The TCL Q65H provides a complete home theater experience putting you in the center of all the action from movies, sports, music, or games. Experience Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with Ray Danz Acoustic Reflectors in the sound bar for rich surround. The wireless subwoofer can be placed anywhere in the room to provide strong, deep bass. Simple connectivity with HDMI eARC and Bluetooth Music Streaming make it easy to listen to any content.
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: A decent entry-level soundbar with simple set-up. Dramatically improves TV listening, but nowhere near the quality of the premium models.
PROS Multiple Connection Options Simple eARC control Ray-Danz tech for expanded soundstage
CONS Initial set-up via Android didn't work Mixed results with TCL app (Some items still in Chinese) Lackluster Bass & Low Frequency Extension
SET-UP & USE Like most new products with companion apps, my initial set-up attempt was with an Android smartphone. Initial set-up with Android didn't work. After multiple attempts with my Android phone and Android tablet, I gave up. The app refused to recognize the speaker regardless of how I tried to connect it. Fortunately, my iPad worked perfectly, immediately finding, pairing, and registering the Q65 to my account. After which, my Android devices could see and control the Q65, but it wasn't until an iOS device had to step in and save the day. Unacceptable, in my opinion, in today's day and age.
The Q65 is replacing an aging Polk React soundbar and sub combo. The Polk was a decent product at the time, but was, and is, hampered by its lack of eARC or ARC support. It wasn't a seamless experience using it with a newer TV. The TCL Q65 on the other hand, paired immediately with my Hisense 50" 4k Roku TV. No fuss, no issues. Hooking the Q65 up via the eARC HDMI port and the corresponding eARC HDMI output on my TV was simple and straight forward. My Hisense TV recognized the Q65 and immediately programmed the Roku remote to control the soundbar in addition to the TV. You couldn't have asked for a simpler set-up.
SOUND QUALITY Sound quality for what I would consider a budget, entry-level soundbar is surprising decent. But any soundbar is a substantial improvement in audio quality over TV speakers. TV audio nowadays is pathetic. The Q65 offers a worthwhile upgrade in audio performance.
I find the Q65's different audio modes particularly effective. Using movie mode opens up the pseudo surround processing. However, it often overpowers the center dialog while it enhances the surround processing. The Vocal setting is nice to have during late night watching. The vocal setting does an admiral job at boosting voices without needing to turn up the system. I find this setting very useful and is an excellent compromise over using Night mode.
One thing that users will likely be left wanting is in bass performance. The ported 6.5" subwoofer just can't produce that deep rumbling bass of higher end units. While it will produce bass, it is more just bass sound than an actual rumble. Unlike most subs that have down-firing woofers, the Q65 has a rear-facing woofer and port. The ported enclosure does help produce more bass sound, but there isn't a lot of amp in the sub to make bass authoritative. More just like dipping a toe in the water than jumping in with both feet.
FINAL THOUGHTS The TCL app and speaker need a good update to work properly. TCL needs to get their Android app straightened out and they need to remove the leftover Chinese labels in their iOS app.
The Ray-Danz technology that is said to widen the soundstage and surround performance, falls off dramatically when the Q65 is not mounted on a wall. The Q65 really needs to be wall-mounted to take full advantage of the technology. Without a wall to bounce audio off of, the surround effect is greatly diminished.
TCL has still packed a bunch of goodies and tech into the Q65. It is compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound. It has multiple inputs and outputs (USB, HDMI in, HDMI eARC, and Optical). That is a very good selection of inputs and outputs. More than many others that cost significantly more.
The Q65 offers a lot of technology and value for the money.
The esports headset trusted by pros evolves for ultimate dominance. Stay ahead of the competition with the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro~an advanced wireless ANC esports headset. Upgraded with industry-leading ultra-low latency wireless technology and a full band mic, victory is all but assured.
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: Razer made a well-rounded gaming headset that is equally happy with movies and music as it is games.
PROS THX 7.1.4 Surround Simultaneous Bluetooth and Hyperspeed Audio Up to 70hrs Playback Volume Knob No RGB Overload
CONS I prefer a flip-style mic So-so ANC
SET-UP / INTIAL THOUGHTS As I say in nearly ever Razer review, I used to hate the Synapse software. But a shout out to Razer for making Synapse 4 more user-friendly and less resource demanding. Synapse of years past would be overly complicated & unintuitive, but Razer has made great strides making Synapse more easily accessible. The module for the new Razer BlackShark headphones is easy to understand and easy to configure. Shout out to Razer for their firmware process as well. This is one of the few headphones I can remember that didn't need an immediate firmware update upon start-up to function properly.
USE I've reviewed a few Razer headphones now and each time I receive a new sample, their products continue to improve. The BlackSharks are no exception. Unlike Razer's other Pro headsets that rely on haptics for bass reproduction, the BlackSharks accomplish it with 50mm drivers. 50mm is the standard size for premium headsets nowadays. The BlackSharks don't have haptics to muddy the sound with bass frequencies. Razer claims their new 50mm titanium "TriForce" drivers are made from 3 different parts, divided into lows, mids, and highs. Razer says this allowed them to be able to tune each of the 3 drivers individually. I'm not sure exactly what they did to tune them, but the new BlackShark Pros are very crisp and clear. Punchy lows are combined with crisp, detailed highs. Both music and movies sound very good on the BlackSharks. They are noticeably improved over prior generations of Razer drivers. Are they as crisp and wonderfully clear as some of the best music headphones. No, not even close. But they are improved enough to make them very good at what they do. So much so that the first thing I tested the headphones with was a favorite song & instantly noticed the improvements to the drivers, there is that much of a change.
The addition of THX 7.1.4 Spatial Audio is a rare feature among headphones these days. Having purchased both the Dolby Atmos and the DTS:X headphone apps, I was able to do back-to-back comparisons of pseudo-surround audio. I will say the THX audio processing is a step above that from either Dolby or DTS. The audio "movement" sounds much more precise and distinguished. The added 7.4 channels of THX audio processing does make a discernible difference in surround audio, being more accurate and localized compared to the competing technologies. Footsteps, gunfire, glass breaking are easier to pinpoint the direction of versus the competitions' audio processing. Same with overhead movements. But, the differences in height information are less noticeable versus the competing technologies.
Razer claims up to 70 hours of audio playback with the new BlackSharks. I haven't reached 70hrs yet, but I've been gaming for many hours and still have a bunch of battery left. I doubt I will make 70, but 70 sounds possible in ideal conditions.
I can't end the use section of the review without mentioning the BlackShark's aesthetics. There are two VERY important areas that really stand out to me. First is Razer's complete lack of RGB. I double-checked the product & the box. I thought I got the wrong set of headphones. A Razer product without RGB everywhere? Is it possible? Yes. Kudos.
A second, and minor addition that may change how I forever look at headphones, a true volume knob. This may be a game changer (pun intended) for gaming headphones for me. So simple. So easy to find during an intense game. So easy to adjust. This simple addition may forever change how I look at gaming headsets. I can't believe more manufacturers don't include it. No more fumbling for buttons, no more adjusting volume with a mouse and Windows. Just awesome!
CONS The Razer Active Noise Cancellation is just so-so. Not as good as the class leaders, but not the worst either. ANC may be able to be tuned a little better with future firmware updates, but as of now, ANC is adequate.
This is just a personal preference, but I like a flip style mic. It is easier to turn it off and on when you can just flip it up to cut audio.
CONCLUSION Would I buy a set of BlackSharks? Yes. Razer's new titanium "Tri-Force" drivers are much improved over their previous generations of headsets. Audio is much more crisp and detailed now with little be drowned out by bass. Razer should be commended for their efforts in improving their gaming headsets.
I've always said, that a set of headphones must be able to do all things; music, movies, and games. For me, a set of headphones must be a jack of all trades, even if they are a master of none. Failing in one area will immediately earn a Not Recommended rating from me. With Razer's new set of cans, I can say that they a proving to live up to Razer's hype and are worthy of a Recommended rating. Razer's new driver technology is worth checking out. It improves upon their already good set of headphones.
I wish the ANC was better at drowning out ambient noise, but it is decent and I'm sure can be tuned even more. But, when a good movie or game comes up and the THX audio processing kicks in, the ANC is often an afterthought as the surround sound overcomes the outside world as you get lost in a good game or movie.
The improved clarity of the drivers and sweet volume knob earn a 5-star rating.
The GIGABYTE AERO X16 Copilot+ PC redefines mobile computing, seamlessly blending cutting-edge performance with a sleek and thin design. Weighing just 1.9 kgs, its precision crafted chassis houses the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 AI 350 processor, delivering best-in-class CPU and NPU performance for demanding productivity tasks. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU unleashes next-generation graphics capabilities for both gaming and creative pursuits. Equipped with GIGABYTE GiMATE~an intelligent AI agent that personalizes performance to your workflow~ adapting system operations to your unique needs. With a creator-class display, portable build, and versatile performance, the AERO X16 is the ultimate laptop for gamers and creators alike.
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: An excellent gaming laptop hindered in performance by NVidia's lack of VRAM.
PROS Energy Efficient Ryzen Processor 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD RTX 5070 Graphics Very Quiet
CONS Flimsy Keyboard Lacks VRAM to Reach Full Potential (8GB / 7.38 Useable) No OLED Display
KEY SPECS Ryzen 7 AI 350 CPU (8C / 16T) up to 5GHz 32GB DDR5-5600 RAM NVidia RTX 5070 GPU 1TB Gigabyte-branded nVME SSD
PORTS 1 x RJ45 3 x USB-A 1 x USB-C (Video Out from Ryzen 860M) 1 x HDMI 2.1 (Video Out from GTX 5070)
INTIAL SET-UP
This is the third Gigabyte computer I have been fortunate enough to review. However, like the previous 2, this one also suffered from issues during the initial boot-up and installation. The laptop refused to update itself to the July 2025 Windows 11 update. After waiting over an hour to update, I gave up. Not only would it not update, but the laptop was also incredibly slow and sluggish.
Thankfully, Microsoft made the Windows Media Creation Tool available. I was able to download a pristine copy of Windows 11 directly from Microsoft and create a bootable thumb drive. Only after wiping the drive and installing a fresh copy of Windows 11 did the laptop finally feel like it should. Responsiveness was vastly improved, and Windows downloaded and installed the July 2025 update in less than 10 minutes. I’m not sure what is going on with the Gigabyte laptops, but every one I’ve received needed a fresh install of Windows to work properly.
GAMING PERFORMANCE How does the new NVidia 5070 GPU game? It has a ton of gaming power, unfortunately it is severely hampered by its lack of NVRAM. Raw computer performance is there; it just quickly chews through the limited amount of RAM when you turn up all the goodies. Ray tracing and quality settings eat up the available RAM too quickly. Once used, frame rates drop. Still, the 5070 has great power and can turn out some decent frames. My testing included the above Gigabyte Aero X16 hooked to an LG UltraGear 49” 120Hz OLED Gaming Monitor. Below are my go-to games that I play on a regular basis:
MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 2024 4k Ultra w/o DLSS – 35fps 4k High End w/o DLSS – 40fps 4k Medium w/o DLSS – 52fps 1440p High End w/o DLSS – 67fps 1440p Medium w/o DLSS – 67fps
INDIANA JONES & THE GREAT CIRCLE 4k Ultra with & without DLSS – 12fps 4k High with & without DLSS – 12fps 1440p High w/o DLSS – 22fps 1440p High w/ DLSS – 25fps 1440p Medium w/o DLSS – 52fps 1440p w/ DLSS – 67fps
DOOM DARK AGES 4k High with & without DLSS - 12fps 1440p High w/o DLSS – 80fps 1440p High w/ DLSS – 180fps 1440p Ultra w/o DLSS – 83fps 1440p Ultra w/ DLSS – 182fps 1440p Ultra Nightmare w/o DLSS – 79fps 1440p Ultra Nightmare w/ DLSS – 180fps
F1 2024 (Doesn’t support DLSS in 50-series cards) 4k Ultra High w/o DLSS – 37fps 1440p Ultra High w/o DLSS – 63fps
STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT 2 (Doesn’t support DLSS in 50-series cards) 4k Ultra w/o DLSS – 15fps 440p Ultra w/o DLSS – 40fps
Gaming performance varied wildly during my testing. Some games were highly optimized and took full advantage of the 5070 and its frame generation prowess. Both Forza and Doom benefited from the DLSS tech, especially Doom. Other games like F1 2024 and Star Wars, both from EA, would not recognize the 5070 and only offered DLSS support for 40-series NVidia cards. So, I was unable to test the differences in performance using frame generation. I’m guessing it would have been a substantial improvement in performance as both games had plenty of overhead remaining.
Then, you have games like Indiana Jones & The Great Circle. The 5070 had plenty of power for the game, but the textures and quality enhancements ate through the available VRAM leading to atrocious frame rates, leading to no other option, but to either lower resolution or texture qualities until the card could keep up.
One thing that I absolutely must mention is the improvements Gigabyte has made with cooling and noise control. Of all the gaming laptops I’ve been lucky enough to test, the Aero X16 is substantially quieter than the others. The Aero X16 is much nicer to game on than Gigabytes of just a year ago. Noise is far less, and thermals are much more controlled. So much so, that if not gaming, the X16 is silent or there is barely a whisper from the fans. I’ve never used a laptop with this kind of processing power that is this quiet. Does it get loud? Yes. But way less than many others. It's often as quiet as my 2-in-1's when not gaming. The new Ryzen chip is very energy efficient, and Gigabyte’s thermal management is top notch.
NEGATIVES First. The is a substantial droop to the middle of the keyboard when being used. There is not a lot of support in the middle of the laptop.
Second. This is now the third Gigabyte laptop I’ve reviewed and the third one that needed a complete reinstall to keep it from feeling laggy and sluggish. The X16 had to get a reinstall of Windows just to update properly.
Third. Even with decent RAM and processing power. The laptop scores low on Passmark tests. I have DDR5 RAM in other computers, and nearly every single one scored substantially higher on memory bandwidth testing. Same with the Ryzen 7. There is a bunch of computing power onboard, but single core, single threaded tests are quite weak.
Lastly. This is not a Gigabyte fault, but a NVidia fault. The lack of onboard DDR7 VRAM SEVERELY hampers the 5070’s full potential. Look at Indiana Jones’ numbers. A perfect example. Overall GPU utilization was only 60%, but the 5070 was completely out of RAM and couldn’t muster any more frames.
CONCLUSIONS Would I recommend the Aero X16? Yes. It is a very nice gaming laptop. The 5070 combined with the Ryzen 7 processor has a bunch of processing power and potential (once I installed a clean copy of Windows 11).
Gigabyte's thermal management is top notch, and they should be recognized for their efforts. When not gaming, the X16 is either silent, or virtually silent. Quieter than nearly every other laptop I've reviewed.
If it wasn't for the lack of VRAM hindering overall potential and having to start a Windows installation from scratch just to get the laptop to operate properly, I would easily give it 5 stars, but due to the memory constraints and Windows issues, I will give it 4.
Game anywhere with the Razer Joro, an ultra-portable wireless gaming keyboard featuring multi-device Bluetooth pairing for seamless connectivity. Complete with ultra low-profile switches, a long battery life, and an ergonomic design, enjoy precision and control across all your gaming setups.
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: Razer packaged a laptop keyboard in a beefy aluminum chassis that can withstand the rigors of travel
PROS Surprising heft & sturdiness Up to 5 Profiles Up to 1800hrs of Battery Life Can Pair to 3 Different Products
CONS No Angle Adjustment No Travel Case Included Still needs a firmware update to get some bugs out
USE I wasn't sure how I would like the Joro when I requested it. I've been needing a good travel keyboard for a while, so I was glad when it came out. But for me and Razer products, it is a love/hate relationship. I either love them or completely hate them. There is little middle ground.
Razer took one of their best laptop keyboards and put it in a very robust aluminum & plastic chassis. The keyboard is heavier and far sturdier than I was expecting. It was a pleasant surprise. The aluminum top plate is what accounts for the heft. I would typically ding a manufacturer for adding extra weight and heft to their products, but with the Joro, it was totally needed. The aluminum makes a world of difference in the keyboard. Its chassis is stiff and extremely rigid, providing a solid typing experience.
Razer also nailed the keys. Not so much with their actuation. At heart, they are just membrane keys, but the laser etching, font, and backlighting are nearly perfect in my opinion. Lettering is precise and clean. Some of the best lighting and font on any of the keyboards I have.
BATTERY LIFE Razer claims up to 1800hrs of battery life on power saving mode!! That is amazing for a product that is so slim. I really appreciate the website they created for the Joro too. Most important is the battery life estimator, as using even a fair bit of backlight drastically reduces the overall battery life. How much? It goes from up to 1800hrs to an estimated 26 hours with only 20% backlight. So that Chroma RGB lighting pays a heavy price.
CONS I would like to see some form of adjustment on the bottom of the Joro. I like a little more tilt to my keyboards. The angle of the Joro is non-adjustable.
I would also like to see a travel case included with purchase. If you travel with a keyboard, it is going to take punishment, no matter how careful you are. It is inevitable. A semi-rigid travel case should be included with a travel keyboard.
Lastly, the Joro is still a firmware update or two away from prime time. I'm still having trouble getting it to pair initially with devices. It takes a minimum of two attempts, sometimes more, before a successful pairing. However, once connected, Bluetooth remains rock solid and I have experienced no random glitches or extra key presses like I have when paired to other manufacturers' keyboards.
FINAL THOUGHTS I like the Joro more than I thought I would. It is a great combination of size and portability. It is within millimeters of the keyboard on my 15" laptop without the extra heft and bulkiness of a laptop. The Joro is just big enough without feeling cramped.
Razer still needs another firmware update to make pairing the Joro a more seamless experience and all will be good. My final overall rating reflects my frustrations with pairing, but while those frustrations are enough to keep it from a 5-star rating, they aren't enough to keep it from getting a recommended rating.
Unleash advanced cleaning power with the Roomba Max 705 Vac Robot + AutoEmpty Dock, engineered to keep busy, pet-loving homes spotless. Extreme power-lifting suction combined with anti-tangle Dual Rubber Brushes extract and eliminate debris from carpets and hard floors. Get the most out of your robot with fast, advanced 3D mapping, object recognition, custom settings and precise navigation. Dirt and debris are trapped for 75 days in the dock for hands-free cleaning.
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: Much needed updates bring the Roomba back on a level playing field with the rest of the competition.
PROS Quieter operation Better edge cleaning Improved navigation with AI & LIDAR Auto Empty with up to 75 days between bag changes
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS I have been using a Roomba as my primary tidy up vacuum for a couple of years now. My Roomba i8 has been a loyal & faithful companion. It was great to be able to start up the i8 when I left the house and it hit all the high traffic areas while I was gone, coming home to clean floors. I got spoiled.
However, my loyal companion was starting to show its age. There seemed to be a lack of development during the time Amazon was looking into buying Roomba. After the deal fell through, it seemed like development stopped. Updates became non-existent. My once faithful companion stopped connecting to my Wi-Fi, it often got lost while cleaning, cleaned areas I didn’t tell it to, and worst of all, because it refused to connect reliably to my Wi-Fi, I couldn't start it via the app. I grew extremely frustrated with the Roomba.
I’ve had a Roomba competitor in my workout room / man cave for more than a year now. Its advanced features were putting the i8 to shame. The icing on the cake was that it always cleans when ordered to and the app has been issue-free and never failing to stay connected to Wi-Fi. The Roomba had grown long in the tooth and become too unreliable.
I am happy to report that iRobot has addressed EVERY issue I have been experiencing with the i8. The Max 705 is leaps and bounds ahead of the i8 in terms of functionality, user friendliness, brains, and sensing. As advanced as the 705 is compared to the last generation, in reality, Roomba is now just on a level playing field with their competitors.
USE & IMPROVEMENTS Let’s go over some areas that iRobot addressed and improved upon their previous generation of robot vacuums.
First. iRobot has given the Max 705 “vison”. Using a combination of LIDAR and what appears to be cameras, the Roomba can now “see” its surroundings. Initial set-up and programming are vastly improved. You no longer have to use a “boundary marker” device & follow the Roomba around telling it where you want it to go and where it can’t. With LIDAR, the Roomba maps your house and gives you a map of what it sees. The app does its best to identify what room it is in, but it doesn’t work all that well. Fortunately, the app and map are very easy to use and customize. I had my whole house mapped in less than 15 minutes and another 10 or so to customize the map for each room. It’s simple and works slick.
Second. iRobot improved the 705 in nearly every way as far as its cleaning performance goes. How so? First it has much more suction power than my i8. It cleans better with less power than my i8 did at full power. Second, they improved the function of edge brush and rollers. After we adopted a rescue cat, the i8 had met its match. It was so frustrating watching it sweep up loose litter. The edge brush turned so quickly, it flung more litter under appliances and cabinets than it picked up. The Max 705 has a much less aggressive edge cleaning brush and so much more suction that it cleans even the messiest litter events with ease.
Third. Because the 705 can now “see” the world around it, it does a better job at identifying objects. However, it’s not perfect. While it will see cords and cat toys without issue, it struggles with shoelaces and random objects occasionally. Sometimes a mess will be read incorrectly and avoided, instead of cleaning it up. I’m sure iRobot will continue to iron out the kinks, but it works so much better than the i8.
FINAL THOUGHTS I had almost given up on iRobot and was ready to go to the competition. Their vacs had grown stale, the tech and the apps didn’t improve, and the competitors’ products were superior to any iRobot product in every way. Roomba had been left behind with what appeared to be no hope in sight.
Finally, a new generation has arrived. While the Max 705 doesn’t do anything extra or special that my competitors’ products don’t do, it does at least level the playing field. iRobot is back in the hunt. The app works flawlessly with my mesh Wi-Fi. The vac is much quieter than the last generation (nearly silent while traversing), comes in a smaller package, and best of all, with its new cleaning algorithm, vacuums in less time. How much less time? I have 3 areas that I clean on a regular basis. They are the heaviest traffic areas in my house. My i8 took 1hr and 13 minutes to clean all 3 areas. The Max 705 takes 51 minutes. A substantial improvement.
Meet Surface Laptop 13", a Copilot+ PC and the most portable Surface Laptop. With built-in AI experiences and plenty of colors, it delivers unbeatable intelligence, value, and style. And you can leave your charger at home because this 13" touchscreen powerhouse boasts all-day battery life~.
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: A lightweight, premium feeling laptop that offers impressive battery life. While not the most powerful, it has enough for nearly any day-to-day task.
CONNECTIVITY 1 x USB-A 2 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 with Display Out) 1 x Headphone
PROS Exceptionally Lightweight Excellent Battery Life Crisp / Clear Display
CONS ARM Processor is new, and not all apps supported SSD and RAM are not replaceable Wish it was a 2-in-1
USE The Surface Laptop has plenty of resources to support nearly any day-to-day task. The Snapdragon processor is extremely energy efficient, far better than any Intel or AMD processor I’ve used to date. Snapdragon has done an excellent job at managing power consumption. Microsoft claims up to 16hrs of battery life while web browsing, I’ve reached 14 without much effort.
The Surface comes with 16GB of RAM. Plenty for almost any multi-tasking needs. Teams calls, spreadsheets, presentations, even multiple browser tabs open with all the above fail to slow the Surface.
The display is crisp and clear. I’ve used other Surface laptops in the past and have always admired their displays. This laptop is no different. The glossy touchscreen does attract fingerprints, but I can’t fault the display’s color and sharpness. Sharper than many other laptops at this size, with this resolution. I didn’t see the pixel density in the specs, but it must be high as you can’t make them out in text or images.
CONS The new ARM Snapdragon processors, while energy efficient, are unique. There are still some apps that don’t handle the ARM architecture correctly. Those apps are getting fewer and farther between, but you occasionally run into some. For example, the freeware I used to test the CPU and RAM requires a different installer than an x86 or x84 installer.
For the most part, Windows will “sandbox” most software allowing support using an x86 or x64 app to run on an ARM processor. But, like I said, there are still some apps that don’t play correctly with ARM and Windows together. I wouldn’t consider it a deal breaker, but if you have a specific application that absolutely must use, I would definitely check compatibility.
The RAM and SSD are not user replaceable. I hate how manufacturers are moving on to this trend. Especially, the SSD. Its one of the most frequently used and/or failure-prone parts in any computer system. The ability to replace this part would be awesome. Not so anymore. Nor can you swap it out if you run out of storage and need to expand.
FINAL THOUGHTS The Surface makes a nice day-to-day laptop for all but the most power users. It is lightweight, has a pixel dense screen, and very good fit and finish. Would I buy this if I were a video or photo editor? No. There isn’t enough processing power. However, for nearly 95% or more of the daily tasks, you would be hard to find a better, lighter entry. Not to mention, because it’s a Microsoft branded product, it includes the full Office suite as well.
Sound and style collide to deliver an all day, all night powerful audio punch. xboom Bounce redefines your audio experience with vibrant sound tuned by LG's Experiential Architect, will.i.am.
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 LG XBoom has good sound for such a small package. But the sound deteriorates quickly if you get too far above or below its horizontal plane.
PROS IP67 Rated against dust and water Military 810H Standard Rated Room filling sound in a small package Up to 30hrs of playback Automatic Room Calibration
CONS Audio quality drops off sharply along a vertical axis Rubber pads on bottom of speaker feel unstable
SETUP & CONFIGURATION Usually, I am not a big fan of a universal, one-size-fits-all app. However, LG has done a decent job with the ThinQ app. It is logically designed and intuitive. Anyone that has purchased an LG product in the past few years has most likely had experience with the ThinQ app. It places all your LG smart devices under one app. Like I said, I usually prefer an app dedicated to a particular function or product line. But I give LG credit for making an app that bridges products from multiple product lines under one, easy to use app.
USE The Bounce has 2 soft-dome tweeters paired with a “racetrack” shaped active woofer on the front of the box. On top, are 2 passive bass radiators coupled to that woofer.
The LG XBoom Bounce packs a punch in a small package. Placing it in my 3-car garage, I was able to fill the entire space with room filling sound while only using about ½ the total volume.
The Bounce produces clean, crisp sound that sounds much larger and fuller than a speaker this size should produce. I applaud LG’s use of those Peerless soft-dome tweeters, as these can immediately make or break a product. The Bounce’s tweeters offer a great balance of high frequency detail without sounding harsh and tinny.
The Bounce has subtle and restrained lighting. Not over the top and obnoxious. Just enough to add a little sparkle without being brash. I admire LG’s restraint. The lighting can be linked to voice, set to party mode, or just for ambience. LG’s restraint has paid dividends in my book. The LG XBoom Bounce sports up to 30hrs of playback time and can also be used to charge your portable device in a pinch. After many hours of listening, I find 20 – 30hrs is achievable.
Recharging is accomplished with a simple USB-C connection. I wish all manufacturers made the switch to USB-C. It would make things so much simpler.
NEGATIVES The biggest drawback of the XBoom Bounce is its off-axis audio deterioration. It’s not an issue along is horizontal plane, or even several degrees above and below the speaker. However, sit the speaker on your desk or in my case, my workbench, and walk up on the speaker and the sound quality rapidly deteriorates.
Sound becomes muddy and distorted as the passive radiators overpower the front firing drivers. The vertical audio dispersion of the tweeters is very limited. But, if you place the speaker approximately chest height and walk away a few feet, this issue becomes irrelevant. However, I have found that I need to angle the Bounce toward my ears while sitting at a desk to achieve the best soundstage.
FINAL THOUGHTS It has passed 7 Military 810H Standards tests and is IP67 rated against dust and water. This should ensure the Bounce lives a long and healthy life even in the harshest environments.
The LG XBoom Bounce is a great, little Bluetooth speaker from LG. It offers decent bass for its size thanks to a “racetrack” shaped woofer and 2 passive radiators. The soft-dome tweeters produce clear highs without sounding harsh and tinny like lesser models. The XBoom Bounce is a good speaker that has a lot to offer. It can easily fill a room with full-bodied sound.
ACCENTUM Open brings a dose of Sennheiser~s legendary sound in a lightweight, breathable open design. With German engineering that just works~no instructions or app needed. With up to 24 hours of battery life, seamless multitasking, and IPX4 splash resistance, these earbuds deliver rich, natural sound without isolating you.
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: Crystal clear high frequency details but lacks any real form of bass response. No ANC limits overall appeal.
PROS Lightweight and no annoying silicone seals for the ear canals IPX4 Rated Up to 28hrs of playback Bluetooth 5.3 Crystal clear high frequency reproduction
CONS No ANC Extremely limited bass response No voice guidance
USE The Accentum Opens couldn’t get much easier to use. Aside from pairing with your phone or tablet, there is nothing else to do. No apps, no customizations, nothing. Pair and go.
Sennheiser claims the Accentums remember up to 8 devices they have been paired to. I have paired them with 4 different devices (a mix of iOS and Android) and so far, they have switched seamlessly between my mobile products. One thing that is frustrating is that when you put the Accentums in, they try and pair to the last device used, even if it is not the one you want to pair them with. I often am forced to unpair from my phone to get them to pair up with my tablet.
With there being no app, there is no way to customize the sound. No equalizers, no tuning. Only what is included with your choice of playback device. Partly because of this, I find the Accentums have very limited bass response. They are unable to effectively reproduce those low frequencies in any convincing manner. However, I cannot complain about the clarity of the mids and highs.
Middle and upper frequencies are exceptionally clear and detailed, better than many of the competitors’ products. I found myself noticing different instruments in songs that I didn’t realize were a part of the band. Slick.
NEGATIVES Like I stated above, the Accentums have very limited bass response. Honestly, the Accentums are the weakest at bass reproduction of any of my listening devices. More anemic than any other ear bud I’ve owned to date.
Lastly, the Accentums don’t have any form of Active Noise Cancellation. This makes for an often-noisy listening environment. Wind noise is very frustrating with the Accentums.
FINAL THOUGHTS The Sennheiser Accentum Opens have great mid and high frequency audio reproduction. Clear and detailed mid and high frequencies are where the Accentums shine. But, as clear and detailed as those frequencies are, the low-end response is poor, making for a lackluster listening experience.
I compared the Accentums back-to-back with my kid’s earbuds produced by the famous fruit. If I had an iOS device, I would not look twice at the Accentums. The fruit-based product has a lot more features and though they are a few bucks more, they offer superior performance.
While the Accentums are extremely comfortable and have decent battery life, the lack of ANC and low frequency response would steer me away.
Experience the next level of racing with the MOZA R5 Bundle. With its impressive 5.5 Nm torque direct drive, customizable driving modes, and robust aluminum, leather, and steel construction, it~s designed to provide unparalleled immersion and durability. The MOZA Pit House control center offers convenient device monitoring, settings adjustment, and preset loading. Elevate your racing setup today and embrace a new era of performance and precision.
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: Takes racing games to the next level, adding a level of immersion that makes any game feel new and fun again. Premium materials and customizable software make it even more realistic and immersive.
PROS Premium materials Direct Drive FFB (Force Feedback) Wheel has more torque and resistance than competition Programmable “curves” for brake and throttle. Extensive “tuneability” and trouble-free firmware updates
CONS Antiquated USB-B connection makes new product feel old Limited brake and throttle pedal travel Considerable translation issues with documentation & software Contents are misleading on box
INITIAL CONFIGURATION & SET-UP The R5 is set-up and configured using Moza’s Pit House software. It is available on Moza’s website, as is either the Android or iOS companion app. The Windows software installed without issue, though downloading the components and installation took roughly 5 minutes or so. Not to mention, the installer and installation package looks and acts like something designed for Windows 98. It is clunky, but it works.
With most things, my go-to game for testing and playing is Forza. In this case, it was Motorsport 7. After installing Pit House and rebooting the computer, FM7 recognized the R5 and mapped the pedals and controls almost perfectly. However, it constantly indicated that both the brakes and throttle were being applied at the same time, forcing numerous Window swaps and digging to find out what and why the R5 was behaving like it did.
While the R5 self-calibrates during installation, the calibration and wheel position were off considerably (like a car with a bad alignment). Here lies the biggest issue with the R5 compared to the competition; you must adjust the R5 in both the game and in the Pit House software to function properly. My recently replaced competitor’s product (at an equal price point) was much more user-friendly during the set-up process and less time-consuming. I estimate it took me nearly 4x longer to get the R5 close to dial-in than the competition, and I still don’t have it quite perfect.
However, the Moza software allows for much more “tuneability” than Moza’s primary competitor. There are tremendously more adjustments you can make with the Moza than the competition’s product. Nearly everything on the R5 is adjustable. FFB intensity, resistance, throttle and brake curves, etc. is adjustable. Because you can make so many more finite adjustments to the R5 than the competition, the R5 will suit more drivers.
PROS VERSUS THE COMPETITOR
How does the R5 stack up against the primary competitor?
First. The pedals included with the R5 feel much more realistic. They have a spring, like a real throttle and brake pedal, where the competition has a plastic plunger and coil spring that looks and feels like a shock off an RC car. The R5 pedals should prove to be far more durable, as not only are they a superior design, but there are also no plastic parts in the moving pieces.
Second. The FFB (Force Feedback) from Moza’s servo-based motor is more powerful and realistic feeling. Rated at the same torque as the competition, the Moza wheel and feedback feel more natural and far more powerful. Most likely because I took the time, and had the ability to customize the wheel and its behavior in the Pit House app. Like I said earlier, the Pit House allows for far more tuneability than the competitor. This motor feels stronger and heavier duty than the others.
NEGATIVES VERSUS THE COMPETITOR
First. There is less pedal travel. While not a deal breaker, there is less pedal movement with the R5 than the competition and substantially less travel than a real car. So, even with reduced “tip-in” curves, brakes and throttle application happen at a faster rate requiring more precise control.
Second. The Moza Pit House software feels 10 years older than the rest. It is functional and it works, it just feels outdated and antiquated.
Third. Even without spending the time to tailor the wheel and pedals to my liking, the competitor’s product is more plug and play with greater native game compatibility. The R5 requires the Pit House software to be the intermediary between the wheel and the game to function correctly.
Fourth. Translation and documentation. Moza’s documentation and translations leave a lot to be desired. At this price point, Moza’s documentation is substandard, as is its translations. I’ve seen better documentation in $5 auction site products. Not to mention, the box the R5 comes in is very misleading. The box and instructions clearly indicate a three-pedal configuration with a clutch. If I were in a store and looked at the box, I would absolutely think I was getting a 3-pedal set-up, not only does the box depict a 3-pedal assembly, but the documentation is also for assembling a 3-pedal rig.
CLOSING THOUGHTS I am fortunate to be able to make a true back-to-back comparison between the R5 and its primary competitor.
If I were buying a racing wheel and pedal set, I would buy the R5. Why? For three reasons. One. The Force Feedback from the wheel is stronger and more lifelike. Two. The Pit House software, as dated as it is, allows you the ability to tailor the R5 to a far greater realism, and lastly, the R5 feels more premium with an all-metal motor housing and a full aluminum wheel and quick release mechanism. Those three reasons alone are enough to earn the R5 a spot on my sim rig.
The Shark Detect Pro bagless upright vacuum combines stronger suction with better debris cleaning. It features the new DuoClean Detect nozzle which includes two brushrolls and a network of proprietary sensors that automatically sense and react to hidden dirt by boosting suction and brushroll speed when you need it most across floor type, corners, edges, and it even detects direction for powerful suction in forward and reverse to grip and capture more dirt, debris & hair than Shark's original DuoClean nozzle. Large piles, fine dust, and & pet hair are no match for DuoClean Detect. Shark~s Odor Neutralizer Technology guards against bad odors inside your vacuum to help freshen your home. Plus, Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with HEPA filtration seals and traps 99.99%** of dust, dander, and allergens inside of the vacuum, and out of the air you breathe. For above-floor cleaning, you can Lift Away the detachable pod and take your cleaning to stairs, furniture, windowsills, and more. In addition, when you lift away the pod, you transform your vacuum into a stick, for easy motorized cleaning under furniture. *Based on ASTM F558, measured at the hose **Based on a geomean of combined tests -IEC62885-2 Sec 5.3 FWD, IEC62885-2 Sec 5.3 REV, IEC62885-2 Sec 5.5 FWD, IEC62885 Sec 5.5 REV
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 cleaning power of the Shark Power Detect Pro puts my other vacuums to shame.
PROS EXCELLENT cleaning performance Automatic floor-type sensors Automatic edge detection Automatic dirt detection True HEPA filtration (99.99%) Multiple included attachments Lightweight and easy to use
CONS Cord is stiff and tangles easily Cord storage is equally frustrating
DESIGN At first glance, there is a lot about the Shark Detect Pro that looks like gimmicks. Dirt sensors, edge sensors, “tangle-free” brush rolls, etc. There are so many words and features that if I were shopping for a vacuum, I would probably look right over the Shark. A product with all these features must be a gimmicky product, trying to impress you with words and ultimately comes up short on performance.
If this were the case, I would be totally wrong. The Shark Power Detect is the real deal. Does it have a lot of gimmicky sounding features? Yes. But do they work? YES! The new Detect Pro puts all my other vacuums to shame.
SENSOR CLEANING The Detect Pro uses a variety of sensors to optimize your cleaning performance. Shark has put air particulate sensors in the suction path to monitor air quality. If the vacuum detects dirty air being pulled up off the floor, it will automatically speed up the brush rolls and increase the suction.
Edges? Same. A sensor on each side of the power head detects when the vacuum is within about an inch of a wall. When detected, the vacuum will automatically direct extra suction to the wall side. This virtually eliminates the need to use the included attachments and nozzles for cleaning. The Power Detect has no issues removing items directly against baseboards.
Flooring changes? No worries. The Power Detect has ultrasonic sensors embedded in the bottom of the power head that automatically determine the floor type. Whether it be carpet, tile, hardwood, etc. the vacuum will change the brush speed and suction performance to match the floor type. It works slick and within seconds of changing floor surfaces. I have other vacs that don’t utilize this technology and often find they fling more dirt across the tile than removing it. The Shark is a game changer.
USE The Shark is extremely easy to use even with its excellent cleaning performance. It remains easy to push and pull regardless of the surface. Additionally, the Shark is lightweight and easy to carry upstairs and down. I’m guessing 2 – 3 pounds lighter than my current vacuum. First picking up the Shark was surprising at how light it was.
Between the “total seal” HEPA system and the odor neutralizing disk for the power head, my house hasn’t smelled this fresh in some time. The Power Detect system is a seamlessly integrated system that makes for a surprisingly powerful, efficient, and effective cleaner.
FINAL THOUGHTS At the end of the day, how does the Shark compare to its competition? The competition needs to be concerned. I tested the Shark on my upstairs. It is a seldom used area of the house but has both tile and carpeting. I pulled out my German engineered vacuum from “Big D” and swept the carpet. Not bad. Pretty darn clean, with nearly nothing in the dust bin. But rightfully so, it doesn’t get much use up there.
I then grabbed the Shark. Ugh. Even after just vacuuming, the Shark had what I estimate as more than 5x the debris in the dust bin. Disgusting! Granted, “Big D” has many more years of use on it, but even so, the results were eye opening. I would never have expected so much residual dirt and hair to be left over.
If you are in the market for a quality vacuum with excellent performance. Shark should be on your shopping list.
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?