage - no batteries required. Save water with customizable LED alerts, indicating when the water's reached your perfect temperature and when you're at your set water use target. A specially designed patented spray slider makes it easy to adjust between a high-pressure stream to a steamy fine mist. hai features more coverage than the average showerhead and is perfect for low-flow environments. Constructed with durable, high-quality, stainless-steel materials and a smooth bacterial-resistance hose, hai can be mounted on the wall or used as a handled shower device. A 2-year warranty lets you buy with confidence.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
A Thoughtfully-Designed Product, But Is It Needed?
on January 3, 2024
Posted by: NAMO
SUMMARY: The Hai showerhead is a thoughtfully designed product, that is easy to install and even with the water savings features, still gives out plenty of pressure for a pleasant shower. However, one must question, do you REALLY need a smart showerhead? Does a lowly showerhead really need smarts? For most, I’d say no.
SET-UP App installation and configuration went flawlessly on my Android based smartphone. Following Hai’s instructions, left nothing to the imagination and account creation and set-up were top notch. The showerhead is powered solely by water flow, it has no battery and no capacitor, so it must be installed first and the water running to provide power to the Bluetooth radio installed. This is all explained in the installation instructions in the app. Once installed, my phone found the showerhead, updated the firmware.
The downside is that since the showerhead has no way store energy for the Bluetooth radio, the water must remain on and running for the entire set-up, firmware update, initial configuration, and subsequent app changes. I find this quite disconcerting for a product made to help the owner save water, as I just wasted nearly 10 minutes of water use setting the product up.
INSTALLATION Hai has done an outstanding job designing the showerhead. I have no complaints about the installation process. Hai has designed in thoughtful touches and items everywhere. My biggest kudos go to their team that designed the adapter for the water inlet. This is the first time I’ve ever installed a product that didn’t need a set of vice grips or adjustable wrench to install. They thoughtfully designed a wing onto the threaded connector allowing a homeowner to tighten the showerhead tool-free. AMAZING. I wish more manufacturers followed Hai’s lead. Furthermore, each connection in the system includes a soft rubber washer, eliminating the need to install Teflon tape at each fitting for a leak-free seal. Kudos Hai. You deserve it.
USE This is going to be much shorter than my typical explanations, as it boils down to looking at the multi-function LED on the water-powered, power supply. The light is programmable and customizable via the Hai app. It reports a Bluetooth connection, water temperature, and water used. First up, using the Hai app, you can set the LED to change colors based on the number of gallons of water used. The default is 20 but can be adjusted higher or lower from there. When you reach the preset limit, the LED changes to your designated color indicating you have reached your preset water usage limit.
The second, and most useful feature, is the water temperature indicator. The homeowner can set the showerhead to change the color of the LED based on their preferred water temperature. It is supposed to be a conservation item, but let’s face it, who wants to jump into a cold shower in the morning? The Hai will monitor water temperature and change LED color based on your preferences, giving you a visual indication that the water has warmed up and is now a decent temperature. This is by far, my favorite feature.
NEGATIVES The most obvious negative is that with no means to store and retain energy in the device, most features are only available while water is actively spinning the impellers inside the device generating power. Shortly after powering off the showerhead, most features are unavailable. Any configuration changes, firmware updates, etc must be done with the water running. This partially negates the purpose of having a water saving showerhead. I either must take my phone with me in the shower (ain’t gonna happen) or I have to waste water to make app changes or firmware updates.
I rarely take my phone into the bathroom with me while showering. Because of this, the showerhead never updates my usage patterns and trends. On the rare occasion I do take my phone with me, it will populate the statistics, but not without the water running. So, if I have my phone in the bathroom while showering, I get statistical update. However, if I shower and then 5 minutes later go grab my phone and come back the bathroom, no updates.
Lastly, there are no user profiles that can be set up in the app. Whomever sets up the showerhead makes the determinations for LED indicator. Share your shower with a spouse? There is no way to compare their water usage and saving to yours.
CONCLUSIONS In a nutshell, would I buy this for myself or recommend to a friend or loved one? The answer is no. I never thought I would say it, but there are somethings that just don’t need tech. The showerhead is one of them. Aside from monitoring the water temperature, ensuring I don’t jump into a cold shower, there isn’t anything this showerhead does, I can’t do with a simple timer. Hey, A****. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Done.
The biggest kicker is that while Hai promotes this as a water saving device, you must waste water to program it and update it. I get that this may not have to be done very often, but it still defeats the purpose. With no way to store power in the device, no shower means no running water. No running water means no updates and no communications. I see limited appeal in the product.
ECOVACS DEEBOT T20 OMNI not only cleans floors, it cleans itself too ~ leaving you to more important things. The OZMO Turbo mopping system with dual spinning mops now features automatic mop lifting for seamless cleaning of every type of floor surface. The all-in-one OMNI station automatically empties the dustbin, washes the mops with hot water, and dries them with hot air ~ and is ready to clean again.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
SUMMARY: Rarely do appliances impress me as much as the Deebot T20 Omni has. If you are in the market for a robot vacuum but know there are times that you would also like to have your floor mopped to be extra clean, this is for you.
SET-UP This is my first Ecovacs product and I wasn’t sure how it would compare and perform to my current robot vacuum. My current robot vacuum and proven so reliable and simple to set-up and maintain, I didn’t give Ecovacs much of a chance to compete. I will be the first to admit, I was wrong and have been nothing but impressed with the little Ecovacs Deebot.
Account creation is easy and simple to set up. The app itself is intuitive and very comprehensive. Ecovacs supplies a QR code to download their software, whether it be Google or Apple. Once installed and your account is created, the app walks you through setting up the Deebot. Easy and painless. The app guides you through the set-up process and the Deebot tells you what you need to do to complete set-up. Yes, the Omni T20 has its own built-in voice assistant. Between the app and the voice assistant guiding you through the set-up process, it doesn’t get any easier.
I wish other companies were as thorough and spent as much time as Ecovacs clearly has, prior to releasing their products. While there was a firmware update waiting for me when I brought the Deebot online, at no time did it ever feel like the firmware or app was half-baked.
USE I first started the Ecovac alongside my current robot vacuum. The Ecovac was significantly quicker at mapping out my lower level of my house. My current vacuum had to be babysat while it made its way around my lower level. I either had to put up a physical barrier to stop it from going where I didn’t want it or use its provided boundary tool to put up an invisible fence. It took nearly and hour and a half to complete its initial mapping run.
While I did have to babysit the Ecovac some, it wasn’t near as time consuming as its competitor. The Deebot drove out of its charger, and only went a few different places to map my downstairs. It didn’t have to go and physically run into every wall and/or barrier like its competitor. The Ecovac Deebot uses a combination of Lidar, cameras, and lasers to map its surroundings and detect obstacles. It is a much more refined, and by refined, I mean light years ahead of its competition, in terms of obstacle identification and avoidance.
My current vac will go about its business, traveling at a preset speed until it gets close to a wall, counter, furniture, etc. Something that it knows is already there. Once it gets within a couple of inches of the obstacle, it slows down, bumps the obstacle, and then turns around going exactly one device width difference on its return path. Wash, rinse, repeat. However, put a pair of shoes, an animal’s toy, or worse yet a cord in its way, and you hope it doesn’t get tangled in its brush or agitator bar. If you are lucky and something bigger like a pair of shoes, it will just bump them (at full speed because its algorithm doesn’t know the obstacle is there) and then either move around the obstacle or turn around. This is especially frustrating with a pet’s food and water, as often the vac bumps the bowls hard enough to spill the contents on the floor. This is especially true if the bowls are not in the EXACT same spot they were when the vac initially mapped its surroundings.
Not so with the Deebot. Using AI associated with its camera, Lidar, and lasers, not only does it seamlessly map a room and its obstacles, but it can also see objects in its path that weren’t there when mapped. Shoes, no problem. Pet, no problem. Toys, no problem. Cords, no problem. No joke, I left a heavy piece of string on the floor and the Deebot saw it and moved around it. WOW! Obstacle detection works better than any device I’ve ever owned. Objects that used to wreak havoc with my current vac, are no issue for the Ecovacs Deebot.
CLEANING After comparing it inside the house with my current vac, I gave the Deebot an impossible challenge. I wanted it to clean my man cave / workout room / hangout / converted garage. It is no easy chore as I often have stuff laying around that doesn’t get put back right away and to make matters worse, I installed a hard rubber tile over the floor with raised “coins”.
After relocating the Deebot, it knew something had changed and requested that I remap the area. No biggie, I had some time. As it is a converted 2 ½ car garage, it is essentially one large room, but there are plenty of objects in the way. Thinking the Deebot would need to travel the area and get a look around, I set it loose, but stayed close by. It drove out of its base, toward the middle of the “garage”, spun around, and returned home. Mapping complete!!!! WOW! Not only was mapping complete, but when it uploaded the new map to the phone app, it really did see everything.
It had been a while since I cleaned up my area, so I set the Deebot on a vacuuming run. I wasn’t smart enough to look at the app and see that I don’t have to do each chore separate, I can tell the Deebot to do multiple jobs with one setting. You can vac, vac and mop, mop, or vac and then when done, mop. AWESOME. The Deebot started about its first chore. Suction power is top notch. Much stronger than my current vac. The Ecovac had no problems picking anything up off the floor it encountered.
Once done, I decided to give the mopping a try. Not having a lot of hope, I thought it couldn’t hurt. I often workout in bare feet or socks, so I like having a clean floor and the floor could use a good cleaning. But with the numerous raised coins on the tile and the short nap on the mop heads, I didn’t expect much. I was right. It didn’t do too much but hit the top of the coins. As expected, but I was remotely disappointed.
However, digging into the app and re-watching the instructional videos, I saw where you could tell the Deebot to use more cleaning solution, make more passes while mopping, and what level of dirtiness you think the floor is at. WOW!! Game changer. I went from its normal cleaning cycle to the deep cleaning cycle. Doing so, doubled the amount of passes it made in the room and setting the app to dirty and more solution allowed the little Deebot to get to the actual face of tile. Amazing.
After a few passes, the Deebot stopped cleaning and returned to the base. What? It isn’t even a 1/16th the way done. Great, another issue with an app or firmware. Off to the app I went. An issue? Nope. The app told me the Deebot had returned to the base to wash the pads off and reload them with clean solution. Really? Sweet! Sure enough, after a couple of minutes, the Deebot exited the base, returned to where it left off, lowered the mops and off it went. My dirty floors were clean. Better than I usually get them with mopping.
CONCLUSION I am extremely fortunate to have a robot vac already and this Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni to use and compare back-to-back. My current robot vac does a good job at its assigned tasks. It is easy to use, requires minimal maintenance and is something I can pretty much set and forget knowing it will do a good job at cleaning up pet hair and day-to-day messes.
With that, would I buy a Deebot over a competitors’ robot vacuum? The answer is simple. The Deebot, without question. It has better suction, hence better cleaning power, can vacuum and/or mop without the user needing to do anything. It can switch between vacuuming and mopping by lifting or lowering it mops. So slick. Add to this, the vastly improved obstacle recognition and avoidance and the Deebot is a hands down winner in my book.
There is more maintenance with the Ecovac than my current vac. For example, you must clean filters more often and the water tanks only get you a couple of cleanings at most, that is if you aren’t using the deep clean function. But Ecovacs has done a fantastic job at keeping owners’ chores to a minimum. For example, as an owner, you don’t have to clean the mop heads after use. The Deebot takes care of it for you. Once it has completed mopping, it returns to the base, starts charging, heats the in-tank water and washes off the mop heads. Once clean, it dries them out and gets them ready for the next go round. The minimal increase in maintenance is worth it for the added functionality that the T20 offers. Like I stated in my summary, rarely do appliances impress me as much as the Deebot T20 Omni has.
Unlock your car~s smart potential with the latest Nextbase iQ 4K Smart Dash Cam that~s always on duty. Predict threats and protect your car from anywhere using Live View, powered by 4G connectivity. See what your car sees and get custom alerts wherever you are. Park with confidence using Smart Sense Parking, as your iQ constantly scans the surrounding area of your vehicle, detecting potential intruders or vehicles backing up too close, allowing you to intervene using voice or an alarm.
This reviewer is a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. This invitation-only program provides BestBuy.com reviewers with manufacturer-supplied products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased and usage-based reviews. Outside of receiving products to test and review, Best Buy Tech Insider Network Reviewers are not compensated in any other way.
SUMMARY – I have no doubts the IQ dashcam will one day be great, but it isn’t ready for mainstream, as important features are missing and/or not working yet.
INSTALLATION The Nextbase IQ is easy to install. Nextbase includes every conceivable option to wire up their new flagship camera in the box. They include a pre-pinned OBD-II power adapter, fuses to fit nearly any car on the road (if your car takes one of the plastic fuses, regardless of size, Nextbase includes an adapter for you), and a stand alone red and black wire to manually tap power from any other convenient source, just in case any of their other options don’t work for you.
Unlike some of my other dashcam installations, Nextbase has included a very generous length of wire to hook up their camera. I chose to mount my camera just to the right of my rearview mirror, running the power cable tucked into the headliner and down the front A-pillar to the OBD-II port located under the driver’s side dash. Even in my ½ ton, full-size pickup, I had plenty of wire to run power neatly and inconspicuously with some left over. Thank you Nextbase for including enough wire for those of us in the U.S.
The number of items included with their camera is very generous and much appreciated. From providing enough power wire, multiple power connection options, glass cleaner, and extra adhesive pads, the IQ camera’s extras go a long way for customer satisfaction and Nextbase deserves kudos for their selection.
APP The IQ is accessed via the Nextbase IQ app. I installed the app on my Android smartphone and created my Nextbase account. The app installation went without issue, but the actual camera adoption did not. No matter what I tried, I could not get the QR Code to show on the IQ’s display. This QR code is used by the app to link to the IQ camera. Even with full cellular coverage, the QR code would not show up. The camera just had 2 arrows chasing themselves endlessly around in circles. No number of reboots fixed this issue.
There is no other recourse or options to activate the camera, if the QR code won’t come up, other than contacting Nextbase customer service. Using the QR code associated with the troubleshooting card, I attempted to call Nextbase customer service. However, the QR code does not work and takes you to a number that is not in service. More frustration. Time to search it up. With Nextbase being in the UK, most information leads to the UK site and their contact information. It took nearly 15 minutes to find a US based customer service number, but I found it. I found it to learn that their US based customer service department was closed, and the recording gave no other information or options.
I wasn’t fully surprised the customer service line was closed, as it was after 7pm CDT. I went back to the troubleshooting card to look for other options to get the camera online. Their recommendation was to submit a trouble ticket via email. So, I tried. However, you can’t submit a help ticket without a serial number. Guess what? You can’t find a serial number on the IQ. Not without some form of disassembly. Because I couldn’t get it linked to the app, I couldn’t get the serial to submit a ticket. Awesome. Thanks, Nextbase. Nearly an hour wasted. Out of utter frustration, I unplugged the camera from the OBD-II port and gave up for the night. The amount of irritation isn’t worth it.
I came back out mid-morning the next day, expecting more heartache. For whatever reason, the camera booted up and displayed the QR code. After more than an hour of headache and irritation, the next day it booted without issue, and I was able to get it linked to my Nextbase account.
USE The Nextbase app is the primary means to interact with the IQ camera (it does support verbal commands). Those, like me who are used to some form of other controls on their other Nextbase devices, will be surprised and possibly dismayed at the deletion of a touchscreen. The IQ communicates with your phone via Bluetooth if you are close, or via 4G for remote access. The new processor in the IQ is a marked improvement in processing power compared to my older Nextbase 322GW. It is quick to establish a Bluetooth or 4G connection and file transfers take mere seconds. Unlike my 322 which could be wonky and hit or miss establishing a connection for replay, the IQ has proven rock solid and reliably quick.
The IQ includes a 4k front facing camera and a wide-angle rear facing camera. Using its AI brains, it can “see” around your vehicle. Mounted properly, the IQ can see just past your driver and passenger door (at least in my truck). Note that the IQ does not include a rear camera to see out the back of the vehicle. That must be purchased separately and is not yet available. For the utmost in coverage this camera is a must as it picks up where the front cameras stop and records video from behind the vehicle. This provides a nearly 360-degree view around your car or truck with minimal, if any, blind spots. Images from the front camera are recorded in super crisp 4k resolution with the rear facing cameras limited to 1440p resolution. Even so, the rear images are sharp and clear.
The IQ is like your car’s personal nanny. It continuously monitors your vehicle whether you are driving or not. If driving, it will report back any odd disturbances. It automatically saves the file on the device and if you have notifications set up, will send you a push notification, even though it isn’t necessary while driving.
Leaving your car is where the camera really pays off. If you opt for the option rear facing camera, the IQ will fully monitor your vehicle. Via the IQ app, you set the sensitivity of the monitoring. Anytime someone gets within your predefined area around the vehicle, the camera records it and sends you a push notification. Same if it detects a sudden jolt or jostle. It works well and if you have a decent view of the sky (as in, can get cell reception) events are sent quickly and reliably.
NEGATIVES The biggest complaint is while there is so much to like about the camera, it still feels like a beta product and not all the features are available. Nextbase brags about their Guardian mode and Roadwatch AI features of the IQ. They sound great. Couldn’t wait to try them out, especially the Roadwatch where the camera will show on your phone, via the app, pedestrians, cyclists, other moving vehicles, lane departure, etc. in real-time. Sounds great. Almost like a real-time heads-up display for those of us with older vehicles. Well, it’s not available yet.
At least I can give the Guardian mode a shot. Real-time communication with drivers and passengers in the vehicle, including speed alerts, or aggressive driving notifications. Nope. Not yet available.
Like my Nextbase 322GW, the IQ is programmed to overlay a GPS map of each minute of driving (by default the camera records your driving in 1-minute increments). I love that feature on my 322. When you queue up a video from a trip, the software shows not only the video of your drive, but the exact location you are on a map, along with speed, etc. Nope. Not with the IQ. That feature doesn’t work either. I verified I had good GPS signal and after numerous trips, still haven’t received a complete replay of any drive. The only time I get a GPS hit is when the truck is sitting still and even then, takes several minutes to get an update on the app of your location.
This is unacceptable. If I have good GPS reception and good cellular reception, I hate to think I was relying on the IQ to call for help in the event of an accident. My 322GW is always spot on. My IQ has no idea where I am at, unless I leave the truck sit for a half-hour. Not only does it not know where I’m at, it has no idea what time it is. So, any accidents or witness videos could easily be disputed. I have the time set to auto and central time, but the IQ still shows London time on the display and when searching for videos, making it hard to find a specific recording.
CONCLUSIONS I absolutely love my Nextbase 322GW. While it acts a little flaky at times, mainly because of the slow processor and questionable phone connection, it has proven to be a solid and reliable workhorse. I’ve used it for several years now and it has never given me an issue. It is small, inconspicuous, and I never have had to worry about whether or not it was going to work.
I can’t say the same for the IQ. The app needs work, the camera still needs work. I have no doubt Nextbase will squash the bugs, but until they do, I would hold off buying an IQ. As of now, the IQ feels rushed to market and needed some additional R&D time prior to release. If, Nextbase can get the bugs worked out, I would have no problem recommending the IQ (even if they want to require a subscription to get all the features now). But, as of today, I can’t give a buy recommendation. There is just too much not ready yet.
What if a vacuum was so advanced it could sense the type of floor it~s cleaning? BISSELL SurfaceSense Pet vacuum can! Its intelligent SurfaceSense Technology can detect floor types and automatically adjust the brush roll speed to give you optimal cleaning performance on any floor type. It~s also our first vacuum with a Tangle-Free, Multi-Surface Brush Roll which has stiff bristles for cleaning carpet and soft bristles for vacuuming hard floors, so it can pick up everything from fine dust to larger debris across all floor types. SurfaceSense Pet vacuum has a One Touch, Easy Empty dirt tank and a SmartSeal Allergen System that traps fine dust and allergens while you clean. The LED headlights illuminate hidden dirt and debris while the Quick Release Extension Wand and above floor tools work together to clean hard-to-reach spaces, like upholstery and stairs. And this vacuum doesn~t just clean up after pets, it helps save them, too! BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets. When you buy a BISSELL product, you help save pets. We~re proud to design products that help make pet messes, odors and pet homelessness disappear.
Is this a self-propelled vacuum? Is there a Bissell that is?
Yes, it's that powerful: Play with performance with a powerful AMD processor and mighty graphics. All that power stays cool with our frosty OMEN Tempest Cooling. We can't stop others from feeling a little envy. Gaming shouldn't feel this good: Feast your eyes on this 16.1 diagonal inch machine, boasting a high resolution and fast refresh rate. The floating hinge design and Audio by Bang & Olufsen show it off while you go off. And the long battery life lets you play even longer. One place. All play. OMEN Gaming Hub is your one-stop shop to elevating your play. From getting rewards just by gaming, to controlling every little performance and lighting option of your machine, the list goes on. Every game, every play, every moment is now in your control.
Yes, it's that powerful: Play with performance with a powerful AMD processor and mighty graphics. All that power stays cool with our frosty OMEN Tempest Cooling. We can't stop others from feeling a little envy. Gaming shouldn't feel this good: Feast your eyes on this 16.1 diagonal inch machine, boasting a high resolution and fast refresh rate. The floating hinge design and Audio by Bang & Olufsen show it off while you go off. And the long battery life lets you play even longer. One place. All play. OMEN Gaming Hub is your one-stop shop to elevating your play. From getting rewards just by gaming, to controlling every little performance and lighting option of your machine, the list goes on. Every game, every play, every moment is now in your control.
I don't believe so. Unlike other laptops, that have both integrated graphics for the main display and an aftermarket solution (AMD or nVidia) for an external display, this laptop appears to be use the onboard, integrated graphics at all times.
Yes, it's that powerful: Play with performance with a powerful AMD processor and mighty graphics. All that power stays cool with our frosty OMEN Tempest Cooling. We can't stop others from feeling a little envy. Gaming shouldn't feel this good: Feast your eyes on this 16.1 diagonal inch machine, boasting a high resolution and fast refresh rate. The floating hinge design and Audio by Bang & Olufsen show it off while you go off. And the long battery life lets you play even longer. One place. All play. OMEN Gaming Hub is your one-stop shop to elevating your play. From getting rewards just by gaming, to controlling every little performance and lighting option of your machine, the list goes on. Every game, every play, every moment is now in your control.
About how long does the battery last from a full charge?
For on-the-GO peace of mind. Use UV light with or without a vacuum function so you can safely clean your phone, car and plane seat, hotel room, luggage and more.
Pure One S11 is a high-performance cordless vacuum. It features iLoop~ Smart Sensor Technology which senses hidden dirt, dust, hair, pollen, and dander, and automatically adjusts suction power in real-time for an effortless cleaning experience. Pure One S11~s full-size multi-tasker power brush ensures you get a deep, thorough clean of carpets, bare floors, fabric, and more. Get up to 130W of suction power in Max mode.
Good Afternoon, No, this vacuum doesn't come with 2 batteries. Just the one. One a positive note, the wall mount includes a spot to charge a 2nd battery and can charge a 2nd battery simultaneously while charging the battery in vacuum.
Pure One S11 is a high-performance cordless vacuum. It features iLoop~ Smart Sensor Technology which senses hidden dirt, dust, hair, pollen, and dander, and automatically adjusts suction power in real-time for an effortless cleaning experience. Pure One S11~s full-size multi-tasker power brush ensures you get a deep, thorough clean of carpets, bare floors, fabric, and more. Get up to 130W of suction power in Max mode.
DOES THE POWER BUTTON HAVE TO BE PHYSICALLY CONTINUALLY HELD DOWN BY THE USER TO KEEP THE DEVICE IN THE RUNNING MODE ( AS WITH THE DYSON CORDLESS VACUUMS ) ?
Good Afternoon, No, you don't have to hold the trigger down the whole time like your Dyson. There is a small lever just above your thumb (assuming you are right-handed) that can be used to hold the trigger down while in use.
Enhance your TV experience without compromising your room~s design with the Sonance MAG SSTVAUDIO Sonos Powered 2.0-Channel Soundbar Alternative. This premium 2.0-channel TV audio solution combines LCR in-wall speakers, a Sonos Amp, and a behind-the-TV Sonance wall box, delivering stunning clarity and deep sound while keeping all electronics hidden from view. Designed as a discreet soundbar alternative, this system features two MAG6 LCR speakers with pivoting silk dome tweeters and dual 6.5" woofers, ideal for media rooms, living rooms, and TV audio upgrades. The included Sonos Amp powers your speakers, supports AirPlay 2, and connects directly to your TV via HDMI ARC, making it easy to control everything with your existing TV remote. The included PowerBridge kit and Sonance wall box conceal the Sonos amp, wiring, and even streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Google TV Streamer, eliminating the need for TV stands or exposed cables. Paintable grilles blend into your walls, making this system ideal for any TV in any room of your home. With a design-first approach, the MAG SSTVAUDIO is the ultimate in-wall TV speaker system for design-conscious homes.
Can you attach a sub to this system as well for extra bass, or are you stuck with just the 2 included speakers?
And is the amp powerful enough for a sub?
Good Evening. Yes, you can pair a sub with this system. Using the Sonos app, you can add a Sonos sub or the amp has a line out to add a sub via line out connection. The sub will have to be self powered, the Sonos amp will not supply power to drive the sub.
HP OMEN Obelisk by HP Desktop: Play graphically intense games with this HP OMEN Obelisk desktop computer. You can easily store large amounts of media and other data on the 1TB hard drive and install games and programs on the 256GB SSD for fast access. This HP OMEN Obelisk desktop computer has 16GB of memory for multitasking effectively, and the Intel Core i7-9700 processor handles resource-intense programs efficiently.
Why in the graphics for the specs its says intel hd graphics is there not a gtx 1660 TI?
HP OMEN Obelisk by HP Desktop: Play graphically intense games with this HP OMEN Obelisk desktop computer. You can easily store large amounts of media and other data on the 1TB hard drive and install games and programs on the 256GB SSD for fast access. This HP OMEN Obelisk desktop computer has 16GB of memory for multitasking effectively, and the Intel Core i7-9700 processor handles resource-intense programs efficiently.
Is there a gtx 1660ti installed or not? What size pwr supply?