Wishmas List 2020!

So... today is the day to present my 2020 Wishmas List! 

These products are in no particular order, and get the job done for function and/or fun!

Off the bat... the 1More Portable BT Speaker. These speakers deliver a damn good audio experience... and pairs together for increased immersion. Portable speakers and headphones don't cancel each other out, there's a time and place for both. These speakers work great for in-home audio, but... they're portable and allow you to get out and enjoy music, shows, movies, and even games while outside or just away from home in general.

Portable speakers are mentioned first, because with Covid-19... I know that many are tired of being at home and... if you want to get out and switch things up... these speakers come in handy. You can use portable speakers to dance with bae, enjoy music at the park over a meal or dinner + a movie, have social distance workouts, and all that good stuff.

Another portable speaker that I have to mention in this Wishmas List is the Sony SRS-XB Portable BT Speaker... even if the body of some models doesn't exactly work well for all surfaces (while standing). This particular speaker wasn't reviewed on SDGT, but... I have to mention it because the party connect (of up to 100 compatible speakers) increases the number of things possible. You don't need a loudspeaker for group activities like yoga/fitness groups to keep everyone on beat + socially distanced, and if you break out the projector... you have some drive-in movie potential going on. BYOS!

This particular speaker is the Sony SRS-XB43

Mentioning a certain monitor this year is a bit of a challenge, even with monitor upgrades. This year I want to bring the price point down, but in the $50 to $200 range there really isn't a solid monitor with good enough specs. So to go slightly beyond that... I suggest the Viewsonic 27" WQHD.

This particular Viewsonic is a 27" curved gaming monitor for $229.99 with a refresh rate of 144Hz + a max resolution of 2560 x 1440 and a response rate of 3ms. It comes with FreeSync Premium under the hood as well. You also get 2 HDMI Inputs + 1 DisplayPort. There is a Gigabyte out there with similar specs, but... the max resolution is 1920 x 1080 for the exact same price. Just say... no. The Samsung Odyssey G5 is nice too, and also has similar specs as the Viewsonic... except it's missing that extra HDMI port.

Not everyone is looking for a new monitor, some of you have a telly on your wishlist. This year, I can easily recommend the TCL 6-Series. The TCL 6-Series R635 HDR 4K UHD Smart QLED TV... not only comes equipped with a Roku under the hood for pretty much all your streaming needs, but it delivers some really awesome quality for the price. You can place this TV alongside some of the more popular brands and get similar, almost as good, or even better quality as far as clarity is concerned.

Now... size is totally up to you, they come in 55", 65", and 75"... but I can't go bigger than 55" (personally). Either way you play it, just make sure that you have the right sized entertainment center or base to hold this thing. Again, with Covid-19 in full swing... the in-home entertainment is one of the easier things to upgrade if the price is right... and the TCL 6-Series 55" comes in less than $700!

The TV also includes HDR10, HLG, and... (drums) Dolby Vision! There are definitely other features in there... but you're welcome to check them out here as I move on to the next item on the Wishmas List! By the way, if you're looking to make your TV... smart for a decent price, consider the Chromecast with Google TV. You get the apps to stream to your hearts content + Google Stadia support is headed to the device in 2021... which gives you the option to game without a PC or console.

This next item up... is a surround sound system. Specifically the Logitech Z906 THX-Certified 5.1 Surround Sound. Before I jump in... don't pay $400 for this system, use this link so that you can price match it at Best Buy for $233.65! As a matter of fact, use any of these links to price match and get the best deal!

Anyway, the Logitech Z906 system delivers 1000 watts peak sound, THX-Certified + Dolby Digital + DTS encoding. If you're at home and want to enhance your audio experience... i'd have to recommend a solid system but the reason why I single this one out is because of the ports. I have Logitech, but I didn't want to make it a brand thing... I like the versatile setup of the Z906. You can connect multiple inputs simultaneously, which range from compatible 3.5mm devices, RCA, six-channel direct, digital coaxial + optical inputs. Also you get a control console + a basic but useful remote control.

Add this to your TV or PC setup and dive into your enhanced audio experience. There are definitely other brands out there to choose from for lower prices... but I haven't utilized a lot of them.

As far as headphones go, i'd easily add the 1More True Wireless ANC In-Ear THX-Certified Headphones. No wires, charging case, the case is also able to be charged wirelessly + the sound quality is just amazing. Check out the full review... here!

I can't forget about the Smartwatches. Specifically the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, because I can get that traditional look while still getting smart watch functions. I'm more inclined to have this sort of watch because I don't think the usual look for the smart watches look as good with a suit (IMO). Samsung gives you the option to decide on the size, face, and the band color (though there are some great third party bands out there if you want to increase your options).

I'm not hating on the Apple Watch, but I haven't invested in the Apple ecosystem, and I don't like the way the watch looks when paired with my style... but to each your own. Apple also has options as far as bands go, and they appear to have a crapload more than Samsung, so take your pick based on what works best for you (look, function, price). 

Smartwatches are on the list in general based on what they do, but I want mine to fit my style + enhanced functionality.

The Galaxy Watch 3 has a meditation feature, stress meter, a breathing sensor, a sleep sensor, mobile pay potions, voice command, talk to text, the ability to stream music and pretty much the features i'd expect on an Apple Watch. There are certainly other watches out there, but if either of these are on your radar... I chalk it up to the look but also the Galaxy Watch is compatible with both OS if I decided to ever switch up.

Another item on the Wishmas List this year are remote control cars, but I urge you to beware because there are a lot of really bad options out there. Avoid the cheesy ones that focus on gimmicks rather than actual speed and the ability to take on rugged terrain, they're a waste of money to me and buyer's remorse is bound to set in. I don't hate on the stunt RCs but the flipping tires aren't something that will prove entertaining for the long haul.

I'd go as low as the Bezgar 17, but i'd recommend something more on the lines of a Soyee 42 Km/h All Terrain RC. The Soyee is less than $100 bucks but delivers on the functions that will make it enjoyable long term. You can actually race against other cars on and off road and also take on the terrain. It has a water proof rating of IPX5, 100m max range + a RC390 Brushed Motor (at 21K revs/minute).

I wouldn't normally add this sort of product to the Wishmas List, but... it's a gift that can transform playtime into some serious competition and gets you outside (I was thinking about this when Nintendo unveiled Mario Kart Live). 

Just imagine several racers spaced out (safe distance in effect) around a track made to scale, that gives you the ability to enjoy the company of others and... race it up on or off road. No offense to Nintendo's Mario Kart Home Live Circuit, but... how much are you spending on that when you could simply get Mario Kart for the Switch? There's a major price difference and less is required, plus you have the ability to race against anyone regardless of what type of RC they own (no compatibility requirements).

This year... I don't know if I recommend a console, but if I were to recommend one... it would either be the Playstation 5 or the Nintendo Switch. No offense to Xbox fans, but I have my reasons. I would recommend a PC before either of those this year, which gives you the option to work, play or create. When you consider Covid-19 and how many people are forced to work or learn from home... the PC is probably the top item i'd recommend this year. PC's range in price and specs, but with the various streaming options for games... you can play games that require higher specs on lower end PC's for the same price you would have to pay for a console subscription (based on your internet speed).

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1More Spearhead VR Gaming Headphones... Reviewed!

E3 is here... (came around mighty quick didn't it? Especially with companies jumping the gun to get their preferences ahead of the actual show) and what better way to celebrate than to do a product review?!

Lets go ahead and open this up...

I knew this package was coming... but I was awaiting its arrival with great anticipation.

HEADPHONES... headphones... headphones, time to review the 1More SPEARHEAD VR Headphones. The package has some weight to it, but to actually feel the quality of the box... I can see why. It's definitely a higher quality box.

Here's a close up of the texture.

Let's open it up to the official SdgtEnt theme music by Kae Remmer the... Flying Carpet Merchant.

One thing I appreciate greatly about this packaging is the concept art. As an artist, and those familiar with concept art... you know (like I know) that concept art is rarely seen, so I have to give props. The colors match with the packaging and it just shows the work gone into the product... so you see the concept... and next to it is the complete product. This isn't a package I'd just throw out.

This is something small, but I couldn't overlook the fact that they made a serious effort to protect these headphones. The box is super sturdy, the headphones are strapped in by velcro, the headphones are resting on padding, and the clear cover that rests on top of them also has a foam piece protecting the earcups. Greatly appreciated and makes me feel like the company cares about its product and the reputation of its products.

As seen in the video... the little black container inside the box contained a 3.5 MM Connector, a USB cable for PC use, headphone bag, instruction manual, a cool little decal and... a small booklet showcasing other products.

Actually holding these headphones in hand... they feel light but durable. Super happy about that, I don't like an unnecessary amount of weight on my head (my noggin's enough)... so thumbs up. The fact that the cords are detachable is a major plus also because there is no worry about snagging while on the go, and... at worst they just detach or you can replace them (so the headphones live to see another day of... audio action). 

A fun fact about these headphones is that they were actually a CES Innovation Awards 2018 Honoree. The design is definitely something that stood out to me too, so that's pretty cool. I personally was looking at the earcups wondering how sturdy they were... connected to sticks... but these are not flimsy at all (it's a nice solid design). You don't have to adjust the headphones with a clicking system either, you just put them on and they adjust. This isn't the newest concept out there as far as headphone adjustment, but at the same time... it's always welcome.

The image below showcases the 3.5 MM & USB ports. In addition, you see a dual purpose Volume & Bass adjuster... along with a mic switch closer to the upper back of the left side.

The interior of the earcups showcase a large L & R... just in case you aren't sure which side is which.

These headphones add another level of cool with the fully customizable LED light system. You might read that and think that there are maybe 20+ colors that cover a good amount, but... you have access to a color dropper in the UI that gives you the choice to choose whatever you want. Any blue you want, bubble gum pink, neon green... and the list goes on. Not only that... you can switch the light up, to be solid, or blink in a number of ways. One light option seemed to flash with the beat of the music.

I didn't just review these in the office and kicking back in a chair at home... I took them on the road for vacay action to soak up the experience as much as I could with a number of movies, games, music, ASMR, and phone calls. These headphones have dual microphone technology, so you'll be heard during phone calls, audio recordings, and in-game chat(trust me). The two sticks on the sides of the headphones actually house the mics.

Played some indie games at home like... Milanoir.

Jumped into some AAA action with... Just Cause 3 in the office!

Dove into some Rocket League action while on vacay... and I switched up the lights to match whatever I was wearing (literally... just because I could). By the way... the light stick is something you can extend if you want, and the LED lights are just as optional. Don't want them always on when connected to PC? No problem, turn the lights off (light only available with the USB... but no biggie).

Now let's get down to what you're really really here for... the sound. The duh of the day is that the 1More Spearhead VR Gaming Headphones work with VR, but... based on what you've read so far, (clearly) they aren't reserved for VR games only. They give you 3D spatial sound capabilities (powered by Xear surround sound) for whatever in the heck has surround sound. I actually used Dolby Access to test them on a serious level in terms of spatial sound... and these headphones really roll with the punches extremely well (kickass).

You get 7.1 Channel Surround Sound... not digital. Nothing against digital, but 1More took these headphones there to actually deliver true 7.1... that I appreciate tremendously with the addition of the Super Bass VR Shock Wave. When you need to feel it... you feel it, and not that cheap rumble crap that delivers the same vibration output for everything. This gives the right amount of oomph required for that particular scene or moment in gameplay. Speaking of surround sound... I used these headphones for Hunt: Showdown, and it literally put me in the zone so much so that...I almost jumped out of my seat when someone walked into my office and I happened to catch them out of the corner of my eye. Thanks, Ms. Daisy... #JumpScare!

Using the 3.5 MM connector vs the USB is a big difference in experience (but it's not bad... you just go from sweet to... sick). I listened to a variety of music with the 3.5 MM connector, and its nothing I'd frown at... the bass was good, vocals were clean and I could hear instruments in songs that had actual instruments. The beauty of it is that... all I have to do is swap cords based on what I want (music or theatre).

Now on to my tolerance level for these headphones. These 1More Spearhead VR Gaming Headphones are over the ear... and don't press on my ears at all (which is great for those of us with earrings). I've been able to wear them for hours, and most of the time I don't take them off because they're annoying me, it's more so because I need to hear and properly communicate.

Ever end up in one of those situations where someone asked you something and you have the slightest clue? Been there... done that (and these cancel out noise well).

Price wise... these headphones are $129.99, which is a sweet spot... no arguments whatsoever from me. This is the VR version, while the VRX version with head tracking technology will run you $249.99. For the serious VR fans... the VRX might be your thing, but... the VR version works for me.

The only con is that they aren't DJ-Style headphones... resulting in me placing them on my head at an angle when not in use and I have nowhere to place them. Also, if it were up to me, I'd flip the mics so that they're closer to the mouth... instead of being near the back of the head. The dual mics work... but I'm sure they'd pick up even better if the mics were relocated.

SPECS:

• Type: Over-Ear
• Weight: 324 g
• USB Cable Length: 1.3 m
• 3.5 mm Audio Cable Length: 1.5 m
• Plug: Type A - Micro USB (USB Cable) and 3.5 mm (Audio Cable)
• Wire Material: Enameled Copper Wire
• Frequency Range: 20-20,000 Hz
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Sensitivity: 103 dB
• Max Power: 20 mW

Overall, the 1More Spearhead VR Gaming Headphones feel comfortable, they sound awesome, boosts the experience (when using the USB)... and it's priced well. If I can make a suggestion for a future version though, it would be to incorporation the DJ-Style swivel into the headphones because they're portable... and that would increase their portability. Other than that, good stuff.

Design 4.5

Quality 5

Comfort 5

Price 5

4.9 out of 5 Cool Points

Brought to you by the... Baby Fu Clothing Co!

Sentey Harmoniq Pro Gaming Headphones… reviewed!

Recently the noise coming from my office was a bit too much, and my studio headphones were not going to cut it at all. Even turning down the volume wasn’t going to work, so I had to figure something out.

There was no way I was going for really expensive headphones, but I couldn’t just go for any headphones either, so the best choice for me was the Sentey Harmoniq Pro gaming headphones.

The quality was there, along with the reasonable price, and I’m not talking about the $120 retail price. I was able to score them for $49.99.

The box is quality, something I don't really expect from headphones in this range, but Sentey didn't hold back on in their push to win gamers over. The headphones are solid and the cord is threaded with a nice length. Just a heads up though, these headphones have a USB connector, not the standard audio jack. Another thing is... if you get these used and there isn't a driver CD included (or you lack a disc drive) you might have to fish around online.

After listening to various surround sound tests I can say that these headphones deliver well. The swappable ear cushions are comfortable also, and you have two ear cushion options (if you’d prefer not use the leather ones), and there are some cool features like the surround sound volume controls. Don't get caught off guard thinking that your PC volume is separate from the headphone's master volume. You control the PC volume from the headphone master volume, so learn from my mistake because I had to snatch the headphones off one day after the sound hit my eardrums hard.

I like that they have lights on the headphones in certain areas without overdoing it. I probably would’ve had them on the logo only, but that’s just me in regards to the basic design. One specific light that I do appreciate over the others (that could stay as far as a revision is concerned), is one that serves a purpose...  and that's the light on the tip of the mic light. When it's on you'll know, instead of checking to see if a switch is on or off.

One of the biggest things that stood out for me to make the purchase was a simple one... and that was the tolerance to wear them for a long period of time. I can wear them longer than my other headphones, and it just made sense because I needed that. A cool look doesn't cut it if headphones aren't good and comfy. 

They go over the ears, not directly on them, which I love because my ears have a low tolerance when it comes to being pressed, and for those of you with a piercing on the upper areas of the ears... trust me when I say... it doesn’t feel too good to have them pressed for a long duration of time. You shouldn’t have to take earrings off just to enjoy your headphones. We all have our preferences for the type of headphones we may like, while some prefer no headphones at all, but if you need them (in order to keep the noise down) and you want a comfortable pair of headphones with good quality sound that go over the ear, I think you’d be pleased with the Harmoniq Pro.

One option I would’ve loved to have in at least an alternate version of these headphones is a wireless feature. So if I could suggest anything to Sentey, it would be to create a wireless version that can also be connected by a cord. Even a non-wireless pair with a detachable cord just in case it gets snagged, but for what its worth I’d rather have quality headphones with an attached cord instead of a detachable pair that completely suck.

I played a little Borderlands 2, and you definitely know what direction an enemy is coming from (most of the time). I prefer playing the sniper role, and then I run and gun close quarters when I have to, but being able to hear if an enemy is approaching from behind is always a plus. Either way, the sound is really good so far, and I look forward to playing more games and seeing how awesome they are with movies.

You get true 5.1 surround sound, and that's what you see on the package, but if you access the software settings you also get 7.1 digital surround sound, along with other features like a voice changer.

Quality: 5
Price: 5
Comfort: 4
Visual appeal: 5

4.75 / 5

Brought to you by the... Baby Fu Clothing Co!