Author Archives: Tyler Lacoma

The Top 3 Home Theater Projectors Money Can Buy

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Ah, the mighty yet often underutilized home theater projector. Yes, even the best projectors of 2016 do need a certain amount of space, a clear line of sight, and a screen to project on – but you may be surprised by just how many problems they solve, especially when compared to traditional HDTVs.

If you’ve been hemming and hawing over the right setup for your entertainment system, and you definitely know that you want a bigger screen, we suggest you start with the best home theater projectors of 2016. Some of their benefits may surprise you – especially if you’ve been dreaming of a movie-theater experience in the comfort of your own home.

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB – $2,000

Epson PowerLite 5030UB

Yes, we know that this is probably more than you were expecting to pay for a home projector – but compare $2,000 to the price you would pay for a big HDTV. This is a comparatively low price for home entertainment. Don’t forget that you can also adjust the distance and image size when setting this projector up: At 8 feet it can produce an 82-inch image, while at 12 feet it can create a 122-inch picture. Those are some true home theater proportions that you couldn’t get from a TV…and underscores the value in this approach.

Epson’s powerful model also boasts very high lumens on its lamp – 2,400 lumens of brightness, which provides some brilliant contrast and keeps the image feeling real instead of looking grainy.

This model also contains a surprising number of ports for hooking up all your favorite devices, including HDMI, RCA, VGA D-sub, and more. Note, however, that this projector only supports HD, not 4K – this helps keep the price under control (and matching the right 4K content and cables to projectors is a pain, but that’s a topic for another time).

BenQ W1085ST DLP – $890

BenQ W1085ST DLP

We understand if you aren’t willing to drop a couple thousand dollars on a home theater projector. This much more affordable model will still get you a great picture without breaking the bank. With 2,200 lumens the lamp is almost as bright as the Epson model, so your pictures will still be high quality. The screen size ranges from 38 inches at 2.1 feet all the way to 300 inches at 16.5 feet, so you don’t need much room at all to get a very large screen.

Connection options, however, are a bit more limited – but also more advanced. In addition to a couple HDMI ports, you also get the ability to connect wireless HDMI via an optional adapter that could be worthwhile, depending on your installation decisions.

Optoma HD25-LV-WHD – $875

Optoma HD25-LV-WHD

Optoma’s promising model really pushes the brightness, with the lamp rated at 3,500 lumens – enough for a bright picture even at a distance. And speaking of distance, from 8 feet you can get a 67-inch screen size, while from 12 feet the projector conjures up a 101-inch image. This model also provides numerous connection options for almost any situation, including HDMI, VGA, VESA, composite, USB-B, and even 3.5mm ports for audio.

Note that the specific model we linked to also comes with a wireless HDMI adapter. We like these devices because it makes placement and installation much easier (assuming a good wireless connection), but if you want to save some money you can go without.

3 of the Best Bluetooth Speakers

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With Bluetooth speakers came the ability to play music effortlessly over the air, via simple streaming from your phone, in a small package that you can take nearly anywhere. If you’ve taken a look a Bluetooth speakers you may have noticed that they tend to have high prices and come with limited battery life – their two big weak points. However, the very best Bluetooth speakers are available for affordable prices, and come with welcome features that improve battery life and give you more opportunities.

The good news is that those worthwhile Bluetooth speakers are out there. If you’re looking for a speaker that you can set up at parties, take out to the pool, or haul on a camping trip – then we’ve got the top picks you need to look at and a variety of recommendations for the best Bluetooth speaker 2016 based on our reviews.

Key Features for the Best Bluetooth Speakers

  • Battery Life: Average battery life for even top Bluetooth speakers tends to be 10-12 hours. This is slowly improving, and top options may have higher battery life. If you’re taking your speaker out to the park, beach, or trail, you’ll want as much battery life as possible. If you use your mobile speaker around the house or yard, battery life isn’t as important.
  • Portability: All Bluetooth speakers are designed to be carried around, at least a little – but there’s a lot of difference between various models. Some are very small and designed to be carried on a belt or bike. Others are large and intended to be used as a versatile desk speaker, but aren’t made to be moved around very easily.
  • Ruggedness: Speakers can be proof against water, dust, impact, and more: Where are you planning on taking your speaker?
  • Sound Quality: Unfortunately, there’s a lot of variance here. Smaller speakers do tend to sound tinny, especially when placed at awkward angles. Buying from a quality brand making high-end models is the best way to guarantee top sound.

Logitech UE Boom 2 – $180

Logitech UE Boom 2

The UE Boom series is great for parties both inside and outside.

Logitech’s Boom line has found a sweet spot among the array of Bluetooth speaker features, making it an ideal buy no matter what your plans are. The 360-degree sound is great for parties, the design is portable enough to use in a variety of locations, and the companion app allows for easy control from your phone. The Boom 2 is also waterproof and shockproof, so you can take it down to the pool if you want. The battery life is also pleasantly high, at around 15 hours.

Buy on Amazon

Braven BRV-1 – $92

Braven BRV-1

Braven’s speaker is ready for a nature hike.

Braven specializes in making particularly rugged bluetooth speakers that you can take out into nature without worrying too much about the device surviving your trip. The BRV line is filled with excellent models, and the BRV-1 now has both a lowered price and a set of high-quality features that make it an ideal buy. It’s also waterproof, shock absorbing, and lightweight enough to take on your trips.

Buy on Amazon

JBL Flip 3 – $87

JBL Flip 3

Nimble and dependable, these speakers are water-resistant and ready to go.

The Flip 3 tries to do a little bit of everything, and ends up packing quite a punch for such a little Bluetooth speaker. Like most JBLs, you can wirelessly link these speakers up for multi-directional sound at parties. The Flip 3 is also splashproof, so no need to worry about pools, rain, or showers. It also comes with a speakerphone for taking calls and a bass radiator to get those thrumming bass lines as clear as can be. The battery life, at 10 hours, isn’t going to win any awards, but it isn’t disappointing, either.

Buy on Amazon

Our Top 2: Best Radar Detectors

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Top Radar Detectors

Save money and time with our top radar detector picks.

A radar detector sits quietly on your dashboard, using its instruments to provide information not just about radar signals, but about many different road and traffic conditions. They’re valuable auto tech devices for many kinds of drives, but when the time comes to actually buy one, many people don’t know what they’re looking for…which is why we’re here to break it down for you.

Radar detectors sense not only radar lasers and frequencies, but also traffic lights, road conditions, and even driver behavior, depending on the model. The more advanced versions come with iPhone apps and are equipped with GPS for an even more comprehensive look at road around you. Notable features for top models include the ability to filter out false positives, an alert if it looks like you’re getting sleepy, real time traffic updates, and of course detailed maps and information on radar hotspots and detection.

When looking at what to buy, focus on the readout screen and any associated apps or car accessories, because this is how your information is relayed, and you want it to be clearly legible while you are driving. You should also look at the radar detection quality – radar signals function on a number of different bands, and a good detector will search for all types of radar in use on the streets at a handy range. After that, the extra features are largely about personal choice. Truckers may enjoy the many add-ons, but they may not be necessary for the average driver. Let’s take a look at a couple strong candidates for our best radar detector list.

Escort Max360

Escort Max360 Radar Detector

The best radar detector 2016 is the Max360, offering all around protection, easy setup and an intuitive smartphone app.

Escort is one of the top names in radar detection and has several very powerful lines of devices. The Max360 easily proves itself as one of the best radar detectors on the market, including some of the latest algorithms for detecting radar signals as well as an installation process that anyone can complete. The detector is compatible with smartphones, and is so accurate that Escort is willing to pay off your first ticket if you still get one with escort. The price, at $650, may sound steep, but it’s far from the priciest model on our list.

Escort Passport 9500ix

Escort 9500ix Radar Detector

The Escort Radar Detector is one of the most effective at detecting speed traps.

This radar detector provides full protection by monitoring the X, K and Ka bands for any activity, as well as traditional laser monitoring. It even has a network of camera locations, updated by the community, which it can use to identify when you are on film. The readout screen is pretty tiny, but the price, at $350, is very competitive.

Our Top 3: Best Chromebooks

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Top Chromebooks

The best 3 Chromebooks

Chromebooks are a special category of ultrabooks designed with Google’s Chrome OS. Contrary to some assumptions, that does not mean they are produced by Google – there are actually a few different brands that work with Google to produce them – and does not mean they are connected with Android (Chrome OS is really more of an advanced version of the Chrome browser).

What is a Chromebook? A lightweight, slim little laptop that is designed to keep both costs and size small by focusing on cloud-powered activities rather than storage space. That means you need to expect plenty of Google Docs and Dropbox, and less access to traditional software like Microsoft Word.

Still interested? Then be sure to watch the specs carefully: the best Chromebook in 2016 come in an array of different speeds, hard drives, screens, and other features. In many respects shopping for a Chromebook is like looking for any ultrabook…except the prices are much lower, and the hard drive is less important. Pay particular attention to batter life when possible, Here are some of our top picks.

Dell Chromebook 13

Dell Chromebook 13

The Dell is an all-around champ.

This Chromebook is designed specifically for professional work, which makes it one of the best lightweight laptop computers around for serious projects. The screen is a bit small at 13 inches, but Dell excels at providing plenty of customization options up to 32 GBs of SSD and up to 8GBs of RAM. Prices, however, are a bit high, starting at $430.

Acer Chromebook C910

Acer Chromebook 15 C910

ACER CHROMEBOOK 15 C910

Acer has significant experience with ultrabooks, and it shows with this model, which includes a pleasantly large 15.6-inch screen, around 4GB of RAM, and a 1.5GHz processor. The battery lasts for 9 hours. The hard drive is only 16GB, highlighting the primary problem with Chromebooks – this is not a spot to store music and files, only the most necessary of data. The price, thankfully, is very low at around $250 to $300 for basic specs. This makes it a good model for Chromebook beginners.

Toshiba Chromebook 2

Toshiba Chromebook-2

The Toshiba Chromebook 2 ranks as our top Chromebook pick for 2016.

Toshiba’s Chromebook work is surprisingly impressive, despite the company’s focus on more traditional kinds of laptops. We particularly liked the full HD display of the Chromebook 2, which makes it better for streaming movies or working on graphic projects. The processor is less impressive with a Core i3 chip, but Chromebooks don’t specialize in speed because they don’t usually need much of it. You can find it for around $380.

Our Top 3 Pick: Best Standing Desks

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Top Standing Desks

Gain more energy and brain power with these standing desks.

Standing desks are growing more popular as people try to find ways to stay healthy while working – and burn a few more calories, too. For people who are interested in trying out the new fad, the first step is, of course, buying a standing desk. Here’s where the trouble begins…and where Gadget Review is standing by to help out.

There’s a surprising amount of variation in standing desks, which can be used in a variety of spaces and for many different purposes. Even the basic standing desk with a flat top and traditional supports can be augmented with gadgets like cable holes, holders for your iPhone or iPad, and more.

Another key point is if the desk is stationary, or can be adjusted to multiple levels for different people. Stationary desks are far less expensive, but may not work in an office setting, and cannot switch back to a sit-down position when necessary. Among the adjustable options, the best standing desks have electronic systems that move the desk and remember various heights, although this will tend to raise the price even higher.

If you are short on room but still want a standing desk, there are smaller cool furniture solutions to fit nearly anywhere in an office or entryway, solving your problem and saving you space. Here’s a look at a few of the best standing desks around, and just how they differ.

NextDesk Terra

Next Desk Standing Desk

The Next Desk Standing Desk is a top desk for standing and working.

NextDesk produces some of the most beautiful standing desks around, and the advanced Terra model has an electrical system that can remember three preset heights. It’s mostly made out of aluminum and bamboo, so there’s also an eco-friendly vibe. Unfortunately, at $1,500 it’s probably going to be one of the priciest desks you’ll ever buy.

UpLift 900

Uplift Standing Desk

The UpLift 900 allows for a lot of customization at an affordable price.

UpLift’s approach to standing desks is simple: You can customize the desk with a variety of arms, casters, keyboard trays, and more, then equip it with an electrical motor for adjusting heights and be on your way. Cheaper materials bring the price down to $700.

Ninja Standing Desk

The Ninja Standing Desk

The Ninja desk is the martial art of standing desks

This fun little desk can unfold from the wall to give you a quick little workspace that fits just about anywhere. It’s really just a more dependable kind of shelf, which is why the price is only at $160.

Top 2: Best Gaming Laptop

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Top Gaming Laptop

Go any where and game any where with these best gaming laptops.

We’ll let you in on a poorly kept secret: gaming laptops are more interesting and powerful than ever before. The best gaming laptop of 2016 proves that you can go mobile without sacrificing too much gaming power, no matter what you prefer to play. And thanks to the latest laptop computer inventions, such as new mobile ports for high-end GPUs, performance and display quality has never been better.

Power and durability are, of course, important when searching for the best gaming laptop. You’ll have to sacrifice some weight to get everything in one package, so we also suggest considering a gaming laptop pack or case that can hold everything easily. As always, features specifically devoted toward gaming, like a powerful but quiet cooling system, are worth buying as welll. When it comes to storage, a hybrid or SSD is your best bet, but you will have to pay more for the privilege, so start saving up. Check out our electronics reviews for more information.

As far as the screen goes, don’t even think about going below HD – and if you have enough to spend, 4K gaming laptops are now readily available. While most gaming laptops have acceptable keyboards with solid design and customization options, you may want to take a look to make sure the setup is to your liking before buying.

Asus ROG G75

Asus ROG Gaming Laptop

Power and portability come with the Asus ROG gaming laptop.

The ROG line from Asus is a surprisingly powerful computer that’s capable of handling a surprising amount of software. The HD, 17.3-inch screen should be large enough for any game, and the processor can be turbo-charged up to 3.6GHz. It’s the RAM, however, that gets a lot of attention with up to 24 available GBs, which enough to run pretty much anything, ever. The hybrid drive combines 1TB of HDD storage and 256GB of SSD. The one downside to this model is that it is a bit old, and can be difficult to find in stock. Prices start around $2,500.

Alienware 15

Alienware 15 Gaming Laptop

Get out of this world power with the Alienware 15 Gaming Laptop

It’s no surprise that Alienware has some impressive gaming laptops, and the 15 brings several worthwhile features, including an option for a UHD touchscreen (surprisingly handy) and up to 16GB of RAM with a 3GB NVidia GPU. There’s no optical drive, but there is a 1TB HDD and 256GB SSD. When possible, pick a version of this laptop that comes with Windows 10. Prices start at around $1,700 for this model.

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Our Top 2: Best Wireless Routers

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Best Wireless Routers

Maximize your home’s broadband with our top wireless router picks.

When wireless routers do their job, you rarely notice them. However, the latest wave of the best routers is seeing exciting gains in speed and new features for home monitoring and other tasks. If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your router, we have some exciting Wi-Fi options for you.

First, let’s talk about what’s making the best wireless routers in 2016 interesting. First, an increasing number are using smart technology to target individual mobile devices, which means a lower chance of running into a dead zone inside your own home. Additionally, more are using app management to give families greater control over who is on the wireless network and what they are browsing. Also, let’s not forget about important new technologies like the MU-MIMO standard, which are making routers far more efficient and dependable by changing the way they communicate.

When looking for a router, pay particular attention to what extra feature it has and if they fit your current needs. You should also note how many bands the router operates on: Both the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz    bands are used, although the 5GHz band is typically more short range and used to take some of the load off of a full 2.4GHz band. A web app or other way to manage settings with computers is also a big plus. Let’s take a look at some of the best wireless routers around and what makes them special.

TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Wireless AC Gigabit Router

TP-Link P5 Wireless Router

Easily input settings on the TP-Link P5 thanks to a touchscreen

Not only is this computer accessory a great deal at only $93, it’s also fully capable of dealing with the average Wi-Fi needs in a home or apartment. There’s a handy media server wizard for control, and an easy setup that’s pretty much just plug-and-go. No extra fuss with this router!

Netgear Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router

Netgear Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-Band WiFi Router,

Stream, download to your heart’s content with the Netgear Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-Band WiFi Router.

It has a cool name, it looks cool…and this wireless router performs surprisingly well, too. Those six antenna are great for long-range WiFi networks, and the router includes the ability to self-designate which devices need the most bandwidths, so no one experiences a slowdown. At $280 it’s much more expensive than you may be used to, but very handy to have around a large home or dorm.

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Our Top 2: Best DSLR

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Best DSLR Camera

Choose the right DSLR camera and get the features and price that you’re looking for.

There are times when an ordinary camera just won’t do – and whether you are an experienced amateur, a professional, or just want an exciting new camera, nothing combines portability and exceptional image quality like a DSLR. DSLR stands for “digital single-lens reflex”, which combines high-quality interchangeable lenses with digital tricks to make operation easier.

Today’s best DSLR cameras come loaded with features that combine cutting edge digital technology with the highest quality lenses and operation. These cameras come loaded with customization options that allow you to tweak every setting as much as you want. If you don’t know how to use a burst mode, what ISO means, or when to use the RAW format, then you have no business with this type of camera.

However, if you do have experience and are willing to pony up for a new digital camera (DSLRs are, unfortunately, still very expensive), there are some truly amazing photography devices out there. Let’s take a look at a couple of the best yet.

Nikon D810

Nikon D810 Digital Camera

The Nikon D810 Digital Camera offer power and versatility.

The D810 deserves plenty of acclaim for being a great all-around DSLR that can do a little bit of everything, and do it well. It comes with a 36.3 MP full frame image sensor, and options to swiftly switch between JPEG, RAW, and RIFF formats. Burst mode options are between 5 and 7 frames per second, and battery life seemed unusually high for this model. The only downside is that this camera may be a little too feature-heavy for amateurs who don’t have much experience with DSLRs yet. The price starts at $2,800, which is affordable compared to other cameras in this range.

Canon EOS Rebel T6i

Canon EOS Rebel T3

With a reasonable price and good features the Canon EOS Rebel T3 is a top DSLR.

If you are looking for a less expensive camera for all your photography needs, the Rebel line is a great place to start. This model is noteworthy for its 24.2 MP sensor, an ISO range of 100-12,800, and extras like a full movie mode and 5.0fps shooting capabilities. Like many of the exciting modern DSLRs, this model comes with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities for instant streaming and downloading. Prices start at $750, but you can pick a selection of lenses when you purchase, so that price point can vary a bit.

Our Top 2: Best Laptops for College

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Best Laptops for College

Get the power to complete all your school work with the college laptops.

Chances are good you already have a few ideas about what laptops for college need. Great streaming capabilities, a long-lasting battery, and all the tricks or software that you (or your loved one) need for specific classes. But when the time comes to find the right model, the choices can easily overwhelm. That’s why we’re here! We have collected a list of the best laptops for college students around.

When picking out one of these school-oriented laptop computers, several specs are worth taking a look at. The size and weight are surprisingly important, because that laptop will get carried around a lot. The processor and RAM are also key, because that laptop may have to run some demanding software, depending on the college class. The goal, then, is to find something powerful enough, but with all the mobility necessary. If entertainment is particularly important, then dorms rooms will also appreciate a larger, high definition display.

Sounds like a lot to ask for in one computer, right? Take a look at some of our favorite picks to see what models will work best.

Microsoft Surface Book

Microsoft Surface Book

The Microsoft Surface Book is a 2-in-1 (tablet and laptop) making it a versatile computer.

The Surface Book is one of our newest entries, and comes loaded with all the top specs. We’re talking about up to 512GB of storage, up to an Core i7 processor, and 8GB of RAM, with a 13.5-inch HD touchscreen and, of course, Windows 10. Unless you really need Mac software for your classes, you probably won’t find a better lightweight laptop than this anywhere. But it comes at a cost: The cheapest model is $1,500 on Amazon, and prices get worse from there.

HP Stream 13

HP Stream

The HP Stream 13 is a low-end laptop, intended for basic tasks like paper writing and spreadsheet construction.

HP’s line of ultrabooks is useful for anyone who needs a lot of Windows functionality in an extra portable package. You’ll have no trouble toting this laptop around anywhere, with a 13.3-inch display and small form factor. However, this is nearly at Chromebook levels with 32GB of SSD storage and 2GB of RAM, which means it uses the cloud a lot and cannot handle any demanding software (although, unlike Chrome OS, it can easily handle Microsoft Works as well as cloud computing). If cost is a concern, this laptop is priced at around $200, making it surprisingly affordable.

Our Top 3: Best Ultrabooks

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Top Ultrabook Picks

We’ve done the homework and found the top 3 Ultrabooks

Are you tired of tablets but still want an ultra-portable, fast-acting laptop that you can use for a variety of tasks on the go? That’s why the best ultrabooks exist – and these lightweight machines continue to hold their own against tablets thanks to their power, affordability, and those handy keyboards.

Yes, you sacrifice some power and storage with an ultrabook (they pair well with an external storage drive), but you also gain unique features. Chromebooks are also a good example – these cloud-powered machines are very affordable, super light, and use the Chrome OS, making them ideal for fans of Google who don’t mind working in the cloud. Plus they’re fairly inexpensive.

When looking for the best ultrabook, it’s smart to pay attention to several key factors. The first is, of course, the OS – do you need a Windows computer, a Mac, or a Chrome machine? Many programs and apps are not compatible across different operating systems. You should also compare battery life and storage. Battery life can vary, but is usually around 10-12 hours – preferably more if possible. Storage also varies, but if you are willing to pay high prices you can find a model with a 256GB SSD, which will improve speed over a traditional hard drive.  That all in mind, let’s take a look at some of the top models.

Dell XPS 13

Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook

The Dell XPS 13 Ultrabook is a light and powerful ultrabook.

We didn’t talk much about ultrabook screens, because they tend to be small and relatively unimportant. But the best ultrabooks tend to have high-res screens that are still suitable for careful graphic design work – or passing the time with a movie. The latest version of the XPS 13, in addition to being a powerhouse with 8GB of RAM, includes 4K-quality resolution so that you don’t miss a single detail.

You can buy the XPS 13 models starting at $800, but keep in mind the touchscreen will cost more.

Asus ZenBook UX305

Asus Zenbook UX305FA

Asus Zenbook UX305FA, a solid Ultrabook.

Asus has long produced ZenBooks for ultrabook fans, but the UX305 model is particularly impressive: It provides a lot of the power of higher-end computers, but at a lower price ideal for those without a large budget.

You can find this ZenBook for only around $630 on Amazon.

Surface Book

Microsoft Surface Book

The Surface Book is an extremely versatile Ultrabook thanks to its touchscreen.

Microsoft’s Surface Book is certainly a powerhouse, with an ultra-high definition screen, 8GB of RAM, and a 2.4GHz processor. Storage options are diverse and extensive, and the touchscreen comes with its own stylus.

If you are looking for an ultrabook with the functionality of a normal computer, this is a great bet. The only problem is the price, which starts at $1,500.