(Part 3) Top products from r/gadgets

To echo others in the thread, most tablets and laptops will be more expensive than some of the small set-top boxes for digital media, like the Roku 2 XS, Roku 3, Amazon Fire TV, or WDTV. All have their trade-offs, but I know the first 3 at least can connect to a few varieties of media server on a separate computer, such as the very popular Plex, or play local media from an attached USB device. They all sell at $100 USD or less right now.

I have used both the USB and Plex options personally on Roku 2 XS and Amazon FireTV and really enjoyed the experience, though my preference of the two is Plex for a home setup, while USB is fairly convenient if you want to go binge a show at a friend's house.

The Plex client for the device should support more than one server machine, so if you have other members of the household with their own media, they can fire up a Plex server of their own when they want to watch on the set-top box.

I cannot say anything about the WD TV from first hand knowledge, only the Roku series and Amazon Fire TV.

I have the TDK Life on Record A33 and I do not recommend it.

It has great bass for the small size, but the high end is extremely lacking. I can't understand how this got through quality control.
There is practically no stereo separation or 'soundstage'. It might as well just be mono.

Also the speakerphone function doesn't work. Pre-set volume is way too low and I can't see any way to increase it.

I would definitely recommend the Logitech bluetooth speaker

my friend has one and it sounds super (best when plugged into ac, on battery the bass drops out a bit). it's a little bigger but so what it's the sound that matters. I wish I would have got that one. In fact now that I'm writing this I think I'm going to sell the TDK and get the logitech. I just can't stand the TDKs lack of highs.

As others are saying, in-ear monitors are better-sounding and cheaper than most noise-canceling phones, particularly when you're on a budget. The drawback is that you feel like you're wearing earplugs, and they take a moment to put in correctly. They're definitely worth a try in your situation, though.

At a minimum, pick up a pair of Koss SparkPlugs. They usually cost less than $15, sound pretty decent, and have a lot of isolation. Some of the other options mentioned look a bit more comfortable for not much more money, so while I've not used them I'd say they're also worth a try.

The widely-accepted king of this type is Etymotic Research. However, since their most basic model starts at $80, you should try a cheaper option first to make sure you're going to like this type of headphone. Once you start getting up near $100, there are some pretty decent options for conventional noise-canceling, as well.

So there is this

http://www.amazon.com/TCL-LE40FHDE3010-40-Inch-1080p-Black/dp/B00BP5N498/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405306221&sr=8-1&keywords=tcl

and if you can afford it I highly recommend this one as its the best price for a 50 inch 120Hz. If you can save up its totally worth it. I own this one and I have had it for 4 years. Its amazing.

http://www.amazon.com/TCL-50FS5600-50-Inch-1080p-120Hz/dp/B00HCRDZYW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405306221&sr=8-2&keywords=tcl

Foscam FI8910W, $78 USD. Make sure to get black, not white. (The white has an annoying blinking green LED inside that you can see through the white plastic in the dark and is annoying.)

We're using it as a baby monitor but I also had it set to record and email me photos (and text alarm) when it saw motion while we were on vacation. It can do pan-tilt patrolling too. It is excellent IR in the dark and good colour with lights on. It has a built-in server, audio, microphone, wireless, audio in and out as well if needed, mounting system, and is supported in most surveillance software including on Android, iOS, and Blackberry.

Closed cabinet... Hmm. If there is any room for an IR signal to bounce around off the back of the closed cabinet door then you could use one remote to control everything inside the cabinet.

I think this thing is one of the best, most customizable interface devices I've ever owned. The Logitech Harmony Smart Hub and Remote.

• Use the included remote
  
• Use your smart phone
  
• Create tasker Applications to turn devices on and off and place them on your android home screen. This allows you to use Google Now to launch them via voice, is "Okay Google, Open XMBC On"
  
• Connect generic IR dongle to control a PC via Event Ghost
  
• and much much more
  
  It's $129 new or $99 refurb (both via Amazon Prime) well spent. I'm seriously considering getting a second one.

I highly second this. I got one on ebay for $35 and it works great, worth full price after having it for a while. So much better than the little can style units. And if you plug it in it has a louder, fuller sound.

Edit: sorry, I realized I have a different Logitech model. This one. I really like it though, great quality sound at low to medium levels, doesn't get too loud but great for an average size room.

I'm looking for a bluetooth speaker for around $150 that is loud enough to fill a big room for a martial arts class. I don't need it to be overpowering and have no idea what to look for.

I was looking at this one

http://www.amazon.ca/Anker-Bluetooth-Subwoofers-Portable-Wireless/dp/B0107WH8Q4/ref=sr_1_11?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1452804779&sr=1-11&keywords=bluetooth+speakers

I also am slightly interested in this

http://www.amazon.ca/PPHP837UB-600-watt-Bluetooth-Speaker-Included/dp/B00EEJYYMS/ref=sr_1_120?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1452805331&sr=1-120

I'm just not sure which one is best for what I need it for. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Precisely, that's what it'll allow you to do. The downside is that they can be pretty expensive for a good one (like this, judging by customer reviews), and even then, the signal won't be as stable as with a wired HDMI connection. That's why, if you have to go with wireless, I recommend you get the best possible wireless HDMI system you can afford, as the lower-end ones will usually give you lag, connection problems, and/or instability. If you have the option between wired and wireless HDMI (like if you're in a situation where you just don't want to deal with cable management or it looks ugly), I strongly suggest you stick with wired, as it's much less expensive and you'll almost always get better picture quality than most wireless HDMI connections.

Depending on your usage requirements, this maybe be better than any phone integrated ir blaster. It's a network connected ir blaster with very good mobile software. (it also has a remote control, but you don't need to use that.) It's great.

I have a pair of Klipsch S2m's that have amazing sound, a mic, and have survived a washer and drier run. You can probably find them for about $25-$40.

However, lately I've been using mostly a Samsung bluetooth stereo headset that I was surprised with great audio, IMO. And it actually only cost me $5 after a rebate, but I'd still get it for the original $35.

I got the klipsch s2m's for my iphone:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002FB7IWU

and they're awesome. And they're cheap! $26. They isolate all the noise well.

If you don't need the microphone, I don't know. The regular s2's without the microphone cost $50. weird.

(I also own many others, like shure e2c's, sennheiser mm50's, and the s2m's are a good value)

I did this in my '08 Chevy impala. Use this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004CLYJ2I/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

All you have to do is plug in the cigarette lighter the and the aux plug. Read the instructions. It's fairly simple and useful. Also it can answer calls so you don't have to switch between stuff.

For extra win you can grab an NFC tag and you can program it to connect your phone and any other phone to it automatically so your friends and use their music if you want.

Source: my setup

If you have any questions whatsoever feel free to ask!! :-)

Here's the solution for that problem. Not only will it control all of those devices, but you can program start up and shut down sequences for activities such as watching a blu-ray or TV. I use it with my projector, receiver and PS3 and it works flawlessly. The battery ran out on the controller, and I've been using my phone lately without any issues. It will only show virtual buttons relevant to what device / activity you're using, which is helpful too. I'd highly recommend it, especially for the current price.

I've seen these go as low for 180 (I got mine for about that price), but check out Amazon Warehouse Deals. They're ipods returned to amazon within 30 days and are usually in great condition. The one I got was still sealed in the box. If you're set on the touch, they probably have those for sale, too.

Yes it would be I have something like this and it's much better
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004CLYJ2I/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1414754417&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40

TCL LE40FHDE3010 40-Inch 1080p 60Hz LED HDTV (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BP5N498/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_2b8cub1143GDX


Under $300


Better deal. Then go buy a roku 3 and make it a smart TV. Or pair with a Chromecast.

Tcl is a top 3 brand in China. Uses a Samsung panel, I believe. And has a very thin bezel.

Sound isn't the greatest, but most TVs nowadays have sub par sound. With the money you save, buy a decent surround sound system or sound bar.

I second the Foscam wireless IP camera, $75 once is a lot better than paying a monthly fee from my security system, that's for sure.

Better Amazon link

I'm not sure if yours was a mobile link, or it's just my browser, just trying to help people out, hope I didn't offend.

If you can set up predefined text messages, you could probably hook it up to http://ifttt.com for more fun.

e.g send a text from your smart watch to turn on a light or a space heater using a wemo switch.

http://www.amazon.com/WeMo-Electronics-Anywhere-Automation-Smartphones/dp/B00BB2MMNE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419523637&sr=8-1&keywords=wemo

I'd recommend the WeMo switch in your case. Reasons:

1. a smart bulb only works if the light switch / lamp is left in the ON position. So if you accidently turn off the switch/lamp, the bulb is useless. With a smart switch, you avoid this issue.
   
   
2. Switches are more versitile, you're not limited to light sources that take standard bulbs.
   
   
3. WeMo app allows you to have control of the switch wherever you are (as long as you have internet access).
   
   
4. Switches don't require a central hub, smart bulbs do.

For what you are asking (without wifi) this was all I could Nyrius Prime. Steep at $200 on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009E6R89C/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1421022757&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=414DCyrSR6L&ref=plSrch

This option will use wifi
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009Z8T3K6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1421022949&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=41ikjxEfCFL&ref=plSrch

Chromecast is the most cost effective. But needs wifi and Internet (even just for the device handshake). Although in home network streaming shouldn't really impact your isp data usage

UE Mini boom is $45 dollars right now if there's any left. JBL charge 2 is $80. check slickdeals.

TBH this is probably a better value.

You may be better off with a small generator. They often have smaller/very quiet ones that would provide enough power for a grill.


You may be interested in this, I am not sure how long it would provide power, or anything.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-984-000181-Bluetooth-Wireless-Speaker/dp/B005KQ2O26

I love these guys

Yeah, also note how it has displayport. You need displayport if you're powering anything over 1080p at 120hz.

Though, that is way overpriced.

If you don't mind the size you can check this out: http://www.amazon.com/VG248QE-24-Inch-Screen-LED-lit-Monitor/dp/B00B2HH7G0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373906581&sr=8-1&keywords=asus%20144hz&tag=viglink20237-20

It's 1080p but it's 24"



I also found this thread you might be interested in:

r/buildapc/comments/1xa0fc/does_this_exist_27_1440p_120hz_ips_multiinput/

(bot auto deletes)

http://www.amazon.com/TCL-LE40FHDE3010-40-Inch-1080p-Black/dp/B00BP5N498/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1409890085&sr=1-1&keywords=tcl

I've owned a 39 inch TCL tv for the last 3 years without issue and that's with heavy duty daily use. Beautiful tv.

A coworker purchased this extender just this week, and he is loving it.

This is outside your budget, but not much: http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-984-000181-Bluetooth-Wireless-Speaker/dp/B005KQ2O26

Although it has an internal battery and can be portable, it actually sounds better with the power plugged in (adds more power to the base).

I have 2 of them too. There is a new version out:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ZP8UOW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=product03c-20

I just ordered them in a 2 pack (saves $20 over individual). They claim it helps with the weird colors and deals with overly bright situations. But the description says it's a mechanical filter, so I don't know if that means more moving parts to break or not...

yes! I have that! hold on let me find it

is this what you're looking for?

Not for $15, but for $30 I got one of these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A6F31EQ/ref=pe_385040_30332200_pe_309540_26725410_item

Thing I like about it is that it's reversible. Flip it to transmit and it makes any stereo player a bluetooth source. Flip it to receive and it makes any headphones bluetooth.

Edit: when I followed the link and saw the "others have bought" I found these two:

http://www.amazon.com/BestDealUSA-Bluetooth-Receiver-Adapter-Speaker/dp/B00ANDHBNS/ref=pd_tcs_compl_e_10?ie=UTF8&refRID=1SC15964SGJ9RRJGVSCE
and
http://www.amazon.com/SoundBot%C2%AE-Bluetooth-Universal-Transmitter-Compatible/dp/B00F25Z0FS/ref=pd_tcs_compl_pc_10?ie=UTF8&refRID=1S9V0AJDST7GX10S29YE


There's a bluetooth dongle for the laptop and bluetooth receiver for the earbuds for a total of $14.

There's a good twenty eight dollar one on amazon. Condolences about the wife.

Edit: http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-WA850RE-Universal-One-button-Indicator/dp/B00E98O7GC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1410745175&sr=1-1&keywords=wifi+range+repeater

im using the [g-box mx2] (http://www.amazon.com/Matricom-G-Box-MX2-Android-Special/dp/B00CH643A8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415112217&sr=8-1&keywords=gbox+mx2)
but i hear the [Amazon Fire TV] (http://www.amazon.com/Fire-TV-streaming-media-player/dp/B00CX5P8FC/ref=sr_tr_sr_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415112276&sr=8-2&keywords=fire+tv) is really good. Mine is only a dual core processor where the fireTV has quad core.

Edit: Added amazon links

I use this guy for playing movies from my laptop to get some pretty good quality sound from my home stereo. Range is only about 15 ft. reliably, but if you are on a budget, this is great. It never turns off, and is always on standby when you aren't using it. It can plug in to any USB port for power, too.

Foscam. Has pan/tilt, infrared, and the quality is good, not license plate reading from 20 yards good but it suits most peoples needs. There are some youtube videos of it if you want to see it in action.

Yeah I have no idea why someone would buy a thumb trackball when these are almost infinitely more comfortable.

Anyone have experience using bluetooth cassette adapters for the car?

Wondering if it would be better than an aux tape adapter.

https://www.amazon.com/ION-Audio-Cassette-Adapter-Bluetooth/dp/B00I3YLHAC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1519019660&sr=8-3&keywords=bluetooth+cassette+adapter

Hey, you know bluetooth tape adpaters exist.

Enjoy your ghetto blaster.

Thanks for the reply.

I have been looking at this... http://www.amazon.com/Nyrius-Transmitter-Streaming-Satellite-NPCS549/dp/B009E6R89C

Basically you rent the cable box (already have 2) and plug it into this, then you can move it between multiple TVs.

Would a Belkin WeMo fit your needs?

• 99.95GB in form of video files, Some from Blu rays I ripped, some from videos taken.
  
• 9GB Images
  
• 8GB Music
  
  Using a droid turbo 2, which has the nice option of taking 4k video (as do most new phones). I have a 210 200GB SD card got for $40 USD (half price sale when bought), so figure why not.

I got a amazon fire tv, $99. optional game controller also, $40. has free games and also some you can purchase. descent graphics, some games in HD.
-- link, http://www.amazon.com/Fire-TV-streaming-media-player/dp/B00CX5P8FC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412237632&sr=8-1&keywords=amazon+firetv

I use this thing in my van for my kids:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008NO9RRM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Extra step of transferring to an SD card but it plays just about any format you can throw at it.

I humbly recommend this one as a replacement if you can put up with a wire.

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-WA850RE-Universal-One-button-Indicator/dp/B00E98O7GC/

Sure. Why not.

I got this on sale a year or so back and I am still in love with it, I worry with bose youre paying for the name as much as the product

You can still get the Trackman Marble. Is cordless that huge a deal?

$5?

Try more like $50-$90.

If they were actually $5 then I could understand but they haven't dropped prices in years.

Ah, more money to spend then, great.

Edit: also if you mean a card like this https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Ultra-200GB-Micro-SDSDQUAN-200G-G4A/dp/B00V62XBQQ be aware it doesn't really blow any HDD. Speeds are great(90MB/s read) sure but nothing that blows it away while still being 5x more expensive than an HDD in price per GB. Btw, don't mistake this as me wanting an HDD in the Switch, that would be extremely dumb. Just that 32GB is extremely limited and after buying a console I really don't want to have to buy a microSD card so I can actually store things in it. Still, better have the option than to not have

It's already here!

I still don't understand how this can be $100+

Umm... I paid that much for my Ti-83.

Edit: Umm... people are still paying that much for a Ti-83. http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Instruments-TI-83-Graphing-Calculator/dp/B00001N2QU

So I just bought this(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0107WH8Q4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1) BT speaker from Anker for $60(arriving tomorrow)

and now I've found this(https://www.amazon.com/Anker-SoundCore-Subwoofers-Waterproof-Shockproof/dp/B01DZ56MX0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=dt-incontent-btn-20&linkId=4bf73bd2e354c6402eb65fa94c0dedb9) very similar but newer, waterproof speaker from Anker for $60.

Should I keep the one I bought or return it for the newer one?

Here's a 200GB Micro SD card for $78. Now compare that to iPhone's +$200 premium for the same amount of storage.

Or you could almost double it for the same price

Where are you getting that price? I paid $250 for a new one a few years ago. Also, current prices for a brand new copy of a discontinued device do not reflect the past pricing. Even with them off the market I was still able to find people selling it closer to my price. Even new ones.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001F7AHOG?pc_redir=1414419330&robot_redir=1

Found one: https://www.amazon.com/Goal-Zero-22004-Solar-Generator/dp/B00CWBABRM

Found another (non-solar): https://www.amazon.com/Powerhouse-Portable-Generator-Inverters-Charged/dp/B018GE8JPY

ION Audio Cassette Adapter Bluetooth | Bluetooth Music Receiver for Cassette Decks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I3YLHAC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_vNZCAbNQB58HQ

$490.

ASUS VG248QE 24" Full HD 1920x1080 144Hz 1ms HDMI Gaming Monitor - $249.99

Has HDMI/DVI/VGA/Display Port connections.

What you just described its the Belkin WeMo plug.

Only one plug, but everything else you mentioned. There's probably ways to directly access it, but it does work with IFTTT and Tasker (and a mediocre Belkin app).

Goal Zero makes very simple to use solar generators. Pricey.

I would like to be able to play large (20GB+) MKV files on my TV (via HDMI) directly from a portable hard drive. Are there any cheap devices that let you do this? I've found this on amazon but it's limited to 4GB files:

http://www.amazon.com/Micca-Full-HD-Portable-Digital-Player/dp/B008NO9RRM/

Amazon has one for 27 bucks. No tax for many of us to.

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-WA850RE-Universal-One-button-Indicator/dp/B00E98O7GC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410786735&sr=8-1&keywords=wireless+extender

>bad sound quality, bad drivers, disconnects randomly, etc

Wireless in a nutshell.
IMO get proper headphones, then get something like this. Although this will ruin the sound-quality, it'll do what you're asking for.
I've had a wireless headset myself. After getting proper DAC+Headphones I'll never go back to wireless.

I actually have evga GTX 980 overclocked, SLI. I will post it after work, had 3 cards, but didn't need the 3rd, gave it to my Fiancee for her machine instead.


CPU: I7-4790K

GPU: EVGA GTX980 ACX 2.0

MOBO:Asus Z87 PRO

CPU COOLER:CORSAIR H100i

CASE:NZXT SWITCH 810

Monitors: Asus VG248QE


I play with three monitors using surround and run at 2560x1600, usually getting 90-140 FPS with the racing games I play, I just use the single middle monitor if I am playing a shooter or something else. The bezel kind of kills me a bit, and would like to not have it altogether.

If you want - post a game and I'll make a video of it running at X amount of frames, because I cannot go back to dog shit 60 FPS.