Showing posts with label audio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label audio. Show all posts

The 2024'ish Wishmas Guide... for the Office!

 

This guide was put on the shelf because a number of you were in holiday mode... and the thought of work (if you were lucky to have off) wasn't exactly something you wanted to think about. So here we are in 2025 serving up a list of useful + cool items... for the Office! The holidays are a wrap, but... that doesn't stop you from adding items to your wishlist to make your space even better!



 Computer Tech 

This is basically the focal point of most offices, unless your primary tool is something else. So we will start with... computer related tech!
  • Video Games: I don't know if I should be recommending video games for the office, but you have plenty of options to nab for... free or even stream if you have an Amazon Prime membership. Free games + free Twitch sub + more with... Prime Gaming! This will give you options to check out here and there if you have the leeway to do so. 


  • Graphics Card: If you're a gamer, a new graphics card is definitely worth considering if your system is struggling when it comes to the latest games. It's always wonderful to get your hands on a new game, but... it's hard to enjoy the game and it's visuals if your system is finding it extremely difficult to play it. You have AMD graphics cards, Nvidia, and Intel has also entered the arena with its Arc Alchemist series.


  • RAM: RAM is a given, and maxing out your RAM if it's affordable to do so... has multiple benefits. It improves your multitasking, faster performance since it's random access memory that decreases the need to pull from slower options like your hard drive. It certainly enhances your gaming experience by reducing the lag and allowing for better graphic rendering.

    More RAM is also great for those of you who also work with data analytics and scientific computing because it's able to process complex calculations and large datasets more efficiently than it would with the bare minimum. It's also a great way to future-proof your system.

    To determine the Amount of RAM your system can use on Windows OS:

    Check your OS: If you're working with a 32-bit Windows OS... your cap is 4GB of RAM. Yikes!
    The 64-bit version doesn't have this limit, but to determine the amount for your 64-bit system, follow these steps:

    Open Command Prompt with  Windows (Key) + R  and then type  cmd ... then press  Enter .

    Once the command prompt (window opens), type 
    wmic memphysical get MaxCapacity, MemoryDevices  and then press  Enter .

    The output will show the Max RAP capacity in kilobytes, so... divide that number by
    1,048,576 to convert it to gigabytes. This will give you the answer you seek.

    For example, the system i'm currently writing this article on, has a MaxCapacity of 134,217,728 KB... which is 128GB when you divide it by the number highlighted in blue. It currently has 32GB under the hood, which is more than enough at this time... especially with the affordable price tag of around $50 bucks or so). No matter what route you take, if you get the protection plan, you're covered!

    To determine the Amount of RAM your system can use on macOS:

    Click the Apple menu and select "About This Mac." From there, click "More Info" to see the system specifications + the maximum RAM supported.

  • SSD: For some of us, you can never have enough storage space, but based on what you'll be doing with that storage space might better help you determine what you need. If you require more space for software, definitely get internal storage. Even then, if you require things like images to be readily available and you don't want to worry about connecting an external storage... this is also beneficial. If you simply want to unload pics and files, consider an external SSD option. You can grab a 500GB SSD for $25.99!

    There are data recover protection plans too, allowing you to score 3-years of coverage for $14.99. The protection cotsts can add up, but anything worth protecting is worth the coverage... and the cost isn't reoccuring as long as you choose the right plan.

    ***I will say this about the Asurion Complete Protect. It can prove useful if you buy a ton of tech on a frequent basis, because... one plan covers all eligible past and future purchases. So if you need such a thing, the option is there, but if its not something you need... spare yourself the $16.99/month.


  • Monitors: There are some really nice monitors out there... and performance surely varies, one of which is the Lenovo L27i-40 27" monitor. I'm highlighting this one specifically, because one or more of these would be a nice addition to a professional office setup. This particular monitor serves up 1920x1080 resolution, 100Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync tech, etc. $149.99 isn't bad, especially if this sleek monitor is your style. Lenovo has been knocking it out of the park in this department, I'm using two of their monitors to write this article.


 Desktop 

  • AJAZZ AKP153 Desktop Studio Controller: This desktop controller... knocks it out of the park in terms of usefulness. If you're a streamer of any kind, it helps to have a studio controller. One particular reason is for the gamers out there.

    A number of PC users don't remember all their keyboard shortcuts and some gamers find themselves clicking out of the game just to go over to their recording software to begin the capture... where as this affordable controller can do it with the press of a button.

    It doesn't stop there, because you can use it for work to open those frequently used programs as needed. Work smarter, especially if there is tech available to help up your game. Grab it for 20% off ($71.99)!

  • Large Extended Mouse Pad with Keyboard Shortcuts: This is perfect for those of you who would like to boost productivity by way of getting more familiar with keyboard shortcuts. This 27.5in X 11.8in mouse pad has short cuts for Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Office, and Windows. There are other awesome designs from the same company, but... the usefulness for this mouse pad is on 10! Grab it for $16.99!


  • AJAZZ AJ159 Dual Mode Gaming Mouse: This 5 button programmable mouse, is lightweight, able to be used on the usb-c cable or wirelessly. To charge the mouse in wireless mode... simply sit it on the magnetic charging dock. Performance wise, the lightweight mouse feels good, especially with up to 26K DPI movement detection. Your movements will be quick and precise with a mouse like this. (Click Click!) Speaking of the charging base, it has a nice RGB light that revolves around the foot of the base. This mouse is priced at around $42.99 on Amazon, but... we'll give you the hook up for $27.19!



 Tech Gifts, Etc. 

  • JCloud Smart Scent Air Machine (HVAC Pro Waterless Oil Diffuser): This is the first time we've ever recommended a gift like this. It's more on the lines of something you'd want to keep the office fresh for up to 2 months (based on this particular model). This Bluetooth controllable product would be mounted on the wall and the hose would be inserted into the AC duct to deliver fresh scent across a 2000sqft space. Refilling the scent is as simple as pulling the 3000ML bottle out of the top of the system, opening it up, filling it with the desired essential oil... and sitting it back inside.

    You can grab this system for $169.99 and make a positive impact on your office, spa, or a large room. Don't sleep on the $34.99 protection plan, it will cover you for 4 years!

  • Saiyin Bookshelf Speakers w/ 2" horn tweeters + 3" woofers: These speakers caught my eye because they're clean and well put together (love the woodgrain). They have simple plug-n-play connectivity for optical-in, aux-in, arc/hdmi-in... and bluetooth compatibility.



  • Shelving: While some individuals prefer a minimal look... some of us need shelving, and not the small ones that hold a few books and a candle. Not space saving may be racking your brain with your current setup, so... how's about a new shelf or shelves? One particular area where a shelf may be placed perfectly (if the space is there)... is right against the wall near your office door. This basically hides the shelf behind your office door when its open.

  • Anime Statues: This isn't something on the lines of productivity, but... they look bad ass and add some flare to your office. While they can be positioned on a shelf, if they're the type that looks great when suspended from the ceiling... even better.



  • Mini-Basketball Hoop: This might give more of a dorm room like feel or give the impression of a dude bro, but... screw it. If you enjoy basketball, there are some nice quality mini-hoops options out there. If it relieves stress to shoot a few hoops to keep you on your A-Game... do not underestimate the power of fun! There is a fantastic option with a rebounder that sends the ball back in your desired direction for $58.75. This is a limited time discount, similar to a pro option that you might find yourself bragging about because it's not your average wall mounted basketball hoop.

    Both durable options are by Franklin Sports, but the Pro Hoops option you see here has an adjustable height for the rim. It has 6 different positions thanks to the steel mount, and you're able to fold the rim with the flip of the tab. You can grab this pro hoops options for $79.77!


 + Sophi 

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The 2024 Wishmas Guide... Hub!

Yo Yo Yo! Don't look now, but it's that time of the year again. Grab the hot chocolate and your favorite holiday snack as we jump into the Wishmas Guide for 2024! This year we're serving things up a little different folks (just a teensy weensy bit). So... this is what we'll call the Wishmas Guide... Hub! A portion of individuals we've met around Orlando this year, actually contributed to these guides in a round about way... just based on their collective needs + wants + frustrations.

This hub post will represent items good for any member of the family regardless of age or gender for the most part. For the other guide's related to Younglings, the Ladies, Gents, and the... Office will be in separate posts (as usual) that are accessible through this... hub! Stay tuned!

 Elevate Your Family TV Time with Surround Sound 

This year, in the name of family time, whether you're playing games or watching a movie together, consider upgrading from your TV's built-in speakers. A true 5.1 channel surround sound system with Dolby Atmos and/or DTS:X is the perfect addition to your living room. Audio is one of those features that's always appreciated, especially when it comes to headphones, but I've noticed that many living room setups are missing that extra oomph. It's a personal choice, but investing in a quality sound system can take your entertainment to the next level. It's not about having a louder entertainment experience... it's all about the depth of the experience, and if you find yourself watching the latest movies at home don't leave an ounce of enjoyment on the table. 

By the way, before I go into this... (maybe it's just me but) I've always felt weird about placing a subwoofer off to the side rather than front and center. If you have the ability to place it under your livingroom table or under a high enough entertainment center... I think the placement works better. If you have space behind the couch in the center, that works as well and... some newer options can be controlled by your phone if you.

Two options under the $200 mark are the 2024 models of the Vizio & Ultimea model seen below:

Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE

Soundbar

Right & Left Surround Speakers

Compact Wireless Subwoofer

Dolby Atmos + DTS:X

Bluetooth

HDMI eARC

Optical Output


Ultimea True 5.1 Soundbar Poseidon D60

Soundbar

Right & Left Surround Speakers

Wireless Subwoofer

Dolby Atmos + DTS:X

Bluetooth

HDMI eARC

Auxiliary

Optical

The placement of a subwoofer can significantly impact the quality of sound in your home theater or living room setup. While it doesn't necessarily have to be placed in the center of the viewing area, there are some guidelines to follow for optimal sound:

  1. Corner Placement: Placing the subwoofer in a corner can enhance the bass response by utilizing the walls to amplify the sound.

  2. Front of the Room: Positioning the subwoofer at the front of the room, near the main speakers, can create a more cohesive soundstage.

  3. Experimentation: The best placement can vary depending on the room's acoustics. It's often recommended to experiment with different locations to find the spot that provides the best bass response.

Ultimately, the goal is to achieve a balanced and immersive sound experience, so feel free to move the subwoofer around and test different positions to see what works best for your space.

See More Options

 Family Fun with Nintendo Switch Games 

While it might be tempting to say wait for the new Nintendo Switch 2, expected to announced during the first half of... 2025, not everyone wants to put family game time on pause. Many parents I've spoken to in Orlando would love to see cellphones set aside for more family fun. Luckily, there are plenty of options to make that happen with multiplayer action. Here are multiple Nintendo Switch games with 4-player fun:

  1. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: This game offers a fun and chaotic multiplayer experience as players work together to complete levels and collect power-ups.

  2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: A classic racing game that never gets old. Compete against each other in exciting races and battle modes.

  3. Overcooked! All You Can Eat: A hilarious and frantic cooking game where teamwork is key to serving up dishes in crazy kitchens.

  4. Minecraft: Explore, build, and survive together in this sandbox game that offers endless possibilities for creativity and adventure.

  5. Nintendo Switch Sports: Engage in friendly competition with sports like bowling, tennis, and volleyball (the other sports in this game lack a local 4 player option).

  6. Super Mario Party Jamboree: The biggest Mario Party yet, with over 110 minigames, new online and offline modes, and plenty of customization choices.

  7. Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Classic Mario gameplay turned on its head with Wonder Flowers, offering game-changing items and a new adventure in the Flower Kingdom.

  8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge - Anniversary Edition: Enjoy stunning full-color pixel art graphics and a vintage TMNT vibe, with new characters and modes.

  9. Just Dance 2025: Get your friends and family together to dance and enjoy 40 hot new songs, whether you want to take the party to a whole new level or create special family moments.

  10. The Karate Kid: Street Rumble: Step into the streets of West Valley and Okinawa, battling waves of enemies as Daniel LaRusso, Mr. Miyagi, Ali Mills, or Kumiko in this pixel art, side-scrolling, beat 'em up adventure. Intense martial arts combat and dynamic boss battles await!

  11. Jitsu Squad: Fast-paced 2D brawler with intense, action-packed battles. Play as unique characters with special abilities, fighting through waves of enemies in vibrant, hand-drawn environments. Perfect for fans of classic beat 'em ups!

These games are perfect for bringing the family together for some fun and interactive entertainment.

By the way, don't forget to grab more Joy-Con controllers for 4-player fun! If you take the more affordable route, go with the officially licensed options for half the price of the first party ones or go first party that's bundled with a free game! Either way... you save! By the way, we have no idea what the next Nintendo console would be called... but that sounded like a fun name to call it!

Get Moving with Bikes

While home entertainment is great, don't forget the fun and exercise that bikes can provide. Health care professionals recommend physical exercise for its numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, stronger muscles, and better mental well-being. Being active with your children also sets a positive example and strengthens family bonds.

Consider investing in bikes for the whole family. There are even electric mountain bikes for those who want to give their legs a break after a nice ride, ranging from $200 to $300. With options for both kids and adults, you can enjoy quality time together while staying active and healthy.

If you grab bikes, wouldn't hurt to grab a bike rack.

Active Fun for the Whole Family

Sticking to the realm of physical fun, consider gifting a tennis setbasketball goal or a volleyball net. These can provide hours of entertainment and exercise, especially if the lucky recipient actually uses them. For more affordable options, a football, baseball or soccer set is a great choice. These activities offer family fun while also improving your children's skills. It's a win-win for everyone!


Unforgettable Experiences as Gifts

When it comes to taking trips, going on cruises, enjoying spa days, savoring delicious food, or just having fun locally, these experiences are even better when received as gifts.

Whether it's a weekend getaway, a relaxing spa day, or a fun-filled local adventure, these experiences create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds (especially with good vibes on deck). Just remember, while browsing, don't get distracted by deals you'd love to get your hands on... unless it includes your family. Enjoy!

Great Family Stocking Stuffer: Dr. Plotkas Toothbrush

The family stocking stuffer is... a Dr. Plotkas Toothbrushes, because they're just that good. This has been my toothbrush of choice for years now. The family pack would allow for you to easily hook everyone up, and save their grill at the same time. We may like pirate themed entertainment, but I don't know many people who want to look like one... in the mouth.




1More SonoFlow Headphones HQ51... Reviewed!


The 1More Sonoflow HQ51 (also known as... 1More SonoFlow Pro) over-ear headphones are a sweet choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. With a combination of high-quality sound, exceptional comfort, and impressive features, these headphones offer excellent value for the money. I know because I've been here before with the first gen SonoFlow headphones, but... are these better? Well, let's check out the specs... after this unboxing!




Quality & Comfort


Right off the bat... you get comfortable padding in all the right places. The padding on the headband is soft and durable and you won't feel the housing. The other obvious area where you will find the padding are the left and right ear pads on the swivel and foldable earcups. The yokes of these headphones are sturdy, and have actually lasted longer than headphones that cost hundreds more. I won't say names, but... yeah, these swivel and foldable headphones have solid yokes that connect to a thicker section that you adjust on the headband.



I don't want to overlook the buttons either, they don't wiggle or feel loose. The buttons are solid, clicky, and responsive. They're spaced out and easy to identify. The upper button in the back of the right earcup is the ANC button, the two below are Vol+/Vol-, and the button in the front of the right earcup is the power button. I'm not seeing a difference in regards to the quality and comfort of the original SonoFlow and the  HQ51's, but... that's not a bad thing. If it ain't broke... don't try to fix it.


The only thing i'm not a big fan of is the change in the interior of the headphone case. I figure it was a manufacturing decision, but I like that secure fit of the original case. The exterior of the case is similar to the original, which is great... so at least it gets a win on that note.


Specs and Features

  • QuietMax AI Noise Cancellation: Effectively tunes out background noise, enhancing your audio experience. 42+dB noise cancellation using QuietMax.

    By the way, the HQ51's have a deeper noise reduction depth than the Bose NC700's. They dance for dominance, but... the winner is the winner.


  • Tuned by Grammy-Winning Sound Engineer: Ensures top-notch sound quality.
  • Fast Charge: Provides 10 hours of battery life from just 5 minutes of charging.

    Let me say this: I haven't charged these headphones yet. I've used them for a little over a week and even forgot to turn them off one day, and they're still going. 
  • Battery Life: Up to 100 hours on a full charge after 80 minutes with the HQ51. You still get 65 hours of battery life with ANC on.

    You get 70 hours on a full charge with the original SonoFlow headphones. Regardless of long battery, remember to give your ears a break, especially when it comes to listening at certain decibles.
  • 40mm DLC Dynamic Driver: Delivers rich, detailed sound.
  • 12 Studio-Grade EQs: Customizable sound settings, with the “Studio” setting being particularly impressive.
  • Wired and Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless Modes: Offers flexibility in connectivity.

    The original SonoFlow's have Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Comfort: High comfort level with no extreme pressure on the ears, making it suitable for long listening sessions. However, it’s best used in a cool setting to avoid sweating around the ears so you can truly appreciate the material.


Audio Performance

The SonoFlow HQ51 contains a 40mm Dynamic Driver. The diamond-like carbon composite diaphragm matches up with aluminum's material density, but... when it comes to resonance frequency, sound conduction, and thermal conductivity, that's all the DLC in these HQ51's. By the way, these headphones have dual hi-res gold certification. On a side note, I wasn't planning on making a left turn to speak on the headphones of other brands, but... the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) in the HQ51's is better than Sony's XM5s. High THD can lead to audible distortion that can deliver an unnatural sound. I don't want to crap on the XM5s because they're solid, and run a close race to some extent but... the HQ51's are better. I want to speak on price right now, but i'll hold my tongue for now.

What is Hi-Res Audio?


Hi-Res Audio refers to audio files that have a higher sampling frequency and bit depth than CD quality. This means more detail and a more accurate representation of the original recording (it will sound more on the lines of what you would hear in the studio if you were there).


What is Hi-Res Audio Wireless?

For audio to qualify as Hi-Res Audio Wireless, it must meet certain standards set by the Japan Audio Society (JAS). This includes using codecs like LDAC or aptX HD that can transmit audio at higher bit rates, ensuring minimal loss in quality during wireless transmission.

When it comes to my audio experience during this test, I played a number of games, music, and tv/film including:


The lows, mids, and highs of these headphones worked in harmony for my listening pleasure. I enjoyed every bit of audio, even if I had to endure the entire "Dead Zone" film. Yikes. But yeah, I loved the audio experience so much that, despite playing these fantastic games... I found myself wanting to zone out and just lock in on what I was hearing while doing nothing else. I also enjoyed some ASMR through Gentle Whispering and Gibi ASMR.

I didn't have to crank the volume up to appreciate the bass either; the lows were like, "Here I am!" as soon as I turned on the headphones.

Technical Specifications

  • Speaker Impedance: 32 ohms, which means the headphones can be driven by most portable devices without requiring an external amplifier.
  • Bluetooth Protocol: Supports HFP, A2DP, and AVRCP for versatile connectivity.
  • Frequency Band: 2.400 GHz - 2.4835 GHz.
  • Bluetooth Range: Up to 10 meters in open space.

Price and Value

Priced at $87.99, the 1More Sonoflow HQ51 headphones offer kick ass value. (On top of that... on top of that) You can also take advantage of an additional 20% off deal here. Presenting affordably sweet options is awesome because money doesn't grow on trees, bills are real along with other expenses, so having access to quality that rivals well known brands is sweet.

Overall, the 1More Sonoflow HQ51 over-ear headphones excel in quality, comfort, audio performance, and value. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or just need a reliable pair of headphones for daily use, these are a fantastic choice. The beautiful thing is that you don't need the most expensive headphones in the world in order to get your hands on quality that delivers (sometimes you're just paying for the brand name... just like with the Sony XM5s).


Quality 5

Comfort 5

Audio 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points



 + Sophi 

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